Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services’ Division on Aging are excited to announce that the distribution of Senior Farmers Market vouchers has officially begun. Eligible seniors ages 60 and over are invited to visit designated locations to obtain vouchers that provide access to fresh, healthy produce and support our community farmers. 

“Last year, we handed out 1,700 vouchers that helped many seniors with low or fixed incomes access nutritious food, and we’re looking forward to doing it again,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Your health and well-being are important to us. I strongly encourage eligible seniors to take advantage of this free resource and to apply.”

To be eligible, seniors must be 60 years of age or older, live in Union County, and provide proof of age and residency. A single person’s monthly income may not exceed $2,461 per month, and a married couple’s combined income may not exceed $3,337 per month.

The Division on Aging will begin distributing vouchers on the following dates and locations:

• May 19 –Sampson Senior Center – 800 Anna Street, Elizabeth
• May 20 – Union Senior Center – 652 Rahway Avenue, Union 
• May 21 – Gregorio Recreation Center – 330 Helen Street, Linden 
• May 27 – Kenilworth Senior Center – 526 Boulevard, Kenilworth (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM) 
• May 28 – Peterstown Community Center – 418 Palmer Street, Elizabeth  

All location hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Residents from the following municipalities can reach out to their local Community or Senior Center to obtain Senior Farmers Market vouchers:

• Hillside – Hillside Senior Center – 908-355-8928 
• Roselle – Roselle Recreation Department – 908-259-3036 
• Roselle Park – Casano Community Center – 908-245-0666 
• Plainfield – Plainfield Senior Citizens Center – 908-753-3506 
• Rahway – Rahway Senior Citizens Center – 732-827-2016 

“While this program offers a great opportunity for seniors to get outside, support local farmers, and engage with their community, I want to also remind residents that it is a supplemental program and does not replace a complete nutrition plan,” said Commissioner James E. Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “If any seniors are experiencing food insecurities, we encourage you to reach out to our Division on Aging at 908-527-4870 to learn how we can help.”

A limited number of vouchers are available, and applications will be considered on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Vouchers must be used by November 30, 2026.

For more information on the 2026 Farmers Market Nutrition program and other services for seniors in Union County, please contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office on Behavioral Health & Substance Misuse (OBHSM) are hosting a free virtual educational webinar aimed at supporting the mental well-being of children and adolescents.

The webinar, titled “Supporting Children and Youth Mental Health,” will take place on May 13 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, and will be presented by Susana Mateo, LCSW, of Union County’s Division of Children and Youth Services.

“As conversations around mental health continue to grow, it’s vital that we give families and caregivers the knowledge and resources needed to support children early and effectively,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This webinar is an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, and offer guidance to those in our community who are supporting someone who is struggling.”

The session will provide valuable tools and strategies for parents, caregivers, and community members to better understand and support the mental health needs of young people in today’s world. In addition to the webinar, OBHSM invites all residents to participate in “Wear Green Day” on May 14—a simple but meaningful way to show support for mental health awareness.

“Mental health touches every family, every school, and every community,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of the Union County Department of Human Services. “Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that showing up for one another can make a lasting difference, whether through education, conversation, or acts of support.”

Registration information can be found on ucnj.org/mental-health, and all community members are encouraged to attend.

The Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse advises anyone needing support, information, or resources to reach out to NJ Mental Health Cares, New Jersey’s behavioral health information and referral service system. Calls are answered by trained staff who provide emotional support, assessment of presenting problems, and information and referral. This is a free, confidential service with multilingual translation available.

If you or a loved one is facing mental health related distress, thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, for 24/7 support. The Lifeline provides free confidential emotional support to individuals in crisis or emotional distress. 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 announces that 81 artists, historians and local non-profit organizations will receive funding through the 2026 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program.

The HEART grant program was created by the Board of Commissioners in 1998, in recognition of the importance of culture and the arts to the Union County economy and quality of life. The innovative program supports projects related to history, the arts and humanities, and demonstrates a commitment to the artists and non-profit community organizations of Union County. Total funding for this year’s grants is $100,000.

