Category: Public Info

Enjoy seasonal & historical activities for all ages at the Deserted Village of Feltville in Union County

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces thatthe Deserted Village of Feltville will once again host an annual open house featuring old-fashioned children’s games, apple cider pressing, an archaeological activity, and guided tours as part of Union County’s Four Centuries in a Weekend event this Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, from noon to 5:00 p.m. each day. 

“The Deserted Village of Feltville is a Union County treasure, full of natural beauty with a rich history that dates back to the 19th century,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy! You can take a guided tour, try making apple cider, roast marshmallows, and learn more about this historic landmark with family and friends. I hope to see you there!”

All activities for the Four Centuries weekend are rain or shine, and are free of charge. Enter the Deserted Village parking lot from Glenside Avenue (use GPS address 1 Cataract Hollow Road, Berkeley Heights).  A haywagon provides barrier-free access to key sites within the 130-acre historic district.  Visitors can pick up a free self-tour guidebook at the parking lot, or use their cell phones to take an audio tour.  

The Deserted Village of Feltville is located in Union County’s Watchung Reservation. It was established in 1845 by entrepreneur David Felt, who built a printing mill, housing for his workers, and other buildings for communal use by Feltville’s 175 residents. As part of the weekend’s festivities, the “ghost” of David Felt will stroll the grounds of the Deserted Village and converse with visitors, telling tales of the factory town he built and recounting memories of the people who worked in his mill, on his farm, and in his store and school.  At 1:00 pm each day, Mr. Felt will offer a 30-minute long armchair tour from the porch of his general store, with an interactive opportunity for children.

Other activities for children will include old-fashioned games on the Deserted Village’s grass tennis court, writing with a quill pen and ink, and searching for artifacts at the site of David Felt’s house. A small apple orchard has been recreated to recall the 600-acre farm established by Mr. Felt to provide food for the villagers.  Visitors can taste the apple cider being pressed by Boy Scout Troop 23 of Elizabeth.

Visitors can also bring their National Parks Passport to the general store and get it stamped, thanks to Union County’s inclusion in the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area. While at the General Store, visitors are invited to view exhibits of artifacts, photographs and maps depicting the history of the Deserted Village across four centuries. Photos from the late 1800’s that were just found this year will be on display.  Nostalgic candy, snacks, toys and games will be sold at the store.  Families are also invited to pack a picnic and use one of the nearby picnic tables.

The beautifully restored circa-1882 Masker’s Barn carriage house will be open for the weekend. Visitors can tour the building and then linger outside to roast marshmallows around a campfire with the ghost of Anna Malloy, wife of an early caretaker.

Moving even farther back in time, visitors can take a short walk to a small family graveyard on a hillside just behind the church and general store. John Willcocks, a New Jersey militia soldier who fought in the Revolutionary War along with General George Washington’s regular army, will greet visitors.  He will explain how the discovery of a human tooth started a quest to find the unmarked graves of two dozen members of the Willcocks and Badgley families.  Archival research and non-invasive archaeological investigation revealed the site of the missing cemetery, which has been cleared and marked. 

The Deserted Village has seen many changes since its origin as David Felt’s business enterprise. Over the years it has been used as a farm for fancy cattle, a summer resort called Glenside Park, relief housing during the Great Depression, and an outdoor education center. By the 1970’s, the Deserted Village was all but forgotten.

Fortunately, restoration work has been ongoing since 1985.  Felt’s general store now serves as a visitor center.  Masker’s Barn is a rental venue that hosts 100 events each year.  Plans are progressing for projects authorized by the Union County Board of County Commissioners for new roofs, building restoration work, museum exhibits, and improvements to the Barn.

Special programming on the Four Centuries weekend will be provided by historian Priscilla Hayes.  Ms. Hayes inherited her lifelong love of this area from her grandfather – historian and genealogist Edwin Baldwin of Summit – who took her and her siblings there as children.  She has been using her skills as a freelance writer and retired attorney to author booklets describing how this one small village illuminates nearly all of New Jersey history.  In 2022, she launched a website at www.feltvillefeatures.com, where each month she writes about some facet of Deserted Village history.

