Categories
Public Info

Vote Now to Name Union County’s Falcon Chicks In Honor of Our Nation’s 250th Anniversary

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents and nature fans of all ages to help name the newest peregrine falcon chicks living atop the historic Union County Courthouse Tower in Elizabeth. Members of the public can now cast their votes online at www.ucnj.org/falcon by choosing two patriotic names for the chicks in celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. Voting will remain open through June 12.

The eight names selected for the public vote are: Liberty, Patriot, Justice, Glory, America, Independence “Indy,” Valor, and Anthem.

“Every year, the Falcon Cam gives residents a unique opportunity to experience wildlife and nature right here in the heart of Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This year’s naming contest is a fun way to celebrate our nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary while also helping educate residents about the importance of protecting endangered species. We are proud to continue our partnership with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey to share the story of these remarkable birds with viewers here in Union County and around the world.”

Residents can watch the falcon family live through Union County’s free Falcon Cam livestream, the only live peregrine falcon cam in New Jersey. The livestream provides two live camera views of the nest and surrounding rooftop area. Since the installation of the Union County Falcon Cam in 2016, viewers have followed the lives of Mango, the male peregrine falcon, and his mates as they successfully raised multiple generations of chicks atop the courthouse tower.

This year’s nesting season brought unexpected twists, territorial battles, and ultimately, a remarkable new chapter for Union County’s falcon family.

Sadly, as of mid-June 2025, Frida, the longtime female falcon who occupied the nest for six years and successfully raised 26 chicks with Mango, disappeared after being pushed out during a territorial dispute with another female falcon.

Soon after, a federally banded female falcon identified as 1947-31215 appeared at the nest site. With assistance from New Jersey State Biologist Kathy Clark, researchers determined the falcon hatched in 2016 and had previously been captured at JFK Airport before being transported and released in New Paltz, New York. She was later named “Lizzie” in honor of the City of Elizabeth.

Between March 23rd and April 2nd, Lizzie laid five eggs while viewers watched ongoing territorial disputes unfold live on camera. By mid-April, another unbanded female successfully claimed the highly sought-after nest site and was later named “Betsy,” in honor of Elizabeth “Betsy” Ross, who was born in New Jersey and is credited with sewing the first American flag.

With the frequent disruption surrounding the nest, many viewers feared the eggs would not hatch. But on May 11th, viewers watching the livestream witnessed the first chick emerge, followed by a second hatchling on May 13th.

Since then, Betsy and Mango have continued caring for the chicks together, keeping them warm and delivering a steady supply of food while thousands of viewers follow the falcon family online each day.

In addition to the livestream, the Union County Falcon Cam website features:

• Recent nest updates and news

• A history of Union County’s peregrine falcons dating back to 2005

• Educational classroom resources for teachers

• Information on helping protect peregrine falcons, which remain on New Jersey’s Endangered Species List

• A wildlife biologist Q&A feature through the Conserve Wildlife Foundation

• Kids Korner educational activities

• Behind-the-scenes footage from camera and microphone installations atop the courthouse

• Updated photos, videos, and interactive activities

Peregrine falcons once thrived throughout New Jersey and the eastern United States until the widespread use of the pesticide DDT devastated the population beginning in the 1950s. Following the federal ban of DDT in 1973 and decades of conservation work, peregrine falcons successfully returned to New Jersey through statewide reintroduction efforts launched in the 1980s.

For more information about Union County Falcon Cam and to cast your vote, visit www.ucnj.org/falcon.

For information about additional nature education programs offered by Union County, visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. For more information about the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, visit www.conservewildlifenj.org.

Categories
Public Info

Union County Releases Comprehensive Safe Streets and Roads for All Action Plan

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the County’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Action Plan is now publicly available online after being adopted by the County Commissioners at the April 30th Union County Commissioner meeting. The plan represents a major step forward in advancing roadway safety, improving transportation infrastructure, and supporting collaborative safety initiatives throughout Union County.  It was funded with a grant from the US Dept of Transportation via the SS4A program. 

