County of Union, New Jersey

Union County Announces the 2026 Plant a Seed Program Grant Applications Are Now Available

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces the return of the Plant A Seed Program Grants for the 2026 year. Through funding from the Union County Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund, these grants help schools and community partners grow existing gardens or establish new ones, providing interactive learning experiences focused on agriculture, sustainability, and healthy food.

“Programs like Plant A Seed show how small investments can make a meaningful difference in our schools and communities,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “By helping schools and community groups develop gardens and plant trees, we’re giving residents of all ages the chance to connect with nature, learn where their food comes from, and build habits that support healthier communities.”

2026 Grant Opportunities:

Kids Dig In! School Garden Grant – Available to K-12 schools, this grant provides funding to create or expand school gardens, offering students hands-on opportunities to learn about healthy eating, environmental stewardship, and sustainability.

Fruitful Futures Tree Grant – Available to K-12 schools, nonprofit organizations, and municipal entities, this grant provides a fruit tree to be planted on-site, serving as a long-term reminder of the importance of conservation and providing a sustainable food source. This grant is limited in supply and will be awarded based on need, scope, population served, and readiness to proceed.

“The Open Space Trust Fund was created to support projects that strengthen our communities while protecting and enhancing our natural resources,” said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Chairman of the Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund. “These grants help create spaces where students and community members can learn about conservation and sustainability, ensuring that these lessons take root in our schools and neighborhoods for years to come.”

To learn more and apply for a grant, interested schools and organizations can visit www.ucnj.org/plantaseed. Applications will be accepted through April 10, 2026.

For additional details or questions, please contact Angelica Cedeno at 908-558-2279 or via email at acedeno@ucnj.org.

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Voter Registration Deadline for The Westfield Annual School Board Election on April 21 is March 31

The Union County Board of Elections reminds Westfield residents that Tuesday, March 31, 2026 is the deadline to register to vote in the April 21, 2026 Annual School Board Election.

To accommodate residents, the Board of Elections will offer extended evening hours on March 31, 2026, remaining open until 9:00 p.m. for voter registration.

The Westfield Annual School Board Election will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voting will take place at regular polling locations. Residents can confirm their polling place by visiting www.ucnj.org/ucboe or by calling the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

Voters who wish to return their vote-by-mail ballot using a secure drop box may do so at the following locations:

Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East, Westfield
Union County Administration Building (corner of Rahway Avenue and Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth)
Union County Board of Elections, 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth

For additional information, visit www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

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La Secretaria Del Condado De Union, Joanne Rajoppi, OrganizaráUn Seminario De Capacitación Para Notarios Públicos El 17 De Abril

La Escribana del Condado de Union, Joanne Rajoppi, organizará un Seminario de Capacitación para Notarios Públicos en la Academia de Policía John H. Stamler, ubicada en 1776 Raritan Road en Scotch Plains, el viernes 17 de abril de 2026, de 8:45 a. m. a 11:30 a. m. El Orador principal será el Primer Asesor Legal Adjunto del Condado de Union, Moshood Muftau, Esq.

El cupo está limitado a los primeros 50 inscritos. La fecha límite de inscripción es el lunes 6 de abril de 2026, o hasta que se agoten los lugares disponibles. Se requiere el pago por adelantado de una cuota de inscripción de $10.00 —la cual incluye un desayuno ligero— para asegurar la participación. Los asistentes deben tener en cuenta que el código de vestimenta de negocios informal (*Business Casual*) se aplica estrictamente en la Academia de Policía John H. Stamler. No se permiten jeans ni zapatillas deportivas, y los hombres deben vestir camisas con cuello.

“Este Seminario de Capacitación para notarios representa una oportunidad para que las personas adquieran habilidades y conocimientos valiosos en el ámbito de los servicios notariales, declaró la Escribana del Condado, Joanne Rajoppi”. “Nuestro compromiso es empoderar a nuestros residentes brindándoles las herramientas necesarias para contribuir de manera efectiva; por ello, los invitamos a formar parte de esta experiencia educativa”.

La Escribana del Condado, Rajoppi, ofrecerá las palabras de apertura y repasará el proceso de solicitud. El Sr. Muftau abordará los aspectos legales relacionados con las funciones de los Notarios Públicos.

El seminario cubrirá el proceso de solicitud para convertirse en Notario Público, así como los nuevos requisitos legales y las responsabilidades inherentes al cargo. También se abordarán los pasos para realizar una notarización adecuada y otros temas, tales como la manera correcta de completar el libro de registro notarial y cómo examinar los documentos de identificación.

Para inscribirse, utilice el formulario descargable disponible en el sitio web de la Escribana del Condado: https://ucnj.org/county-clerk/new-jersey-notary-training/. Para obtener más información, por favor comuníquese con Anna Lima al 908-527-4787.

