County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages residents and local businesses to prepare for New Jersey’s “Skip the Stuff” law, officially taking effect on August 1, 2026. Enacted in January 2026 as New Jersey Senate Bill 3195 (S3195), the law aims to reduce unnecessary plastic waste across the state by restricting food service businesses from automatically distributing single-use plastic utensils and condiments. These items will now only be provided when specifically requested by the customer.

“We are once again taking a major step towards building a more sustainable future and reducing plastic consumption in our State. Whether it looks like keeping reusable utensils in purses or office drawers, or making sure to request them from food vendors when placing an order, it’s important that residents plan ahead for these changes to ensure a smoother dining experience going forward,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We encourage everyone to get prepared and to help spread the news about the new law to friends, family, and coworkers.”

The law applies to various food establishments across New Jersey, including restaurants, cafés and coffee shops, diners, food trucks, take-out and delivery services, drive-thru restaurants, and online ordering platforms. Its aim is to minimize litter, conserve resources, and reduce the significant number of unused single-use items that enter the waste stream each year.

The key changes under the new law are as follows:

• Single-use utensils and condiments may only be provided upon customer request for take-out and delivery orders
• Online ordering systems must default to “no utensils or condiments,” requiring customers to actively opt in
• Full-service dine-in restaurants with seating for 10 or more customers must provide reusable utensils for dine-in meals
• Self-serve dispensers may still be used if they dispense individual items rather than bundled cutlery packs

Residents and businesses are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements prior to the law’s effective date. Residents are asked to request utensils, condiments, napkins, or other single-use items only when needed.

To ensure compliance with public health and food safety standards, specific institutional and operational exemptions have been granted to certain establishments, including all public and private K-12 schools, County and State correctional facilities, healthcare facilities, and food court vendors. Pre-packaged food items with single-use utensils or condiments attached during manufacturing, as well as single-use sauce cups for dine-in service, are also exempt.

Businesses that fail to comply may receive a warning for a first violation, a $100 fine for a second violation, and a $250 fine for a third and subsequent violations within a period of 12 months. Funds collected through penalties will be deposited into the Clean Communities Program Fund, with municipalities or certified enforcement agencies permitted to retain up to 30% of collected penalty revenues.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently announced the launch of its “Cut the Cutlery” campaign, aimed at helping businesses and consumers understand the new requirements and the environmental and financial benefits of reducing unnecessary single-use waste. “Cut the Cutlery” will also provide information and resources for food establishments during the transition, including training scripts, downloadable flyers, social media posts and more. Visit NJDEP| Get Past Plastic | Outreach Toolkit to learn more.

For more information on the “Skip the Stuff” program in Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycling/ or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is deeply saddened by the passing of Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, a devoted public servant who remained committed to her work and to the residents of Union County throughout her life.

Joanne brought tremendous knowledge, energy and determination to the County Clerk’s Office every day. She was always looking for ways to make its services more accessible and convenient, whether by expanding office hours, improving online access to public records, providing residents with clear election information or creating new resources for veterans, notaries and business owners.

“I have known Joanne for more than 45 years, dating back to her campaign for mayor of Springfield. I watched her go on to serve as Union County Register of Deeds and Mortgages and later as County Clerk, building a remarkable career in public service,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Throughout all those years, Joanne was a constant presence in Union County government. She cared deeply about her work and the residents who relied on her office. She was smart, strong and determined, and she never stopped working to improve the services her office provided. It is difficult to imagine our County without her. On behalf of the entire Board of County Commissioners, I extend our deepest condolences to her family, her loved ones and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her.”

She was also a respected and fearless advocate for election integrity. Joanne was never afraid to raise difficult questions, challenge the status quo or stand her ground when she believed the public’s trust was at stake. Her leadership helped strengthen election safeguards not only in Union County, but across New Jersey.

“Joanne was not only an accomplished constitutional officer, but also an important part of our County family,” said Union County Manager Ed Oatman. “She remained deeply involved in the work of her office and brought decades of experience and an extraordinary sense of responsibility to her role. Her loss will be felt immediately throughout County government. We will miss her leadership, her strength and the unmistakable presence she brought to everything she did.”

Joanne’s leadership and innovation earned recognition throughout New Jersey and across the country. She was a six-time recipient of the National Association of Counties Award for innovative government and computerization, served in leadership positions with state, national and international professional organizations, and taught public administration at Rutgers University for nearly 20 years.

“Joanne’s legacy is also an important part of the history of women in public service,” said Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “She stepped forward at a time when women were not nearly as well represented in elected office, and she showed that women belonged not only at the table, but in positions of leadership. Through her strength, longevity and example, she helped open doors for more women to run, serve and lead. I will always be grateful for her support and guidance, and she will be deeply missed.”

