County of Union, New JerseyDefault category for all normal press releases
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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents and visitors to step inside the places where local history happened during Four Centuries in a Weekend, Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, more than 30 historic sites across Union County will open their doors free of charge for tours, exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
“Union County did not simply witness American history. Our communities, residents and landmarks helped shape it,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “As our nation celebrates 250 years, Four Centuries in a Weekend gives us a special opportunity to walk through the places where that history unfolded and to share those stories with a new generation. I encourage families to choose a few sites, bring their history passports and make a weekend of exploring our County together.”
This year’s program celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States, while exploring the people, places and stories that shaped Union County before, during and after the American Revolution.
Visitors can explore Revolutionary War sites, colonial-era homes, historic cemeteries, museums, a 1928 vaudeville theater, one of the nation’s earliest Black-owned country clubs, an observatory and other landmarks. Costumed interpreters, guided tours, archival displays, traditional crafts, live music and activities for children will bring different periods of Union County’s history to life.
“What makes Four Centuries in a Weekend so memorable is that every stop offers something different,” said Union County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “You may hear a story you never knew, see an artifact that changes how you understand your hometown or watch your child become excited about history through a hands-on activity. I thank our local historians, site stewards and volunteers for opening these treasured places and making the past feel personal, welcoming and alive.”
2026 Program Highlights
All participating sites will offer a free Union County History Passport that visitors can stamp at each stop. Several locations within the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area will also offer a special stamp for the Passport to Your National Parks book. Collectible Union County History Trading Cards highlighting notable people, places and events will be available at participating sites, with more than 80 cards to collect.
Hours vary at several locations, and some sites are open on Saturday or Sunday only. Visitors should review the complete schedule before planning their route.
Participating Sites
For the complete schedule, addresses, site-specific hours and activity details, visit www.ucnj.org/4c or contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550.
Four Centuries in a Weekend is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, within the Department of Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with the staff and volunteers of participating historic sites, and is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the Union County Family Clinic offers back-to-school vaccinations and Mantoux tuberculosis (TB) testing for uninsured individuals of all ages. Wellness visits are also available for babies and children up to age 5!
Eligible Union County residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered by Medicaid Plan A can access these important health services.
For more information, including eligibility requirements and required documentation, please visit https://ucnj.org/union-county-family-clinic/
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is reminding residents of the final mobile paper shredding and household hazardous waste events of the 2026 season. Two scrap metal recycling dates are also scheduled for October. All three programs are free for Union County residents.
“These events make it easier for residents to clear out unwanted materials and dispose of them properly,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Whether you have sensitive documents, scrap metal or household chemicals to get rid of, I encourage you to check the October schedule and take advantage of these free programs before the season ends.”
The final two shredding events will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, or until the shredding trucks reach capacity:
The program is for Union County residents only and is not open to businesses. There is a limit of four bags or boxes per vehicle, with each bag or box weighing no more than 10 pounds.
Only confidential or sensitive personal documents will be accepted. Magazines, junk mail and other nonsensitive papers should be placed in municipal recycling programs. Residents should remove bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other nonpaper materials before arriving. Staples are permitted. Pre-shredded, damp or wet paper will not be accepted.
Scrap metal recycling will be available on Thursday, October 1, and Saturday, October 17, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at both of the following locations. Residents may use either location on either date:
Accepted items include refrigerators and freezers with doors removed, metal cabinets, household appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, air conditioners, microwaves, washers, dryers, stoves, metal fencing, tire rims and wire hangers.
The final household hazardous waste event of the season will take place on Sunday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools’ West Hall/Police Academy parking lot, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
Residents may bring accepted household materials including oil-based paints and finishes, motor oil and filters, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides and fluorescent bulbs.
Latex or water-based paint, medical sharps, and pressurized welding gas or oxygen cylinders will not be accepted. Leftover latex paint can be dried at home with a commercial paint hardener, sand, cat litter or sawdust. Once completely hardened, it may be disposed of with regular household trash.
All Union County recycling events are contact-free and drive-up only. Residents must remain in their vehicles while staff removes materials from their trunks. The events are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act grants that Union County applies for and receives through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
For a complete schedule and more information, visit ucnj.org/recycling or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Residents may also contact their municipal recycling coordinator.
The free Recycle Coach app provides information about countywide and municipal recycling programs, including accepted materials, curbside schedules and drop-off locations. Learn more at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the County’s Hispanic Heritage Cultural Festival on Saturday, October 3, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage in Rahway.
