Join the Union County Board of County Commissioners at Trailside Nature & Science Center on Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a fascinating showcase of rocks, minerals, fossils, gemstones and jewelry from around the world.
More than 15 vendors will feature everything from child-friendly geodes, arrowheads and fluorescent minerals to beautiful jewelry, fine gems, seashells, fossils and collector-grade specimens.
📍 Trailside Nature & Science Center 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside
✨ Admission is free!
The show is sponsored in partnership with the New Jersey Mineralogical Society and the New Jersey Lapidary Society.
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as an extraordinary unspecifiable service pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) (11) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
SERVICES: to provide high-priority treatment services/programs to serve medically indigent persons, whose incomes are at or below 350% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and are need of alcohol/drug abuse
PERIOD: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
COSTS: with no charge to the overall award
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as an extraordinary unspecifiable service pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) (11) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
RESOLUTION NO: 2026- 694
AWARDED TO: Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Elizabeth, New Jersey
SERVICES: to provide services under the FY 2027 Alcohol and Drug Abuse Innovative Program
PERIOD: October 1, 2026 – September 29, 2027
COSTS: in a total amount not to exceed $201,984.00
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as an extraordinary unspecifiable service pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) (11) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
SERVICES: for the purpose of providing a variety of prevention/education programs
PERIOD: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
COSTS: with no charge to the overall award
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as an extraordinary unspecifiable service pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) (11) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
SERVICES: for respite care services to assist unpaid caregivers, 18 years or older, that care for seniors and disable persons
COSTS: in the amount of: $15,000.00 for a new total no to exceed: $279,000.00
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as a Professional service pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:11-5(1)(a) (i) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public Inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
RESOLUTION NO: 2026-706
AWARDED TO: Kingston Coventry, LLC, Sea Girt, New Jersey
SERVICES: to serve as Litigation, Defense and General Counsel
PERIOD: October 15,2026 – December 31, 2026
COSTS: in an amount not to exceed $25,000.00
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as a Professional service pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:11-5(1)(a) (i) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public Inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
AWARDED TO: French & Parrello Associates, Wall Township, New Jersey
SERVICES: to provide additional engineering services for the Warinanco Indoor Ice Rink
PERIOD: January 1,2026 – December 31, 2027
COSTS: for an additional amount of $37,000.00 for a new total contract amount not to exceed $272,630.00
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as a Professional service pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:11-5(1)(a) (i) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public Inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
SERVICES TO: provide additional professional services for the Replacement of the Passaic Avenue Bridge, Ne60, Borough of New Providence, County of Union, New Jersey
PERIOD: January 1,2026 – December 31, 2027
COSTS: for an additional amount not to exceed $36,000.00 and a new contract amount not to exceed $333,344.00
James E. Pellettiere, RMC, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to explore a variety of upcoming programs, including sound bowl meditation, acrylic painting workshops, forest bathing and tea ceremonies, live animal presentations, senior nature walks, toddler programs, and more.
Upcoming highlights include:
Sound Bowl Meditation — October 17, November 14 & December 5
Art Workshops for Adults — October 17, November 21 & December 12
Forest Bathing & Tea Ceremony — October 24 & November 14
Remarkable Raptors — October 24
Creatures of the Night — November 14
Plus toddler programs, senior nature walks, astronomy, and other special events throughout the season!
Trailside Nature & Science Center 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to the 2026 Columbus Day Flag Raising Ceremony as we celebrate Italian American heritage and the contributions of Italian Americans to our community.
Friday, October 9, 2026
12:00 p.m.
Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth
Come together with neighbors and friends as we raise the Italian flag and honor the traditions passed down through generations. We look forward to seeing you there!
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union invita a las organizaciones artísticas y a otras entidades sin fines de lucro de Nueva Jersey a un taller gratuito de capacitación sobre accesibilidad cultural, que se llevará a cabo el miércoles 21 de octubre, de 3:30 p. m. a 5:00 p. m. Este taller virtual será organizado por la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales y Patrimoniales del Condado de Union.