The Board of County Commissioners joins the entire Union County community in mourning Joanne’s loss. Her work helped shape the way residents access County services, public records and elections, and the impact of her service will continue to be felt for many years to come.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs are pleased to announce that applications for the 2027 Local Arts Program Grant, commonly known as “LAP,” will be accepted beginning July 31, 2026.

The Union County Local Arts Program supports a wide variety of arts programming presented by organizations based in Union County and helps expand access to high-quality arts experiences for residents throughout the community.

“The Local Arts Program plays an important role in strengthening and enriching our communities by supporting the artists, organizations, and cultural institutions that bring creativity and inspiration to residents of all ages,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “From concerts and theater productions to workshops and educational programs, these grants help ensure that the arts continue to thrive throughout Union County. We encourage eligible organizations to apply and take advantage of this valuable funding opportunity.”

The Local Arts Grant is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Two grant opportunities are available through the program:

• General Operating Support Grants are available exclusively to nonprofit arts organizations. The maximum request amount is $15,000, and requests may not exceed 40 percent of the organization’s 2027 operating budget.

• Special Project Grants are available to both arts organizations and non-arts organizations, including nonprofits, libraries, and units of local government, to support a specific arts project such as a concert series, performance, exhibition, or arts education program. The maximum request amount is $4,500, and matching funds are required.

Programming must take place within Union County during calendar year 2027. Applications must be completed and submitted online through the grant portal. Funding decisions are based on factors including demonstrated artistic excellence, administrative capacity, professionalism, and community impact and outreach.

The deadline to submit a completed application is September 30, 2026.

First-time applicants must have a valid Union County mailing address. Full details including eligibility requirements are in the Local Arts Grant 2027 Guidelines, available at https://ucnj.org/cultural-funding/.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs administers the Local Arts Program Grant, as well as the HEART Grant and the History Grant.

An interactive Grant Workshop providing information, guidance, and a question-and-answer session covering all three grant programs will be held virtually on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend. Registration for the workshop is available at: https://ucnj.org/cultural-funding-zoom/.

For questions regarding the Local Arts Program or to obtain access to the grant portal, contact Local Arts Program Grant Coordinator Martha Sturm at msturm@ucnj.org. For information about all Union County programs and services, visit www.ucnj.org, call the Public Information Line at 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org, or use the online contact form.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners has approved lowering the threshold for County Project Labor Agreement (PLA) requirements from $5 million to $3 million, expanding the use of PLAs on additional public construction projects throughout Union County.

“Union County has always stood with working men and women, and lowering the threshold for our Project Labor Agreement requirements from $5 million to $3 million reflects that commitment,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek. “This change expands opportunities for our local skilled trades, strengthens labor standards, and ensures more County projects are built by the highly trained workforce that residents expect and deserve.”

Project Labor Agreements are pre-hire collective bargaining agreements that establish employment terms and conditions for construction projects, helping to promote labor stability, maintain project schedules, and ensure work is completed by a highly skilled workforce.

“The Union County Commissioners have taken an important step that will help ensure more public construction projects are completed on time, on budget, and with the highest standards of safety and quality,” said William Mullen, President of the New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council. “Lowering the Project Labor Agreement threshold to $3 million is a smart investment in Union County’s workforce and taxpayers, and we commend the Commissioners for their leadership and commitment to delivering high-quality public infrastructure projects for residents.”

Lowering the threshold will allow more County projects to benefit from union labor, apprenticeship programs, and local workforce participation while supporting high-quality construction standards on public projects.

“This is a big win for working people in Union County. By lowering the Project Labor Agreement threshold to $3 million, the County is creating more opportunities for local union workers, opening more doors for apprentices, and making sure our public projects are built by the safest and most skilled workforce,” said Roc White, President of the Union County Central Labor Council. “I want to thank the Union County Commissioners for their leadership and for standing with working families. When we invest in union labor, we’re investing in our local economy, our communities, and the next generation of skilled tradespeople.”

The County expects the updated threshold to create additional opportunities for local union workers and apprentices while continuing Union County’s longstanding partnership with organized labor.

“The County of Union’s decision to lower the Project Labor Agreement threshold from $5 million to $3 million reflects strong, forward-thinking leadership and a clear commitment to smart public policy. By expanding the use of PLAs, the County is creating greater access to high-quality, well-trained local labor while ensuring projects are completed efficiently, safely, and on time, said Anthony Abrantes – Assistant Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. “This move will generate meaningful economic benefits for the entire community, supporting local businesses, providing cost certainty for government, and strengthening the region’s workforce pipeline. Most importantly, it creates more opportunities for Union County residents to access career pathways through registered apprenticeship programs and workforce development initiatives that deliver long-term value for both workers and the local economy.”