Para obtener más información sobre todos los programas y servicios de la Escribana del Condado, visite www.ucnj.org/county-clerk o llame al 908-527-4787.

Public Info

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi to Host Notary Public Training Seminar on April 17th

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a Notary Public Training Seminar at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The featured speaker will be Union County First Deputy County Counsel Moshood Muftau, Esq.

Space is limited to the first 50 registrants. The registration deadline is Monday, April 6, 2026 or until the openings are filled. A registration fee of $10.00 includes a light breakfast and is required in advance to secure registration. Attendees should note that the Business Casual dress code at the John J. Stamler Police Academy is strictly enforced. Jeans and sneakers are not permitted, and men must wear shirts with collars.

“This Notary Training Seminar represents an opportunity for individuals to acquire valuable skills and expertise in notary services,” said County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Our commitment is to empower our residents with the tools they need to contribute effectively, and we invite you to be a part of this educational journey.”

County Clerk Rajoppi will make opening remarks and review the application process. Mr. Muftau will speak about the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.

The seminar will cover the Notary Public application process and new legal requirements and responsibilities. It will also cover the steps for proper notarization and other topics, including how to complete a notary journal and how to examine identification documents.

To register, use the downloadable form on the County Clerk website, https://ucnj.org/county-clerk/new-jersey-notary-training/. For more information, please contact Anna Lima at 908-527-4787.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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Berkeley Heights Special School Election Unofficial Results

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Solicite Ser Trabajador Electoral – Gane $300 El Día De Las Elecciones Se Necesitan Trabajadores Electorales Bilingües Y Se Alienta a Solicitar

Los residentes del Condado de Union interesados en ayudar a los votantes en los centros de votación el día de las elecciones aún tienen tiempo para solicitar su puesto como trabajadores electorales. Los trabajadores electorales ganan $300 por día y prestan servicio desde las 5:15 a. m. hasta al menos las 8:15 p. m., después del cierre de las urnas. Las Elecciones Primarias se celebrarán el martes 2 de junio de 2026.

Los trabajadores electorales desempeñan un papel vital para garantizar que todos los votantes elegibles tengan la oportunidad de ejercer su derecho constitucional al voto. Servir como trabajador electoral es una forma significativa de participar en el proceso democrático y apoyar a su comunidad.

Los residentes del Condado de Union mayores de 16 años pueden solicitar su puesto. Los residentes mayores de 18 años deben estar registrados para votar. No se requiere experiencia previa; sin embargo, todos los nuevos trabajadores electorales deben asistir a una sesión de capacitación presencial obligatoria.

Los futuros trabajadores electorales pueden solicitar su puesto en línea o presentando una solicitud impresa. Para solicitar su puesto en línea, visite la Junta Electoral del Condado de Union en www.ucnj.org/pollworker.

Para solicitar una solicitud impresa, llame a la Junta Electoral al 908-527-4236 o envíe un correo electrónico a pollworker@ucnj.org.

Para obtener más información, visite ucnj.org/pollworker o el sitio web de la Junta Electoral del Condado de Union: www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

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Apply to Serve as a Poll Worker – Earn $300 on Election Day Bilingual Poll Workers Needed & Encouraged to Apply

Union County residents interested in assisting voters at polling locations on Election Day still have time to apply to become a poll worker. Poll workers earn $300 for the day, serving from 5:15 a.m. until at least 8:15 p.m., following the close of the polls. The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Poll workers play a vital role in ensuring every eligible voter has the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote. Serving as a poll worker is a meaningful way to participate in the democratic process and support your community.

Union County residents who are 16 years of age or older may apply. Residents who are 18 or older must be registered to vote. No prior experience is required; however, all new poll workers must attend a mandatory in-person training session.

Prospective poll workers may apply online or by submitting a paper application. To apply online, visit the Union County Board of Elections at www.ucnj.org/pollworker.

To request a paper application, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org.

For additional information, visit ucnj.org/pollworker or the Union County Board of Elections website at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

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Nueva Fecha Confirmada Para Una Presentación Especial Sobre La Historia De Lenape en El Condado De Union

Flyer listing the new date and location for Special Presentation on Lenape History in Union County

La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union y la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales y Patrimoniales anuncian que la conferencia previamente programada, “Los Lenape: Nativos Americanos, Nueva Jersey e Historia de Estados Unidos”, se ha pospuesto para el martes 31 de marzo a las 6:00 p.m. Dirigida por el Profesor de Historia de la Universidad Seton Hall, Dr. Sean P. Harvey, la conferencia explorará la rica historia del pueblo Lenape, que residió en Nueva Jersey durante la época de la colonización europea. El evento forma parte de la serie de eventos anuales del Condado de Union para celebrar el 250.º Aniversario de la Revolución Americana. La conferencia se llevará a cabo en el Auditorio del Centro de Naturaleza y Ciencias Trailside, ubicado en el 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside. Para reservar su asiento, inscríbase con anticipació en www.ucnj.org/250.

