The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the return of the popular Haunted Hayrides at the Deserted Village of Feltville in the Watchung Reservation. The hayrides will take place on Friday, October 24 through Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for Monday, October 27.
“The Haunted Hayrides bring the Deserted Village to life in a way you can only experience once a year,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Its history, the stories, the setting, and the energy of the Village at night make this event something you don’t want to miss.”
Participants will board a hay wagon alongside David Felt, the New York businessman who built Feltville in 1845. As the wagon moves through the fields and forest under the cover of darkness, and then into the Village itself, Mr. Felt will recount stories of tragedy and mystery that occurred in the area now known as the Watchung Reservation. The tales are told so vividly that history seems to come alive.
The journey culminates with a stop at the Village cemetery, dating back to the 1700s, where a chilling story is told that is certain to stir the imagination — and perhaps even the spirits.
This program is recommended for children age 6 and older, and strollers cannot be accommodated. Each ride departs every half hour and the full experience lasts about one hour, including both a hayride and a walking portion through the darkened forest. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight.
Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific date and time at www.ucnj.org/ticket. No tickets will be sold on-site during the event, and space is limited — early purchase is strongly recommended as the Haunted Hayrides regularly sell out.
The Haunted Hayrides are hosted by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Park Environmental Services, and have become one of Union County’s most anticipated fall traditions, drawing visitors of all ages to experience history with a Halloween twist.
For more information please call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the final mobile paper shredding and household hazardous waste events of the 2025 season, along with continued opportunities for scrap metal recycling through October. These programs are offered free of charge to all Union County residents.
“As we close out this year’s recycling events, I want to thank our residents for continuing to step up and do their part,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Every time you bring documents to shred or safely dispose of household chemicals, you’re helping protect our neighborhoods, our environment, and future generations. These programs only succeed because of your participation, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of these final opportunities in October.”
Residents are encouraged to securely shred personal documents at the final paper shredding event of the year, taking place on Saturday, October 18th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Berkeley Heights Municipal Building Parking Lot, located at 29 Park Avenue in Berkeley Heights. 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 concludes the County’s 2025 mobile paper shredding season, which runs annually 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 before the event (staples are allowed). Pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted.
Union County will hold its final Household Hazardous Waste event of the year on Sunday, October 26th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Union County Vo-Tech in the West Hall/Police Academy Lot, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. 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 will not be accepted, and 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. Please note that we will no longer accept fireworks at these events. However, ammunition will still be accepted by Union County Police on-site.
Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program also continues through October, with the next drop-off event to be held on Saturday, October 18th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two convenient locations:
• Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard • 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. Please note that there will be no event on October 2nd (the First Thursday of the month) due to the Yom Kippur holiday.
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.
Under the terms of the Open Public Meetings Act P.L. 1975, C. 231, and pursuant to requirements of N.J.S.A 10: 4-10, please be advised that circumstances necessitate amending the 2025 Meeting Schedule of the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
As such, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is advising the public, in accordance with the law, the cancellation and rescheduling of the Agenda Setting Session and the Regular Meeting of Thursday, October 16, 2025.
The aforementioned meetings will be rescheduled to take place on Thursday, October 23, 2025. As is the case for all Agenda Setting Sessions and Regular Meetings, the Agenda Setting Session will commence at 6:00 PM with the Regular Meeting commencing as soon as possible following the conclusion of the Agenda Setting Session. Both meetings will be held in the Commissioner Meeting Room, Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, 6th Floor, Elizabeth, New Jersey as originally advertised.
Persons requiring a sign language interpreter should contact the Office of the Clerk of the Board at 908-527-4140.
A skilled docent shows the craft of making lace at the Miller-Cory House Museum in Westfield.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites the public to tour the historic sites of Union County during “Four Centuries in a Weekend” on Saturday, October 18th, and Sunday, October 19th, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. All admission is free during this annual celebration of local history. More than 30 historic sites will be open to the public, with guided tours of the historic sites, along with special exhibits, hands-on activities, and more. This year’s event marks the lead-up to the forthcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of our nation in 2026.
“For one weekend in autumn, Union County’s rich history comes to life like never before, offering a historical charm that every resident should experience,” said Union County Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Our ‘Four Centuries in a Weekend’ event is not just a celebration; it’s an opportunity for residents to connect with this rich heritage. Each site will tell a fascinating story that is woven into the fabric of this community. I welcome everyone to join us on this enchanting and eye-opening journey through time.”
