Category: Public Info

Update 04/22/26: In anticipation of inclement weather, the Autism Acceptance Celebration & Resource Fair will now take place indoors at the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Roselle.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services invite residents to the 2026 Autism Acceptance Celebration and Resource Fair, taking place on Saturday, April 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Turf Field in Warinanco Park, Roselle. The annual event is held in April to recognize Autism Acceptance Month, spread awareness, and celebrate individuals experiencing autism and other sensory sensitivities.

“Events such as our Autism Acceptance Fair provide an opportunity for residents to come together and celebrate the unique strengths and abilities of individuals living with autism. They also serve as an opportunity for sharing challenges and learning more about the resources and supports available. By educating ourselves, we break away from the fear and stigma that surrounds autism and further strengthen the supportive and inclusive community Union County is known for, and where everyone feels accepted,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Join us for a fun day making new memories and celebrating our loved ones. I hope to see everyone on the field.”

The 2026 Autism Acceptance Celebration & Resource Fair is a superhero-themed celebration, and attendees are encouraged to dress up in their favorite superhero costumes. The event will feature a variety of fun outdoor activities, including a live DJ, touch-a-truck experience, games, giveaways, and light refreshments. While attendance at the Autism Acceptance Celebration is always free, pre-registration is required. To register, visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg or call 908-527-4781.

“Elizabeth Public Schools is proud to partner with the Union County Board of County Commissioners and other great departments and organizations within Union County to support families affected by autism,” said Superintendent Dr. Olga Hugelmeyer. “Our schools are built on the promise of every child achieving excellence and a shining example of that promise being fulfilled is the students of our autism program whose successes are truly inspiring. It is a great honor to celebrate their uniqueness and recognize their exceptional growth and development with the greater community. Thank you all who makes this wonderful event possible!”

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental disability marked by unique sensory sensitivities, challenges in social and communication skills, and other behavioral traits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that approximately 1 in 14 adults and 1 in 31 children nationwide are affected by autism. In New Jersey, the statistics show that 1 in 29 children is diagnosed with ASD, highlighting the importance of community awareness and understanding of the neurological condition.

The County of Union invites residents to join in observing World Autism Awareness Day on Thursday, April 2nd, by wearing blue to show their support and acceptance for the millions of individuals around the globe affected by autism. On this day, Union County will illuminate the front of the courthouse in blue and invite residents to join in by lighting up their homes blue as well.

“We firmly believe that having a great support system, both at home and in the community, empowers individuals living with autism and other sensory challenges – especially children – to live safe, happy, and healthy lives,” said Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We would also like to thank the exceptional local organizations that have partnered with us. The expression ‘it takes a village’ truly reflects the spirit of this collaboration. This event would not have achieved its significant positive impact on the autism community in Union County without their hard work and contributions.”

The 2026 Autism Acceptance Celebration is brought to you by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Department of Human Services through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, and in collaboration with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, The Sergio Granados Foundation, Prevention Links, the Elizabeth Parent Support Group, Elizabeth Public Schools and its Division of Special Services, and Elizabeth Fire & EMS.

For more information about the Autism Acceptance Celebration and Resource Fair, or other events and programs hosted by the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, call 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn.

To learn more about events and programs offered through the Department of Human Services, visit ucnj.org/dhs/.

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

“We’re excited to bring our residents this entirely free program that makes it easy to responsibly recycle, reduce waste, and remove hazardous items from the environment,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We welcome all residents who are spring cleaning and decluttering their spaces to utilize this program and join us at the next recycling event.”

The next paper shredding event will take place on Wednesday, April 8^th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Black Brook Park, located at 349 North 19^th Street in Kenilworth. The event will end before 1:00 p.m. should trucks reach capacity.

Union County’s free paper shredding events take place each year from March through October, bringing mobile paper shredding trucks to various locations throughout the County. Any Union County resident, regardless of their hometown, can take their personal documents to be shredded at any of these events and have them shredded onsite.

The shredding events are intended for 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 prior to the event (staples are allowed). Pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted.

In addition to paper shredding, Union County’s additional seasonal recycling programs, Scrap Metal Recycling and Hazardous Waste Disposal, will begin this April.

