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Mail-in Ballots Available for the September 16 Clark Special School Board Election

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that mail-in ballots for the upcoming Special School Election in Clark will be available beginning Monday, August 11th at the Clerk’s Westfield Office during regular business hours. The Special school election will be held on September 16th, 2025.

Voters are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to vote early and ensure their voices are heard in this important local election. Business hours of the Union County Clerk’s Westfield Office, located at 300 North Avenue East, are below:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 8:00am to 4:00pm

Tuesday and Thursday, from 8:00am to 7:30pm

Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm

For more information about mail-in ballots, early voting, or election deadlines, visit www.unioncountyvotes.com or contact the office at 908-527-4996 or email ucvote@ucnj.org.

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Students Can Explore New Skills in Cooking, Gardening, Robotics, Photography, and More at Union County’s 4-H Clubs

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites students to join a 4-H club  this coming fall and explore popular fields ranging from cooking, sewing, photography, archery, robotics, and more. Youth in 1st grade through their first year after graduating from high school can join 4-H Clubs. In a 4-H Club, students can explore a new hobby, meet like-minded friends, and learn leadership skills.

“4-H clubs provide a fantastic opportunity for our youth to make friends, learn new skills, and boost their self-confidence,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “As they explore their individual abilities throughout the year, each student gains a deeper understanding of themselves, what they enjoy, and what they are capable of achieving. It’s truly a rewarding experience for participants. I encourage all interested students to join a 4-H club before classes fill up.”

The majority of the clubs meet at Union County’s Colleen Fraser Building, located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, on either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. 4-H Clubs are organized by age and topic. The members meet with an adult club leader on a monthly basis during the school year to plan activities and programs.

Each club emphasizes the ability of students to learn, organize, and communicate with activities appropriate for their age. For the school year 2025 – 2026, the clubs and their meeting times are listed below;

  • Variety Club (different topics with crafts and show-and-tell), grades 1-3. 2nd Sunday; 4 to 5 p.m.
  • Cooking Clubs (prepare deserts, main courses and more), grades 7-12;3rd Friday; 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Grades 4th through 6th; 1st Friday, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
  • Community Service Club (plant trees, works at food bank, teach younger youth), grades 8-12. 1st and 3rd Sat. 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Sewing Club (learn how to hand sew and use a machine), grades 6-12. 2nd Sat;10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Lego Robotics Club (work with NXT kits and Spike) grades 4-7th; 1st. Sat. ;11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Craft Club (have fun with paints, fabrics and more) grades 4 – 12. 2nd Friday;7:30 to 9 p.m.
  • Engineering Club (make model cars, bridges, and learn about electric) grades 4-12; 3rd Sat.;9:30 to 11 a.m.
  • Archery Club (learn basics and more advanced techniques) grades 4-12; 1st and 3rd Sat,; 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Photography Club ( learn basics of using a camera) grades 4-12; 3rd Sunday; 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Garden Club( How to start plants from seeds) grades 4-12; 1st and 3rd Sat.;10 a.m. to noon.
  • 4-H Dog Care Club ( Basics of grooming, feeding, and play) 2nd Sunday; 2 to 3:30 p.m.  

“As a former 4-H club member, I can say this experience is invaluable for students. They learn to see the bigger picture, understanding that the skills and abilities they develop are not only important for their own futures, but also for the future of our community,” said Union County Commissioner and Rutgers Cooperative Extension Liaison, Bette Jane Kowalski.

Union County 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Union County Commissioner Board, with offices at 151 Grant St, Berkley Heights. The national 4-H youth program is the largest youth development program in the U.S. As a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4-H encourages students to develop expertise in a subject of their own choosing, and share their knowledge to benefit their community.

Participation in 4-H is associated with better grades at school, and a stronger interest in taking science classes, attending college, and contributing to the community.

4-H Clubs run from October to June. To sign up for a club or more details , please email James Nichnadowicz Union County  4H Youth Development Agent at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or call 908-654-9854 ext. 3. Also see the website

For more information about all Union County Extension programs, including 4-H, Master Tree Stewards and Master Gardeners, visit ucnj.org/rce.