All sites offer the Union County Passport, which can be stamped at each site visited. Additionally, several sites within the National Park Service’s Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area offer an extra unique stamp for the Passport to Your National Parks book.
The sites also provide collectible Union County History Trading Cards, which commemorate notable people, places, and events in the history of Union County. In total, more than 80 Trading Cards are available.
Unless noted otherwise, sites will be open Saturday, Oct. 18th, and Sunday, Oct. 19th, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. The participating sites for Four Centuries in a Weekend are as follows:
Berkeley Heights Deserted Village of Feltville / Glenside Park 1 Cataract Hollow Rd., Berkeley Heights Littell-Lord Farmstead* 31 Horseshoe Rd., Berkeley Heights *Open Saturday only | Closed Sunday
Clark Dr. William Robinson Plantation Museum 593 Madison Hill Rd., Clark
Cranford Crane-Phillips House Museum 124 North Union Ave., Cranford William Miller Sperry Observatory Union College, 1033 Springfield Ave., Cranford
Elizabeth Belcher-Ogden Mansion & Bonnell Homestead 1046 East Jersey St., Elizabeth Boxwood Hall State Historic Site 1073 E. Jersey St., Elizabeth Elizabeth Public Library* 11 S. Broad St., Elizabeth *Open Saturday only | Closed Sunday Siloam-Hope First Presbyterian Church & Snyder Academy 42 Broad St., Elizabeth
Fanwood Fanwood Train Station Museum 230 North Ave., Fanwood
Hillside Woodruff House, Eaton Store Museum & Phil Rizzuto All Sports Exhibit 111 Conant St., Hillside Evergreen Cemetery 1137 North Broad St., Hillside
Kenilworth Oswald J. Nitschke House 49 South 21 St., Kenilworth
Mountainside Deacon Andrew Hetfield House Constitution Plaza, Watchung Ave., Mountainside
New Providence Salt Box Museum 1350 Springfield Ave., New Providence
Plainfield Drake House Museum 602 West Front St., Plainfield duCret Center of Art 1030 Central Ave., Plainfield Friends (Quaker) Meeting House* 225 Watchung Ave., Plainfield *Open Saturday only | Closed Sunday.
Rahway African-American History & Heritage Learning Center* 261 Central Ave., Rahway *Open Saturday only | Closed Sunday Merchants & Drovers Tavern Museum 1632 St. George Ave., Rahway (corner of Westfield Ave.) Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)* 1601 Irving St., Rahway *Open Saturday only | Closed Sunday
Roselle Abraham Clark House 101 W. 9th Ave., Roselle
Scotch Plains Frazee House 1451 Raritan Rd., Scotch Plains Osborn Cannonball House Museum 1840 Front St., Scotch Plains Shady Rest Country Club 820 Jerusalem Rd., Scotch Plains
Springfield Cannon Ball House 126 Morris Ave., Springfield
Summit Carter House 90 Butler Parkway, Summit Reeves-Reed Arboretum* 165 Hobart Ave., Summit *Open Saturday only, 10 am–4 pm | Closed Sunday. Twin Maples 214 Springfield Ave., Summit Wallace Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church 138-142 Broad St., Summit
Union Caldwell Parsonage 909 Caldwell Ave., Union Connecticut Farms Church 888 Stuyvesant Ave., Union Donald M. Payne Vauxhall Meeting Center* 333 Russell St., Union (Vauxhall) *Open Sunday only | Closed Saturday Liberty Hall Museum 1003 Morris Ave., Union
Westfield Burial Grounds at Presbyterian Church* 137 Mountain Ave., Westfield *Saturday 10 am–dusk | Sunday 12 noon–5 pm Miller-Cory House Museum 614 Mountain Ave., Westfield Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center 314 Mountain Ave., Westfield
“Four Centuries in a Weekend has become a cherished tradition that connects generations with the past while creating new memories today,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “Whether you are a history enthusiast or a newcomer, the event offers an opportunity for everyone to connect with our local history, ask questions, and explore the richness of our county’s beginnings.”
