Author: corinnefiretto

In celebration of Mother’s Day, the Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly unveiled the nominees for the prestigious Union County SHERO Award. This prestigious award was presented in honor of Women’s History, celebrating the remarkable achievements of women who made significant contributions to our community.

“Today is the perfect day to announce the names of the amazing women whose leadership, compassion, tenacity, and accomplishments have left an indelible mark on their community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “On behalf of the Commissioner Board and those who proudly nominated you, I want to congratulate each and every one of this year’s recipients; your presence on this list is not by accident. Thank you for your dedicated service to this community and for continuing to enrich the lives of those around you.”

Nominations for the Union County SHERO Award were open to individuals who are at least 18 years old, reside or work within Union County, and have made a meaningful impact in their communities—regardless of their role or area of focus.

After careful consideration, the following exceptional women have been chosen as the recipients of the 2026 Union County SHERO Award:

• Noreen Andrews, Scotch Plains
• Brianna Armstead, Linden
• Michelle Barrett, Linden
• Diana Calle, Elizabeth
• Angela Calzone, Roselle
• Crystal Cappozzoli, Linden
• Samantha Carpio, Roselle
• Dianna Constable, Cranford
• Kathleen Czarnecki, Kenilworth
• Maria DeLuca, New Providence
• Mayor Angie Devanney, Berkeley Heights
• Alissa DiScala, Elizabeth
• Lily Duran, Elizabeth
• Dr. Denise Fernandes, Elizabeth
• Laura Giacobbe, Rahway
• Lara Greene-Vaught, Rahway
• Sherry Heidary, Mountainside
• Denise Horta, Elizabeth
• Bette Jane Kowalski, Cranford
• Maria LePage, Springfield
• Fatima Luis, Elizabeth
• Maria Martinez Lazarte, Plainfield
• Tereza Martins, Elizabeth
• Kimberly Matos, Linden
• Dr. Diane Matos-Reis, Elizabeth
• Megan McDonald, Linden
• Julia Melton, Garwood
• Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty, Cranford
• Michelle Morin, Berkeley Heights
• Ranee Muirhead, Scotch Plains
• Jayne Myers, Summit
• Dee Perez Guzman, Elizabeth
• Marcella Perrotti, Elizabeth
• Nancy Polow, Scotch Plains
• Kristina Quigley-Leonardelli, Mountainside
• Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, Elizabeth
• Cindy Rabinowitz, Cranford
• Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, Elizabeth
• Jariclia (Heidi) Recinos, Roselle
• Nadege E. Ricketts, Union
• Elsie Rivera, Union
• Juanita Rochelle, Elizabeth
• Rubina Saghir, Cranford
• Detective Carrie Scharpnick, Elizabeth
• Kristen Sonnek-Schmelz, Westfield
• Officer Rosa C. Sorto Reyes, Elizabeth
• Anita Thomas, Union
• Sandra Toll-Luchsinger, Elizabeth
• Christina M. Topolosky, Elizabeth
• Nadine Toussaint, Elizabeth
• Bernie Wagenblast, Cranford
• Tashira Wheeler, Plainfield
• Michaela Whelan Spinola, Mountainside
• Erica Witte, Westfield

These nominees reflect the rich fabric of Union County, each bringing a unique perspective and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in our community. Their efforts serve as an inspiration to us all, embodying the spirit of Women’s History Month and the values we proudly uphold in Union County, New Jersey.

The SHERO Award is a one-time honor, proudly recognizing extraordinary women for their lasting impact. Please view our past SHERO recipients to celebrate their inspiring contributions.

For more information about the 2026 Union County SHERO Award, please reach out to Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women at 908-527-4216 or email jerdos@ucnj.org or visit https://ucnj.org/shero-award.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services’ Division on Aging are excited to announce that the distribution of Senior Farmers Market vouchers has officially begun. Eligible seniors ages 60 and over are invited to visit designated locations to obtain vouchers that provide access to fresh, healthy produce and support our community farmers. 

“Last year, we handed out 1,700 vouchers that helped many seniors with low or fixed incomes access nutritious food, and we’re looking forward to doing it again,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Your health and well-being are important to us. I strongly encourage eligible seniors to take advantage of this free resource and to apply.”