Additional details regarding implementation of the revised PLA requirements will be incorporated into future County procurement and bidding processes.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents interested in running for their local board of education that candidate nominating petitions for the November 2026 School Board Election must be filed with the Union County Clerk’s Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Clerk Rajoppi strongly encourages prospective candidates to file their petitions well before the deadline to allow time for her office to review them and notify candidates of any issues or errors that may need to be corrected.

Clerk Rajoppi also reminds prospective candidates of a change in New Jersey law that took effect on February 3, 2025. Under the new law, the number of valid signatures required on a school board candidate nominating petition increased from 10 to 25. All petitions must now contain at least 25 valid signatures to qualify for placement on the ballot.

A video guide explaining the petition filing process is available at www.unioncountyvotes.com.

The Union County Clerk’s Office is located at 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For additional information, contact the office at 908-527-4996 or email ucvote@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the 2026 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is now on display at the Linden Public Library, located at 31 East Henry Street in Linden. The exhibit features 38 works selected from the 2026 Union County Teen Arts Festival, an annual two-day celebration of creativity in the literary, performing, and visual arts held at UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ’s Cranford campus. The exhibit will remain on view through August 14, 2026.

“Our Teen Arts Festival and Touring Exhibit showcase the incredible creativity, talent, and dedication of young artists from every corner of Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We are proud to provide opportunities for these students to share their work with the public and gain recognition for their artistic achievements. I encourage residents to visit the exhibit and support the next generation of artists, writers, performers, and creators in our community.”

Following its stop in Linden, the exhibit will continue traveling throughout Union County through early 2027, with additional locations including the Union County Commissioners Gallery in Elizabeth, public libraries in Elizabeth and Plainfield, and the UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ Scotch Plains campus. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

The 2026 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit includes works by the following students:

Berkeley Heights

Columbia Middle School
Alyeena Sternberg

Governor Livingston High School
Addison Miller and Milagros Romero

Clark

Arthur L. Johnson High School
Kate Gonzalez and Melanie Kwok

Carl H. Kumpf Middle School
Cassie Le

Mother Seton Regional High School
Eunice Odubanjo

Cranford

Cranford High School
Alivia Boone and Nicole Wilson

Lincoln School CAP
Nuno Carvalho and Maya Andersen

Orange Avenue School
Gabriella Mott

Elizabeth

Dr. Orlando Edreira Academy
Sabrina Alvarado

Elmora School No. 12
Isabel Dieguez Herrera

Elizabeth High School – Frank J. Cicarell Academy
Jahlaya Pedro and Jasmine Ualat

Joseph Battin School No. 4
Nathan Persand

Thomas Edison Career & Technical Academy
Crystal Mercado

Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy
Sarai Vargas

Victor Mravlag School No. 21
Benjamin Afonso and Edward Afonso

William F. Halloran School No. 22
Margarete Perez

Garwood

Lincoln School
Avery Lee

Kenilworth

David Brearley High School
Victoria Rodrigues

Linden

Linden High School
Chari Theodore and Clerma Romelus

McManus Middle School
Olivia Wlodyka

Soehl Middle School
Mariah Jordan

Mountainside

Deerfield School
Kennedy Moore

Plainfield

Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies Middle School
Juarez Pineda

Plainfield High School
Alisson Ibanez Linares

Roselle

Abraham Clark High School
Joseline Castillo, Grace Wilday and Briana Mejia Chacon

Roselle Park

Roselle Park High School
Isabella Rodriguez

Roselle Park Middle School
Mina Rodriguez

Springfield

Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School
Noa Kandel

Jonathan Dayton High School
Julissa Santamaria

Scotch Plains

Union County Vocational-Technical Schools
Alexsia Matos

Union

Union High School
Frederich Tan

The Union County Teen Arts Festival and Touring Exhibit are coordinated annually by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and the Department of Parks and Recreation to highlight the exceptional artistic talents of Union County teens.

The festival is made possible in part through funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For information about Cultural and Heritage Affairs programs and services, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, call (908) 558-2550, use NJ Relay by dialing 711, or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a free online Q&A workshop providing overview information and guidance on three 2027 grant programs administered by the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs: the Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant, the History Grant, and the Local Arts Grant.

Organizations planning 2027 public programming related to the arts, history, culture or education, are welcome to register for this workshop to learn about these funding opportunities. Municipal government offices and libraries can also register. The HEART grant is also open to individuals, who are welcome to register. All three grant programs require that programming take place during the 2027 calendar year, January 1 through December 31.

