Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to attend “The Women of Congress 1776,” a musical dramatization of the debate surrounding the Declaration of Independence, on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Trailside Nature & Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

Click here to register.

“As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this performance offers residents an engaging way to connect with the history behind it,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We invite the community to join us at Trailside for an evening that brings together the performing arts and the ideas that helped shape our nation.”

Presented by the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation, the performance features an all-female cast from Offbook Productions portraying the congressional delegates of 1776. Through music and dramatic storytelling, the production brings audiences into the debates behind one of the most influential documents in history.

“An all-female cast portraying the delegates of 1776 gives audiences a fresh way to experience this familiar chapter of history,” said Union County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “It also invites us to consider whose voices were heard at our nation’s founding and the generations of women who worked to make their voices count. We are pleased to welcome Offbook Productions for an evening that encourages both reflection and appreciation of the arts.”

The program is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and is funded in part by grants from the New Jersey Historical Commission and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, both divisions of the New Jersey Department of State.

The event is open to the public, however you do have to click on the link to register. For more information, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 or email Culturalinfo@ucnj.org

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is reminding residents that the final Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event of the 2026 season will be held on Sunday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical School, West Hall/ Police Academy Lot, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Residents are encouraged to bring a variety of household chemicals for proper recycling or disposal that include, but are not limited to, oil-based finishes, motor oil, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides and more. For a complete list of acceptable items, please visit ucnj.org/recycling/household-special-waste/ or call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9890.

“We have only a few weeks left until our final household hazardous waste event; this is a great opportunity for residents to gather any unwanted household materials and potentially hazardous chemicals for safe disposal,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “By participating in our recycling programs, you are making our community safer for our families, pets, and wildlife; I encourage you to take advantage of this free program before the season comes to a close.”

Subsequent events to the October 2026 HHW Event will kick off in the spring of 2027.  Residents who have household chemicals in need of disposal and cannot make the October 2026 HHW event have the following options:

1. Middlesex County is having one additional HHW event on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The event will be held at Middlesex College, located at  2600 Woodbridge Avenue in Edison. Please use the Mill Road entrance (Parking Lot #2).  To attend this event, please contact Bureau Chief Stuart Newman at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning at 908-654-9892 or email stuart.newman@ucnj.org to make arrangements.

2. The Morris County Utilities Authority (MCUA) operates a permanent HHW facility that is open year-round.  This facility accepts non-Morris County residents for the proper disposal of HHW. The facility is located at 168 Gold Mine Road in Flanders, NJ.  They accept vehicles by appointment only.  Morris County charges a fee of $2.00 per pound for disposal of material for non-Morris County residents. To schedule an appointment online, visit https://mcmua.com/sw_hhw_pfac.asp.  

3. Safely store your household hazardous waste items until Union County’s HHW events resume in the Spring of 2027. Please look for the 2027 dates on Union County’s Bureau of Recycling and Planning page in the coming weeks by visiting ucnj.org/recycling.  For further information on the proper home storage of household chemicals or HHW, you can consult the USEPA’s website (https://www.epa.gov/hw/household-hazardous-waste-hhw).

At the October 25^th event, the Union County Police Department (UCPD) Bomb Squad will be onsite at the Union County VoTech for the collection of unwanted ammunition only!  At this event, the UCPD will not be taking fireworks.  If you do have unwanted fireworks, it is recommended that you store them in a dry place in your home.  Arrangements are being made to accommodate firework disposal in the near future.  If you have any questions regarding disposal or management of household hazardous waste, please contact the Bureau of Recycling and Planning at 908-654-9890 or contact the Bureau Chief by email at stuart.newman@ucnj.org.

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!

Union County Deputy Clerk Clara Fernández announces that vote-by-mail ballots are now available for the November 3, 2026 General Election.

Union County voters may obtain a vote-by-mail ballot in person at either Union County Clerk’s Office location:

Westfield

• 300 North Avenue East
• Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Elizabeth

• 2 Broad Street, Room 113
• Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Both offices will also be open Saturday, October 31, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for voters who need to obtain or return vote-by-mail ballots. Ballots have already been mailed to voters who previously requested them.

Voters can review sample ballots and election information through the Union County Votes website and the County’s free mobile app. Reviewing election materials in advance can help voters become familiar with their ballot and plan ahead.

