On September 23, 2025, patrol officers from the Union County Police Department discovered illegal dumping activity in the Watchung Reservation, located in Mountainside, NJ.
Following a swift investigation by the Union County Police Investigations Division, Mr. Adrian Bermeo of Elizabeth, NJ, was identified as the suspect and subsequently charged on September 25, 2025.
Cleanup efforts required the removal of debris equivalent to two 17-yard dumpsters. Mr. Bermeo later turned himself in to police and provided a full confession.
He has been charged with violating N.J.S.A. 13:1E-9.3(A), a Disorderly Persons Offense that carries a $2,500 fine for a first offense. He also received a County Ordinance violation for Driving Off Roadway and will be held responsible for cleanup costs exceeding $1,000.
Mr. Bermeo was processed and released pending a court date in municipal court.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners joyously announces that tickets for The Great Pumpkin Sail of 2025 will be available for purchase beginning Wednesday, October 1st at 9:00 a.m. at ucnj.org/ticket. The highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday, November 1st, at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.
“This is one of our most cherished fall traditions in Union County, and one that adults and kids alike truly enjoy,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Watching your carved Jack-o-Lanterns sail away with their pumpkin pals, creating this illuminated floating masterpiece – it’s one of those experiences that makes this season magical. I hope you join us.”
The Great Pumpkin Sail provides visitors of all ages the opportunity to have their Jack-o-Lantern added to a float and watch them sail on Echo Lake.
The event will take place on Saturday, November 1st at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside, with three sessions scheduled. The first session will run from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The second session will run from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The third session will run from 8:15 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Tickets for the Great Pumpkin Sail are sold on a per-family basis, with one ticket covering up to six family members. Larger families may purchase an additional ticket to cover up to six more family members. There is a two-ticket limit per family.
The cost is $12 per ticket for Union County residents and $16 per ticket for out-of-county residents. Each family ticket includes the right to float one pre-carved Jack-o-Lantern, weighing no more than eight (8) pounds after carving.
Tickets must be purchased in advance as space is limited. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date has been scheduled for Sunday, November 2nd.
The Great Pumpkin Sail of 2025 is presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on the Great Pumpkin Sail and other events organized through the Department of Parks and Recreation, please visit ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County invite residents to take advantage of their free Gardening Helpline, a trusted local resource for advice on gardening, landscaping, and plant care. Staffed by trained Master Gardener volunteers, the helpline is available by phone at 908-654-9852 and email at mastergardeners@ucnj.org to answer a wide range of horticultural questions. Residents can also visit the Master Gardeners headquarters, located at 151 Grant Street in Berkeley Heights.
“The Master Gardeners Helpline provides valuable support to residents all across Union County who need guidance on caring for their gardens and houseplants, combining expert advice with human connection,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Whether it’s identifying pests, improving soil, or learning when to plant, our volunteers make it easier for residents to find answers and succeed in their gardening efforts. They’re also available by email, making this resource accessible and convenient for everyone.”
The Master Gardeners Helpline can assist with a variety of gardening inquiries, including identifying plant diseases and pests, providing advice on lawn care, composting, and fertilizing, and offering tips for both vegetable and flower gardening. Additionally, they can guide you on selecting native and pollinator-friendly plants, as well as address questions related to pruning, watering, and soil management. All responses are informed by Rutgers University’s science-based curriculum and the volunteers’ extensive field experience.
“Whether you’re a new gardener wondering when to plant tomatoes, or you’re dealing with pests or yellowing leaves, our volunteers are ready to help,” said Goda Dattatreya, leader of the helpline team of volunteers.
The helpline is available Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and on Friday until 1:00 p.m. during the months of April through November. From December to March, the helpline operates on Mondays and Wednesdays only, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with Friday hours continuing until 1:00 p.m. The Master Gardener’s Helpline offers assistance by phone at 908-654-9852 or email at mastergardeners@ucnj.org. Residents are encouraged to include photos of plants, pests, or problems when emailing the helpline.
“This helpline is part of our mission to support residents with accurate, research-based information that’s tailored to local conditions,” said Pat Paul, a Cranford resident and President of the Master Gardeners program.
