Category: Public Info

The Master Gardeners of Union County are pleased to announce the availability of a $750 scholarship for a graduating Union County high school senior who plans to pursue higher education in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, or a related field.

“Our continuing partnership with Rutgers University is one of many avenues for the County of Union to support health and environmental stewardship,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This Master Gardener scholarship for high school seniors is yet another way to invest in future generations and the place we call home.”

This annual scholarship honors Madeline Flahive DiNardo, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Agent and long-time supporter of the Master Gardener program, whose dedication to education, environmental stewardship, and inspiring the next generation of leaders in gardening, sustainability, and the natural sciences. Eligible applicants must be residents of Union County and graduating seniors from a Union County high school. The selected student will demonstrate an interest in plants, the environment, or community service, and show academic promise in their chosen field of study.

“Supporting students who are passionate about horticulture and environmental science aligns perfectly with our mission of education and community outreach,” said Patricia Paul, President of the Master Gardeners of Union County. “We are proud to invest in a student who will carry these values forward.”

Scholarship Details:
• Award Amount: $750
• Eligibility: Union County high school seniors
• Fields of Study: Agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, or related disciplines
• Application Deadline: March 15, 2026

scholarship@mastergardeners-uc.org
Master Gardeners of Union County
151 Grant Street
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
(908) 654-9854

“This scholarship reflects the strength of our partnership with Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the role it plays in connecting students to real-world learning,” said Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, Liaison to Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “By supporting young people who are curious about the environment and sustainability, we’re helping cultivate the next generation of problem-solvers and stewards.”

For more information or to request an application, please contact the Master Gardeners of Union County at scholarship@mastergardeners-uc.org. Applications may also be available from your high school guidance counselor offices as well.

About the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County
The Rutgers Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist Rutgers Cooperative Extension in delivering horticultural education, community outreach, and environmental programs throughout Union County. From the Demonstration Gardens in Watchung Reservation to school programs, plant clinics, and public workshops, Master Gardeners share their passion for plants and sustainable gardening practices to benefit the entire community.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, is pleased to celebrate Black History Month and the 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States with a free performance titled, “Madame Selika 1878: Songbird in the White House.” The performance will take place on Thursday, February 19th at 7:00 p.m. at UCPAC’S Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway. Pre-registration for the performance is available at ucnj.org/bhm.

“As part of our month-long celebration of Black History, it’s important for us to showcase the arts,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek. “Music, singing, dancing; they all play a vital role in every culture, serving as powerful mediums for expressing our experiences, capturing emotions, and connecting communities through our shared history. We are honored to host this free event for our residents and neighbors, and hope that you join us this February as we continue celebrating black history and culture across the county.”

The performance, part of Union County’s American Revolution 250th Anniversary and Black History Month celebrations, highlights the life of soprano singer Marie Selika Williams through a re-creation of her historic 1878 concert at the White House. At the recommendation of Frederick Douglass, Madame Selika performed a recital in the Green Room of the White House for President and Mrs. Rutherford B. Hayes and their guests during a period in time when racism was still prevalent. Madame Selika, along with her husband Samson Williams, were the first free people of color to perform there.

Terrance McKnight, the award-winning journalist, author and weekday evening host for radio station WQXR, conceived, directs and explores the historic, political and social ramifications of that evening with performances by soprano Candice Hoyes, tenor Justin E. Bell and pianist Kyle Walker.

Mr. McKnight regularly curates concerts and talks at Merkin Concert Hall, the Billie Holiday Theatre, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and the Museum of Modern Art. This is his fifth time returning to Union County to provide high-quality programs for Black History Month celebrations.

“Terrance McKnight is an exceptional storyteller with a talent for blending music with history that really captivates audiences.  We know you’re going to enjoy the wonderful show while learning about Marie, the Queen of Staccato,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, Chair of the Union County 250^th Committee. “Her story is featured in both our Black History Month and American Revolution celebrations because of what she represents. Marie’s journey is filled with hope and determination, marked by her overcoming obstacles, breaking ceilings, and paving the way for future generations. This makes her not only part of our African American heritage but of the broader legacy of this great country.”

Admission to “Madame Selika 1878: Songbird in the White House”is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, visit ucnj.org/bhm.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State; the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; and the Union County HEART Grant program. 

For more information about this event, and other programs and services related to the arts and Union County history, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711. Or send E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org

The Union County Board of Elections reminds Berkeley Heights residents that Tuesday, February 17^th is the deadline to register to vote in the upcoming Berkeley Heights Special School Election, scheduled for Tuesday, March 10.

The Special School Election will be held from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on March 10. Eligible voters may register online, in person, or by submitting a voter registration application. Complete voter registration information is available on the Union County Board of Elections website at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

Voting on Election Day will take place at regular polling locations, which can be found on the Board of Elections website or by calling the Board directly at 908-527-4123.

For voters who choose to vote by mail, secure ballot drop boxes for the Berkeley Heights Special School Election will open on February 9. Mail-in ballots may be returned at any of the following locations:

Snyder Avenue Park, Snyder Avenue, Berkeley Heights

The Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East, Westfield

Union County Administration Building, Rahway Ave. & Elizabethtown Plz, Elizabeth

Union County Board of Elections, 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth

Residents are encouraged to verify their voter registration status and plan ahead to ensure their voices are heard in this important local election.