“Voting provides an important opportunity for Union County residents to participate in our democracy and make their voices heard,” said Deputy Clerk Fernández. “We encourage eligible voters to become informed, prepare ahead of time, and participate in the election.”

Voters are reminded that U.S. Postal Service postmarks reflect when mail is processed, rather than when it is dropped off. Ballots mailed close to Election Day could therefore receive a later postmark.

New Jersey law requires vote-by-mail ballots to be postmarked on or before Election Day to be counted. Voters are encouraged to mail ballots early or use a secure County drop box.

For a complete list of secure ballot drop-box locations, visit the Union County Board of Elections Ballot Drop Box page.

For additional information about vote-by-mail ballots, drop-off options, sample ballots, and polling locations, visit Union County Elections, call 908-527-4996, or email ucvote@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites arts organizations and other New Jersey nonprofits to a free Cultural Accessibility Training Workshop on Wednesday, October 21, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The virtual workshop will be hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs.

John McEwen, Executive Director of the New Jersey Theater Alliance, and Kat Lily, the Alliance’s Access Coordinator, will lead the session. A member of the Cultural Access Network Committee will also join them. Topics will include ADA policies, program accessibility, inclusive language and ways to communicate available access services to the public.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to take part in the arts and cultural life of our communities,” said Union County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This workshop gives organizations practical tools to welcome more people to their programs and make accessibility part of their planning from the start.”

Participants will receive resources from the Cultural Access Network, a program of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Theater Alliance that helps cultural organizations make their programs and facilities more accessible to seniors and people with disabilities.

Organizations that receive Union County Local Arts Program, History Grant or HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) funding are encouraged to attend. Other New Jersey nonprofits are welcome.

Registration is free at https://ucnj.org/cultural-access-training/.

The workshop is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that 13 Union County artists have earned awards in the 60th annual New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show, including Cranford resident Janet DeMaio, whose drawing, “MLK, Jr.,” received Best of Show honors in the non-professional division.

The statewide exhibition features nearly 300 original works by professional and non-professional artists ages 60 and older from throughout New Jersey. Each work earned first place in its respective county art show before advancing to the state exhibition. Twenty Union County artists are represented in this year’s show.

“Congratulations to all of our Union County artists whose work earned a place in this statewide exhibition, and to the 13 artists recognized with awards,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Their work reflects the talent, imagination and dedication of our older residents. We are proud to provide opportunities for them to share their creativity with the community, and we encourage residents to visit the exhibit and celebrate their accomplishments.”

In addition to her Best of Show distinction, DeMaio received first place in the non-professional Works on Paper category. The full list of Union County award recipients is:

• Janet DeMaio, Cranford: Best of Show, Non-Professional; First Place, Works on Paper, Non-Professional.
• Gesine Ehlers, Westfield: First Place, Mixed Media, Professional.
• Toru Ishiyama, Cranford: First Place, Mixed Media, Non-Professional.
• Igor Zbrizher, Cranford: First Place, Printmaking, Non-Professional.
• Veronica Dunscombe, New Providence: Second Place, Sculpture, Professional.
• William Gardner, Winfield: Second Place, Digital Art, Non-Professional.
• Kathryn Keller, Springfield: Third Place, Craft, Professional.
• Bruce Tangowski, Elizabeth: Third Place, Watercolor, Non-Professional.
• Chas Bernstein, Mountainside: Honorable Mention, Craft, Non-Professional.
• Gregory Celikyol, Cranford: Honorable Mention, Photography, Non-Professional.
• Robert Cleary, Fanwood: Honorable Mention, Photography, Professional.
• Rich Coccia, Cranford: Honorable Mention, Oil Painting, Non-Professional.
• Marie Gerus, Rahway: Honorable Mention, Acrylics, Non-Professional.

The public is invited to view the New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show through November 4 in the main building of Meadow Lakes Senior Living, located at 300 Meadow Lakes in East Windsor. Visiting hours are Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Groups of six or more should call Meadow Lakes in advance at 609-448-4100.

The exhibition is co-sponsored by Mercer County’s Division of Culture and Heritage and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Rahway invite residents with disabilities and special needs, along with their families and friends, to the 2026 Family Spooktacular Night Celebration on Friday, October 16, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Rahway Recreation Center, 275 East Milton Avenue in Rahway.