The SS4A Action Plan identifies potential safety improvements along 20 corridors within the County roadway network and serves as a long-term guide for reducing serious injuries and fatalities on local roads. Developed through extensive analysis, stakeholder coordination, and public engagement, the plan also supports updates to the County’s Transportation Policy, the adoption of a Complete Streets Policy, and the establishment of a Vision Zero goal.  The County Commisioners also adopted the Complete Streets Policy and the Vision Zero goal at the April 30th meeting.  

“The safety of everyone traveling throughout Union County, whether by car, bicycle, public transit, or on foot, remains a top priority,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “This Action Plan gives us a strong framework to continue improving roadway safety while working collaboratively with our municipalities and regional partners to pursue meaningful infrastructure improvements and future funding opportunities.”

While not every recommendation identified in the plan will be implemented directly by the County, many projects will involve collaboration with municipalities or be led at the local level. The Action Plan also positions Union County to pursue additional federal and state transportation funding opportunities for future safety enhancements.

“By completing this Action Plan, Union County has created an important roadmap for future transportation safety improvements,” said Ed Oatman, Union County Manager. “The level of detail and analysis included in this plan reflects a tremendous collaborative effort and gives the County and its municipal partners a valuable tool for identifying priority projects, improving roadway conditions, and pursuing grant funding opportunities that will benefit residents for years to come.” 

Union County is already pursuing a federal SS4A implementation grant for one corridor identified in the plan and is working with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) regarding a potential Highway Safety Improvement Program application for another corridor.

The Action Plan was recently reviewed by NJTPA representatives and fellow County Engineers throughout New Jersey and has been recognized as one of the most comprehensive and detailed SS4A plans completed in the state.

The project was developed with support from consulting firms WSP, Michael Baker International, and Mercer Planning Associates. Internally, the initiative was spearheaded by Assistant County Engineer Bernice Dieter in collaboration with Dan Loomis from the City of Elizabeth.  The full Safe Streets and Roads for All Action Plan can be viewed online at https://ucnj.org/safe-streets/action-plan/.  

Categories
Public Info

In-Person Early Voting Starts Today in Union County

Any Union County Voter Can Vote at Any Early Voting Location

Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado announces that Early Voting for the 2026 Primary Election begins today in Union County.

There are 10 locations available to voters wishing to cast their ballot early. Any registered Union County voter may use any of these sites to vote in person, by machine, from Tuesday, May 26, 2026 through Sunday, May 31, 2026.

“New Jersey expanded voters’ rights by introducing early voting in 2021,” said Ms. DiRado. “We encourage voters to take advantage of early voting or vote-by-mail options to cast their ballot ahead of Election Day. Making a plan to vote is important, and there are now more options in New Jersey than ever before.”

Early Voting Locations

  • Berkeley Heights: Berkeley Heights Municipal Building, 29 Park Avenue
  • Cranford: Union College of Union County, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Nomahegan Building, Room N4
  • Elizabeth: Sampson Center, 800 Anna Street
  • New Providence: DeCorso Center, 15 E. Fourth Street
  • Plainfield: Union College of Union County, Church Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
  • Rahway: Rahway Recreation Center, 275 E. Milton Avenue
  • Roselle: Amalfe Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue
  • Scotch Plains: Ponderosa Farm Park, 1600 Cooper Road
  • Union Township: Union Township Senior Center, 652 Rahway Avenue
  • Union Township: Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue, North Avenue Academic Building (corner of Morris and North Avenues)

Early Voting Hours

  • Tuesday, May 26: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 27: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 28: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, May 29: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 30: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 31: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Upon arriving at an early voting location, voters will sign in using an electronic poll book. The electronic poll book will print a barcode on the voter’s ballot card, which activates the correct ballot style on the voting machine. The voter will then insert the ballot card into the voting machine to begin voting.

Please note that these locations are for in-person machine voting only. Vote-by-mail ballots cannot be submitted at early voting locations.

