County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly announces that thirteen Union County artists have been selected as award winners in the 58th annual New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show. The exhibit includes original artworks created by both professional and non-professional artists, ages 60 and up, from all 21 counties across the state.

“We are proud to share that Union County is home to some amazing award-winning senior artists!” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Congratulations to these outstanding residents for their well-deserved recognition. Their artwork is truly remarkable and a testament to the talent and creativity that continues to flow through our thriving senior community.”

Every artwork in the state-level exhibit already received a First-Place award for its media category at a juried county-level show. Artworks by twenty Union County seniors advanced to the state show, where these artists were awarded for their work.

“The winning art pieces showcase the talent that led these senior artists to be recognized as the best in the state,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “We encourage all residents to visit the exhibition online or in person and witness their accomplishments firsthand, demonstrating that there’s no age limit to discovering new passions and creating exceptional work.”

The Union County awardees are:

• Dorothy Siclare (Plainfield) – 1st Place, Oil Painting by a Professional artist

  for the painting, “Evening”

• Luciano Felicio (Union) – 1st Place, Sculpture by a Non-Professional artist

  for the artwork, “Edgar, the Recycled Metal Raven”

• Joe Manzella (Cranford) – 1st Place, Digital/Computer Art by a Non-Professional artist

  for the artwork, “Embrace Your Creativity”

• Lydia Watson (Plainfield) – 2nd Place, Works on Paper by a Professional artist

  for the painting, “Ride or Die”

• Jody Pfeiffer (Westfield) – 2nd Place, Pastel by a Non-Professional artist

  for the artwork, “Amaryllis”

• Veronica Dunscombe (New Providence) – Honorable Mention, Sculpture by a Professional artist

  for the artwork, “Art Ancien Perdu, Reppoussé”

• Paul Federico (Scotch Plains) – Honorable Mention, Printmaking by a Professional artist

  for the artwork, “Tuscany”

• Diane Gallo (Summit) – Honorable Mention, Pastel by a Professional artist

           for the artwork, “Angle of Repose”

• Marianne Jennings (Mountainside) – Honorable Mention, Craft by a Professional artist

for the artwork, “Golden Fall Flowers”

• Betsy Kozlowski (Summit) – Honorable Mention, Acrylic Painting by a Professional artist

  for the painting, “Shrooms”

• Louise Wheeler (New Providence) – Honorable Mention, Mixed Media by a Professional artist

  for the artwork, “Log Cabin Clay Quilt”

• Nicholas Florio (Roselle Park) – Honorable Mention, Works on Paper by a Non-Professional artist

  for the artwork, “Vigilant Highlanders”

• Peter Pagano (Clark) – Honorable Mention, Craft by a Non-Professional artist

  for the artwork, “Wooden Soccer Ball”

The New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show can be viewed online at www.njseniorarts.com/gallery/ or in person at the main building of Meadow Lakes Senior Living, 300 Meadow Lakes, East Windsor NJ. The public is invited to view the art show in person, now through October 30, Monday through Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm. Groups of 6 or more should contact Meadow Lakes in advance by calling 609-448-4100. Driving directions are found at https://meadowlakesonline.org/contact/directions/.

The art show is a co-sponsored project of Mercer County’s Division of Culture and Heritage and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about activities and programs of the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit ucnj.org/cultural, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce Union County’s “Four Centuries in a Weekend” countywide history event returns for its 30th season on Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th. Unless noted otherwise, all participating historic sites are open from 12:00 p.m. noon to 5:00 p.m. Each day is packed with tours, exhibits, and various special events and activities at more than 30 house museums and historic sites in Union County, all open to the public free of charge. 

“Our ‘Four Centuries in a Weekend’ event aims to ignite interest in the great history of our county for both history enthusiasts and curious visitors,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Attendees will have the opportunity to witness a reenactment of the Revolutionary War era in Elizabeth, learn to make butter the colonial way at Caldwell Parsonage in Union, or even try their hand at apple cider pressing as our ancestors did in Berkeley Heights. With 38 locations participating this year, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and take away from Union County’s diverse and storied past. I invite you to join us in exploring as many historic sites as you can and bring your friends and family. I hope to see you there.”

Union County’s ‘Four Centuries in a Weekend’ is the first and oldest History ‘Open House’ Weekend of its kind in New Jersey. The event started in 1994 with 16 participating locations and will now celebrate its 30th anniversary with 38 participating sites, the largest number to date.

“I proudly join in celebrating 30 years of connecting our residents and visitors to New Jersey’s historic beginnings,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “Union County is rich with historical treasures, traditions and stories. You can see and enjoy many of them at Four Centuries in a Weekend. I want to thank the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, their dedicated staff and the volunteers whose contributions make this lively weekend possible.”

Attendees can stop by Revolutionary War burial grounds, the county’s oldest railroad station, quaint house museums, special exhibitions, and much more. Each site will provide visitors with a free Union County Passport to stamp. Visitors can also pick up free Union County History trading cards at many sites.