“We are proud to support the individuals and organizations who create meaningful opportunities for our residents to connect through arts, history, and education. The HEART Grant Program helps make these experiences accessible and keeps our communities connected,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “At its core, this program supports the people who make Union County a vibrant place to live.”

Union County HEART Grants Awarded 2026:

Individuals

• Adelle Molina, New Providence, $500.00
• Bridget Briant, Garwood, $600.00
• Candace Waller, Fanwood, $800.00
• Christina Izmirlian, Westfield, $600.00
• Dario Scholis, Elizabeth, $800.00
• Hao Feng, Summit, $800.00
• Kiyanna Lawrence, Westfield, $500.00
• Lowell Schantz, Westfield, $800.00
• Maria Daniel, Scotch Plains, $600.00
• Robin Chang, Westfield, $600.00
• Tylie Shider, Plainfield, $500.00
• Valerie Porter, Roselle, $500.00

Organizations

• Borough of Fanwood, Fanwood, $1,500.00
• Borough of Mountainside, Mountainside, $1,200.00
• Borough of Roselle Park, Roselle Park, $800.00
• Carolyn Dorfman Dance, Union, $1,750.00
• City of Plainfield, Plainfield, $1,500.00
• City of Summit, Summit, $800.00
• Connecticut Farms First Presbyterian Cemetery, Union, $1,500.00
• Cranford Housing Board, Cranford, $800.00
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Westfield, Westfield, $800.00
• Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center, Plainfield, $1,500.00
• Dreamhouse Theater Company, Plainfield, $1,200.00
• Elizabeth Avenue Partnership, Elizabeth, $1,500.00
• Elizabeth Public Library, Elizabeth, $1,000.00
• Elizabeth Renaissance Foundation, Elizabeth, $1,500.00
• Emerson Community School, Plainfield, $1,500.00
• Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Frazee House Inc., Fanwood, $1,500.00
• Forgotten Victory Trail, Summit, $1,500.00
• Garwood Partnership for Arts and Culture, Garwood, $700.00
• Girls on a Mission with Ambition, Roselle Park, $1,500.00
• Green Thumb Garden Club of Cranford, Cranford, $700.00
• Groundwork Elizabeth, Elizabeth, $1,450.00
• Haitian Flag Day Planning Committee of New Jersey, Elizabeth, $1,450.00
• Hanson Park Conservancy, Cranford, $1,000.00
• Historical Society Elizabeth NJ, Elizabeth, $800.00
• Historical Society of Plainfield, Plainfield, $1,750.00
• Institute of Music for Children, Elizabeth, $1,500.00
• JCC of Central NJ, Scotch Plains, $1,450.00
• Jefferson Park Ministries, Elizabeth, $1,500.00
• Jersey Central Theatre Company, Fanwood, $1,450.00
• Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey, Elizabeth, $1,200.00
• Josephine’s Place, Elizabeth, $1,650.00
• Kenilworth Historical Society Incorporated, Kenilworth, $1,200.00
• Liberty Hall Museum, Union, $1,500.00
• Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, Rahway, $1,500.00
• Music For All Seasons, Scotch Plains, $1,500.00
• New Jersey Festival Orchestra, Westfield, $1,500.00
• New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra, Summit, $1,500.00
• Occupational Center of Union County, Roselle, $1,750.00
• Peruvians for Progress, Rahway, $1,450.00
• Premiere Stages at Kean University, Union, $1,500.00
• Preserve the Shady Rest Committee, Scotch Plains, $1,650.00
• Roselle Board of Education, Roselle, $1,500.00
• Roselle Park Loves Arts, Inc., Roselle Park, $1,500.00
• SAGE Eldercare, Summit, $1,500.00
• Second Street Youth Center, Plainfield, $1,500.00
• Social Justice Matters, Inc., Scotch Plains, $1,500.00
• Stony Hill Players, Summit, $1,500.00
• Summit Community Players – Central Presbyterian Church, Summit, $1,500.00
• The Connection for Women and Families, Summit, $1,200.00
• The H.U.S.H. House Foundation, Plainfield, $1,200.00
• The Musical Club of Westfield, Inc., Westfield, $1,500.00
• Township of Cranford, Cranford, $600.00
• Township of Scotch Plains, Scotch Plains, $1,500.00
• Township of Union School District, Union, $1,500.00
• Union County Historical Society, Cranford, $800.00
• Union Township Historical Society, Union, $800.00
• Visions and Pathways, Plainfield, $1,500.00
• Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, Summit, $1,500.00
• Vivid Stage, Summit, $1,500.00
• Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route NJ, Westfield, $1,500.00
• Westfield Arts Collective, Westfield, $1,500.00
• Westfield Coalition for the Arts, Westfield, $1,200.00
• Westfield Community Center, Westfield, $1,000.00
• Westfield Historical Society, Westfield, $800.00
• Westfield Neighborhood Council, Westfield, $1,500.00
• Westfield Public Arts Commission, Westfield, $1,500.00
• Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts, Berkeley Heights, $1,500.00
• YM-YWHA of Union County, Union, $1,500.00
• YMCA Association of Eastern Union County, Elizabeth, $1,300.00