Voters who plan to use a vote-by-mail ballot may deposit it in any of the 24 secure Board of Elections drop boxes located throughout Union County, return it by U.S. Mail, or hand-deliver it to the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth by 8:00 p.m. on June 2, 2026.

Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, Tuesday, June 2, must vote at their designated polling location.

For more information, including a list of drop box locations and an online polling place finder, visit Union County Board of Elections, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

Categories
Public Info

World Cup A.C.T. Day of Action

The Union County Human Relations Commission invites residents, organizations, community members, and student volunteers to participate in the World Cup A.C.T. Day of Action on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Downs Hall, Kean University in Union.

Participants will learn how to help prevent human trafficking during the FIFA 2026 World Cup through a day of awareness, training, outreach, and collaboration.

The Day of Action includes breakfast and an Action Awareness Fair, human trafficking awareness training, a survivor leader panel, and SOAP outreach to hotels and motels in Union, Essex, Hudson, and Bergen Counties.

All participants will receive breakfast, lunch, and a T-shirt. Student volunteer opportunities are available for ages 13 and older at the Action Awareness Fair.

Student Volunteer Registration:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMme4ZXN-Q0rI5hlwrWPWPTUZ8Ub2FCnlzBQSrTPV5oEwSAg/viewform

Organization & Community Member Registration:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3YPYo2Ybbc9GDG3XzAbLq08xm8lAXNJabDtQ54dPID943-Q/viewform

After the Day of Action, participants are invited to relax and have fun at the NJ Freedom Gala from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

More information and gala tickets are available at WorldCupACT.org.

Categories
Public Info

Free Recycling Program for Union County Residents Continues This June

Flyer advertising various recycling dates: Paper shredding on Wednesday, June 3rd: Clark Public Works Facility (Behind Police Department, use Wilson Road for access), 315 Westfield Avenue, Clark
and
Sunday, June 14th: Plainfield High School (Arlington Avenue lot), 950 Park Avenue, Plainfield.
Scrap metal recycling on Thursday, June 4th & Saturday, June 20th, 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

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

“I want to encourage anyone who is considering getting involved but hasn’t taken the next step to join us in this initiative. Your participation in our recycling program is vital in shaping a safer, greener, and more habitable future for our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Our complete seasonal recycling schedule is available on our website, and the drop-off process is easy and convenient.” 

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 June shredding events:

  • Wednesday, June 3rd: Clark Public Works Facility (Behind Police Department, use Wilson Road for access), 315 Westfield Avenue, Clark
  • Sunday, June 14th: Plainfield High School (Arlington Avenue lot), 950 Park Avenue, Plainfield

Union County’s paper shredding events are for sensitive and personal documents only, including legal, medical, and financial records. No businesses are allowed to participate. Junk mail, advertisements, magazines, and all other waste papers not considered sensitive or confidential should be recycled through a municipal recycling program.

Please remove all bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other items prior to the event (staples are permitted). Pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted.

Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program also continues in June, providing residents with various opportunities 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, June 4th & Saturday, June 20th, 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.

For a complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, please visit ucnj.org/recycling/ 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 free Recycle Coach Mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up-to-date information on both countywide and local recycling programs. Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

Categories
Public Info

Moody’s Affirms Union County’s Strong Fiscal Track Record With Highest Possible AAA Bond Rating

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that Moody’s Ratings has affirmed Union County’s prestigious Aaa bond rating, the highest possible rating awarded by the agency.

The rating was issued in connection with the County’s 2026 bond issuance and reflects confidence in Union County’s strong financial management, stable fiscal outlook, conservative budgeting practices, and strategic long-range planning. The Aaa designation is the highest rating awarded by Moody’s and signals exceptional creditworthiness and financial strength.

“Maintaining the highest possible bond rating is a reflection of the confidence that continues to be placed in Union County’s leadership and financial direction,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “As we continue investing in infrastructure, public services, parks, and community improvements, we remain committed to doing so responsibly and strategically. This rating demonstrates that Union County continues to prioritize smart, long-term investments that improve quality of life for our residents while protecting taxpayers.”