Union County’s Scrap Metal events provide a space for residents to recycle various metal items, including refrigerators (with doors removed), metal cabinets, appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, and air conditioners. The scrap metal items are collected at two locations on the first Thursday and third Saturday of the month, from April to November. The first scrap metal events of the season will take place on Thursday, April 2nd & Saturday, April 18th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. On these dates, residents may dispose of unwanted scrap metal items at either of our 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 first Household Hazardous Waste event of the season will take place on Saturday, April 25th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at Union County Vo-Tech, 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 light 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 latex paint out at home using commercial paint hardener, sand, kitty 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/recycle/ or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Residents may also contact their municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in their community. The 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.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that the ballot position drawing for the June 2, 2026 Primary Election will be both in-person and livestreamed on Facebook. The drawing will be held on Thursday, April 2nd at 3:00 p.m. in Courtroom 401 in the Rotunda in the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. A link for the livestream will be posted prior to the drawing on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

“The ballot drawing will take place in person as provided for by statute, and we also offer the opportunity to view the proceedings online for those who wish to follow along remotely,” said Joanne Rajoppi.

Ms. Rajoppi also reminds voters who wish to vote by mail that they must apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot by Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Voters should also be aware of a recent update from the United States Postal Service. Postmarks now reflect when mail is processed—not when it is dropped off—meaning ballots mailed close to Election Day could receive a later postmark. In New Jersey, vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day to be counted. Voters are encouraged to mail ballots early or use secure drop boxes to ensure timely receipt. If the postmark reflects a date after the election date, the ballot will not be valid.

According to a recent state law, unaffiliated voters who wish to vote in the Primary Election by mail must declare their affiliation with either the Democratic or Republican Party by Wednesday, April 8. Party declaration forms are available for download at state.nj.us/state/elections/voter-party-affiliation-declaration.shtml. The completed and signed form must be returned to the Union County Board of Elections in Elizabeth. The new law does not apply to overseas voters.

Voters who wish to vote in person may do so on Election Day, June 2 at their regular polling place, or they may vote early from May 26 to May 31 at polling locations designated for early voting.

The early voting polling locations will be posted on unioncountyvotes.com.

For more information on voting in Union County elections, including applying for a Vote-by-Mail ballot, visit the County Clerk’s Elections Division online at unioncountyvotes.com or call 908-527-4996.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that vote-by-mail ballots for the upcoming Annual Westfield School Election will be available beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Voters may obtain mail-in ballots in person at either of the two Union County Clerk’s offices:

Westfield
300 North Avenue East
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00am – 7:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Elizabeth
2 Broad Street
Monday through Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm

Vote-by-mail ballots for this election will also be mailed to voters who have requested them, beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

The Annual Westfield School Election is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Voters are encouraged to plan ahead and review all election materials carefully.

For more information regarding vote-by-mail, ballot drop-off options, and polling locations, please visit www.unioncountyvotes.com, contact the office at 908-527-4996 or email ucvote@ucnj.org.

Voters Must Update Their Party Affiliation by April 8th in Order to Participate in the 2026 Primary Election on June 2nd

The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 8^th, in order to participate in their new party’s Primary Election on June 2^nd.

“Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 2, 2026 Primary Election, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 8^th.”

Ms. DiRado also wishes to highlight a relatively new law which went in to affect a few years ago.  Any unaffiliated voter, who has previously voted in a Primary Election and who has opted to receive a vote by mail ballot for all future elections, or for the June 2 primary election, must declare their party by April 8 in order to receive their vote by mail ballot.  Only voters who have never voted in a primary election or first time voters can receive a vote by mail ballot after completing a party affiliation form beyond the April 8 party affiliation deadline.

Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm their party affiliation.  Voters who conduct business with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission often inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transaction, and may not have even noticed it.

Party Affiliation changes are easy and can be done in several ways. Voters can:

• Update their party online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register;
• Request that a Party Declaration Form be mailed to them by calling 908-527-4123, or emailing ucboe@ucnj.org;
• Request a form through the Union County Votes App; or
• Download a form at https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form.pdf or an English form.
• To download a form in Spanish, use https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form-spanish.pdf

Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s candidates in the June 2^nd primary. The April 8 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls during early voting from May 26 to May 31, 2026 or on June 2, Election Day.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, will be offering a free self-defense class for women ages 18 and older on Wednesday, April 22^nd from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

“We’re proud to offer self-defense classes for women that support confidence, awareness, and connection within our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “These classes break down simple, effective ways to stay aware and trust your instincts. Everyone deserves to feel confident in their ability to protect themselves.”

Empower & Protect: Self-Defense Essentials for Women 18 and Over is designed to empower participants with practical skills, confidence, and awareness. Led by experienced law enforcement professionals, these sessions provide hands-on instruction in personal safety techniques, situational awareness, and strategies to help prevent and respond to potential threats. Whether you are looking to build confidence, increase your personal safety knowledge, or take a proactive step toward self-protection, these classes offer valuable tools you can carry with you every day.

“Every class brings in a new group of participants, which tells us these sessions are really making an impact,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “It’s encouraging to see so many women prioritizing their awareness and safety while building the confidence they need to feel more prepared in their everyday lives.”

