Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce a series of events in recognition of Haitian Heritage Month, taking place throughout May 2026. These events celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Haitian community in Union County and beyond.

“Kicking off Haitian Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the resilience, culture, and lasting contributions of the Haitian community,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Union County is proud to celebrate this heritage and bring residents together through meaningful events that recognize and uplift the diversity that strengthens our communities.”

The month-long celebration begins with the 3^rd Annual Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony, hosted by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 1st at 4:00 p.m. on the steps of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event will feature opening remarks, an invocation, patriotic and cultural musical performances, and remarks from County officials and special guests. In recognition of the occasion, the Union County Courthouse will be illuminated in blue and red on May 1^st, as well as on May 18^th in honor of Haitian Flag Day.

“As a proud Haitian-American, this celebration is a powerful reminder of the history, strength, and resilience that define our community,” said Commissioner Michèle S. Delisfort. “The story of Haiti is one of courage and perseverance, and that spirit continues to live on here in Union County through the families, traditions, and culture that enrich our communities every day. I am proud to stand with our residents in recognizing and honoring that legacy.”

In addition to the flag raising ceremony, the Union County Board of County Commissioners will showcase a collection of artwork from local artists in the Commissioners Gallery, located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building in Elizabeth. The exhibit will be open to the public Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., throughout the month of May.

“As one of the newest members of the Board and someone with Haitian roots, it’s especially meaningful to take part in this celebration,” said Commissioner Stanley J. Neron. “Haitian Heritage Month is a chance to recognize the contributions of a community that continues to shape Union County every day, and to bring people together in a way that reflects the strength and diversity of our residents. I’m proud to be part of that.”

Residents are encouraged to visit www.ucnj.org/haitianheritage to view the full calendar of events and stay up to date with the latest information and details. The Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony is presented in collaboration with the Haitian Flag Day Planning Committee of New Jersey.

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

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the 2026 seasonal recycling events will continue this May, featuring a variety of programs designed to help residents recycle unwanted, expired, or hazardous items and to promote sustainable waste management practices in the community.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to discard old documents, metal appliances, and hazardous items while also contributing to keeping Union County safe and sustainable. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this free program,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek.

Union County offers free mobile paper shredding events from March through October, giving residents a secure and convenient way to dispose of personal documents on-site. Events run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or until trucks reach capacity. Residents are encouraged to participate in the following May shredding events:

• Saturday, May 9th: New Providence Community Pool Parking Lot, 1378 Springfield Avenue, New Providence
• Friday, May 15th: Hillside Pool Parking Lot, 1200 Central Avenue, Hillside

The shredding events are intended for personal and sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail, and other papers through their municipal 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 May, providing residents the opportunity to responsibly recycle various metal items, including refrigerators (with doors removed), metal cabinets, appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, and even air conditioners. The next scrap metal events of the season will take place on Thursday, May 7th & Saturday, May 16th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at two convenient locations:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (service yard across from swimming pool), 3 Parkway Drive

Union County’s next Household Hazardous Waste event will take place on Sunday, June 7th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at UCNJ, in parking lots 5A/5B, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford. 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 bulbs, and more. Latex (water-based) paint (wall paint), medical sharps, and welding gas/oxygen cylinders will not be accepted. Residents are advised to dry out latex paint at home using commercial paint hardener, sand, cat 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 trunk.

The free Recycle Coach mobile app is a handy way to find out which items are accepted in curbside recycling programs and at drop-off sites in Union County. The app also provides up-to-date information on both countywide and local recycling programs.

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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, invites residents to attend a special historical lecture, “New Jersey’s Revolutionary Rivalry: The Untold Story of Colonel Tye and Captain Huddy,” presented by author Rick Geffken.

The event will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Elizabeth Public Library, 11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth. This program is part of Union County’s ongoing efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, highlighting lesser-known stories that shaped both local and national history.

“Union County is proud to support programs that bring history to life for our residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, it’s important that we continue to share stories like this one—stories that challenge perspectives, deepen understanding, and connect our communities to the past in meaningful ways.”

Author Rick Geffken will explore the intense and complex rivalry between Colonel Tye, a formerly enslaved man who became a Loyalist leader, and Captain Joshua Huddy, a prominent figure in the Monmouth County militia. Their conflict reflects the deeply divided loyalties and personal stakes that defined the Revolutionary War in New Jersey.

Following the Battle of Monmouth in 1778, warfare in the region shifted to smaller, localized conflicts between militias and Loyalist groups. The escalating tensions between Tye and Huddy ultimately contributed to a series of events that drew international attention and impacted diplomatic negotiations during the war.

“This lecture offers a powerful opportunity to explore a more nuanced and inclusive history of the Revolutionary War,” said Commissioner Vice-Chair Rebecca L. Williams, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “By highlighting figures like Colonel Tye, we are able to tell a broader story—one that reflects the diverse experiences and complexities of our nation’s founding.”

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance. A QR code for registration will be available on promotional materials.

For more information on this and other Cultural and Heritage programs, visit www.ucnj.org/250.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in May to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available. 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 assistance will be available at all ASK events in May.

“Our Aging Services Kiosk offers seniors an opportunity to learn about resources and to speak with a professional who can provide valuable guidance during this new phase of life, all at no cost,” Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We welcome all seniors and caregivers to utilize this free program and visit their nearest location this May.”

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 May:

Tuesday, May 5th

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue, Union

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, May 13th

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue, Clark

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“We want to thank the Division on Aging of the Department of Human Services for their service and commitment to improving the lives of seniors in our community,” said Union County Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging.

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.

In honor of Arbor Day, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board, unveils the distinguished winners of the annual Union County Arbor Day Poetry Contest. Each year, the contest aims to inspire students in grades 4-8 to embrace environmental stewardship and advocate for tree conservation.

