Author: corinnefiretto

The Union County Board of Elections reminds residents that Tuesday, October 13, is the deadline to register to vote in the 2026 General Election. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

“There are multiple options for residents to register to vote in time for the upcoming election,” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “Those eligible to vote can apply online, by mail or in person in order to register.”

The Union County Board of Elections office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to accept voter registration forms. On Tuesday, October 13, the voter registration deadline, the Board of Elections office will remain open until 9:00 p.m. to receive forms.

Municipal Clerk offices can also provide and accept voter registration forms.

Voter registration forms in both English and Spanish can be downloaded from the Union County Board of Elections website at www.ucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning it.

To register online, eligible residents should visit www.voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow the Online Voter Registration instructions. The County Commissioner of Registration will notify applicants if their registration is accepted. If an application is not accepted, the applicant will receive information on how to complete or correct it.

You can register to vote if:

• You are a United States citizen.
• You will be at least 18 years old by the next election.
• You will have been a resident of New Jersey and your county for at least 30 days before the election.
• You are not currently serving a sentence of incarceration as the result of a conviction for an indictable offense under the laws of New Jersey, another state or the United States.

To receive a voter registration form by mail, call the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces that tickets for the 2026 Great Pumpkin Sail will go on sale Thursday, October 1, at 9:00 a.m. at ucnj.org/ticket. The popular fall event will take place on Sunday, November 1, at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

“The Great Pumpkin Sail is one of those traditions that brings families together and makes fall in Union County feel special,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “There is nothing quite like seeing Echo Lake filled with glowing Jack-o-Lanterns, and we look forward to welcoming families back for another memorable evening.”

The Great Pumpkin Sail provides visitors of all ages the opportunity to have their Jack-o-Lantern added to a float and watch them sail on Echo Lake.

The event will take place on Sunday, November 1, at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside, with three sessions scheduled. Session One will run from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Session Two will run from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Session Three will run from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets for the Great Pumpkin Sail are sold on a per-family basis, with one ticket covering up to six family members. Larger families may purchase an additional ticket to cover up to six more family members. There is a two-ticket limit per family.

The cost is $12 per ticket for Union County residents and $16 per ticket for non-residents. Each family ticket includes the right to float one pre-carved Jack-o-Lantern with a lid, weighing no more than eight pounds after carving.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, as space is limited. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is Monday, November 2.

The Great Pumpkin Sail is presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on the Great Pumpkin Sail and other events organized through the Department of Parks and Recreation, please visit ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents of all ages and abilities to attend the Fall Festival for All Abilities on Sunday, October 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Park, located at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark.

“Our Fall Festival is a chance for individuals of all abilities and their families to enjoy a fun morning together while also connecting with organizations and services available throughout Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We are proud to offer events where everyone feels welcome, included and able to participate.”

The free event will feature a petting zoo, inflatables, live music, giveaways, arts and crafts, community resources, light refreshments and more.

Representatives from community organizations and service providers will be available throughout the event to share information and connect individuals and families with helpful programs, services and resources.

Admission is free, but advance registration is required. To register, visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“Events like this bring recreation and resources together in one welcoming space,” said Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “Families can enjoy the activities, meet others in the community and connect directly with organizations that may be able to support them throughout the year.”

The Fall Festival for All Abilities is presented by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs provides year-round recreational programs, educational opportunities, resources and advocacy for individuals with disabilities and special needs and their families.

For more information about the Fall Festival or other programs offered by the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn or call 908-527-4781.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to attend the Aging Services Kiosk, or ASK, events scheduled throughout October. These events offer residents an opportunity to meet one-on-one with knowledgeable professionals and learn about programs and services available to Union County’s older adults and their caregivers. Bilingual assistance will be available.

“The ASK program makes it easier for our older residents and their families to get reliable information and personalized assistance close to home,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We encourage seniors and caregivers to stop by one of our October locations, speak directly with our staff and learn about the many resources available to support them.”