“Spooktacular Night gives residents and their families a chance to enjoy Halloween together, whether they come for the dancing, the costumes or the haunted house,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We’re glad to partner with Rahway again to make this a fun evening for everyone attending.”

The free event, for ages 10 and up, will feature games, dancing, a DJ, stilt walkers, a photo booth and a haunted house. Guests are encouraged to come in costume for a chance to win prizes in the annual costume contest. Light refreshments will be provided.

“We are excited to continue this meaningful partnership with the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs and bring the Family Spooktacular Night celebration back to Rahway,” said Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe. “Creating welcoming and accessible events is an important part of building a strong, connected community. We are proud to provide an opportunity for individuals of all abilities and their families to celebrate Halloween together in a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment.”

Admission is free, but registration is required. To register, visit www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg or call 908-527-4781.

Family Spooktacular Night is hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services in the Department of Human Services, in partnership with the City of Rahway.

For more information about the event or other programs offered by the office, visit www.ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn or call 908-527-4781.

The Union County Board of Elections reminds residents that Tuesday, October 13, is the deadline to register to vote in the 2026 General Election. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

“There are multiple options for residents to register to vote in time for the upcoming election,” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “Those eligible to vote can apply online, by mail or in person in order to register.”

The Union County Board of Elections office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to accept voter registration forms. On Tuesday, October 13, the voter registration deadline, the Board of Elections office will remain open until 9:00 p.m. to receive forms.

Municipal Clerk offices can also provide and accept voter registration forms.

Voter registration forms in both English and Spanish can be downloaded from the Union County Board of Elections website at www.ucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning it.

To register online, eligible residents should visit www.voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow the Online Voter Registration instructions. The County Commissioner of Registration will notify applicants if their registration is accepted. If an application is not accepted, the applicant will receive information on how to complete or correct it.

You can register to vote if:

• You are a United States citizen.
• You will be at least 18 years old by the next election.
• You will have been a resident of New Jersey and your county for at least 30 days before the election.
• You are not currently serving a sentence of incarceration as the result of a conviction for an indictable offense under the laws of New Jersey, another state or the United States.

To receive a voter registration form by mail, call the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces that tickets for the 2026 Great Pumpkin Sail will go on sale Thursday, October 1, at 9:00 a.m. at ucnj.org/ticket. The popular fall event will take place on Sunday, November 1, at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

“The Great Pumpkin Sail is one of those traditions that brings families together and makes fall in Union County feel special,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “There is nothing quite like seeing Echo Lake filled with glowing Jack-o-Lanterns, and we look forward to welcoming families back for another memorable evening.”

The Great Pumpkin Sail provides visitors of all ages the opportunity to have their Jack-o-Lantern added to a float and watch them sail on Echo Lake.

The event will take place on Sunday, November 1, at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside, with three sessions scheduled. Session One will run from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Session Two will run from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Session Three will run from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets for the Great Pumpkin Sail are sold on a per-family basis, with one ticket covering up to six family members. Larger families may purchase an additional ticket to cover up to six more family members. There is a two-ticket limit per family.

The cost is $12 per ticket for Union County residents and $16 per ticket for non-residents. Each family ticket includes the right to float one pre-carved Jack-o-Lantern with a lid, weighing no more than eight pounds after carving.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, as space is limited. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is Monday, November 2.

The Great Pumpkin Sail is presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on the Great Pumpkin Sail and other events organized through the Department of Parks and Recreation, please visit ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents of all ages and abilities to attend the Fall Festival for All Abilities on Sunday, October 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Park, located at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark.

“Our Fall Festival is a chance for individuals of all abilities and their families to enjoy a fun morning together while also connecting with organizations and services available throughout Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We are proud to offer events where everyone feels welcome, included and able to participate.”

The free event will feature a petting zoo, inflatables, live music, giveaways, arts and crafts, community resources, light refreshments and more.

Representatives from community organizations and service providers will be available throughout the event to share information and connect individuals and families with helpful programs, services and resources.

Admission is free, but advance registration is required. To register, visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“Events like this bring recreation and resources together in one welcoming space,” said Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “Families can enjoy the activities, meet others in the community and connect directly with organizations that may be able to support them throughout the year.”

The Fall Festival for All Abilities is presented by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs provides year-round recreational programs, educational opportunities, resources and advocacy for individuals with disabilities and special needs and their families.

For more information about the Fall Festival or other programs offered by the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn or call 908-527-4781.