Four Centuries in a Weekend is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State, and is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, in collaboration with staff and volunteers at the sites and is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
For locations, hours, special events, and other details about all historical sites participating in Four Centuries in a Weekend this year, visit the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs, www.ucnj.org/4c or call (908) 558-2550.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that vote-by-mail ballots for the General Election on November 4th will be mailed out, beginning on Friday, September 19th and continuing through the week of September 22nd.
Ballots will be sent in alphabetical order by town name, which will be noted on the Clerk’s website, as well as the Union County Votes app. Clerk Rajoppi advises voters to look for an oversized bright yellow envelope in their mail, which contains their ballot.
“I urge voters to open their ballot when they receive it,” Clerk Rajoppi said, “Vote it and return it, either putting it in the mail or a secure election drop box. All ballots received are secured until they are read on election day,” she added.
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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is honored to extend an invitation to the annual POW/MIA Remembrance Day flag raising on September 19th at 11:00am on the steps of the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
“POW/MIA Remembrance Day is a powerful reminder of the bravery of the heroes who never came home,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “It’s a day to honor their courage and recognize the loved ones who still wait with hope. By honoring them, we show that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Union County Manager Edward Oatman will begin the ceremony with an introduction, and Chairwoman Leon will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. The Presentation of Colors will be led by the Honor Guard from the Union County Sheriff’s Department, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Elizabeth Police Department and Elizabeth Fire Department. Union County Commander, VFW Bobby Jeans will give the invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli.
The Missing Man Table ceremony, led by Union County Commissioner Vice Chairman Joseph Bodek, honors the brave men and women who never returned home, reminding us they are with us in spirit. Each item on the table holds meaning: the round table shows never-ending concern, the white cloth their pure motives, the rose and ribbon our love and determination, the lemon and salt their bitter fate and tears, the candle and Bible our hope and faith, the inverted glass their absence, and the empty chair the seat that remains unclaimed. It is a solemn reminder that America will never forget those still missing.
“Seeing this ceremony in person is something I urge everyone to witness,” said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Liaison to the Veterans Affairs Committee. “We all share the responsibility to remember our veterans and the sacrifices they made.”
The ceremony will conclude with a rifle salute, TAPS, and a rendition of “God Bless America” by Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy student Vanessa Cardoza.
For more information on POW/MIA Remembrance Day, please call Geoff Smith with the Office of Veteran’s Services at 908-527-4918.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications for the 2026 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant program are now available for Union County non-profit organizations, individual artists and scholars.
“The arts, history, and education all play a powerful role in shaping who we are as a community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Through the HEART Grant, we’ve seen these recipients inspire others in meaningful ways that spark creativity, preserve history, and strengthen connections across Union County.”
The HEART program serves as a catalyst for Union County’s non-profit organizations, artists and scholars, enhancing their ability to connect residents with programs and activities. Along with civic groups and cultural organizations, past HEART Grant recipients have included individual poets, writers, historians, painters, photographers, musicians, dancers and more. Organizations can request a grant of up to $2,500, with a 25% cash match required for any amount over $1,000. Individuals can request up to $1,000, with no cash match required.
All projects funded under the HEART Grant Program must directly benefit Union County residents and increase appreciation for Union County history, the arts and humanities, demonstrating that cultural assets are a vital part of community life, education and well-being, economic development and cultural heritage tourism. Activities must take place between January 1 and December 31, 2026 to be considered for funding. Applicants must be Union County residents or Union County based non-profit organizations with programs taking place in Union County.
“Cultural assets are not only sources of pride, but also essential resources that enrich our quality of life and keep the spirit of Union County alive for future generations,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board.
The application deadline for first-time applicants is Thursday, October 23, 2025. The full application must be completed by Thursday, October 30, 2025. The application is completed online, as hard copies are no longer accepted. To access the grant portal, please visit: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ucnj
The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates the HEART grant. For further information about this and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, contact the Office at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone (908) 558-2550; or e-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org . NJ Relay users dial 711.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce a dynamic lineup of events for Hispanic Heritage Month, taking place September 15 through October 15, 2025. The celebration will honor the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of residents with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a commemoration—it’s a celebration of the journeys and traditions that shaped us,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “As the first Hispanic woman to serve on this Board, and as the daughter of Cuban immigrants, I carry those stories with me every day. These events give us a chance not only to honor our culture but to share it proudly with our neighbors, inspiring the next generation to see themselves reflected in Union County’s history and future.”
