County of Union, New JerseyDefault category for all normal press releases
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.
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
Elizabeth
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:
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:
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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to attend the Aging Services Kiosk, or ASK, events scheduled throughout October. These events offer residents an opportunity to meet one-on-one with knowledgeable professionals and learn about programs and services available to Union County’s older adults and their caregivers. Bilingual assistance will be available.
“The ASK program makes it easier for our older residents and their families to get reliable information and personalized assistance close to home,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We encourage seniors and caregivers to stop by one of our October locations, speak directly with our staff and learn about the many resources available to support them.”
ASK is operated by the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, part of the Department of Human Services. The program provides adults age 60 and older, as well as their caregivers, with a convenient way to learn about available services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.
Staff can provide information and assistance related to home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, caregiver support services and other resources. They can also assist with completing forms and help residents determine which programs may best meet their needs.
“Families should not have to navigate aging services on their own,” said Union County Commissioner James E. Baker Jr., Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “ASK gives residents a welcoming place to ask questions, receive individual guidance and connect with programs that can make everyday life a little easier.”
Any Union County senior or caregiver may visit any ASK location, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is required. The October ASK schedule is as follows:
Thursday, October 8
Elizabeth Public Library, Main Library
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, October 14
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue, Clark
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20
Westfield Memorial Library
550 East Broad Street, Westfield
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information about ASK events or other services available to seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection toll-free at 1-888-280-8226 or visit ucnj.org/dhs/aging.
For all Union County programs and services, visit ucnj.org, call the Public Information Line at 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online contact form.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to recognize the Union County 4-H Science Ambassador Program for bringing hands-on science activities to more than 100 students at local libraries this summer.
Through the program, 4-H Science Ambassadors visited libraries in Union, Hillside, Plainfield and Elizabeth, where they introduced students to science through engaging demonstrations and interactive activities. During a recent visit to the Plainfield Public Library, Science Ambassador James Olm of Elizabeth demonstrated the science behind creating giant bubbles.
“Programs like this give young people an opportunity to experience science in a way that is fun, approachable and memorable,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We are proud of James and all of our 4-H Science Ambassadors for sharing their knowledge and encouraging younger students to remain curious about the world around them.”
The Science Ambassador Program is an educational outreach initiative of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. It provides young people with opportunities to strengthen their communication and leadership skills while sharing their interest in science with children throughout the community.
“The Science Ambassador Program is a wonderful example of young people learning from one another,” said Commissioner Stanley Neron, Liaison to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “Our ambassadors gain valuable experience as leaders and educators, while the students they meet are introduced to science through activities that capture their attention and make them want to learn more.”
For more information about the Union County 4-H Science Ambassador Program, contact 4-H Youth Development Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or 908-654-9854, extension 3.
To learn more about Union County 4-H clubs and programs, visit https://www.unioncountynj4h.com/4-h-club-list.