Observed in Union County from September 15 through October 14, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the history, cultures, traditions and lasting contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.
“Hispanic Heritage Month gives us an opportunity to recognize the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape Union County and continue to contribute to the strength and character of our communities,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Our Cultural Festival brings residents together to enjoy the music, art, traditions and many cultures that make Union County such a vibrant place to live. I encourage everyone to join us for this special celebration.”
Held under this year’s theme, “Unidos, somos más • Together, we are more,” the free, family-friendly festival will feature live entertainment, cultural performances, community resource tables and activities for children and families, including face painting, coloring, bracelet making, maraca decorating, games and a photo booth.
Community organizations and agencies scheduled to participate include the Latino Action Network, PROCEED, Union County Social Services, PRAE, the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, the Union County Board of Elections, We Are One New Jersey and the Union County American Job Center.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is deeply personal to me. As a Cuban-American, I carry my family’s heritage, traditions and story with me in everything I do,” said Union County Commissioner Lourdes M. Leon. “Since becoming a Commissioner, I have been proud to be part of this celebration and to see it continue to grow into something that brings so many families and communities together. The Cultural Festival is a chance for us to honor where we come from, share our traditions with one another and celebrate the incredible diversity of our Hispanic and Latino communities here in Union County.”
During the Cultural Festival, Union County will recognize individuals and organizations for their leadership, advocacy, service and contributions to arts and culture. The 2026 honorees are:
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the Union County Courthouse will be illuminated in red, yellow, blue, green and orange in recognition of the diverse cultures, traditions and nations represented throughout Union County’s Hispanic and Latino communities.
UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage is located at 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway. For more information about Union County’s Hispanic Heritage Month programs and events, visit www.ucnj.org/hhm.
The Union County Board of Elections is seeking residents to serve as poll workers for the General Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Poll workers will earn $300 for the day.
Poll workers play an essential role in ensuring that Election Day runs smoothly and that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot. The workday begins at 5:15 a.m. and continues until at least 8:15 p.m., after the polls close.
Any Union County resident age 16 or older may apply. Applicants who are 18 or older must be registered to vote. Residents who are 16 or 17 years old may work an eight-hour shift on Election Day.
No previous experience is required. All new poll workers must attend a mandatory in-person training session before Election Day.
Applications may be submitted online at ucnj.org/pollworker. To request a paper application, call the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org.
Additional poll worker resources are available at ucnj.org/pollworker. For more information about the Union County Board of Elections, visit ucnj.org/ucboe.
The November 3 election date and $300 Election Day compensation are consistent with information published by the New Jersey Division of Elections
Today’s Polish Heritage Flag Raising Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. will be moved indoors at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
Governor Mikie Sherrill has ordered U.S. and New Jersey flags to be flown at half-staff today in recognition and mourning of State Senator Barry Tallman Parker. In keeping with proper flag protocol, the County will hold today’s Polish Heritage ceremony indoors rather than conduct an outdoor flag raising.
We look forward to welcoming everyone this afternoon as we come together to celebrate Polish heritage, culture and contributions to Union County.
The Master Gardeners of Union County (MGUC) have named Marissa Duarte, a 2026 graduate of Union County Vocational-Technical Schools, the recipient of the 2026 Madeline Flahive DiNardo Scholarship.
The $750 scholarship is awarded annually to a Union County student pursuing further studies in agriculture, horticulture, food science, environmental science or a related field. The MGUC Scholarship Committee selected Marissa based on her academic excellence, community involvement and personal statement about the role gardening has played in her life.
“Marissa has taken her interest in gardening and used it to help others, from teaching younger students to growing food for local families,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “That is an impressive accomplishment, and I congratulate her on this well-deserved scholarship. I wish her the best as she begins her studies at UMass Amherst.”
Marissa began gardening in middle school as a member of the Rutgers 4-H Garden Club. She eventually became club president, teaching younger members about gardening and environmental stewardship and participating in community outreach projects.
She later brought that experience to the garden at Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey, where she helped develop a partnership with Kean University’s sustainability and architecture departments to support and redesign the garden. Produce grown there is donated to the organization’s on-site food pantry, giving Marissa an opportunity to see firsthand how gardening and food production can benefit local families.
“My experience leading the Garden Club showed me how gardening can strengthen communities,” Marissa wrote in her scholarship essay.