A Aaa bond rating allows the County to secure lower borrowing costs and more favorable financing terms, helping reduce long-term expenses for taxpayers while supporting critical capital projects and countywide improvements.

“This recognition speaks to the hard work happening across county government every day,” said Ed Oatman, Union County Manager. “We take a very thoughtful and responsible approach when it comes to managing taxpayer dollars while continuing to invest in the services, programs, and improvements our residents count on. This achievement is also a credit to our Department of Finance, along with our financial advisors, auditors, departments and partners, whose professionalism and dedication help keep Union County on strong financial footing.”

Union County has continued to invest in infrastructure modernization, park improvements, public facilities, public safety initiatives, recreation programs, and other essential county services while maintaining responsible financial reserves.

“Union County has maintained the highest possible Aaa bond rating from Moody’s for almost a decade. Aaa ratings are not achieved overnight,” said Bibi Taylor, Director of Finance. “They are built through years of careful budgeting, strong oversight, responsible reserve management, and adherence to sound financial policies. Moody’s affirmation reflects the County’s continued commitment to fiscal discipline, accountability, and long-term financial planning.”

For more information about Union County government and services, visit www.ucnj.org.

Categories
Public Info

Union County Board of Elections Reminds You to Plan Your Vote for the June 2 Primary Election

A graphic displaying, "Plan Your Vote."

The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters to make a plan to vote in the upcoming Primary Election. Election Day is Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Voters may cast their ballot through in-person Early Voting, in person on Election Day, or by Mail-In Ballot.

Eligible voters for the Primary Election include registered Democrats, Republicans, and Unaffiliated voters. Any registered 17-year-old who will be 18 years old on or before the General Election on November 3, 2026 is also eligible to vote in the Primary Election.

“In every election, voters have an opportunity to make their voices heard and participate in the democratic process,” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “We encourage all eligible residents to review their voting options, make a plan ahead of time, and take advantage of the convenient ways to cast a ballot.”

In-Person Early Voting

In-Person Early Voting will take place Tuesday, May 26 through Sunday, May 31, 2026. Polls will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There are 10 Early Voting sites throughout Union County located in Berkeley Heights, Cranford, Elizabeth, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Scotch Plains, and Union Township (2 locations). Any eligible Union County voter may cast their ballot at any Early Voting location and will receive the correct ballot for their municipality.

Election Day Voting

Election Day voting will take place on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voters casting ballots on Election Day must vote at their assigned polling location.

Mail-In Ballot Voting

Voters who have received a Mail-In Ballot are encouraged to return it using one of the County’s secure ballot drop boxes. Democratic voters, Republican voters, and first-time Unaffiliated voters may obtain a Mail-In Ballot from the

Union County Clerk’s Office through 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026.

Union County has at least one secure ballot drop box located in every municipality. Ballot drop boxes are available 24 hours a day through the close of polls on Election Day at 8:00 p.m. Ballots are collected in accordance with state guidelines by bipartisan teams of Board of Elections employees accompanied by a police escort.

Voters may also return their Mail-In Ballot through the mail and are encouraged to allow at least seven days for delivery.

Ballots may also be returned in person to the Union County Board of Elections at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth or to the Union County Clerk’s Offices located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Voters returning a ballot in person must present a valid New Jersey-issued identification card or driver’s license.

For a complete list of Early Voting locations, updated polling locations, and secure ballot drop box addresses, visit or call 908-527-4123.

Categories
Public Info

Union County Invites Residents to 2026 Native Plant Swap & Shop at Watchung Reservation

A flyer advertising the Native Plant Swap & Shop on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Scout Camping Area in the Watchung Reservation

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to attend the 2026 Native Plant Swap & Shop on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Scout Camping Area in the Watchung Reservation, located near the Trailside Nature & Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

This special event gives Union County residents the opportunity to swap up to three invasive plants from their own gardens in exchange for up to three native plants, free of charge.