For information about next year’s HEART Grant Program, artists, educators, civic groups and historical non-profit organizations can contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at (908) 558-2550 or by email at culturalinfo@ucjnj.org. NJ Relay users can dial 711.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that vote-by-mail ballots for the June 2, 2026 Primary Election are now available at the Union County Clerk’s Elizabeth and Westfield offices during regular business hours.

“Vote-by-mail gives residents more flexibility and helps make participating in our democracy more accessible,” said Joanne Rajoppi. “Our goal is to ensure voting remains both convenient and secure.”

Sample ballots are also available on the Union County elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, as well as through the County’s free mobile app.

“Sample ballots offer a convenient way for voters to familiarize themselves with their ballot,” Rajoppi added. “I urge residents to exercise their right to preview and prepare for the upcoming election. Please visit our website or free mobile app to get informed, get ready, and let your voice be heard.”

Voters may download a vote-by-mail application before visiting a Clerk’s office and bring the completed form with them, or they may apply by mail.

Voters are also advised 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 Election Day, the ballot will not be valid. For a list of secure ballot drop boxes, visit: https://ucnj.org/boe/ballot-drop-box-locations/.

Westfield Office

Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Elizabeth Office

Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Room 113
Monday through Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm

For more information, visit unioncountyvotes.com, or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the return of the 2026 Union County Women Mean Business Summit (UCWMB), taking place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Galloping Hill Golf Course, located at 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth.

“Union County is proud to continue investing in opportunities that support women at every stage of their professional journey,” said Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “The Women Mean Business Summit brings together leaders, innovators, and emerging professionals for a day focused on growth, connection, and practical tools that can be applied right away. It’s an opportunity to learn, share experiences, and build the kind of networks that move careers and ideas forward.”

Now in its 12^th year, the UCWMB Summit is a premier conference dedicated to empowering women through connection, learning, and inspiration. Attendees will enjoy breakfast and lunch, participate in four engaging breakout sessions, and hear from this year’s keynote speaker, Margo Chaly, Acting Secretary of Higher Education for the State of New Jersey.

In her role, Acting Secretary Chaly leads statewide higher education strategy, advancing policies that expand access, affordability, and workforce opportunity. Previously, as Executive Director of the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, she oversaw the distribution of nearly $1.4 billion in financial aid and championed innovative initiatives, including the nation’s first Pay It Forward program, reinforcing New Jersey’s position as a national leader in student support and success.

Designed with today’s professional woman in mind, the Summit features dynamic breakout sessions that allow attendees to tailor their experience based on their personal and professional goals. Session topics include authentic communication and the thoughtful use of AI in the workplace, strategies for managing reputation and leading with confidence, approaches to strengthening well-being and preventing burnout, and redefining leadership through resilience and mindset.

Participants will hear from an accomplished lineup of speakers, including Latisha Gaither, MBA, CPCC; Hope M. Field, M.S.; Angie Devanney, M.A.H.S.; and Christina Langdon, each bringing expertise in leadership development, communication, wellness, and high-performance growth.

The 2026 Union County Women Mean Business Summit is organized by the Union County Department of Economic Development through the Office on Women. This event is made possible through the generous support of sponsors JCT Solutions, Atlantic Health, United Airlines, Union County Savings Bank, L’Oréal, and KemperSports.