Residents interested in gardening education and community service are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Master Gardeners training program, which begins in early January and runs through May at Trailside Nature and Science Center. The program includes horticultural education, hands-on training, and outreach opportunities throughout Union County.
“Our Master Gardeners training program is an excellent way for residents to contribute to bettering our planet and give back to their community, while doing something they enjoy,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “I encourage those interested in volunteering for this program to contact the master gardeners for more information.”
The Gardening Helpline is just one facet of the Union County Master Gardeners program. Volunteers also care for the 1.5-acre Demonstration Garden located at the Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Visitors are welcome on Saturday mornings (weather permitting) and guided tours and seasonal events are available by arrangement.
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/.
We appreciate your patience while our Parks team completes this important work to ensure the bridges remain safe and accessible for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in October to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available. These events allow attendees to meet face-to-face with experienced professionals who can provide expert guidance and assistance with a variety of services, including form completion. Bilingual staff will be available on several dates in October to provide support in Spanish.
“Our senior population is as vital to this community as they are to their families,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “That’s why it’s important to us to ensure they remain as safe, healthy, and joyful as possible. The ASK program addresses several challenges that seniors face, including food insecurity, transportation issues, respite care, language barriers – even loneliness. We encourage seniors and caregivers to attend an ASK event this month and take full advantage of the support that is available to them.”
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 October:
Tuesday, October 7th Westfield Memorial Library 550 East Broad Street, Westfield 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday, October 14th (Bilingual staff available) Hillside Public Library 1409 Liberty Avenue, Hillside 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday, October 22nd (Bilingual staff available) Union Public Library 1980 Morris Avenue, Union 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursday, October 30th Clark Public Library 303 Westfield Avenue, Clark 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
“Our Division on Aging has worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for our senior community through the ASK services and various other programs. More importantly, the bright individuals who run these programs are constantly seeking new ways to improve on the services offered, tailoring them to the specific needs of this community,” said Union County Commissioner and Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging, James Baker. “Visit Union County’s Division on Aging website for more information on these useful services.”
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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join in a day of music, culture, and recognition as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, themed “Defining | Culture and Influence.” The annual Family Fun Day returns to Warinanco Park in Roselle on Saturday, October 4th, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., bringing families together for an afternoon filled with celebration, community pride, and the presentation of the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Awards.
“Family Fun Day is a celebration that brings our entire community together,” said Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “As a Cuban-American and the first Latina to serve on this Board, I know how powerful it is to see our culture reflected in public spaces, shared with neighbors of every background. It’s about joy, music, food, and family — and it’s also about honoring those who are shaping a stronger future for Union County. This day reminds us that when we celebrate our heritage, we celebrate the unity and progress of our whole community.”
This free event will feature live cultural performances, music, arts and crafts, inflatable activities, a photo booth, and community organizations offering resources and giveaways. Latin-inspired food trucks will also be on site, with free vouchers distributed while supplies last.
“For me, this celebration is deeply personal,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “My family’s journey from El Salvador to Union County taught me the value of resilience, opportunity, and community. Family Fun Day captures all of that — a space where families can enjoy themselves while we also lift up the residents, leaders and organizations who make a lasting difference. This event is proof that our heritage is alive not only in the traditions we share, but in the commitments we make to each other every day.”
The highlight of the day will be the Hispanic Heritage Awards Ceremony, honoring leaders whose contributions have left a mark on Union County and beyond, including:
Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, New Jersey’s 20th Legislative District — The Angel Estrada Community Leadership Award. Assemblywoman Quijano has represented the 20th District since 2008, becoming the first woman and Latina to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore in the General Assembly. A lifelong champion for working families, she has led landmark legislation on paid family leave, wage theft protections, cannabis legalization and expungement, and gun safety, while also advancing LGBTQ equality, animal rights, and protections for vulnerable communities. Known for her hands-on commitment to residents, she continues to fight for social, racial, and economic equity
Norlandy A. Aguirre, Owner, Norlandy’s Beauty Salon & Facial — Community Advocacy Award. Norlandy Aguirre Lizcano is a renowned Colombian stylist and cosmetologist with more than 40 years of experience. He founded Norlandy’s Beauty Salon & Spa in Elizabeth, NJ, earning international awards and recognition for excellence in beauty and customer care. Beyond his professional success, he has been a dedicated advocate for the Latin community both in the United States and Colombia, currently serving as Social Manager in La Celia, Risaralda, Colombia. His leadership and service continue to inspire and uplift those around him.