“Native plants play an important role in supporting pollinators, improving biodiversity, and strengthening the health of our local environment,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “Events like this help residents learn more about environmentally friendly gardening practices while also creating an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy one of Union County’s beautiful park spaces.”

Union County residents will be eligible to swap up to three invasive plants from their property in exchange for up to three native plants at no cost. Examples of invasive species accepted during the event include Japanese Barberry, Pachysandra, Butterfly Bush, English Ivy, Periwinkle, Garlic Mustard, and more. Native plants help support pollinators, birds, and local wildlife while promoting healthier ecosystems throughout Union County.

Residents must pre-register to participate in the plant swap portion of the event at https://ucnj.org/plant-swap/. Registration is limited to 100 participants. Out-of-county residents are welcome to attend and shop for plants, though only Union County residents are eligible to participate in the plant swap.

In addition to the swap, attendees will have the opportunity to shop for native plants from Toadshade Wildflower Farm & Native Plant Nursery. Pre-orders are recommended through the nursery’s website at www.toadshade.com. Representatives from the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, including members of the Union County Chapter, will also have an informational table at the event to provide educational resources and guidance on native plants and environmentally friendly landscaping practices.

For more information about native plants in Union County, please download our free guide: Plant This, not That.” Questions about the Plant Swap and Shop on June 11th should be directed to park.env.services@ucnj.org.

Categories
Public Info

Union County to Host Program Exploring the Revolutionary War Battles ofConnecticut Farms & Springfield

A flyer advertising  “The American Revolution in Union County: Using Maps, Pension Records, and Archaeological Finds to Illuminate the Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield,” the program will take place on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Trailside Nature & Science Center Theater.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to attend a special presentation examining the Revolutionary War Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield through historic maps, pension records, archaeological discoveries, and firsthand accounts from those who experienced the conflict.

Titled “The American Revolution in Union County: Using Maps, Pension Records, and Archaeological Finds to Illuminate the Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield,” the program will take place on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Trailside Nature & Science Center Theater.

“As we prepare to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, it is important that we continue telling the stories that shaped our communities right here in Union County,” said Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “The Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield were defining moments in our nation’s fight for independence, and programs like this help connect residents to that history in a meaningful and personal way. We are proud to support opportunities that preserve these stories and ensure future generations understand the sacrifices made on the very ground we walk today.”

The Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield, fought in June 1780, were among the last major military confrontations in New Jersey before the Revolutionary War shifted to the southern colonies. This digital exhibit and discussion reexamines the battles while centering the experiences of individuals often overlooked in traditional Revolutionary War narratives, including local militiamen, women on the home front, and New Jersey residents who defended their communities during the conflict.

Using personal correspondence, Hessian journals, orderly books, Revolutionary War pension applications, and archaeological findings, the presentation will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of how the battles unfolded across landscapes that remain familiar to Union County residents today.

The program will feature presentations from historian Nicole Skalenko, geosciences lecturer Geoffrey Fouad, Monmouth University Provost and anthropology professor Dr. Richard Veit, and Kean University history professor Dr. Jonathan Mercantini. Together, the presenters will explore how modern research methods and technology are helping uncover new perspectives on New Jersey’s Revolutionary War history.

“One of the goals of our Union County 250th Anniversary Committee is to bring history to life in a way that feels accessible and relevant to today’s residents,” said Commissioner Vice-Chair Rebecca L. Williams, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “This exhibit does exactly that by blending scholarship, technology, archaeology, and personal stories to paint a fuller picture of the people who experienced these battles firsthand. It reminds us that history is not something distant — it happened here in our neighborhoods, and its impact still echoes through our communities today.”

Nicole Skalenko holds a master’s degree in American history from Rutgers University and specializes in the military and political history of the American Revolution in New Jersey. Geoffrey Fouad is a lecturer of geosciences at Hunter College whose work focuses on interdisciplinary applications of geographic information systems. Dr. Richard Veit serves as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Monmouth University and is widely recognized for his work in archaeology and New Jersey history. Dr. Jonathan Mercantini is Acting Associate Provost for Special Projects and Professor of History at Kean University and serves on the New Jersey Historical Commission.