La sesión estará dirigida por John McEwen, director ejecutivo de la New Jersey Theater Alliance, y Kat Lily, coordinadora de accesibilidad de dicha organización. También participará un miembro del Comité de la Red de Acceso Cultural (Cultural Access Network Committee). Los temas a tratar incluirán las políticas de la ADA (Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades), la accesibilidad de los programas, el lenguaje inclusivo y las formas de comunicar al público los servicios de accesibilidad disponibles.
“Todas las personas deberían tener la oportunidad de participar en la vida artística y cultural de nuestras comunidades”, afirmó Joseph C. Bodek, Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union. “Este taller ofrece a las organizaciones herramientas prácticas para atraer a más personas a sus programas e integrar la accesibilidad en su planificación desde el principio”.
Los participantes recibirán recursos de la Cultural Access Network (Red de Acceso Cultural), un programa del Consejo de las Artes del Estado de Nueva Jersey y la New Jersey Theater Alliance que ayuda a las organizaciones culturales a hacer que sus programas e instalaciones sean más accesibles para los adultos mayores y las personas con discapacidad.
Se anima a asistir a aquellas organizaciones que reciben fondos del Programa de Artes Locales del Condado de Union, de las Subvenciones de Historia o del programa HEART (Historia, Educación y Artes llegando a miles de personas). También son bienvenidas otras organizaciones sin fines de lucro de Nueva Jersey.
Este taller es posible gracias a fondos del Consejo de las Artes del Estado de Nueva Jersey (New Jersey State Council on the Arts), una agencia asociada al Fondo Nacional para las Artes (National Endowment for the Arts).
Para más información, comuníquese con la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales y Patrimoniales del Condado de Union (Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs), parte del Departamento de Parques y Recreación, a través del correo electrónico culturalinfo@ucnj.org o llamando al 908-558-2550.
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as an extraordinary unspecifiable service pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) (11) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
RESOLUTION NO: 2026- 655
AWARDED TO: Various Agencies
SERVICES: to support community building and promote economic mobility for low- and moderate-income residents in Union County through the Social Services 2026 Grant program
PERIOD: October 1, 2026-September 30, 2027 with potential option to extend/renew for one (1) nine-month October 1, 2027-June 30, 2028
COSTS: in the amount not to exceed: $500,000.00
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as a Professional service pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:11-5(1)(a) (i) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public Inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
RESOLUTION NO: 2026- 625
AWARDED TO: Various Funeral Homes
SERVICES: to enter in contracts for all burial costs for the indigent, or unclaimed deceased persons of Union County with the funeral homes identified
COSTS: in an amount not to exceed: $1,550.00 in a total amount not to exceed: $20,000.00
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as a Professional service pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:11-5(1)(a) (i) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public Inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
AWARDED TO: Ruderman Roth LLC, of Springfield, New Jersey
SERVICESTO: for continued representation to the County of Union in connection to general legal matters
PERIOD: January 1,2026-December 31, 2027
COSTS: for an amount not to exceed $ $20,000.00 for a total contract amount not to exceed: $40,000.00
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as a Professional service pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:11-5(1)(a) (i) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public Inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
RESOLUTION NO: 2026- 650
AWARDED TO: RSC Architects Hackensack, New Jersey
SERVICES: to provide architectural services for renovations and alterations to existing space and for the creation of an additional Family Court courtroom at the Union County Family Courthouse
PERIOD: Commencing approximately October 1,2026
COSTS: in an amount not to exceed: $365,000.00
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as a Professional service pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:11-5(1)(a) (i) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public Inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
AWARDED TO: Neglia Engineering Associates, Lyndhurst, New Jersey
SERVICES: to provide engineering services for Mattano Park Improvements
PERIOD: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027