“Each year, this contest reminds us that the next generation is already thinking deeply about the world around them,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Through their poetry, these students show an appreciation for nature that goes beyond the classroom. They’re not just learning about the environment—they’re becoming advocates for it. We’re proud to celebrate their creativity and the powerful message behind their words.”

A special awards ceremony, honoring the first, second, and third place winners across different grade levels, will be held during Thursday, April 30th at 6:00pm where the winners will be recognized by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

4th Grade

• 1st Place: Beautiful Trees — Finley Miller, Lincoln School
• 2nd Place: A Tree Stands By Me — Eileen Crawford, Lincoln School
• 3rd Place: A Seed to a Tree — Rhea Marda, Mountain Park Elementary School

5th Grade

• 1st Place: Rooted in the Clouds — Eman Hassan, Terence C. Reilly School, Elizabeth
• 2nd Place: Where the Green Giants Stand — Mackenzie Martinez, School Number 4, Linden
• 3rd Place: Nature’s Chance — Will Leo, Mountain Park Elementary School, Berkeley Heights

6th Grade

• 1st Place: The Quiet Life of Trees — Leah Marshall
• 2nd Place: Always a Giver — Lucas Lopina
• 3rd Place: Life of Trees — Melanie Lopes

7th Grade

• 1st Place: Guardians of the Street — Liliana Price, Hillside Ave. School, Cranford
• 2nd Place: Wonderful Creation — Madison Chapka, Lincoln School, Garwood
• 3rd Place: A Tree’s Endless Story — Juliana Pizzuta, Hillside Ave. School, Cranford

8th Grade

• 1st Place: The Quiet Language of Earth — Shaila Jimenez, School #27, Elizabeth
• 2nd Place: The Life Trees Bring — Gabriella Gomes, Lincoln School, Garwood
• 3rd Place: No third-place award (only two entries submitted)

“As liaison to the Shade Tree Advisory Board, it’s especially meaningful to see how this contest connects creativity with environmental responsibility,” said Lourdes Leon. “These students are expressing, in their own voices, why trees and green spaces matter in our communities. Their work reflects not only talent, but a real understanding of the role we all play in protecting our environment.”

Arbor Day, observed every last Friday in April, has its origins in 1872 when it began in Nebraska, urging people to plant trees and raise environmental awareness. Over time, it has grown into a nationwide event promoting the appreciation of trees and their ecological importance. This year, Arbor Day falls on April 24th, highlighting the crucial role of environmental stewardship in safeguarding our natural resources.

For further inquiries regarding the Arbor Day Poetry Contest, please contact Zoraida Mosquera at zoraida.mosquera@ucnj.org or 908-527-4142. To learn more about Union County’s commitment to environmental initiatives, visit The Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

“Union County is proud to support and uplift our LGBTQ+ community not just during Pride Month, but throughout the entire year. We are committed to building an inclusive environment where all residents feel valued and celebrated,” said Commissioner Al Mirabella, liaison to the Board of Commissioners’ LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee.

For more information about the Union County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, to register for the 5K and Color Run, or to learn more about Pride Month events, please visit www.ucnj.org/lgbtq.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the 2026 Union County Senior Art Exhibit, featuring more than 180 original works created by older adults ages 60 and above, is now on display. The public is invited to view the exhibit now through May 27, in the Conference Center of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, at 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains.

“The high level of talent and broad range of artworks entered this year are both powerful and inspiring,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Our senior community has continuously proven that natural talent and a creative eye transcend age. Visitors of the exhibit can look forward to a spectacular experience.”

The exhibit is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday, and open until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday evenings. The venue is located approximately a quarter-mile from Martine Ave. Upon entering the campus from Raritan Road, visitors should proceed to the third building on the right. Ample parking is available on site.

The annual Senior Art Exhibit showcases artworks by both professional and non-professional artists who reside in Union County. The varied media categories include drawing, pastel, watercolor, oil painting, acrylics, photography, digital art, mixed media, printmaking, craft and sculpture.

Awards for outstanding entries in each media category were selected by independent professional artists Michael Donato, Richard Russo and Barbara Wallace.

Best in Show by a Professional Artist was awarded to Mary Ann Imbriaco of Hillside for her pastel work titled “Prayer Warrior.” Best in Show by a Non-Professional Artist was awarded to Chas Bernstein of Mountainside for his craft work, “Leafspring End Table.”

First-place artworks will advance to the state level, to be exhibited in the fall at the 2026 New Jersey Senior Citizens’ Art Show in East Windsor.

The Union County Senior Art Exhibit is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. The exhibit is coordinated annually by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, email msturm@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550 weekdays (relay users dial 711).

For more information about cultural programs offered by the County of Union, visit www.ucnj.org/cultural.

Bilingual & Republican Poll Workers Needed

Union County residents interested in assisting voters at polling locations on Election Day still have time to apply to become poll workers. Poll workers earn $300 for the day, with hours beginning at 5:15 a.m. and continuing until at least 8:15 p.m., after the polls close. The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.  Serving as a poll worker in the 2026 Congressional Midterm Elections is a great way to be involved in the democratic process.

Any Union County resident who is 16 years or older, can apply to become a poll worker.  Union County residents who are 18 years or older shall be registered to vote.

Republican poll workers are needed to meet statutory requirements of party parity at the polling place.  Bilingual poll workers are needed to assist voters who have limited English proficiency. No experience is needed. New poll workers must attend a mandatory, in-person training session.

Prospective poll workers can apply online or by using a paper application form. To apply online, visit the Union County Board of Elections at www.ucnj.org/pollworker. To receive a paper application, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org.

For more information, visit the Poll Worker Resources page at www.ucnj.org/ucboe. You can also find additional Union County Board of Elections information on the same page.