Space is limited, and registration is required. These classes involve partnered practice, please consider registering with a friend or family member. To participate in the hands-on portion, attendees must complete a waiver, and wearing comfortable, gym attire is advised. For more information or to register, please visit www.ucnj.org/women. To contact Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women, please call at 908-527-4216 or email Jerdos@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of Elections reminds Westfield residents that Tuesday, March 31, 2026 is the deadline to register to vote in the April 21, 2026 Annual School Board Election.

To accommodate residents, the Board of Elections will offer extended evening hours on March 31, 2026, remaining open until 9:00 p.m. for voter registration.

The Westfield Annual School Board Election will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voting will take place at regular polling locations. Residents can confirm their polling place by visiting www.ucnj.org/ucboe or by calling the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

Voters who wish to return their vote-by-mail ballot using a secure drop box may do so at the following locations:

• Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East, Westfield
• Union County Administration Building (corner of Rahway Avenue and Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth)
• Union County Board of Elections, 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth

For additional information, visit www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

Seniors and Caregivers Invited to Neighborhood Libraries to Access Resources and Strengthen Community Connections

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in April to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available. These events allow attendees to meet face-to-face with experienced professionals who can provide expert guidance and assistance with a variety of services, including form completion. Beginning this April, bilingual assistance will be available at all ASK events.

“We designed our ‘ASK’ program to keep our senior community connected, informed, and hopeful about their future. At these events, residents have the opportunity to speak with our friendly and helpful staff that is ready to answer their questions and connect them with any available resources that can help them save money, maintain essential services, or improve their quality of life,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We invite all seniors and caregivers to visit their neighborhood library to learn how we can help.”

The Aging Services Kiosk is operated explicitly by the Division on Aging, a branch of the Union County Department of Human Services. It offers adults aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.

Staff at ASK locations can help older adults and caregivers connect with various services, including home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or caregiver can visit any ASK kiosk, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in April:

Tuesday, April 7th
Hillside Public Library
1409 Liberty Avenue, Hillside
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Thursday, April 16th
Elizabeth Public Library – Main
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, April 22nd
Westfield Memorial Library
550 East Broad Street, Westfield
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, April 29th
Rahway Public Library
2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“This program wouldn’t be as remarkably successful without the outstanding staff at our Division on Aging. Their dedication to Union County seniors and caregivers is unmatched,” said Union County Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging.
 
For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that sample ballots for the April 21st Westfield Annual School Election can now be viewed and downloaded on the County Clerk’s elections website and through Union County Votes, a free app for all mobile devices. The County Clerk’s office will also be mailing sample ballots to all registered Westfield voters. The sample ballot mailings will begin on or about April 2, 2026.

“The website and app offer a convenient way for voters to familiarize themselves with their ballot, even before they receive their copy in the mail,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “I urge all of our residents to exercise your right to preview and prepare for the upcoming election. Please visit our website to get informed, get ready, and let your voice be heard.”

Voters with any questions about their sample ballots can call the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or email the Elections Division at ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services, visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org. 

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces the return of the Plant A Seed Program Grants for the 2026 year. Through funding from the Union County Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund, these grants help schools and community partners grow existing gardens or establish new ones, providing interactive learning experiences focused on agriculture, sustainability, and healthy food.

“Programs like Plant A Seed show how small investments can make a meaningful difference in our schools and communities,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “By helping schools and community groups develop gardens and plant trees, we’re giving residents of all ages the chance to connect with nature, learn where their food comes from, and build habits that support healthier communities.”

2026 Grant Opportunities:

• Kids Dig In! School Garden Grant – Available to K-12 schools, this grant provides funding to create or expand school gardens, offering students hands-on opportunities to learn about healthy eating, environmental stewardship, and sustainability.

• Fruitful Futures Tree Grant – Available to K-12 schools, nonprofit organizations, and municipal entities, this grant provides a fruit tree to be planted on-site, serving as a long-term reminder of the importance of conservation and providing a sustainable food source. This grant is limited in supply and will be awarded based on need, scope, population served, and readiness to proceed.

“The Open Space Trust Fund was created to support projects that strengthen our communities while protecting and enhancing our natural resources,” said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Chairman of the Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund. “These grants help create spaces where students and community members can learn about conservation and sustainability, ensuring that these lessons take root in our schools and neighborhoods for years to come.”

To learn more and apply for a grant, interested schools and organizations can visit www.ucnj.org/plantaseed. Applications will be accepted through April 10, 2026.

For additional details or questions, please contact Angelica Cedeno at 908-558-2279 or via email at acedeno@ucnj.org.