COSTS: for an additional amount of $ $19,880.00 for a new total amount not to exceed: $659,604.00
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as an extraordinary unspecifiable service pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) (11) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
SERVICES: to provide home care and nursing services to union County residents 60 years or older who are frail, isolated, and vulnerable and living in targeted communities
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as a Professional service pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:11-5(1)(a) (i) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public Inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
AWARDED TO: Colliers Engineering & Design Holmdel, New Jersey
SERVICESTO: to provide enterprise GIS services to the County of Union on an as-needed basis
COSTS: in an additional amount of $4,875.00 for a new total contract amount not to exceed: $18,150.00
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as a Professional service pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:11-5(1)(a) (i) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public Inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
RESOLUTION NO: 2026- 650
AWARDED TO: RSC Architects Hackensack, New Jersey
SERVICES: to provide architectural services for renovations and alterations to existing space and for the creation of an additional Family Court courtroom at the Union County Family Courthouse
PERIOD: Commencing approximately October 1,2026
COSTS: in an amount not to exceed $365,000.00
James E. Pellettiere, RMC, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
— La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union y la Ciudad de Rahway invitan a los residentes con discapacidades y necesidades especiales, junto con sus familias y amigos, a la celebración “Family Spooktacular Night” (Noche Familiar Espeluznante) del 2026, que se llevará a cabo el viernes 16 de octubre, de 6:00 p. m. a 8:00 p. m., en el Centro Recreativo de Rahway (Rahway Recreation Center), ubicado en el 275 de East Milton Avenue, Rahway.
“La ‘Spooktacular Night’ ofrece a los residentes y a sus familias la oportunidad de disfrutar juntos de Halloween, ya sea que vengan por el baile, los disfraces o la casa embrujada”, dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Joseph C. Bodek. “Nos complace colaborar nuevamente con Rahway para hacer de esta una velada divertida para todos los asistentes”.
El evento, gratuito y dirigido a personas de 10 años en adelante, contará con juegos, baile, DJ, artistas en zancos, una cabina de fotos y una casa embrujada. Se anima a los asistentes a venir disfrazados para tener la oportunidad de ganar premios en el concurso anual de disfraces. Se ofrecerán refrigerios ligeros.
“Estamos entusiasmados de continuar esta valiosa colaboración con la Oficina para Personas con Discapacidades y Necesidades Especiales del Condado de Union y de traer de vuelta a Rahway la celebración ‘Family Spooktacular Night'”, dijo el Alcalde Raymond A. Giacobbe. “Crear eventos acogedores y accesibles es una parte importante de la construcción de una comunidad fuerte y conectada. Nos enorgullece brindar una oportunidad para que personas de todas las capacidades y sus familias celebren Halloween juntas en un ambiente divertido, solidario e inclusivo”.
La entrada es gratuita, pero es necesario registrarse. Para registrarse, visite www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg o llame al 908-527-4781.
La “Family Spooktacular Night” es organizada por la Oficina para Personas con Discapacidades y Necesidades Especiales del Condado de Union —parte de la División de Servicios de Apoyo a Individuos y Familias del Departamento de Servicios Humanos— en colaboración con la Ciudad de Rahway.
Para obtener más información sobre el evento u otros programas ofrecidos por la oficina, visite www.ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn o llame al 908-527-4781.
James Olm, Embajador de Ciencias de 4-H del Condado de Union y residente de Elizabeth, muestra a estudiantes de la Biblioteca de Plainfield cómo hacer burbujas gigantes. El programa de Embajadores de Ciencias es una iniciativa de divulgación de Rutgers Cooperative Extension del Condado de Union. Este verano, los embajadores impartieron enseñanzas a más de 100 estudiantes en las bibliotecas de Union, Hillside, Plainfield y Elizabeth. Para obtener más información sobre el programa de embajadores, comuníquese con Jim Nichnadowicz, especialista en desarrollo juvenil de 4-H, a través del correo electrónico jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union se enorgullece de reconocer al Programa de Embajadores de Ciencia 4-H del Condado de Union por llevar actividades científicas prácticas a más de 100 estudiantes en bibliotecas locales durante este verano.