Flor Gonzalez, President, Latin American Coalition — Trailblazer Award. Flor M. Gonzalez is a trailblazing community leader and the first Hispanic Certified Housing Commissioner in the United States. For decades, she has dedicated her life to public service, housing development, and advocacy, making a profound impact across Union County and beyond. As President of the Latin American Coalition since 1995, she has spearheaded programs in ESL, American history, citizenship training, and community assistance, helping countless families find their footing and thrive. She currently serves as Chairperson of the Plainfield Advisory Commission for Hispanic Affairs and co-chair of the Union County Human Relations Commission, continuing her tireless work to empower underserved communities, support youth and families, and strengthen civic participation. Her leadership has earned numerous awards, including the Union County Woman of Excellence Award, Outstanding Community Leadership honors from the New Jersey Senate and Assembly, and recognition from national organizations for her commitment to advocacy and progress.
Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) Colombian District — Business Leadership Award. Accepted by Mariver Arcure, this award recognizes the NPP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and revitalize Elizabeth’s Colombian District. Administered by the NJ Department of Community Affairs in partnership with the City of Elizabeth, the program supports small businesses, improves public spaces, and preserves cultural and economic identity. With a five-year grant, NPP is helping create a vibrant, inclusive, and economically resilient neighborhood that reflects the pride and potential of its residents
The event highlights Union County’s commitment to celebrating cultural diversity and honoring those who contribute to its growth.
Hispanic Heritage Month runs annually from September 15 through October 15, with events and programs across the county highlighting the rich traditions and lasting impact of the Latino community.
For a full schedule of Union County Hispanic Heritage Month events, visit www.ucnj.org/hhm.
In celebration of World Space Week, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to visit Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside for an engaging Space Day adventure, featuring a variety of special programs, crafts, and activities designed for children ages six and older. The event will take place on Saturday, October 4th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
“Fall is a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the changing seasons with family and friends. Trailside’s special Space Day programming will be a day that is out of this world, and filled with extraordinary activities that the whole family will love,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “I encourage everyone who enjoys having fun and learning about the wonders of the universe to visit Trailside during this event.”
The Space Day programming will include:
11:00 A.M. – Space Explorer Laser Light Show – Experience dazzling laser animations set to popular music, exploring the structure of the solar system and the ways lasers enhance our understanding of the universe. All participants will receive a glow bracelet before the show.
12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. – Solar Viewing – weather permitting, visitors will have the opportunity to join members of the Amateur Astronomers, Inc. for a special solar viewing in front of the Trailside Visitor Center.
1:30 P.M. – Life on the Space Station – Speaker Paul Cirillo will lead this engaging discussion about outer space, showcasing the latest astronomical images from observatories both on and off the Earth. Paul is a member of the NJ Astronomical Association, which operates the largest public observatory in New Jersey. He is also a volunteer outreach “ambassador” for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. His easy style of communication allows a diverse audience to better understand the wonders of the universe.
2:30 P.M. – Guided Walk on the Solar System Trail – Participants will embark on a half-mile walk, where each step represents a million miles in space, and enhance their understanding of our solar system using audio guides.
Guests are welcome to visit the front lobby for free crafts and giveaways with a space theme. A modest fee will apply to some programs, and pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, please visit ucnj.org/trailside.
Park Naturalist Delaney Fay assists children with crafts at a past Space Day event at Trailside.
In addition to Space Day, Trailside’s Fall Workshop Series will continue throughout the fall season, running from October 2nd through December 6th, and will offer nature-themed classes for toddlers, families, adults, and seniors. These include Toddler Time sessions, an Adult Wellness Series, and a Senior Nature Walk series.
The Toddler Time series, for adults with children aged three and under, meets on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. for two sessions. Young visitors can have fun while learning about our Ring-tailed Rascals, Minibeasts, Nocturnal Neighbors, Fall Leaves, Turkeys and Snakes & Turtles to name a few.