To be eligible, seniors must be 60 years of age or older, live in Union County, and provide proof of age and residency. A single person’s monthly income may not exceed $2,461 per month, and a married couple’s combined income may not exceed $3,337 per month.

The Division on Aging will begin distributing vouchers on the following dates and locations:

• May 19 –Sampson Senior Center – 800 Anna Street, Elizabeth
• May 20 – Union Senior Center – 652 Rahway Avenue, Union 
• May 21 – Gregorio Recreation Center – 330 Helen Street, Linden 
• May 27 – Kenilworth Senior Center – 526 Boulevard, Kenilworth (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM) 
• May 28 – Peterstown Community Center – 418 Palmer Street, Elizabeth  

All location hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Residents from the following municipalities can reach out to their local Community or Senior Center to obtain Senior Farmers Market vouchers:

• Hillside – Hillside Senior Center – 908-355-8928 
• Roselle – Roselle Recreation Department – 908-259-3036 
• Roselle Park – Casano Community Center – 908-245-0666 
• Plainfield – Plainfield Senior Citizens Center – 908-753-3506 
• Rahway – Rahway Senior Citizens Center – 732-827-2016 

“While this program offers a great opportunity for seniors to get outside, support local farmers, and engage with their community, I want to also remind residents that it is a supplemental program and does not replace a complete nutrition plan,” said Commissioner James E. Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “If any seniors are experiencing food insecurities, we encourage you to reach out to our Division on Aging at 908-527-4870 to learn how we can help.”

A limited number of vouchers are available, and applications will be considered on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Vouchers must be used by November 30, 2026.

For more information on the 2026 Farmers Market Nutrition program and other services for seniors in Union County, please contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office on Behavioral Health & Substance Misuse (OBHSM) are hosting a free virtual educational webinar aimed at supporting the mental well-being of children and adolescents.

The webinar, titled “Supporting Children and Youth Mental Health,” will take place on May 13 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, and will be presented by Susana Mateo, LCSW, of Union County’s Division of Children and Youth Services.

“As conversations around mental health continue to grow, it’s vital that we give families and caregivers the knowledge and resources needed to support children early and effectively,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This webinar is an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, and offer guidance to those in our community who are supporting someone who is struggling.”

The session will provide valuable tools and strategies for parents, caregivers, and community members to better understand and support the mental health needs of young people in today’s world. In addition to the webinar, OBHSM invites all residents to participate in “Wear Green Day” on May 14—a simple but meaningful way to show support for mental health awareness.

“Mental health touches every family, every school, and every community,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of the Union County Department of Human Services. “Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that showing up for one another can make a lasting difference, whether through education, conversation, or acts of support.”

Registration information can be found on ucnj.org/mental-health, and all community members are encouraged to attend.

The Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse advises anyone needing support, information, or resources to reach out to NJ Mental Health Cares, New Jersey’s behavioral health information and referral service system. Calls are answered by trained staff who provide emotional support, assessment of presenting problems, and information and referral. This is a free, confidential service with multilingual translation available.

If you or a loved one is facing mental health related distress, thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, for 24/7 support. The Lifeline provides free confidential emotional support to individuals in crisis or emotional distress. To learn more about events and programs offered through the Department of Human Services, visit ucnj.org/dhs.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces that 81 artists, historians and local non-profit organizations will receive funding through the 2026 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program.

The HEART grant program was created by the Board of Commissioners in 1998, in recognition of the importance of culture and the arts to the Union County economy and quality of life. The innovative program supports projects related to history, the arts and humanities, and demonstrates a commitment to the artists and non-profit community organizations of Union County. Total funding for this year’s grants is $100,000.

“We are proud to support the individuals and organizations who create meaningful opportunities for our residents to connect through arts, history, and education. The HEART Grant Program helps make these experiences accessible and keeps our communities connected,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “At its core, this program supports the people who make Union County a vibrant place to live.”