On October 18and 19, at 2:00 p.m., Hayes will discuss the life and works of a distinguished Latin American artist named Roberto de la Selva, and the discovery and restoration of murals painted by him in the Deserted Village.  On Sunday, she will be joined on Zoom by Ron Burkard, an Oklahoma resident who owns an extensive collection of de la Selva’s artwork.

In 1927, De la Selva, a native of Nicaragua, painted colorful images depicting rural Mexican life directly on the plaster walls of one of the Glenside Park cottages.  De la Selva became renowned as a bas relief sculptor in wood, working as part of the movement known as Mexican Modernism in which artists such as Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco celebrated post-Revolution social reform and the heritage of indigenous cultures.  But the Deserted Village murals are the only murals he is known to have painted.

An exhibit of De la Selva’s work, including a bas-relief wood carving, will form a backdrop to Hayes’ presentation.  After she finishes, the ghost of De la Selva will present a short monologue.  Then Hayes and David Felt will lead a guided tour through the Village.

For more information about the Deserted Village of Feltville, visit the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation online at ucnj.org/dv.

“In addition to the Deserted Village, our Four Centuries weekend event has over 30 participating sites throughout the county that will be open to the public, providing visitors with opportunities to explore the parks and historic landmarks of Union County like never before,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board.

Four Centuries in a Weekend is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State, and is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, in collaboration with staff and volunteers at the sites and is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

For locations, hours, special events, and other details about more than 30 other historical sites participating in Four Centuries in a Weekend this year, visit the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs, www.ucnj.org/4c or call  (908) 558-2550.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join an engaging Hispanic Leadership Panel Discussion marking the conclusion of the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month festivities. The free seminar will feature distinguished speakers, including New Jersey State Senator and Senate Majority Leader, Teresa Ruiz, as well as Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon and Commissioner Sergio Granados.

The event will take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at UCNJ Union College of Union County in Cranford, NJ. Student leaders are invited to a private meet-and-greet session, where they can connect with fellow undergrads, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The program will formally open to the public at 12:15 p.m. with a Welcome and Introduction, followed by the panel presentation from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. The program will conclude with a Q&A session, during which all attendees are invited to participate.

Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, a Cuban-born leader and lifelong resident of Elizabeth, has dedicated her career to breaking barriers and empowering others. In 2020, she made history as the first Hispanic woman elected to the Union County Board of County Commissioners, and earlier this year became the first to serve as Chairwoman. With more than 27 years in education — rising from a teacher’s aide to Principal — Leon credits her experience in the classroom for shaping her collaborative, community-focused approach to leadership. Her work in public service continues to reflect those same core values: opportunity, equity, and ensuring every resident has the tools to succeed.

“Being selected to speak in this year’s Hispanic Leadership panel is an honor, but also sharing the stage with a Latin force like Teresa Ruiz, who has championed our children and the education system while blazing a trail for all Latinas—it’s something that, as an educator, public servant, and Cuban, makes me feel incredibly proud,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “I am excited to share my insights and encourage everyone to come and join us in a discussion that is sure to inspire and uplift our community.”

Commissioner Sergio Granados made history in 2013, as the youngest Commissioner in Union County and one of the youngest Democratic county officials in New Jersey. Over the past 12 years, he has championed equality, inclusion, and cultural pride—launching the County’s first Hispanic Heritage Month flag raising and annual celebrations. Granados also led the creation of the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, the Office for People with Disabilities and Special Needs, and the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity—each the first of its kind in New Jersey—reflecting his ongoing commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive Union County for all residents.

“Coming back to Union College always brings me back to my roots,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “As someone of Salvadoran and Portuguese heritage who grew up in Elizabeth, just a few miles from here, my journey has always been centered on giving back and creating opportunities for others. I was shaped by neighbors, mentors, and moments that showed me how leadership can truly change lives. When we sit with students and young leaders today, we’re not just sharing advice — we’re passing on the responsibility to continue what we started. My hope is that every student walks away knowing that leadership isn’t a title or a destination — it’s a lifelong commitment to service, equity, and community.”

Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz made history in 2007 as the first Puerto Rican elected to the New Jersey State Senate and today serves as the highest-ranking Latina legislator in the state. A lifelong advocate for education and equity, she has championed expanded access to early childhood programs, ensured all qualifying students receive free breakfast and lunch, and advanced laws promoting curriculum diversity. Ruiz has also served as Chair of the Senate Education Committee, Assistant Majority Leader, and Vice Chair of the Essex County Democratic Party. A graduate of Drew University, she is a 2010 Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow and completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard’s Kennedy School.

“Chairwoman Leon and Commissioner Granados are two trailblazing leaders whose work continues to leave a lasting impact on Union County, and I am honored to join them to share our experiences and perspectives as Latinos in public service,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “As we come together this Latino Heritage Month, let us celebrate the powerful legacy of Latino leadership in every space, reflect on the progress we’ve made, and show the next generation that their culture is a source of strength and a foundation for limitless possibilities.”

The Hispanic Leadership event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. Interested participants may register at ucnj.org/hhm.

This event is supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs. It is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in collaboration with UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ.

“Learning about the different cultures that exist within Union County strengthens us as a community and transcends differences, allowing us to come together in celebration of our own uniqueness while also recognizing our shared humanity,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “We thank our Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs for organizing these engaging events that make everyone in our community feel valued and heard.”

For more information on this or other Cultural and Heritage events, please contact John Prescott at 908-436-2912 or via email at jprescott@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that fourteen Union County artists have been selected as award-winners in the 59th annual New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show. The exhibit includes more than 300 outstanding original works of art created by both professional and non-professional artists, ages 60 and up, from twenty of the state’s twenty-one counties.

Every artwork displayed in the state exhibit already received a First-Place award for its media category at a juried county-level show. Artworks by nineteen Union County seniors advanced to the state show, which is now on view to the public. These Union County artists were awarded at the state level for their work:

• Audrey Yankielun (Westfield), was awarded the distinction of Best of Show by a Professional Artist for her craft work, created using thousands of postage stamps.
• Audrey Yankielun (Westfield), 1st Place, Craft by a professional artist
• Igor Zbrizher (Cranford), 1st Place, Acrylic Painting by a non-professional artist
• Toru Ishiyama (Cranford), 3rd Place, Mixed Media by a non-professional artist
• Gregory Ruffa (Scotch Plains), 3rd Place, Pastel by a professional artist
• Gregory Tyson (Garwood), 3rd Place, Works on Paper by a non-professional artist
• Mark Albertson (Westfield), Honorable Mention, Oil Painting by a non-professional artist
• Megan Connelly (Roselle Park), Honorable Mention, Craft by a non-professional artist
• Veronica Dunscombe (New Providence), Honorable Mention, Sculpture by a professional artist
• Paul Federico (Scotch Plains), Honorable Mention, Printmaking by a professional artist
• Karen Freudenberger (Berkeley Heights), Honorable Mention, Pastel by a non-professional artist
• Susan Haiken (Berkeley Heights), Honorable Mention, Acrylic Painting by a professional artist
• Anne Occi (Cranford), Honorable Mention, Watercolor by a professional artist
• Wendy Sheridan (Rahway), Honorable Mention, Works on Paper by a professional artist
• Dorothy Siclare (Plainfield), Honorable Mention, Oil Painting by a professional artist

“We are proud to see so many talented Union County seniors recognized at the state level,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “The arts are a powerful way for our residents to stay engaged and express themselves. We encourage everyone to experience their creativity firsthand by visiting this wonderful exhibition, either online or in person.”

The New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show can be viewed online, when available, at www.njseniorarts.com/gallery/ or in person at the main building of Meadow Lakes Senior Living located at 300 Meadow Lakes in East Windsor. The public is invited to view the art show in person, now through November 6, Monday through Saturday, 10:00am – 4:00pm. Groups of 6 or more should call Meadow Lakes in advance at 609-448-4100. Driving directions are found at https://meadowlakesonline.org/contact/directions/.

The art show is a co-sponsored project of 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 invites residents to attend a free virtual Guardianship Webinar, titled: “Navigating Guardianship for Loved Ones with Special Needs: What Families Need to Know” on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

“This webinar will offer practical resources and professional insight to help residents better understand guardianship and make informed decisions for their loved ones,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “The Commissioner Board is proud to support programs that connect residents with the knowledge and services they need.”