The month kicks off with the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Flag Raising on Tuesday, September 16 at 5:00 p.m. on the steps of the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.
Throughout the month, residents can also enjoy:
• Art Exhibit: Roberto de la Selva September 15th through October 17th – with gallery hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Commissioners Gallery, 6th Floor Union County Administration Building 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth
• Sensory-Friendly Movie Night – Encanto Friday, September 26 at 7:00 p.m. Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton Street, Rahway This special showing is adapted for a sensory-friendly audience, ensuring an inclusive experience for children and families. (Presented in partnership with the Union County Performing Arts Center).
• Family Fun Day & Hispanic Heritage Awards Saturday, October 4 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Warinanco Park, One Park Drive, Roselle A free, family-friendly celebration featuring live musical entertainment, delicious food, cultural performances, inflatable bounce houses, a photo booth, face painting, bubble play, arts & crafts, coloring activities, and interactive games for all ages. We will also be presenting awards to this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month recipients.
• Hispanic Leadership Panel Tuesday, October 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Union College of Union County, Roy Smith Theater 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford Panel discussion to begin at 12:30 p.m.
“As someone who is half Salvadoran, I’ve seen how culture and family traditions can shape identity and create strength,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “Hispanic Heritage Month is about more than looking back—it’s about creating spaces where young people see that their heritage is valued and their voices matter. These events remind us that our diversity is one of Union County’s greatest strengths.”
Hispanic Heritage Month runs annually from September 15th through October 15th. For the full calendar of events, visit ucnj.org/hhm.
The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates exhibits at the Commissioners Gallery. For more information about arts and history programs in Union County, contact the Office at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; call (908) 558-2550; or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ Relay users dial 711. For questions about Hispanic Heritage Month activities, contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator, at (908) 527-4388 or Judith.Guest@ucnj.org.
For details on Union County parks and activities, download the Explore Union County app in your app store or at ucnj.org/explore, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation, or see the events calendar at ucnj.org/calendar.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Department of Human Services and Atlantic Health System, is proud to recognize National Recovery Month (NRM) this September by hosting a free, public webinar designed to educate, inspire, and support residents on the path to recovery, titled: “A Recovery Journey: Addiction Recovery and the Family System.”
“National Recovery Month reminds us that recovery is not only possible, but achievable with the right support, resources, and encouragement,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “Union County is proud to stand beside our residents, lifting the stigma around substance misuse and showing that every step forward on the path to recovery is a step toward a stronger, healthier community.”
The webinar will take place on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will be livestreamed via Zoom and Facebook Live.
This interactive program will feature speakers with lived experience who will share their personal journeys of recovery and answer questions from the listening audience. The event is part of Union County’s ongoing commitment to breaking down stigma, promoting behavioral health awareness, and providing resources for individuals and families impacted by substance misuse.
“In Union County, we believe in supporting people at every stage of their recovery journey. This webinar is a chance to hear directly from individuals who have faced challenges and found hope through recovery,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “Their stories inspire us all to continue building a community where access to care, compassion, and opportunity are within everyone’s reach.”
Residents are encouraged to register in advance to receive the Zoom link. The webinar will also be available for viewing on the Union County Facebook page. To register, scan the event QR code or visit https://ucnj.org/nr-zoom/ .
For more information, contact Gene Tavera, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinator with the Union County Department of Human Services, at (908) 527-4844 or gene.tavera@ucnj.org.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce that the Clerk’s Westfield office will be offering one-stop vote-by-mail (VBM) voting this Saturday, September 13th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., ahead of the September 16th Clark Special School Board Election. The Westfield office is located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.
“We encourage all eligible voters to participate and have their voices heard in this election,” said Clerk Rajoppi. “This is a great opportunity for those who prefer to avoid the crowds on election day and want to cast their votes efficiently and securely.”
The vote-by-mail (VBM) option provides residents with an accessible and convenient way to cast their ballots ahead of the upcoming election. Voters can take advantage of this opportunity to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot, complete it, and submit it all in one visit.
For more information about vote-by-mail voting or other election-related inquiries, please contact the Union County Clerk’s office at 908-527-4787 or ucnj.org/county-clerk.