The event is free and open to the public.

Earlier this year, Union County launched a countywide event calendar allowing municipalities, historical organizations, and authorized community groups to submit commemorative programs and events for approval and inclusion as part of the ongoing 250th Anniversary celebration. Residents can explore upcoming activities, learn more about the initiative, and submit related events through the official Union County 250th Anniversary Event Calendar at www.ucnj.org/250. For additional updates and celebration news, residents are also encouraged to follow Union County on our app and social media pages.

This event is supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs.

For more information about this event and other programs highlighting the arts and the history of Union County, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. You can reach us by telephone at (908) 558-2550.

Categories
Public Info

Union County Celebrates Portuguese Heritage Month With Annual Portuguese Flag Raising Ceremony

A save-the-date advertising the  Portuguese Flag Raising on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in front of the historic Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join in celebrating Portuguese Heritage Month during the County’s annual Portuguese Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in front of the historic Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.

“Union County is proud to celebrate the generations of Portuguese-Americans who have helped shape our communities through their hard work, traditions, values, and civic involvement,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “Events like this are an important reminder that the strength of Union County comes from the many cultures and communities that continue to contribute to its history and future.”

The ceremony will recognize the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Portuguese-American community throughout Union County and beyond. The program will feature remarks from community leaders, cultural recognition, and the raising of the Portuguese flag alongside the American flag in front of the Courthouse.

“As a proud native of Elizabeth and Chairwoman of the PALCUS Board of Directors, I am honored to participate once again in the annual Portuguese flag raising here in Union County,” said Katherine Soares. “This ceremony continues to serve as a meaningful tribute to the generations of Portuguese-Americans whose contributions have helped shape our communities. Across multiple municipalities in our county, our heritage is visible in the traditions we maintain, the values we share, and the lasting impact of our presence. Today is about more than a symbolic flag raising—it is a recognition of a community built on perseverance, unity, and a deep sense of pride in where we come from and what we continue to build together.”

As part of the celebration, the dome of the Union County Courthouse will be illuminated in green, red, and gold in recognition of Portuguese Heritage Month from the flag raising until the date of the parade on Sunday, June 7th.

The event is being held in partnership with local Portuguese-American organizations and community leaders, including representatives from PALCUS and the Elizabeth Portugal Day Committee.

“Union County’s continued support of our events is incredibly meaningful to the Elizabeth Portugal Day Committee and to the Portuguese-American community as a whole,” said Nicholas Almeida, President of the Elizabeth Portugal Day Committee. “It is a tremendous honor to raise the Portuguese flag alongside the flag of the United States of America in front of our Union County Courthouse – a powerful symbol of the pride we have in both our Portuguese heritage and our American identity. By working together, we not only strengthen community partnerships throughout Union County, but also help preserve and celebrate Portuguese-American culture and traditions for future generations both here in Elizabeth and across the county. It is important that we continue to honor and remember those who came before us and built this community, while also inspiring younger generations to carry our culture and traditions proudly into the future.”

Residents are also encouraged to participate in additional Portuguese Heritage Month celebrations and community events taking place throughout the month, including:

  • Portuguese Flag Raising – June 5 at 6:30 p.m., City Hall, 50 Winfield Scott Plaza, Elizabeth
  • Soccer Shootout – June 6 at Warinanco Park, Roselle
  • Arraial Festival – June 6 at 5:00 p.m., Portuguese Instructive Social Club, 600 Grove Street, Elizabeth
  • Portugal Day Parade – June 7 at 2:00 p.m., beginning at Union Square in Elizabeth
  • PACA of Union Flag Raising and Community Celebration – June 9 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Portugal Day Mass – June 10 at 8:00 p.m., Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge Street, Newark

For more information about the Portuguese Flag Raising Ceremony and upcoming county events, visit www.ucnj.org.