For more information, visit www.ucnj.org/ucboe or contact the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners stands in solidarity with our Haitian community and with local leaders calling for an immediate extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.

The humanitarian, security, and political conditions in Haiti remain deeply unstable. Forcing families to return under these circumstances would place lives at risk and separate parents from children, workers from jobs, and neighbors from the communities they help strengthen every day.

Haitian TPS holders are integral members of Union County — they are essential workers, small business owners, caregivers, and parents raising families who call this county home. They contribute to our economy, our schools, our faith institutions, and our neighborhoods.

Union County has long been a place that values dignity, compassion, and fairness. We believe federal policy must reflect those same principles.

In keeping with these values, the Union County Board of County Commissioners urges members of Congress to sign Discharge Petition No. 15, H.Res. 965, allowing for consideration of H.R. 1689, which would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status. We call on federal leaders to act with urgency to provide stability, certainty, and protection for Haitian families who deserve safety, not displacement.

Union County will continue to stand with our Haitian residents and community partners in calling for policies that uphold human dignity, family unity, and public safety.

The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents, their friends and families to celebrate Black History Month with a series of cultural and historical events taking place throughout the month of February. These programs honor the lasting contributions of Black leaders, artists, activists, and community members, both locally and nationally.

“Black History Month is a time for our community to honor the strength and resilience of Black Americans who fought injustice and created lasting change,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Their history shaped powerful cultural and artistic contributions that continue to influence Union County and inspire future generations. We invite residents to join us throughout February for events celebrating this legacy and its impact on our community and country.”

The month-long celebration will begin with a Black History Month Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, February 2 at 1:00pm in the Union County Courthouse Rotunda, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. This ceremony will officially mark the start of the county’s observance of Black History Month.

On Thursday, February 19, the County will present a free public performance of “Madame Selika 1878: Songbird in the White House,” a re-creation commemorating the historic 1878 White House concert by soprano Marie Selika Williams, who performed at the recommendation of Frederick Douglass for President Rutherford B. Hayes. Madame Selika and her husband, Samson Williams, were the first free people of color to perform at the White House. This event, starting at 7:00pm at the Union County Performing Arts Center’s Hamilton Stage in Rahway, is free to attend, but registration is required on ucnj.org/bhm.

Later in the month, on Friday, February 27, the Union County Board of County Commissioners will present the 2026 Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award to Shawn McClain, president of the Elizabeth branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Immediately following the ceremony, UCPAC will host a performance of Stick Fly, a play written by Lydia R. Diamond that explores the dynamics of an African American family as they navigate issues of race, class, and identity in America. A limited amount of tickets are available on www.ucpac.org/event/stick-fly.

Throughout the entire month of February, residents are encouraged to visit the Black History Month Exhibit in the Commissioners Gallery, which celebrates local Black history by highlighting the lives and accomplishments of leaders, activists, artists, and athletes from Union County. Materials on display have been donated in part by Ethel M. Washington, a Plainfield resident and the author of Union County Black Americans. Residents and guests may visit the free exhibit, located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth, Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm throughout the month of February.

For more details and updates about Black History Month, please visit ucnj.org/bhm.

With demand for REAL ID appointments continuing to create challenges for travelers, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is encouraging residents who do not yet have a REAL ID — or are unable to secure an appointment — to consider applying for a U.S. Passport Card as a reliable alternative for domestic air travel.

A U.S. Passport Card allows individuals to travel within the United States by plane and meets the same federal security and validity standards as a REAL ID. The card also allows U.S. citizens to prove their citizenship. The cost of a Passport Card is $30.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced that travelers 18 years of age or older who do not present a REAL ID at airport security will be subject to additional screening procedures. These procedures may include enhanced screening, database checks, knowledge-based questions, or biometric verification, and may result in a $45 fee. The additional screening process can take 10 to 30 minutes, potentially causing delays for travelers.

“I know how difficult it can be to get an appointment to obtain a REAL ID,” said Clerk Rajoppi. “As an alternative, a Passport Card is a great choice and will not slow travelers at the airport.”

Residents interested in obtaining a U.S. Passport Card can schedule an appointment at the Union County Clerk’s Office in Elizabeth or Westfield by visiting www.ucnj.org/county-clerk.

For more information on Passport Cards, REAL ID alternatives, and available appointments, residents are encouraged to visit the Union County Clerk’s website.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation invite community members with a passion for the outdoors to take part in the Union County Parks Adopt-A-Trail Annual Trail Stewards Orientation Meeting and Training, an in-person volunteer information session focused on preserving and maintaining the County’s park trails while strengthening community involvement.

“Programs like Adopt-A-Trail demonstrate how community involvement directly strengthens the long-term care of Union County’s park system,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “By working alongside dedicated volunteers, we are building a more resilient, well-maintained network of parks and trails that residents can enjoy today and into the future.”

The orientation and training will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Trailside Nature & Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside.