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Union County Commissioners Mirabella and Granados Appointed to National Leadership Roles by the National Association of Counties

Union County Commissioners Alexander Mirabella and Sergio Granados have been appointed to key national leadership positions by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for the 2025–2026 term. These prestigious appointments reflect Union County’s growing influence in shaping national policy priorities that directly impact residents at the local level.

Commissioner Alexander Mirabella has been appointed:

  • Vice Chair of the International Economic Development Innovation Council
  • Vice Chair of the Finance, Pensions and Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee
  • Member of the Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC)
  • New Jersey’s sole representative on the NACo Board of Directors

Commissioner Sergio Granados has been appointed:

  • Member of the Healthy Counties Innovation Council
  • Member of the International Economic Development Innovation Council
  • Member of the Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC)

“These appointments are more than titles—they’re opportunities to continue the work we’ve led here in Union County on a national scale,” said Commissioner Mirabella. “Locally, we’ve championed long-term investments in infrastructure, supported small businesses through pandemic recovery and beyond, and expanded access to affordable housing through home improvement and first-time buyer programs. We’ve also prioritized park upgrades, open space preservation, and transit access—initiatives that create stronger, more connected communities. My continued role on the NACo Board gives us a powerful platform to share those successes and help counties across the country grow in ways that are responsible, resilient, and community-driven.”

These appointments also align with NACo’s 2025–2026 “County Storytellers” initiative, which encourages county leaders to uplift their communities by sharing data-driven stories that inspire trust, innovation, and connection.

“We’ve taken a comprehensive approach in Union County—expanding mental health services across all 21 towns through programs like ARRIVE Together, launching our first-ever youth-led mental health summit at Kean University, and opening our Union County Family Health Clinic to provide free wellness care to uninsured families,” said Commissioner Granados. “We’ve also focused on family, youth and senior nutrition, and helped residents stay rooted through job training, workforce development, and housing support. These NACo appointments give us the chance to bring Union County’s inclusive, people-first approach to the national stage, ensuring every resident—not just here, but everywhere—has a fair shot at stability and success.”

Founded in 1935, the National Association of Counties (NACo) represents nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees nationwide. NACo advocates for county priorities in federal policymaking, promotes best practices, supports leadership development, and strengthens local communities through collaboration and innovation.

For more information on NACo and its committees, visit www.naco.org.

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Union County Now Accepting Applications For the 2026 History Re-grant Program

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications for the 2026 Union County History Re-Grant Program for Special Projects and General Operating Support are now available. All eligible non-profit organizations in Union County are invited to apply.

“Our History Re-Grant Program helps fund local libraries, museums, and non-profit historical organizations, enabling them to continue providing our community with the quality educational experiences and engaging programs we look forward to each year,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “I encourage all eligible organizations to take advantage of this opportunity and apply today.”

Applicant organizations must be based in Union County, and the programming covered by the grant must take place in Union County during 2026. Applications must be submitted online to the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. To begin the application process and to create an account, request the link to the application portal by emailing John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at jprescott@ucnj.org

The application deadline is Friday, September 19th, 2025 at 11:45 p.m. Application materials submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. 

Eligibility requirements, application components, and other pertinent details are outlined in the complete General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Projects (SP) guidelines.

The Re-Grant Program includes two types of grants:

  • General Operating Support (GOS) grants provide assistance for the basic costs of operation such as programming, preservation of collections, salaries, marketing, and more. Funding is available to Union County based historical societies, house museums or historic sites only. The maximum GOS grant request is $7,500.
  • Special Project (SP) grants support history organizations, museums, schools, libraries and similar organizations with collections or programming relating to Union County and New Jersey state history. The maximum SP grant request is $5,000.

“Union County has a rich and vast history, and there is much to explore and learn about here,” said Union County Commissioner and Liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board, Bette Jane Kowalski. “We are happy to use this grant to continue supporting the organizations that dedicate their time and effort to making this exploration a fun and rewarding adventure for our residents.”

For additional information on the Re-Grant program and other grant programs administered by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities.

Funding for the History Re-Grant program is provided by the New Jersey Historical Commission. For clarification, assistance, or questions about applying, please contact John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at 908-436-2912 or by email at jprescott@ucnj.org.