Throughout the day, attendees will also have opportunities for open networking, encouraging meaningful professional connections and collaboration.

Admission to the 2026 UCWMB Summit is $65 per person. Space is limited. To explore this year’s breakout sessions, meet the speakers, and register, visit www.ucnj.org/ucwmb.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women at (908) 527-4216 or via email.

New Law in Effect: 17 year olds who will be 18 on or before the General Election are entitled to vote in the Primary Election

The Union County Board of Elections reminds residents that Tuesday, May 12 is the deadline for voter registration for the 2026 Primary Election. Election Day will be on Tuesday, June 2.  The UCBOE also advises 17 year old citizens who will be 18 on or before the date of the General Election are permitted to register and vote in the Primary Election.

“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 to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to accept Voter Registration Forms. On the May 12th 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 also be downloaded from the Union County Board of Elections website at ucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning.

To register online, eligible residents should visit: voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow the Online Voter Registration instructions. Your County Commissioner of Registration will notify you if your application is accepted. If it is not accepted, you will be notified on how to complete and/or correct the application.

You can register to vote if:

• You are a United States citizen
• You will be 18 years old by the next election
• You will be a resident of the State and county for 30 days before the election
• You are NOT currently serving a sentence because of a felony conviction
• As of March 17, 2020, persons currently on parole or probation are entitled to vote.

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

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce a series of events in recognition of Haitian Heritage Month, taking place throughout May 2026. These events celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Haitian community in Union County and beyond.

“Kicking off Haitian Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the resilience, culture, and lasting contributions of the Haitian community,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Union County is proud to celebrate this heritage and bring residents together through meaningful events that recognize and uplift the diversity that strengthens our communities.”

The month-long celebration begins with the 3^rd Annual Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony, hosted by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 1st at 4:00 p.m. on the steps of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event will feature opening remarks, an invocation, patriotic and cultural musical performances, and remarks from County officials and special guests. In recognition of the occasion, the Union County Courthouse will be illuminated in blue and red on May 1^st, as well as on May 18^th in honor of Haitian Flag Day.

“As a proud Haitian-American, this celebration is a powerful reminder of the history, strength, and resilience that define our community,” said Commissioner Michèle S. Delisfort. “The story of Haiti is one of courage and perseverance, and that spirit continues to live on here in Union County through the families, traditions, and culture that enrich our communities every day. I am proud to stand with our residents in recognizing and honoring that legacy.”

In addition to the flag raising ceremony, the Union County Board of County Commissioners will showcase a collection of artwork from local artists in the Commissioners Gallery, located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building in Elizabeth. The exhibit will be open to the public Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., throughout the month of May.

“As one of the newest members of the Board and someone with Haitian roots, it’s especially meaningful to take part in this celebration,” said Commissioner Stanley J. Neron. “Haitian Heritage Month is a chance to recognize the contributions of a community that continues to shape Union County every day, and to bring people together in a way that reflects the strength and diversity of our residents. I’m proud to be part of that.”

Residents are encouraged to visit www.ucnj.org/haitianheritage to view the full calendar of events and stay up to date with the latest information and details. The Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony is presented in collaboration with the Haitian Flag Day Planning Committee of New Jersey.

For more information, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator, at (908) 527-4388 or via email at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the 2026 seasonal recycling events will continue this May, 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.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to discard old documents, metal appliances, and hazardous items while also contributing to keeping Union County safe and sustainable. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this free program,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek.

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 May shredding events:

• Saturday, May 9th: New Providence Community Pool Parking Lot, 1378 Springfield Avenue, New Providence
• Friday, May 15th: Hillside Pool Parking Lot, 1200 Central Avenue, Hillside

The shredding events are intended for personal and sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail, and other papers through their municipal 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.

Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program also continues in May, providing residents the opportunity 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, May 7th & Saturday, May 16th, 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.

The free Recycle Coach mobile app is a handy way to find out which items are accepted in curbside recycling programs and at drop-off sites in Union County. The app also provides up-to-date information on both countywide and local recycling programs.

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.