At most sites, representatives or docents will provide tours or answer questions. These exhibits provide the opportunity to learn about aspects of every-day life during the 1700s, the 1800s, and more recent times.

Four Centuries in a Weekend is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State, and is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, in collaboration with staff and volunteers at the sites and is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

Participating Sites are:

Berkeley Heights

• Deserted Village of Feltville / Glenside within Watchung Reservation

1 Cataract Hollow Road, Berkeley Heights

• Little-Lord Farmstead

31 Horseshoe Road, Berkeley Heights

Clark

• Dr. William Robinson Plantation Museum

593 Madison Hill Road, Clark

Cranford

• Crane-Phillips House Museum

124 North Union Avenue, Cranford

• William Miller Sperry Observatory

UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ

1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford

Elizabeth

• Belcher-Ogden Mansion & Bonnell Homestead

1046 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth

• Boxwood Hall State Historic House

1073 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth

• Elizabeth Public Library

Open Saturday only/ Closed Sunday

11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth

• Siloam Hope First Presbyterian Church and Snyder Academy

42 Broad Street, Elizabeth

Fanwood

• Fanwood Train Station Museum

Open 12-4 pm both days

230 North Avenue, Fanwood

Hillside

• Evergreen Cemetery

1137 North Broad Street, Hillside

• Woodruff House/ Eaton Store Museum

Open 12-4 pm both days

111 Conant Street, Hillside

Kenilworth

• Oswald J. Nitschke House

49 South 21 Street, Kenilworth

Mountainside

• Deacon Andrew Hetfield House

Constitution Plaza, Watchung Avenue, Mountainside

New Providence

• Salt Box Museum

1350 Springfield Avenue, New Providence

Plainfield

• Drake House Museum

602 West Front Street, Plainfield

• duCret Center of Art

Open Saturday 9am-3pm / Open Sunday 9am-12pm noon

1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield

• Quaker Meetinghouse

Open Saturday only/ Closed Sunday

225 Watchung Avenue, Plainfield

Rahway

• African-American History & Heritage Learning Center

Open Saturday only/ Closed Sunday

261 Central Avenue, Rahway

• Merchants & Drovers Tavern Museum

1632 St. Georges Avenue, Rahway

• Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)

1601 Irving Street, Rahway

Roselle

• Abraham Clark Memorial House

101 West 9^th Avenue, Roselle

Roselle Park

• Roselle Park Historical Society & Museum

9 West Grant Avenue, Roselle Park

Scotch Plains

• Frazee House

1451 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains

• Osborn Cannonball House Museum

1840 Front Street, Scotch Plains

• Shady Rest Country Club

820 Jerusalem Road, Scotch Plains

Springfield

• Cannon Ball House

126 Morris Avenue, Springfield

Summit

• Carter House

90 Butler Parkway, Summit

Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Open Saturday 10am-4pm only/ Closed Sunday

165 Hobart Avenue, Summit

Twin Maples

214 Springfield Avenue, Summit

Wallace Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church

138-142 Broad Street, Summit

Union

• Caldwell Parsonage

909 Caldwell Avenue, Union

• Connecticut Farms Church

888 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union

• Donald M. Payne Vauxhall Meeting Center

333Russell Street, Vauxhall (Union)

• Liberty Hall Museum

1003 Morris Avenue, Union

Westfield

• Miller-Cory House Museum

614 Mountain Avenue, Westfield

Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center

314 Mountain Avenue, Westfield

Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route

Pop-Up Visitors Center, 10 Prospect Street, Westfield

For more information, including a complete list of activities and participating locations, visit www.ucnj.org/4c or contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550.

Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado informs voters that the polling place list and drop box locations for the 2024 General Election are available on the UCBOE website at www.ucnj.org/ucboe. The 2024 General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5.

All 24 secure ballot drop boxes will open September 20, 2024 for the 2024 General Election and will remain open through the close of the polls on November 5, 2024 at 8:00pm. Drop boxes are under camera surveillance 24/7, available to voters 24/7 and ADA accessible.

For a complete list of polling locations and ballot drop boxes in Union County, please visit the Board of Elections website online at ucnj.org/boe.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join the Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising event. The ceremony will take place on Friday, October 11th, at 11:00 a.m., on the steps of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

“We take pride in celebrating the achievements and contributions of Italian Americans, who have enriched all aspects of our lives and continue to shape the fabric of our communities,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, who will be emceeing this year’s program. “Today, we honor their cultural heritage and recognize their hard work, dedication, and legacy here in Union County and across the nation.”

This year’s featured speaker will be Joshua G. Losardo, Mayor of Scotch Plains, a proud Italian American and long-time advocate for the Italian-American community.

In recognition of their continued contributions, the Union County Board of County Commissioners will also honor various Italian-American organizations within Union County with a formal resolution presented during the event.

“As a proud Italian-American, I am honored to continue supporting this annual tradition that celebrates our rich heritage and the countless contributions of Italian-Americans to Union County and beyond,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella. “The values of hard work, community, and service are deeply rooted in our culture, and it is a privilege to stand with Italian-American organizations like UNICO and others, who embody these principles through their dedication to education, philanthropy, and cultural preservation.”