ASK is operated by the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, part of the Department of Human Services. The program provides adults age 60 and older, as well as their caregivers, with a convenient way to learn about available services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.

Staff can provide information and assistance related to home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, caregiver support services and other resources. They can also assist with completing forms and help residents determine which programs may best meet their needs.

“Families should not have to navigate aging services on their own,” said Union County Commissioner James E. Baker Jr., Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “ASK gives residents a welcoming place to ask questions, receive individual guidance and connect with programs that can make everyday life a little easier.”

Any Union County senior or caregiver may visit any ASK location, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is required. The October ASK schedule is as follows:

Thursday, October 8
Elizabeth Public Library, Main Library
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, October 14
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue, Clark
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 20
Westfield Memorial Library
550 East Broad Street, Westfield
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information about ASK events or other services available to seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection toll-free at 1-888-280-8226 or visit ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

For all Union County programs and services, visit 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 is reminding residents of the final mobile paper shredding and household hazardous waste events of the 2026 season. Two scrap metal recycling dates are also scheduled for October. All three programs are free for Union County residents.

“These events make it easier for residents to clear out unwanted materials and dispose of them properly,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Whether you have sensitive documents, scrap metal or household chemicals to get rid of, I encourage you to check the October schedule and take advantage of these free programs before the season ends.”

The final two shredding events will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, or until the shredding trucks reach capacity:

• Saturday, October 10: Berkeley Heights Municipal Building parking lot, 29 Park Avenue, Berkeley Heights
• Friday, October 23: John Russell Wheeler Park, 234 W. Stimpson Avenue, Linden (for GPS directions, please use 248 W Stimpson Ave)

The program is for Union County residents only and is not open to businesses. There is a limit of four bags or boxes per vehicle, with each bag or box weighing no more than 10 pounds.

Only confidential or sensitive personal documents will be accepted. Magazines, junk mail and other nonsensitive papers should be placed in municipal recycling programs. Residents should remove bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other nonpaper materials before arriving. Staples are permitted. Pre-shredded, damp or wet paper will not be accepted.

Scrap metal recycling will be available on Thursday, October 1, and Saturday, October 17, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at both of the following locations. Residents may use either location on either date:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Complex, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park Service Yard, 3 Parkway Drive

Accepted items include refrigerators and freezers with doors removed, metal cabinets, household appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, air conditioners, microwaves, washers, dryers, stoves, metal fencing, tire rims and wire hangers.

The final household hazardous waste event of the season will take place on Sunday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools’ West Hall/Police Academy parking lot, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Residents may bring accepted household materials including oil-based paints and finishes, motor oil and filters, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides and fluorescent bulbs.

Latex or water-based paint, medical sharps, and pressurized welding gas or oxygen cylinders will not be accepted. Leftover latex paint can be dried at home with a commercial paint hardener, sand, cat litter or sawdust. Once completely hardened, it may be disposed of with regular household trash.

All Union County recycling events are contact-free and drive-up only. Residents must remain in their vehicles while staff removes materials from their trunks. The events are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act grants that Union County applies for and receives through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

For a complete schedule and more information, visit ucnj.org/recycling or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Residents may also contact their municipal recycling coordinator.

The free Recycle Coach app provides information about countywide and municipal recycling programs, including accepted materials, curbside schedules and drop-off locations. Learn more at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the County’s Hispanic Heritage Cultural Festival on Saturday, October 3, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage in Rahway.

Observed in Union County from September 15 through October 14, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the history, cultures, traditions and lasting contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

“Hispanic Heritage Month gives us an opportunity to recognize the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape Union County and continue to contribute to the strength and character of our communities,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Our Cultural Festival brings residents together to enjoy the music, art, traditions and many cultures that make Union County such a vibrant place to live. I encourage everyone to join us for this special celebration.”

Held under this year’s theme, “Unidos, somos más • Together, we are more,” the free, family-friendly festival will feature live entertainment, cultural performances, community resource tables and activities for children and families, including face painting, coloring, bracelet making, maraca decorating, games and a photo booth.