“Participar en seminarios de historia, como nuestro evento de conferencias Lenape, nos permite obtener valiosas perspectivas sobre nuestros antepasados y sus experiencias cotidianas. Esta exploración fomenta una mayor apreciación de los derechos y las libertades que disfrutamos hoy junto con nuestros compatriotas Estadounidenses”, dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Joseph C. Bodek. “Únanse a nosotros para aprender sobre la rica historia de nuestra tierra mientras continuamos celebrando nuestro 250.º Aniversario durante todo el año. Espero verlos a todos allí”.

El Dr. Sean P. Harvey, presentador, imparte cursos sobre la América colonial, la América revolucionaria, la Democracia, la Esclavitud y el destino manifiesto, así como sobre la historia de los Nativos Americanos antes de la expulsión. También realiza estudios de historia Estadounidense y seminarios departamentales. Es autor de Lenguas Nativas: Colonialismo y Raza desde el Encuentro Hasta la Reserva y forma parte del consejo editorial de Commonplace: The Journal of Early American Life. Además, es miembro del Consejo Asesor del Centro McNeil de Estudios Tempranos de Estados Unidos y del Grupo de Trabajo de Programas Públicos y Académicos de Revolution NJ, y coeditó Reseñas para la Revista de la República Temprana del 2014 a 2017.

A principios de este año, se creó un calendario de eventos para todo el Condado, que permite a los municipios y organizaciones autorizadas enviar sus programas conmemorativos para su aprobación e inclusión. Los residentes pueden explorar las próximas actividades y obtener más información visitando www.ucnj.org/250.

“Nos entusiasma seguir añadiendo eventos a este calendario a lo largo del año, brindando a nuestros residentes e invitados numerosas oportunidades para celebrar juntos este importante momento de nuestra Historia”, declaró la Vice Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Rebecca Williams, quien Preside el Comité del 250.º Aniversario del Condado de Union. “Animo a las organizaciones históricas y grupos comunitarios locales a que envíen sus eventos del 250.º Aniversario a nuestro correo electrónico para su revisión”.

Se anima a residentes, organizaciones históricas y grupos comunitarios a enviar sus eventos relacionados con el 250.º Aniversario a través del Calendario Oficial de Eventos del 250.º Aniversario del Condado de Union, disponible en www.ucnj.org/250.

Para más detalles y novedades sobre la celebración, visite www.ucnj.org/250 y siga al Condado de Union en redes sociales. Este evento cuenta con el apoyo parcial de una subvención de la Comisión Histórica de Nueva Jersey, que es parte de la División de Asuntos Culturales del Departamento de Estado.

Para obtener más información sobre este evento y otros programas que destacan las artes y la historia del Condado de Union, comuníquese con la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales y Patrimoniales del Condado de Union en el 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Puede comunicarse con nosotros por teléfono al (908) 558-2550. Los usuarios de NJ Relay deben marcar el 711 o enviar un correo electrónico a culturalinfo@ucnj.org

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New Date Confirmed for Special Presentation on Lenape History in Union County

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs announce that the previously scheduled speaking event, “The Lenape: Native Americans, New Jersey, and American History,” has been moved to Tuesday, March 31st, at 6:00 p.m. Led by Seton Hall University history professor, Dr. Sean P. Harvey, the speaking engagement will explore the rich history of the Lenape people who resided in New Jersey during the time of European colonization. The event is part of Union County’s year-long series of events in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. The talk will be held in the Auditorium of the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. To reserve your seat, please pre-register at ucnj.org/250.

“Engaging in history seminars, such as our Lenape speaking event, allows us to gain valuable insights into our ancestors and what their day-to-day experience was. This exploration fosters a deeper appreciation for the rights and freedoms we enjoy alongside our fellow Americans today,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Join us in learning together about the rich history of our land as we continue celebrating our 250^th anniversary all throughout the year. I hope to see you all there.”

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 250^th Committee. “I encourage any historical organizations and local community groups to submit their 250^th Anniversary events to our email for review.”

Residents, historical organizations, and community groups are encouraged to submit their 250^th Anniversary-related events through the official Union County 250^th 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.

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Traffic Advisory – Linden Avenue Closure in Rahway

The Union County Department of Engineering has announced that Linden Avenue in Rahway, between West Scott Avenue and Price Street, is temporarily closed due to a culvert failure. The culvert at this location is nearly 100 years old, and recent heavy rain and snow events have further compromised the structure, leading to the closure.

County engineers will be conducting a full inspection of the affected area to assess the extent of the damage and determine the necessary repairs. At this time, the duration of the closure is unknown. At this time, the duration of the closure is unknown.

Local resident access will be maintained during this interim period, however motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.