The live Q&A will be hosted on Zoom on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is geared towards organizations and individuals needing basic information about these grant programs and the application processes. Guidelines for each grant program will be provided.

“Union County is proud to support the organizations, artists, historians, and educators who help preserve our heritage and enrich the lives of our residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “These grant programs invest in the people and projects that celebrate our communities, inspire creativity, and expand access to arts, culture, and history. We encourage all eligible organizations and individuals to attend this workshop and learn how these funding opportunities can help bring their ideas to life.”

The Union County HEART Grant funds projects related to local history, the arts, and humanities and is funded through the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The Union County History Grant funds history organizations and history projects, and is made possible by funds from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. The Union County Local Arts Program funds arts organizations and arts projects, and is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Register for the Q&A Workshop at https://ucnj.org/ocha-workshop/.

For more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, by phone at (908) 558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711) or by email at culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

UPDATED 07/17/2026: After several consultations and careful consideration of the air quality concerns and weather forecast, we have decided, out of an abundance of caution, to cancel tomorrow’s Colonial Family Fun Day

In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, invites residents to attend Colonial Family Fun Day, a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, July 18, from 9:00am to 12:00pm at the Deserted Village, 13 Cataract Hollow Road in Berkeley Heights.

“Union County played an important role in our nation’s founding, and events like Colonial Family Fun Day bring those stories to life,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, we invite residents of all ages to explore the people, places, and events that shaped our country through hands-on activities, living history demonstrations, and interactive experiences for the whole family.”

The day’s events will feature a variety of interactive activities and educational programs highlighting colonial life and local Revolutionary War history. Visitors can enjoy a lace-making demonstration, learn about Lenape life and culture, and explore displays and discussions about the Battle of Short Hills. Groundwork Elizabeth will provide a program on “The Three Sisters,” the traditional Native American crops of corn, beans, and squash, and their role in early colonial life. Children will be able to plant these vegetables to take home. Popcorn, a colonial snack, will be offered as well.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet historical figures including and Hannah Caldwell, colonial soldiers, and other reenactors. Children and families can participate in a variety of hands-on activities, including quill pen writing, silhouette making, coloring stations, and whirligig construction. Traditional colonial games such as trundle hoops, graces, pins, and pick-up sticks will also be demonstrated and open for participation.

Two informational displays will be featured throughout the site. One will explore early colonial life in New Jersey through panels highlighting topics such as travel, farming, and various occupations. The second will focus on signage about the American Revolution in Elizabethtown and the surrounding region.

A special photo area will allow visitors to meet and take pictures with George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Continental soldier Oliver Cromwell, and Revolutionary-era poet Phillis Wheatley. A family photo station will also be available to help commemorate the day, and patriotic music will be heard throughout the event.

“One of the best ways to understand history is to experience it firsthand,” said Union County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Affairs Advisory Board. “Through demonstrations, activities, and historical interpreters, families can explore what daily life was like during the colonial era while gaining a greater appreciation for Union County’s role in our nation’s story.”

This event is funded in part through a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the New Jersey Department of State. The program is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. The event is free and open to all residents. For additional information, call (908) 558-2550. To register, visit ucnj.org/250.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Wednesday, July 8, 2026, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM (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., King St. area
• Elizabeth – Spencer St., Summer St.
• Hillside – Harvard Ave., Cornell Ave., John St., Westminster area
• Kenilworth –   Dorset Dr., Epping Dr., Water Co. Rd., Blvd. between Lenape Pk. And Epping Dr.
• Linden – Tremley Pt. area, Lower Rd., (Hawk Rise), W.17^{th &}   W. 18^th St., Winans Ave. area
• Mountainside – W.R. Tracy Dr. Loop area
• New Providence – Union Ave. area
• Rahway – Elston St., Randolph Ave., Leesville Ave. area
• Roselle – Woodland Dr., Pine St., Chandler Ave., (Retention Basin), Jouet St., Harrison Ave., Morris Pl., Walnut St., Columbus Ave., Spruce St.
• Scotch Plains – South Av. and North Av. between Hetfield Av. and Crossway Pl.
• Springfield – Cottage Ln., Oakland Av. Area, Meisel Ave., Washington Ave., Battle Hill Ave., Riverside Dr.
• Union – Valley St., Arcadia Pl. Area
• Westfield – Prospect St.
• Winfield – U.C. Parkway Dr.

Argentina vs. Spain in the Finals and we’re getting ready for the biggest soccer party in Union County! Wear your Argentina, Spain or your favorite team jersey and come represent your country, your club, or the team you’ve been cheering for all tournament long!