Community organizations and agencies scheduled to participate include the Latino Action Network, PROCEED, Union County Social Services, PRAE, the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, the Union County Board of Elections, We Are One New Jersey and the Union County American Job Center.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is deeply personal to me. As a Cuban-American, I carry my family’s heritage, traditions and story with me in everything I do,” said Union County Commissioner Lourdes M. Leon. “Since becoming a Commissioner, I have been proud to be part of this celebration and to see it continue to grow into something that brings so many families and communities together. The Cultural Festival is a chance for us to honor where we come from, share our traditions with one another and celebrate the incredible diversity of our Hispanic and Latino communities here in Union County.”

During the Cultural Festival, Union County will recognize individuals and organizations for their leadership, advocacy, service and contributions to arts and culture. The 2026 honorees are:

• Angel Estrada Community Leadership Award: Gloria Montealegre
• Latino Advocacy and Empowerment Award: Latino Action Network
• Humanitarian Leadership Award: David Orozco
• Artistic Excellence and Cultural Impact Award: Ricardo Roig
• Excellence in Educational Leadership Award: Elcy Castillo-Ospina

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the Union County Courthouse will be illuminated in red, yellow, blue, green and orange in recognition of the diverse cultures, traditions and nations represented throughout Union County’s Hispanic and Latino communities.

UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage is located at 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway. For more information about Union County’s Hispanic Heritage Month programs and events, visit www.ucnj.org/hhm.

The Master Gardeners of Union County (MGUC) have named Marissa Duarte, a 2026 graduate of Union County Vocational-Technical Schools, the recipient of the 2026 Madeline Flahive DiNardo Scholarship.

The $750 scholarship is awarded annually to a Union County student pursuing further studies in agriculture, horticulture, food science, environmental science or a related field. The MGUC Scholarship Committee selected Marissa based on her academic excellence, community involvement and personal statement about the role gardening has played in her life.

“Marissa has taken her interest in gardening and used it to help others, from teaching younger students to growing food for local families,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “That is an impressive accomplishment, and I congratulate her on this well-deserved scholarship. I wish her the best as she begins her studies at UMass Amherst.”

Marissa began gardening in middle school as a member of the Rutgers 4-H Garden Club. She eventually became club president, teaching younger members about gardening and environmental stewardship and participating in community outreach projects.

She later brought that experience to the garden at Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey, where she helped develop a partnership with Kean University’s sustainability and architecture departments to support and redesign the garden. Produce grown there is donated to the organization’s on-site food pantry, giving Marissa an opportunity to see firsthand how gardening and food production can benefit local families.

“My experience leading the Garden Club showed me how gardening can strengthen communities,” Marissa wrote in her scholarship essay.

Marissa plans to study Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She hopes to explore food production and sustainability and make a positive impact on food systems and community well-being.

The scholarship is named in honor of Madeline Flahive DiNardo, the recently retired Rutgers professor and Agricultural Agent who served the Master Gardeners of Union County for 38 years, providing education, leadership and mentorship to generations of Master Gardeners.

“We are delighted to recognize Marissa with this year’s scholarship,” said Patricia Paul, president of the Master Gardeners of Union County. “Her commitment to gardening, leadership and community service reflects the values this scholarship was created to recognize. We wish her every success at UMass Amherst.”

“What stands out about Marissa is that she has already put what she’s learned into practice,” said Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, liaison to Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “Her work with the Garden Club and the Jewish Family Service garden shows how education and service can make a difference close to home. The Master Gardeners have chosen a wonderful recipient for a scholarship that honors Madeline Flahive DiNardo’s years of teaching and mentorship.”

New Jersey Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist Rutgers Cooperative Extension in providing horticultural education and unbiased, research-based information to the public. Since the Union County program began in 1987, Master Gardeners have provided more than 232,000 hours of volunteer service to Union County residents.

For more information about the Master Gardeners of Union County, visit www.mastergardeners-uc.org. For media inquiries, contact the Master Gardeners of Union County at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, 151 Grant Street, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922, or email mastergardeners@ucnj.org.