This annual meeting welcomes both prospective and returning Trail Stewards interested in participating in the Union County Parks Adopt-A-Trail Program. The indoor session will include a presentation and training led by Union County Park Environmental Services staff, providing an overview of the program, volunteer expectations, trail safety practices, and the role stewardship plays in protecting the county’s natural resources. Attendees will also learn about the benefits of becoming a Trail Steward and how volunteers help support the day-to-day care of Union County’s trails.

Through the Adopt-A-Trail Program, volunteers actively contribute to the care and monitoring of Union County’s extensive trail network by assisting with light clean-up, observing trail conditions, and reporting maintenance concerns. Trail Stewards play an important role in helping ensure that park trails remain safe, clean, and accessible for residents and visitors to enjoy year-round.

This event is free, open to the public, and held in person. Residents who enjoy hiking or spending time outdoors and want to make a positive impact in their community are encouraged to attend.

For more information or to register for the Trail Stewards Orientation, visit https://ucnj.org/trail-stewards-orientation or contact the Union County Park Environmental Services at park.env.services@ucnj.org or call 908-789-3683. To stay informed about County parks, events, services, and offerings, download the free Explore Union County mobile app.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners welcomes seniors and caregivers to the Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in February to explore the wide range of senior programs and the latest 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. Bilingual staff will be available on several dates to provide support in Spanish.

“Our ASK program plays a vital role in our commitment to ensuring seniors across the county have access to nutritious meals, health care, transportation, and all other resources that support their health and well-being,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “I encourage all seniors and caregivers to visit the nearest location and discover how this program can help you improve your life.”

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 February:

Wednesday, February 4th

Hillside Public Library

1409 Liberty Avenue, Hillside

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, February 10th

(Bilingual staff available)

Fanwood Memorial Library

5 Forest Road, Fanwood

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, February 17th

(Bilingual staff available)

Westfield Memorial Library

550 East Broad Street, Westfield

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“This program wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated and hardworking professionals in our Division on Aging. Their commitment to our senior community shows up in every older adult who has found resources, community, and hope for their future through this service,” 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.

As Union County prepares for a major winter storm, residents are reminded that 9-1-1 is for life-threatening emergencies only. During severe weather, emergency lines must remain available for those who truly need immediate help.

CALL 9-1-1 ONLY IF:

• Someone is trapped or in immediate danger
• There is a medical emergency
• Lives are at risk

DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 OR POLICE TO REPORT:

• Power outages
• Snow-covered or unplowed streets
• Downed trees without injuries
• General storm or weather questions

Law enforcement and dispatch centers do not have additional information on power restoration or plowing schedules. Calling for non-emergencies delays response for critical situations.

POWER OUTAGE REPORTING

PSE&G Customers:

• Call 1-800-436-7734
• Text “OUT” to 4PSEG (47734)
• Report online at nj.myaccount.pseg.com/mydashboard/outage

JCP&L Customers:

• Call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877)
• Text “OUT” to 544487
• Report online at firstenergycorp.com/outages

ADDITIONAL SAFETY REMINDERS

• Extremely cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills are expected
• Limit time outdoors and dress in layers if you must go out
• Ensure medical devices and backup batteries are fully charged
• Check on seniors, neighbors, and anyone who may need assistance

SNOW REMOVAL QUESTIONS

For snow removal concerns, please contact your local public works department. Crews will be working throughout the storm and afterward as conditions allow.

Thank you for helping keep emergency services available for true emergencies.

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents of all ages to enjoy a full day of seasonal fun, learning, and outdoor exploration during February Festivities, taking place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside.

This family-friendly event features a variety of winter-themed activities designed to engage children and adults alike, from nature walks and hands-on crafts to live art instruction and wildlife education. 

“February Festivities is a wonderful opportunity for families to step outside, learn something new, and experience the beauty of Union County’s parks during the winter season,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Events like this reflect our commitment to providing meaningful programs that bring residents together and encourage a lifelong appreciation for nature.”

The day’s activities include:

• Great Backyard Bird Count at 10:00 a.m., where participants will observe and identify birds while contributing to a global citizen-science initiative
• Winter Landscapes with Artist Dario Scholis at 10:00 a.m., an acrylic painting workshop for adults ages 18 and older
• The Journey of Sap to Syrup at 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., featuring maple sap collection demonstrations and taste testing
• Winter Walk Scavenger Hunt at 2:45 p.m., discover if you and your family can find all the items on the winter scavenger hunt list followed by warming up at a campfire with hot cocoa

February Festivities programming is recommended for families with children ages 4 and older.  To register, please visit ucnj.org/trailside and follow the link to Union County’s secure online registration page. Fees apply for all special programming; both adults and children must register for the programs.  Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

Throughout the event, children can enjoy free crafts, giveaways, and a prize wheel featuring fun questions about winter and winter wildlife, offering fun for attendees of all ages.

Trailside welcomes visitors free of charge every day from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., except for Mondays and major holidays.

The Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside. For more information, residents can call 908-789-3670. To stay informed about County events, services, and offerings, download the free Explore Union County mobile app.