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Union County Accepting Applications For 2026 Local Arts Grant

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs are pleased to announce that applications to the 2026 Local Arts grant program are now being accepted. The Union County Local Arts Program, known as “LAP,” supports arts programming produced by both arts organizations and non-arts organizations located in and serving residents of Union County.

“Our Local Arts grant program provides necessary funding and support to these organizations so they can remain focused on developing the inclusive projects, quality artistic programs, and cultural events Union County is known for,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “I strongly encourage eligible organizations that offer arts programming to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”

The Local Arts Program 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 types of grants are available under this program:

  • General Operating Support grants are available to nonprofit arts organizations. The maximum request is $15,000, and the request cannot exceed 40% of the organization’s projected 2026 budget.
  • Special Project grants are available to both arts organizations and non-arts organizations (including nonprofits, libraries, and units of local government) to fund a specific arts project, such as a performance series. The maximum request is $5,000. Matching funds are required.

“Local art events offer more than just entertainment for our residents; they contribute to the vibrancy and cultural legacy of this community,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “I’m looking forward to seeing the great work that our awardees come up with in 2026!”

Arts activities must take place in Union County during 2026. Applications must be completed online using the Grant portal. Funds will be awarded to applicants that demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in arts programming. The deadline to submit a completed LAP application is September 24, 2025.

Full details, including eligibility requirements, are outlined in the Local Arts Grant 2026 Guidelines.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs administers the Local Arts Grant, as well as the History Grant and the HEART Grant. Guidelines for all three grant programs are available at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities/.

A Grant Workshop including a Q&A will be held on Thursday, August 7, from 3:00–4:30 pm on Zoom, offering information and guidance about the three grant programs. Register to attend the Grant Workshop at https://ucnj.org/cha-workshop/.

For questions about the Local Arts program, or to obtain the link to the grant portal to begin an application, contact the LAP Grant Coordinator, Martha Sturm at msturm@ucnj.org.

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Seniors Seeking Assistance Can “ASK” Questions At Neighborhood Libraries This August

The Union County Board of County Commissioners welcomes seniors and caregivers to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available at upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in August. 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 two dates in August to provide support in Spanish.

“Our senior community faces numerous challenges that can impact their quality of life. That is why, more than ever, it is essential for seniors and caregivers to have access to services and programs, such as our Aging Services Kiosk,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This senior-focused initiative has dedicated over nine years to empowering seniors with a wealth of information and resources. I invite you to visit an ASK event this August and discover how this program can serve you.”   

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 August:

Thursday, August 14th – Westfield Memorial Library
Bilingual staff available
550 East Broad Street
Westfield, 07090
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, August 20thHillside Public Library
Bilingual staff available
1409 Liberty Avenue
Hillside, 07205
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Thursday, August 28th – Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, 07066
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“Our ASK events are staffed by knowledgeable experts who act as a true support system for seniors. They take the time to listen, address your questions, help with form completion, and connect you with the latest resources available,” said Union County Commissioner and Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging, James Baker.

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.

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Union County LGBTQ+ Affairs Office & Surrogate’s Office partner to host Empowerment Hour honoring LGBTQ+ Family Day

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce that its free virtual series for the LGBTQ community, LGBTQ+ Empowerment Hour, returns on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom for a lively and educational discussion about adoption in the LGBTQ community.

To honor the unofficial LGBTQ+ Family Day this August, the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs is collaborating with the Union County Surrogate’s Office for this special edition of Empowerment Hour, focused on building families and protecting their legacies.

“Our LGBTQ Empowerment Hour sessions have become a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to connect, support, and educate one another. Each session is filled with engaging topics, valuable resources, and relatable stories from community members,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Whether you want to quietly listen and take the information in, or join in on the discussion and share your story, all are welcome to tune in this August for yet another powerful episode.”

According to 2020 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, same-sex couples are four times more likely to adopt children than heterosexual couples.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of LGBTQ Affairs have partnered with the Union County Surrogate’s Office to discuss this important topic on the latest Empowerment Hour, live on Zoom. The event will showcase the adoption services offered by the Union County Surrogate’s Office and provide guidance on how to safeguard valuable family assets through estate planning.