Union County HEART Grants Awarded 2026:

Individuals

• Adelle Molina, New Providence, $500.00
• Bridget Briant, Garwood, $600.00
• Candace Waller, Fanwood, $800.00
• Christina Izmirlian, Westfield, $600.00
• Dario Scholis, Elizabeth, $800.00
• Hao Feng, Summit, $800.00
• Kiyanna Lawrence, Westfield, $500.00
• Lowell Schantz, Westfield, $800.00
• Maria Daniel, Scotch Plains, $600.00
• Robin Chang, Westfield, $600.00
• Tylie Shider, Plainfield, $500.00
• Valerie Porter, Roselle, $500.00

Organizations

• Borough of Fanwood, Fanwood, $1,500.00
• Borough of Mountainside, Mountainside, $1,200.00
• Borough of Roselle Park, Roselle Park, $800.00
• Carolyn Dorfman Dance, Union, $1,750.00
• City of Plainfield, Plainfield, $1,500.00
• City of Summit, Summit, $800.00
• Connecticut Farms First Presbyterian Cemetery, Union, $1,500.00
• Cranford Housing Board, Cranford, $800.00
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Westfield, Westfield, $800.00
• Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center, Plainfield, $1,500.00
• Dreamhouse Theater Company, Plainfield, $1,200.00
• Elizabeth Avenue Partnership, Elizabeth, $1,500.00
• Elizabeth Public Library, Elizabeth, $1,000.00
• Elizabeth Renaissance Foundation, Elizabeth, $1,500.00
• Emerson Community School, Plainfield, $1,500.00
• Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Frazee House Inc., Fanwood, $1,500.00
• Forgotten Victory Trail, Summit, $1,500.00
• Garwood Partnership for Arts and Culture, Garwood, $700.00
• Girls on a Mission with Ambition, Roselle Park, $1,500.00
• Green Thumb Garden Club of Cranford, Cranford, $700.00
• Groundwork Elizabeth, Elizabeth, $1,450.00
• Haitian Flag Day Planning Committee of New Jersey, Elizabeth, $1,450.00
• Hanson Park Conservancy, Cranford, $1,000.00
• Historical Society Elizabeth NJ, Elizabeth, $800.00
• Historical Society of Plainfield, Plainfield, $1,750.00
• Institute of Music for Children, Elizabeth, $1,500.00
• JCC of Central NJ, Scotch Plains, $1,450.00
• Jefferson Park Ministries, Elizabeth, $1,500.00
• Jersey Central Theatre Company, Fanwood, $1,450.00
• Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey, Elizabeth, $1,200.00
• Josephine’s Place, Elizabeth, $1,650.00
• Kenilworth Historical Society Incorporated, Kenilworth, $1,200.00
• Liberty Hall Museum, Union, $1,500.00
• Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, Rahway, $1,500.00
• Music For All Seasons, Scotch Plains, $1,500.00
• New Jersey Festival Orchestra, Westfield, $1,500.00
• New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra, Summit, $1,500.00
• Occupational Center of Union County, Roselle, $1,750.00
• Peruvians for Progress, Rahway, $1,450.00
• Premiere Stages at Kean University, Union, $1,500.00
• Preserve the Shady Rest Committee, Scotch Plains, $1,650.00
• Roselle Board of Education, Roselle, $1,500.00
• Roselle Park Loves Arts, Inc., Roselle Park, $1,500.00
• SAGE Eldercare, Summit, $1,500.00
• Second Street Youth Center, Plainfield, $1,500.00
• Social Justice Matters, Inc., Scotch Plains, $1,500.00
• Stony Hill Players, Summit, $1,500.00
• Summit Community Players – Central Presbyterian Church, Summit, $1,500.00
• The Connection for Women and Families, Summit, $1,200.00
• The H.U.S.H. House Foundation, Plainfield, $1,200.00
• The Musical Club of Westfield, Inc., Westfield, $1,500.00
• Township of Cranford, Cranford, $600.00
• Township of Scotch Plains, Scotch Plains, $1,500.00
• Township of Union School District, Union, $1,500.00
• Union County Historical Society, Cranford, $800.00
• Union Township Historical Society, Union, $800.00
• Visions and Pathways, Plainfield, $1,500.00
• Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, Summit, $1,500.00
• Vivid Stage, Summit, $1,500.00
• Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route NJ, Westfield, $1,500.00
• Westfield Arts Collective, Westfield, $1,500.00
• Westfield Coalition for the Arts, Westfield, $1,200.00
• Westfield Community Center, Westfield, $1,000.00
• Westfield Historical Society, Westfield, $800.00
• Westfield Neighborhood Council, Westfield, $1,500.00
• Westfield Public Arts Commission, Westfield, $1,500.00
• Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts, Berkeley Heights, $1,500.00
• YM-YWHA of Union County, Union, $1,500.00
• YMCA Association of Eastern Union County, Elizabeth, $1,300.00