The session will be held online via Zoom and streamed on Facebook Live. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with panelists.

Panelists will include representatives from the Union County Surrogate’s Office, Inroads to Opportunities, the Law Office of Christopher A. Kozlowski, and the Elizabeth Parent Support Group.

Wednesday, October 22, 2025
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Virtual (Zoom & Facebook Live)
Free & open to the public

“Families navigating guardianship often face complex and emotional decisions. Through this webinar, we aim to provide clarity and practical tools, while also offering reassurance that no one has to walk this journey alone,” said Union County Surrogate Christopher E. Hudak. “By partnering with the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, we are ensuring that residents have access to the information and support they need at every step.”

To register for the Guardianship Webinar, visit https://ucnj.org/guardianship/.

The program is presented in partnership by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs (OPDSN) and the Union County Surrogate’s Office. It is designed to provide families, caregivers, and community members with helpful information and guidance on the legal guardianship process.

For more information, contact the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs at 908-527-4807, email opdsn@ucnj.org, or visit https://ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn. For more information on this or any other program through the Union County Surrogate’s Office, please contact them at 908-527-4280, email UCSurrogate@ucnj.org, or visit www.ucnj.org/surrogate.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that sample ballots for the General Election will be mailed in two separate mailing.  All registered voters will receive a sample ballot late next week, and new registered voters will receive a sample ballot after the close of voter registration on Tuesday, October 14^th.

Sample ballots are a valuable resource for voters to acquaint themselves with the candidates and layout of the ballot. Polling location information and voter instructions are also included.

“I urge voters to review their sample ballots as soon as they receive them,” Clerk Rajoppi said. “You can even bring it with you to the polls,” she added.

For more information about sample ballots, early voting, or election deadlines, visit www.unioncountyvotes.com or contact the office at 908-527-4996 or email ucvote@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Rahway cordially invite residents with disabilities and special needs, along with family and friends, to attend this year’s Family Spooktacular Night Celebration, taking place on Friday, October 17th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The free event will be held at the Rahway Recreation Center, located at 275 East Milton Avenue in Rahway. 

“Our annual Halloween celebration for residents with disabilities and special needs is always a fun time, and this year we’re excited to welcome the entire family to join us for some festive fun,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “As always, the Commissioner Board and I are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can come together to celebrate and create lasting memories. I hope to see you all there!”

The 2025 Family Spooktacular Celebration will feature a variety of games, dancing, and a Haunted House for residents to explore. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costumes for a chance to win prizes and be entered into our annual costume contest. Light refreshments will also be provided.

“The City of Rahway is excited to continue our partnership with the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs for the 2025 Family Spooktacular Night Celebration,” said Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe. “This celebration highlights our ongoing commitment to providing inclusive and engaging opportunities for every member of our community.”

Admission to 2025 Family Spooktacular Night is free, but registration is required. To register, please call 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“We’re thrilled to bring back this popular event that captures the spirit of Halloween in a way that’s open and inviting to everyone,” said Union County Commissioner and Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council, Sergio Granados. “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together, unwind, and have some light-hearted, seasonal fun without any barriers. I would also like to thank the City of Rahway and Mayor Giacobbe for their ongoing support in making this possible. I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!”

This event is hosted 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, and in partnership with the City of Rahway.

For more information on the 2025 Family Spooktacular Night Celebration or other events hosted by the Union County 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 and the Master Gardeners of Union County are proud to announce that Thomas Mui, a graduating senior from the Horticulture Program at Union County Vocational Technical School (UCTECH) in Scotch Plains, is the recipient of the 2025 Master Gardener Scholarship.

“The Master Garden Scholarship program not only provides tuition relief; it highlights the bright and motivated young individuals who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable future for Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “We are proud to recognize Thomas for his exceptional accomplishments and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.”

Thomas has demonstrated an extraordinary passion for environmental science and community service, earning recognition for his academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to sustainable gardening and conservation practices.

Throughout his high school career, Thomas excelled in science and environmental studies.  During his senior year, he took courses at Kean University.  He played a key role in helping the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter at UCTECH secure numerous awards over the past two years. In his senior year, he was part of two Career Development Event (CDE) teams that achieved top honors, including a first-place and second-place finish. At the 2024 National FFA Convention, Thomas competed in the Environmental and Natural Resources CDE, where he earned a gold ranking, while his team achieved a silver ranking.