“The LGBTQ couple’s journey to parenthood is uniquely different and comes with challenges, and we hope that what we’ll discuss in this episode will better prepare you to embrace this next chapter with confidence,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams, Liaison to the Union County LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee. “This isn’t only about creating a family, but also about sharing your love and commitment, and building a lasting legacy with your partner. We want to encourage you to embrace every step of this adventure, knowing you have the resources and tools in place to build a successful future together.”

The LGBTQ+ Empowerment Hour will be live-streamed on the County of Union Facebook Page. Questions will be taken via Zoom and within the comments section on Facebook. To participate in the discussion, please register at ucnj.org/lgbtq.

“The Surrogate’s Office is happy to collaborate with the Office of LGBTQ  Affairs on passing along vital information to our LGBTQ couples and community,” said Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak. “When it comes to matters of adoption, it is important that you and your partner are as informed and well-prepared as can be, and I look forward to sharing with you how the Surrogate’s office can serve you during this exciting and life-changing moment.” For more information, please contact Robert Charkowsky, from the Union County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, call (908)-527-4273 or email LGBTQ@ucnj.org.

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Union County’s Recycling Program for Residents Continues in August

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to continue offering seasonal recycling opportunities in August. Residents are welcome to participate in this free annual program, which provides a safe and secure way to dispose of personal documents, scrap metal, and hazardous household items at designated drop-off locations throughout Union County.

“Our recycling program offers residents an easy and effective way to contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future for Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Any amount of recycling, no matter how small, can make a difference. Properly disposing of waste, unwanted, or expired items not only protects our wildlife and civilians, but also keeps these materials out of landfills. It’s a collective step in the right direction, and one we are committed to facilitating for our community.”

Residents are encouraged to securely shred personal documents at the upcoming mobile paper shredding event, taking place on Saturday, August 16th,from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kean University’s Kean Hall Parking Lot, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union. All documents are shredded on-site, and the shredded paper is taken to a recycling facility for processing. The event will conclude before 1:00 p.m., should the trucks fill up first.

This event is part of Union County’s annual paper shredding program, which runs each year from March through October. The shredding events are open to all residents, regardless of their municipality, and are intended for the disposal of personal and sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail, and other papers through their municipal recycling program. Please remove all bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia prior to the event (staples are allowed). Pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted.

Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program also continues in August, providing residents with an opportunity to recycle various metal items. Drop-off events will be held on Thursday, August 7th, and Saturday, August 16th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two convenient locations:

  • Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth
  • Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. George’s Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Accepted items include refrigerators (with doors removed), metal cabinets, appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, air conditioners, and other metal household goods. The scrap metal program runs on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month, April through November.

Union County’s next Household Hazardous Waste event will take place on Saturday, September 6th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Kean University’s Kean Hall Parking Lot, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union. At these events, residents can bring a variety of household chemicals for proper recycling or disposal. These items include, but are not limited to, oil-based finishes, motor oil, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides, fluorescent lightbulbs, and more. Latex (water-based) paint (wall paint) will not be accepted. Residents are advised to dry latex paint out at home using commercial paint hardener, sand, kitty litter, or sawdust. Once hardened, it can be thrown in your household trash.

All Union County recycling events are contact-free and drive-up only.  Residents must remain in their cars while staff unloads materials from their trunks.

Union County Recycling Programs are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) funds, which are applied for and received by the County of Union.

For a complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, please visit ucnj.org/recycle/ or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Residents may also contact their municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in their community.

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Union County National Night Out for Everyone: A One of a Kind, Inclusive Celebration for All

Union County is excited to announce its second annual inclusive, accessible, and sensory-supportive National Night Out, meticulously planned and researched to ensure a welcoming experience for everyone. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Cranford Campus of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ.

This collaborative effort between the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Children’s Specialized Hospital, Union County Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Department, and UCNJ reflects months of dedicated planning and intention-setting to create a truly all-inclusive event. Our teams have thoroughly researched best practices for accessibility and sensory-friendly amenities, consulting with experts and community advocates to ensure every detail caters to diverse needs.