Marissa plans to study Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She hopes to explore food production and sustainability and make a positive impact on food systems and community well-being.
The scholarship is named in honor of Madeline Flahive DiNardo, the recently retired Rutgers professor and Agricultural Agent who served the Master Gardeners of Union County for 38 years, providing education, leadership and mentorship to generations of Master Gardeners.
“We are delighted to recognize Marissa with this year’s scholarship,” said Patricia Paul, president of the Master Gardeners of Union County. “Her commitment to gardening, leadership and community service reflects the values this scholarship was created to recognize. We wish her every success at UMass Amherst.”
“What stands out about Marissa is that she has already put what she’s learned into practice,” said Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, liaison to Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “Her work with the Garden Club and the Jewish Family Service garden shows how education and service can make a difference close to home. The Master Gardeners have chosen a wonderful recipient for a scholarship that honors Madeline Flahive DiNardo’s years of teaching and mentorship.”
New Jersey Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist Rutgers Cooperative Extension in providing horticultural education and unbiased, research-based information to the public. Since the Union County program began in 1987, Master Gardeners have provided more than 232,000 hours of volunteer service to Union County residents.
For more information about the Master Gardeners of Union County, visit www.mastergardeners-uc.org. For media inquiries, contact the Master Gardeners of Union County at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, 151 Grant Street, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922, or email mastergardeners@ucnj.org.
Trailside Nature & Science Center will be closed to the public beginning Wednesday, September 23 at 12:00 p.m. through Friday, September 25 at 1:00 p.m. due to a scheduled conference being held at the facility.
Trailside will reopen to the public on Friday, September 25 at 1:00 p.m.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming visitors back Friday afternoon
The Union County Police Department has announced arrests resulting from three separate investigations involving assaults in a County park, an intentionally set fire at a park facility and the theft of electronic equipment.
Union County Police responded to reports of two separate assaults involving women in Conant Park in Hillside on June 24 and August 1, 2026. The park is located along the eastern side of the Kean University campus.
During one of the incidents, the victim’s cellphone was reportedly stolen. Neither victim suffered serious injuries, and the suspect fled before officers arrived in both instances.
Detectives Capra and Rodrigues of the Union County Police Investigations Division were assigned to the cases. Their investigation led to the arrest of 19-year-old Erick Santiago Cabrera-George of Elizabeth.
Cabrera-George was charged with one count of second-degree robbery, two counts of third-degree aggravated assault, one count of third-degree aggravated assault with a weapon, one count of fourth-degree aggravated assault, one count of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and one count of fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.
He was processed on the charges and is currently being held in Essex County pending court proceedings.
On September 1, 2026, Union County Police officers conducting a routine security check at Phil Rizzuto Park in Union observed smoke, soot and fire damage inside one of the park’s restrooms.
The Union Fire Department, Union County Arson Task Force and New Jersey State Fire Marshal K-9 Unit responded to the scene. Investigators determined that the fire had been intentionally set. The incident caused several thousand dollars in damage to the facility.
Officer Mascitelli of the Union County Police Investigations Division was assigned to the case. The investigation led to the September 15 arrest of 18-year-old Richard Ramos of Elizabeth.
Ramos was charged with one count of second-degree aggravated arson, one count of third-degree arson and one count of third-degree criminal mischief. He was processed at Union County Police Headquarters and is being held at the Essex County Jail pending a first appearance in Union County Superior Court.
On July 22, 2026, Union County Police responded to a report that a large quantity of electronic equipment had been stolen from a property located at 61–99 West Grand Street in Elizabeth.
Officer Gray of the Union County Police Investigations Division was assigned to investigate. The investigation led to the recovery of several thousand dollars’ worth of electronic equipment and the September 14 arrest of 32-year-old Nicolas Penagos of Roselle.
Penagos was charged with one count of second-degree dealing in stolen property and one count of second-degree receiving stolen property. He was processed at Union County Police Headquarters and is being held at the Essex County Jail pending a first appearance in Union County Superior Court.
This investigation remains active.
Under New Jersey law, second-degree crimes generally carry a sentencing range of five to 10 years in state prison, third-degree crimes generally carry a sentencing range of three to five years, and fourth-degree crimes may carry a term of up to 18 months. A conviction for second-degree robbery is also subject to New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, which generally requires an individual sentenced to incarceration to serve 85% of the sentence imposed before becoming eligible for parole.
All charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.