The Adult Wellness Series, for adults 18 & up, runs throughout the fall season. Workshops include Acrylic Painting with a nature theme, Sound Bowls sessions that surround the participant with the healing vibrations of sound and energy, and Forest Bathing Nature Walks, where adults can experience the Japanese practice, “Shinrin-yoku,” and immerse themselves in nature to quiet their minds and relieve stress.
The Senior Nature Walk series, for participants ages 55 and older, meets on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These guided walks, led by a Trailside naturalist, highlight a different topic each week. Themes include Solar System Walk, Migratory Bird Walk at Oak Ridge Park, Autumn Tree I.D., History of the Deserted Village, Lenape Native Americans, and Owls of New Jersey.
Union County’s annual Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Show returns to Trailside on November 8th & 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The NJ Mineralogical Society and Trailside partner up for a great weekend event. The event is a great opportunity for visitors to shop for minerals, jewelry, fossils, and gemstones from around the world, and purchase unique holiday gifts. Additionally, there will be activities for children. Admission to this event is free.
For more details on Space Day and all events featured in Trailside’s Fall Workshop series, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to participate in National Seat Check Saturday on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Garwood First Aid Squad, 401 2nd Avenue in Garwood. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians from the Union County Department of Public Safety will be on hand to provide free car seat inspections and hands-on instruction to parents and caregivers. No appointment is necessary.
“Car seats and booster seats save lives, but only if they are used correctly,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Through programs like National Seat Check Saturday and our weekly inspection center, Union County gives parents and caregivers the peace of mind that their children are safe on the road.”
In addition to the National Seat Check Saturday event, Union County’s Child Safety Seat Inspection Program is available year-round at the Garwood First Aid Squad. Inspections are offered every Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and no appointment is required. According to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, nearly half of all child safety seats are installed or used incorrectly, while properly used car seats and boosters significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.
Under New Jersey law, children under age 2 and weighing less than 30 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing seat with a five-point harness. Children under age 4 and weighing less than 40 pounds must remain in a rear- or forward-facing seat with a five-point harness until they outgrow it. Children under age 8 and less than 57 inches tall must be secured in a forward-facing seat with a harness or in a booster seat. Once a child reaches age 8 or 57 inches in height, they may use a properly fitted seat belt. It is also recommended that children under age 13 ride in the back seat. Violations of the law carry fines between $50 and $75.
Caregivers are reminded that all car seats and boosters have expiration dates. A manufacturer’s label on the back or bottom of the seat provides the date of manufacture and/or expiration date, and expired seats should not be used as they may compromise safety.
The Child Safety Seat Inspection Program was first launched in 1999 and is a partnership between the Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Union County Police Department, the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, and the Garwood First Aid Squad.
For more information about the Safety Seat Inspection Program and other services visit online at ucnj.org/childseats or contact Christine Marcantonio, Traffic Safety Program Coordinator, by email at cmarcantonio@ucnj.org or by phone at 908-789-6830.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the return of the popular Haunted Hayrides at the Deserted Village of Feltville in the Watchung Reservation. The hayrides will take place on Friday, October 24 through Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for Monday, October 27.
“The Haunted Hayrides bring the Deserted Village to life in a way you can only experience once a year,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Its history, the stories, the setting, and the energy of the Village at night make this event something you don’t want to miss.”
Participants will board a hay wagon alongside David Felt, the New York businessman who built Feltville in 1845. As the wagon moves through the fields and forest under the cover of darkness, and then into the Village itself, Mr. Felt will recount stories of tragedy and mystery that occurred in the area now known as the Watchung Reservation. The tales are told so vividly that history seems to come alive.
The journey culminates with a stop at the Village cemetery, dating back to the 1700s, where a chilling story is told that is certain to stir the imagination — and perhaps even the spirits.
This program is recommended for children age 6 and older, and strollers cannot be accommodated. Each ride departs every half hour and the full experience lasts about one hour, including both a hayride and a walking portion through the darkened forest. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight.
Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific date and time at www.ucnj.org/ticket. No tickets will be sold on-site during the event, and space is limited — early purchase is strongly recommended as the Haunted Hayrides regularly sell out.
The Haunted Hayrides are hosted by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Park Environmental Services, and have become one of Union County’s most anticipated fall traditions, drawing visitors of all ages to experience history with a Halloween twist.
For more information please call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.