A través de este programa, los Embajadores de Ciencia 4-H visitaron bibliotecas en Union, Hillside, Plainfield y Elizabeth, donde acercaron la ciencia a los estudiantes mediante demostraciones atractivas y actividades interactivas. Durante una visita reciente a la Biblioteca Pública de Plainfield, el Embajador de Ciencia James Olm, de Elizabeth, demostró la ciencia detrás de la creación de burbujas gigantes.
“Programas como este brindan a los jóvenes la oportunidad de experimentar la ciencia de una manera divertida, accesible y memorable”, dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Joseph C. Bodek. “Estamos orgullosos de James y de todos nuestros Embajadores de Ciencia 4-H por compartir sus conocimientos y animar a los estudiantes más jóvenes a mantener viva su curiosidad por el mundo que les rodea”.
El Programa de Embajadores de Ciencia es una iniciativa de divulgación educativa de Rutgers Cooperative Extension del Condado de Union. Ofrece a los jóvenes oportunidades para fortalecer sus habilidades de comunicación y liderazgo mientras comparten su interés por la ciencia con niños de toda la comunidad.
“El Programa de Embajadores de Ciencia es un ejemplo maravilloso de jóvenes aprendiendo unos de otros”, dijo el Comisionado Stanley Neron, enlace con Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “Nuestros embajadores adquieren una valiosa experiencia como líderes y educadores, mientras que los estudiantes con los que interactúan se introducen en la ciencia a través de actividades que captan su atención y despiertan su deseo de aprender más”.
Para obtener más información sobre el Programa de Embajadores de Ciencia 4-H del Condado de Union, comuníquese con el agente de desarrollo juvenil 4-H, James Nichnadowicz, a través del correo electrónico jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org o llamando al 908-654-9854, extensión 3.
Union County 4-H Science Ambassador James Olm of Elizabeth demonstrates how to make giant bubbles to students at Plainfield Library. The Science Ambassador program is an outreach program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. This summer the ambassadors taught over 100 students at the Union, Hillside, Plainfield and Elizabeth libraries. For more information about the ambassador program please contact 4-H Youth Development Specialist Jim Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to recognize the Union County 4-H Science Ambassador Program for bringing hands-on science activities to more than 100 students at local libraries this summer.
Through the program, 4-H Science Ambassadors visited libraries in Union, Hillside, Plainfield and Elizabeth, where they introduced students to science through engaging demonstrations and interactive activities. During a recent visit to the Plainfield Public Library, Science Ambassador James Olm of Elizabeth demonstrated the science behind creating giant bubbles.
“Programs like this give young people an opportunity to experience science in a way that is fun, approachable and memorable,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We are proud of James and all of our 4-H Science Ambassadors for sharing their knowledge and encouraging younger students to remain curious about the world around them.”
The Science Ambassador Program is an educational outreach initiative of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. It provides young people with opportunities to strengthen their communication and leadership skills while sharing their interest in science with children throughout the community.
“The Science Ambassador Program is a wonderful example of young people learning from one another,” said Commissioner Stanley Neron, Liaison to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “Our ambassadors gain valuable experience as leaders and educators, while the students they meet are introduced to science through activities that capture their attention and make them want to learn more.”
For more information about the Union County 4-H Science Ambassador Program, contact 4-H Youth Development Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or 908-654-9854, extension 3.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents and visitors to step inside the places where local history happened during Four Centuries in a Weekend, Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, more than 30 historic sites across Union County will open their doors free of charge for tours, exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
“Union County did not simply witness American history. Our communities, residents and landmarks helped shape it,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “As our nation celebrates 250 years, Four Centuries in a Weekend gives us a special opportunity to walk through the places where that history unfolded and to share those stories with a new generation. I encourage families to choose a few sites, bring their history passports and make a weekend of exploring our County together.”