Italian-style refreshments and pastries will be served following the program on the courthouse grounds.

For more information, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator at (908) 527-4388 or via email at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the first-ever Union County Food Security Summit, which will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Kean University Liberty Hall Academic Center. This groundbreaking event will unite local food pantries, soup kitchens, community leaders, and advocates to strengthen collaboration, share resources, and address food insecurity across the county.

“The Food Security Summit is a reflection of Union County’s ongoing commitment to creating a community where no one has to worry about their next meal,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “By coming together, we can ensure that our local food pantries and soup kitchens have the resources they need to provide both immediate aid and long-term solutions to those in need. We are grateful to all who are contributing to this important work.”

The summit takes place during the month of October, recognized nationally as “Tackling Hunger Month,” emphasizing the critical need to address food insecurity. This event is a key part of Union County’s ongoing efforts to combat hunger, and it provides an important opportunity to bring attention to the challenges faced by local food distribution organizations as they work to support residents in need.

The Union County Department of Human Services (DHS) and its partners will highlight the importance of community-based efforts to combat hunger and underscore the County’s commitment to addressing food insecurity as part of its broader human services mission. Through this initiative, DHS is building a network that not only addresses immediate food needs but also connects individuals and families with services that promote economic independence and resilience.

“Addressing food insecurity requires constant innovation and collaboration, which is why events like this summit are so important. After participating in discussions at NJAC and learning about effective models, including those from Bergen County, I was motivated to bring those insights back to our Union County team to formulate our own program and summit,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “This conference will help us identify new ways to combat hunger, foster self-sufficiency, and create a stronger network of support for our residents. We are grateful to everyone who is joining this critical conversation.”

The event will feature expert-led workshops, Q&A discussions, and networking sessions designed to address the most pressing challenges faced by food pantries and soup kitchens. Key topics include:

• Best practices for food distribution and logistics
• Strategies for expanding outreach and maximizing resources
• Collaborating with local governments and nonprofits to enhance service delivery
• Connecting clients to comprehensive support services, including housing, employment, and mental health programs

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all local food service providers and community stakeholders to participate in this essential summit. To register for the event or for more information, please visit https://ucnj.org/food-summit/.

The Union County Department of Human Services is committed to providing programs and services that promote the well-being of County residents, with a special focus on vulnerable populations. Through partnerships with community organizations and agencies, DHS helps individuals and families achieve stability and self-sufficiency by addressing basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare while offering opportunities for economic growth and personal development.

For more information, please call the Union County DHS Action Line at 908-677-5405.

Union County voters may use any of these locations for early in-person voting

Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises Union County residents that eight locations have been selected for those wishing to cast their vote early, in-person for the 2024 General Election. Any registered, Union County voter can use any of these sites to vote in-person, by machine from Saturday, October 26 through Sunday, November 3, 2024.

“New Jersey has expanded voters’ rights by introducing early voting in 2021,” said Ms. DiRado. “We encourage voters to use early voting, or a vote by mail ballot, to cast their vote ahead of Election Day.  Making a plan to cast your vote is important and there are now more options in New Jersey than ever before.”

The eight convenient locations are:

• Cranford: Union College, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Nomahegan Building, Room N4,

Near the Guard Booth – Parking in Lot 1

• Elizabeth: Sampson Community Center, 800 Anna Street
• New Providence: DeCorso Senior Center, 15 E. 4^th Street
• Plainfield, Union College, Church Street, Between E. 2^nd & E. 3rd
• Rahway:  Rahway Recreation Center, 271 E. Milton Avenue
• Roselle: Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue
• Union Township: Union Township Senior Center, 652 Rahway Avenue
• Union Township: Kean University, New Academic Building, corner of North Avenue and Morris Avenue, Lobby Access

All of these early voting locations will be open during the following hours:

• Saturday, October 26, 10am – 8pm
• Sunday, October 27, 10am – 6pm
• Monday, October 28, 10am – 8pm
• Tuesday, October 29, 10am – 8pm
• Wednesday, October 30, 10am – 8pm
• Thursday, October 31, 10am – 8pm
• Friday, November 1,10am – 8pm
• Saturday, November 2, 2024, 10am – 8pm
• Sunday, November 3, 10am – 6pm

Upon arriving at an early voting location, voters will sign in on an electronic poll book.  The electronic poll book will print a bar code on the ballot card so the voting machine knows which ballot to activate.  The ballot card will be inserted into the voting machine which begins the process for the voter.

Please note that these locations are for in-person, machine voting only. Mail-in ballots cannot be submitted at these locations.

Voters who plan to use a mail-in ballot can deposit it in any of the twenty-four (24) Board of Elections’ secure drop boxes in Union County, return it to the Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service, or hand-deliver it to the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth by November 5, 2024 at 8pm.

Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, November 5, must use their designated polling place.

For more information, including a list of drop box locations and an online polling place finder, visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.