The event, held at UCNJ, will feature a variety of activities for the whole family, with a strong focus on thoughtful inclusion:

Thoughtfully Designed Activities for All

  • Interactive Activities: Enjoy a photo booth, an oversized Connect Four game, a Bubbles Corner, and a Silent Disco specifically designed to offer a unique auditory experience that can be adjusted to individual preferences. Meet the police canines, explore various rescue vehicles at our Touch-a-Truck station, and get a chance to see McGruff the Crime Dog. Each activity has been evaluated for its potential sensory impact and adapted to be more accommodating.
  • Food and Drinks: Indulge in delicious treats from Rita’s Italian Ice Station.
  • Informational Tables: Gather valuable resources from representatives including Union County Public Information, UCNJ Admissions, Kean University, UCPO Welcome Headquarters & Volunteer Station, UCPO Table, ARRIVE Together/CIT, Blue Envelope/Special Needs Registry, Autism New Jersey, Inroads to Opportunities, The Arc, ICMS (Integrated Case Management Services), Children’s Specialized Hospital, and the Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families. These organizations are present to offer support and information tailored to the diverse needs of our community.
  • Sensory Support Stations: We’ve dedicated significant effort to create specific zones designed to provide comfort and engagement. These stations will offer temporary tattoos, face painting, coloring sheets, activity sheets, color and calm books for caregivers, and electronic displays in a common area that are visually engaging without being overstimulating.
  • Movement and Play: Participate in interactive and movement-based games, enjoy a plastic can toss game, plastic Jenga, a Police Q&A spinning wheel, and navigate an obstacle course designed with various abilities in mind.
  • Relaxation and Support: A designated quiet zone will be available for those needing a break from the main activities, complete with social stories to help individuals understand and navigate the event environment.

“Our commitment to an all-inclusive and sensory-friendly event has guided every step of our planning process, from vendor selection to activity design. We believe that by focusing on these crucial elements, we can truly create a “One of a Kind, Inclusive Celebration for All” in Union County where every single member of our community feels welcomed, safe, and celebrated,” says Prosecutor William Daniel. “We’ve spent countless hours planning and researching, working alongside our partners to ensure that every detail, from the quiet zones to the interactive activities, is designed with all-inclusiveness and sensory friendliness at its core. This isn’t just an event; it’s a deliberate statement of our commitment to accessibility and unity.

“Last year, Union County was the first in the nation to host an inclusive and sensory-supportive National Night Out,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “It was such a stellar success, and brought together so many incredible members of our community, that doing it again in 2025 was a foregone conclusion. I am so proud to lead a Commissioner Board that cares so much about sensory friendliness and thinks about it as an aspect of everything we do as a county government, and I can’t wait to see everyone at this event!”

“National Night Out is meant to build positive relationships between law enforcement, emergency responders, and the people they serve. For many people with disabilities and those with sensory and communication differences and needs, these types of events can be inaccessible or overwhelming,” said Adrienne Robertiello, ACDS, Interim Autism Program Coordinator, Specialized Health Educator at Children’s Specialized Hospital. “The Union County National Night Out for Everyone grew out of a shared goal to make this night welcoming for all. This initiative was developed with the expertise at Children’s Specialized Hospital, our family-centered approach, and our community partners. This collaboration has developed a model for what inclusion can look like at community events and highlights the importance of safety, access, and belonging for everyone.”

“We are proud to once again partner with the County of Union and the Prosecutor’s Office to support this important community event. Now in its second year, the County’s National Night Out for Everyone continues to be a powerful way to strengthen the connection between law enforcement and residents. As an open-access community college, we are committed to meeting students where they are. We serve students of all abilities, and we are especially proud to support such an inclusive and welcoming event,” stated UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

National Night Out is a nationwide campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Union County’s event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with local law enforcement, learn about valuable resources, and celebrate our diverse community in an inclusive, accessible, and sensory-supportive environment.

Union County National Night Out for Everyone promises to be a unique and memorable event for all. Join us as we celebrate community, safety, and inclusion!

This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged but not mandatory. More information can be found at ucnj.org/ucnno.

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Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs to Host Q&A Workshop on 2026 Grant Opportunities on August 7

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a free online Q&A workshop providing overview information and guidance on three 2026 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 2026 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 January 1 through December 31 of the 2026 calendar year.

The live Q&A will be hosted on Zoom on Thursday, August 7, 2025 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.

“The grant programs administered by our Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs provide crucial support to local organizations, helping them to preserve our rich history, and to present many valuable arts and educational programs,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “This workshop advises what is required to apply for these grants.”

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/cha-workshop/. For questions, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711, or email: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.