Thomas is now attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, where he plans to apply his knowledge of environmental science and natural resources to the field of civil engineering.

Each year, the Master Gardeners of Union County award a scholarship to support local students pursuing higher education in plant science, ecology, sustainability, or related fields. This initiative reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.

“We are thrilled to recognize Thomas Mui for his outstanding achievements,” said Patricia Paul, President of the Master Gardeners of Union County. “His dedication to environmental science and his leadership within the community embody the values of our organization. We look forward to watching his continued success.”

The Master Gardeners of Union County congratulate Thomas Mui and look forward to following his future contributions to our planet and communities.

“The Commissioner Board and I are proud of the great partnership we have with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the Master Gardeners of Union County, and equally share in congratulating Thomas Mui for this achievement,” said Bette Jane Kowalski, Union County Commissioner and Rutgers Cooperative Extension Liaison. “This moment serves as an affirmation that the path to a greener and more sustainable future is by empowering the next generation, supporting their education, and helping them develop their skills, as individuals and as leaders.”

The Master Gardener program is part of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a partnership between Rutgers University, the County of Union, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program trains volunteers to assist the public with environmentally responsible gardening and horticultural practices.

For questions or more information on the Master Gardeners Free Helpline, call 908-654-9852 or visit mastergardeners-uc.org. For more information about all Extension projects and activities in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards and the 4-H youth development program, visit ucnj.org/rutgers-cooperative-extension-of-union-county/.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites nonprofit organizations to attend a free Zoom professional development workshop, Marketing Success on Any Budget, on Wednesday, October 22 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. Hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, the 90-minute session will present proven strategies that help nonprofits reach their revenue goals.

The workshop is presented by Nancy Sergeant, an advertising-industry veteran and the founder of Sergeant Marketing, who helps leaders of small nonprofits compete with large organizations by aligning marketing, operations and fundraising. Participants will learn how to increase engagement with prospects, and how to map the stages in their prospects’ journey.

Attendees will receive valuable guidance and actionable steps regarding how to: define goals, track KPIs, and measure success; create ideal prospect personas; leverage search engines and AI; apply best practices for email marketing, social media, content creation, and other marketing tools; and scale successful marketing efforts through revision and repurposing. Attendees will be provided with a post-event link to a video summarizing key principles, insights, and steps to implement.

“Union County is proud to support the growth and success of our nonprofit community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This workshop is a valuable opportunity for local organizations to expand their impact and strengthen their outreach.”

Organizations wanting to attend this free workshop can register at https://ucnj.org/marketing-success-on-any-budget. Organizations that receive funding through Union County’s Local Arts Grant (LAP), History Grant, and HEART (History Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant are encouraged to attend. Other non-profit organizations based in New Jersey are also welcome.

This 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, an office of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550.

On June 20, 2025, officers from the Union County Police Department responded to Cedarbrook Park in Plainfield, NJ, after receiving a report of an individual being stabbed. A juvenile victim had sustained a knife wound to the face.

The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Plainfield Village Apartments, located on Randolph Road adjacent to Tëmike Park. Officers Roman and Gray of the Union County Police Investigations Division led a months-long investigation into the case.

The investigation ultimately identified two juvenile suspects from Plainfield, alleged to be gang members connected to multiple incidents. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office approved charges against both juveniles.

On September 23, 2025, members of the Investigations Division facilitated the surrender of one of the juvenile suspects. The suspect was arrested, charged, processed, and remanded to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center pending a court date in Superior Court.

Charges filed in this case include:

• 2C:12-1b(1) Aggravated Assault (2nd Degree)

• 2C:12-1b(2) Aggravated Assault with a Weapon (3rd Degree)

• 2C:39-4d Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (3rd Degree)

• 2C:39-5d Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (4th Degree)

Charges and an arrest remain pending for the second juvenile suspect.

Please note for clarification: Mr. Bermeo is responsible for the full cleanup cost, which is currently assessed at $1,100.22. The phrase ‘in excess of $1,000’ in the press release prior was intended to reflect this total.