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During a soccer match between North Plainfield Soccer Elite and Elizabeth Youth Soccer at the Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle on October 19, 2025, a report was filed alleging that a coach assaulted a player.

On November 18, 2025, Mr. Gustavo Rosas Plata of North Plainfield was charged in connection with this assault.  During this match, a player was involved in a play and fell to the ground near the sideline. It was alleged that the coach of the North Plainfield team then kicked the 16-year-old player from the Elizabeth team. Officers from the Union County Police Department were contacted and investigated this claim.  After conducting several interviews, viewing relevant video, and reviewing victim/witness statements, an arrest was made. 

Officer Grzeda, of the Investigations Division, charged Mr. Plata with simple assault (in the presence of a child under 16 years of age at a school or community-sponsored youth sports event), N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1F, a fourth-degree offense.  Mr. Plata was processed and released pending a court date in superior court.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the return of the “UC Loves Small Biz” campaign as part of the annual Union County Small Business Month initiative. Running from November 29^th through December 24^th, the campaign encourages residents and visitors to shop, dine, and support local businesses throughout the holiday season.

“Small businesses are the backbone of every great community, and Union County is no exception,” said Commissioner Chair Lourdes M. Leon. “When you shop locally, you are supporting your neighbors, strengthening our downtowns, and helping our business districts thrive. This campaign showcases the incredible diversity and talent of our local entrepreneurs, and we’re proud to highlight the people who make Union County such a vibrant place to live.”

The UC Loves Small Biz website provides residents and visitors with direct links to local downtown districts, chambers of commerce, and municipal business directories, making it easy to explore businesses. The site also features a dedicated section for local events, promotions, and holiday specials, serving as a digital bulletin board where businesses can share updates throughout the season using the hashtag #UCLOVESSMALLBIZ.

From November 29^th through December 24^th, Union County’s social media platforms will highlight small businesses across all 21 municipalities through photos, videos, and featured posts. Businesses, residents, and visitors are encouraged to participate by sharing their own experiences using the hashtag #UCLOVESSMALLBIZ.

In addition to supporting local businesses, the County is once again hosting the Annual Holiday Toy Drive through December 24^th, collecting new, unwrapped toys to help bring joy to families in need during the holiday season.

To view the County’s toy donation wish list, visit ucnj.org/toy-drive-list/.

As part of this effort, local businesses are invited to serve as Toy Drive drop-off locations by hosting an official donation box. Interested businesses may contact Jeff Brooks at 908-659-7412 or jeffrey.brooks@ucnj.org for more information.

“This time of year is about community—supporting our small businesses while also supporting our families,” added Chairwoman Leon. “Every local purchase and every donated toy is a reminder that no family is alone. When we give back, we make the holidays a little warmer and a little brighter for everyone. That’s what Union County is all about.”

For more information about the UC Loves Small Biz campaign, visit www.ucnj.org/uclovessmallbiz.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in December to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available. These events allow attendees to meet face-to-face with experienced professionals who can provide expert guidance and assistance with a variety of services, including form completion. Bilingual staff will be available on several dates to provide support in Spanish.

“Visiting our ‘ASK’ services kiosk is a convenient way for seniors to have their questions answered, connect with resources, all with the assistance of our friendly staff,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “We designed this invaluable program to help residents improve their quality of life, and we are proud that it has served as a strong support system for our senior community. I welcome all seniors and caregivers to explore this service and visit their nearest location in December.”

The Aging Services Kiosk is operated explicitly by the Division on Aging, a branch of the Union County Department of Human Services. It offers adults aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.

Staff at ASK locations can help older adults and caregivers connect with various services, including home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or caregiver can visit any ASK kiosk, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in December:

Tuesday, December 9th
Westfield Memorial Library
550 East Broad Street, Westfield
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Thursday, December 11th
(Bilingual staff available)
Elizabeth Public Library – Main
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, December 16th
(Bilingual staff available)
Union Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue, Union
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, December 23rd
Hillside Public Library
1409 Liberty Avenue, Hillside
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“This initiative would not be possible without the amazing team at the Division on Aging. Their dedication makes our ASK program accessible, reliable, and incredibly beneficial to our older community,” said Union County Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging.
 
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.

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.

For more information, please visit https://ucnj.org/toy-drive-list or contact Samantha at samantha.perez@ucnj.org

Initial Drop-Off Locations (more to be added):

ELIZABETH
Union County Administration, 10 Elizabethtown Plz
Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad St
Union County Prosecutor’s Office, 32 Rahway Ave

ROSELLE
Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Dr

WESTFIELD
Colleen Fraser Building (Union County Passport Building), 300 North Ave E
Froelich Public Safety Building, 400 North Ave E

SCOTCH PLAINS
Union County Engineering Building, 2325 South Ave

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 22^nd.

“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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the launch of a new “Story Trails” initiative through the Union County Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund. The County cut the ribbon this morning on the first Story Trail at Nomahegan Park in Cranford, with three additional installations to open in the coming weeks at Warinanco Park in Roselle, Mattano Park in Elizabeth, and The Loop in Watchung Reservation – all in time for families to enjoy before Thanksgiving.

Each Story Trail features 16 panels, each displaying a page from a children’s story in both English and Spanish. The stories are designed to encourage children and families to enjoy reading while exploring nature and staying active outdoors.

“This initiative beautifully combines literacy, wellness, and outdoor recreation,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Our parks are for everyone — and the Story Trails create an engaging space where families can share the joy of reading together, explore nature, and connect with their surroundings in a new and meaningful way.”

Funded through the Open Space Trust Fund and guided by the County’s Open Space Committee, the Story Trails were installed in-house by Union County’s Park Maintenance Division. Each trail will feature interchangeable story panels, allowing new titles to rotate throughout the year to create fresh experiences for returning visitors.

All storybooks and displays were provided by Syncretic Press, an independent publisher focused on bilingual and multicultural children’s literature.

“Projects like this are the heart of what the Open Space Trust Fund is all about — giving families opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Chairman of the Open Space Committee. “We’re starting with these stories, but my original goal is to expand this initiative to highlight Union County authors and feature books that celebrate our community’s diversity — from Women’s History Month and Disability Awareness Month to other cultural and seasonal themes. By pairing storytelling with physical activity, we’re helping children build a lifelong love of reading, imagination, and exploration, while creating spaces that reflect the voices and experiences of the people who call Union County home. These are the kinds of projects that make our parks come alive.”

The current featured stories include:

• “Lupita and the Squash” (Nomahegan Park, by the playground) – A celebration of food, culture, and ecology through a young girl’s love for squash.
• “Mateo and the Red Cat” (Warinanco Park, starting at the fishing dock) – A creative tale about imagination, empathy, and problem-solving.
• “A Hug from Otto” (Mattano Park, by the playground) – A heartwarming ocean adventure about friendship and trust.
• “Habitat” (The Loop, Watchung Reservation, by the playground) – An exploration of ecosystems and the importance of community among animals searching for a home.

Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados cut the ribbon at this morning’s ceremony at Nomahegan Park, joined by representatives from the County’s Open Space and Park Maintenance teams, who installed the displays.

For updates and locations of future Story Trails, visit https://ucnj.org/storytrail/. To stay informed about County events, services, and offerings, download the free Explore Union County mobile app.