This year’s program celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States, while exploring the people, places and stories that shaped Union County before, during and after the American Revolution.
Visitors can explore Revolutionary War sites, colonial-era homes, historic cemeteries, museums, a 1928 vaudeville theater, one of the nation’s earliest Black-owned country clubs, an observatory and other landmarks. Costumed interpreters, guided tours, archival displays, traditional crafts, live music and activities for children will bring different periods of Union County’s history to life.
“What makes Four Centuries in a Weekend so memorable is that every stop offers something different,” said Union County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “You may hear a story you never knew, see an artifact that changes how you understand your hometown or watch your child become excited about history through a hands-on activity. I thank our local historians, site stewards and volunteers for opening these treasured places and making the past feel personal, welcoming and alive.”
2026 Program Highlights
At the Deserted Village of Feltville in Berkeley Heights, visitors can take guided or self-guided tours, ride a hay wagon, press apple cider, roast marshmallows and meet figures from the Village’s past, including Revolutionary War soldier John Willcocks.
The Drake House Museum in Plainfield will display the rarely shown Tree of Life quilt, reportedly made by the daughter of Declaration of Independence signer John Hart.
The Frazee House in Scotch Plains will host The March to Yorktown on Sunday, featuring Generals Washington and Rochambeau and music by the New Jersey Fife & Drums Corps.
At Springfield’s Cannon Ball House, visitors can sign a replica Declaration of Independence that will be preserved as a Semiquincentennial keepsake.
The Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway will offer a Sunday presentation on American history, a student reading of the Declaration of Independence and guided tours of its historic theater.
Twin Maples in Summit will present a Sunday lecture on the important roles women played during the American Revolution.
All participating sites will offer a free Union County History Passport that visitors can stamp at each stop. Several locations within the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area will also offer a special stamp for the Passport to Your National Parks book. Collectible Union County History Trading Cards highlighting notable people, places and events will be available at participating sites, with more than 80 cards to collect.
Hours vary at several locations, and some sites are open on Saturday or Sunday only. Visitors should review the complete schedule before planning their route.
Participating Sites
Berkeley Heights: Deserted Village of Feltville / Glenside Park; Littell-Lord Farmstead
Clark: Dr. William Robinson Plantation Museum
Cranford: Crane-Phillips House; UCNJ Historic Tree Grove; William Miller Sperry Observatory
Elizabeth: Belcher-Ogden Mansion and Bonnell Homestead; Siloam-Hope First Presbyterian Church and Snyder Academy; Boxwood Hall State Historic Site; Elizabeth Public Library
Fanwood: Historic Fanwood Train Station Museum
Hillside: Woodruff House, Eaton Store Museum and Phil Rizzuto All Sports Exhibit; Evergreen Cemetery
Kenilworth: Oswald J. Nitschke House
Mountainside: Deacon Andrew Hetfield House
New Providence: Salt Box Museum; special Saturday archive and graveyard programs
Plainfield: Drake House Museum; Plainfield Friends Quaker Meeting House
Rahway: African American History and Heritage Learning Center; Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum; Union County Performing Arts Center
Roselle: Abraham Clark House
Scotch Plains: Frazee House; Osborn Cannonball House Museum; Shady Rest Country Club
Springfield: Cannon Ball House
Summit: Carter House; Reeves-Reed Arboretum; Twin Maples
Union: Caldwell Parsonage; Donald M. Payne Vauxhall Meeting Center; Connecticut Farms Church; Liberty Hall Museum
Westfield: Burial Grounds of the Presbyterian Church; Miller-Cory House Museum; Reeve History and Cultural Resource Center; Battle of Spanktown mural presentation at the Atlas Pythagoras Lodge #10
For the complete schedule, addresses, site-specific hours and activity details, visit www.ucnj.org/4c or contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550.
Four Centuries in a Weekend is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, within the Department of Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with the staff and volunteers of participating historic sites, and is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