For information about next year’s HEART Grant Program, artists, educators, civic groups and historical non-profit organizations can contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at (908) 558-2550 or by email at culturalinfo@ucjnj.org. NJ Relay users can dial 711.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that vote-by-mail ballots for the June 2, 2026 Primary Election are now available at the Union County Clerk’s Elizabeth and Westfield offices during regular business hours.

“Vote-by-mail gives residents more flexibility and helps make participating in our democracy more accessible,” said Joanne Rajoppi. “Our goal is to ensure voting remains both convenient and secure.”

Sample ballots are also available on the Union County elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, as well as through the County’s free mobile app.

“Sample ballots offer a convenient way for voters to familiarize themselves with their ballot,” Rajoppi added. “I urge residents to exercise their right to preview and prepare for the upcoming election. Please visit our website or free mobile app to get informed, get ready, and let your voice be heard.”

Voters may download a vote-by-mail application before visiting a Clerk’s office and bring the completed form with them, or they may apply by mail.

Voters are also advised of a recent update from the United States Postal Service. Postmarks now reflect when mail is processed—not when it is dropped off—meaning ballots mailed close to Election Day could receive a later postmark. In New Jersey, vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day to be counted. Voters are encouraged to mail ballots early or use secure drop boxes to ensure timely receipt. If the postmark reflects a date after Election Day, the ballot will not be valid. For a list of secure ballot drop boxes, visit: https://ucnj.org/boe/ballot-drop-box-locations/.

Westfield Office

Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Elizabeth Office

Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Room 113
Monday through Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm

For more information, visit unioncountyvotes.com, or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the return of the 2026 Union County Women Mean Business Summit (UCWMB), taking place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Galloping Hill Golf Course, located at 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth.

“Union County is proud to continue investing in opportunities that support women at every stage of their professional journey,” said Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “The Women Mean Business Summit brings together leaders, innovators, and emerging professionals for a day focused on growth, connection, and practical tools that can be applied right away. It’s an opportunity to learn, share experiences, and build the kind of networks that move careers and ideas forward.”

Now in its 12^th year, the UCWMB Summit is a premier conference dedicated to empowering women through connection, learning, and inspiration. Attendees will enjoy breakfast and lunch, participate in four engaging breakout sessions, and hear from this year’s keynote speaker, Margo Chaly, Acting Secretary of Higher Education for the State of New Jersey.

In her role, Acting Secretary Chaly leads statewide higher education strategy, advancing policies that expand access, affordability, and workforce opportunity. Previously, as Executive Director of the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, she oversaw the distribution of nearly $1.4 billion in financial aid and championed innovative initiatives, including the nation’s first Pay It Forward program, reinforcing New Jersey’s position as a national leader in student support and success.

Designed with today’s professional woman in mind, the Summit features dynamic breakout sessions that allow attendees to tailor their experience based on their personal and professional goals. Session topics include authentic communication and the thoughtful use of AI in the workplace, strategies for managing reputation and leading with confidence, approaches to strengthening well-being and preventing burnout, and redefining leadership through resilience and mindset.

Participants will hear from an accomplished lineup of speakers, including Latisha Gaither, MBA, CPCC; Hope M. Field, M.S.; Angie Devanney, M.A.H.S.; and Christina Langdon, each bringing expertise in leadership development, communication, wellness, and high-performance growth.

The 2026 Union County Women Mean Business Summit is organized by the Union County Department of Economic Development through the Office on Women. This event is made possible through the generous support of sponsors JCT Solutions, Atlantic Health, United Airlines, Union County Savings Bank, L’Oréal, and KemperSports.

Throughout the day, attendees will also have opportunities for open networking, encouraging meaningful professional connections and collaboration.

Admission to the 2026 UCWMB Summit is $65 per person. Space is limited. To explore this year’s breakout sessions, meet the speakers, and register, visit www.ucnj.org/ucwmb.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women at (908) 527-4216 or via email.