Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and City of Rahway invite residents with disabilities and special needs, ages 13 and older, to attend the Annual Halloween Bash on Friday, October 18th, 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.

“The Commissioner Board and I are thrilled to bring a variety of inclusive programs and festive activities this fall and beyond,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “These events are carefully designed for individuals of all abilities to unwind, have fun, and stay connected with our community. We encourage everyone to participate by dressing up in a fun costume and get ready to have a spooktacular time with us at the Halloween Bash! I look forward to seeing you there.”

The Halloween Bash will include games, dancing, and a Haunted House. Attendees are asked to wear Halloween costumes for a chance to win prizes in the costume contest. Light refreshments will also be provided. 

“The Halloween Bash is one of those special moments where we can focus solely on fun and enjoyment, without any barriers,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “It’s not just about creating events; it’s about ensuring every resident has the space to enjoy them fully. I’m excited for this year’s Bash because it’s a chance to let loose, be creative with costumes, and have a night filled with laughter and excitement. I would also like to thank Rahway for teaming up with us and I can’t wait to see the incredible energy that everyone brings.”

Admission to the Halloween Bash is free, but pre-registration is required. To register online, please visit: ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“The City of Rahway is thrilled to once again partner with Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs for the 2024 Halloween Bash. This event demonstrates our shared commitment to creating accessible and vibrant programs for all members of our community,” said Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe. “Together, we work to ensure each of our residents can feel welcome, join in the fun, and make lasting memories.”

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 Halloween Bash or other programs or 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 invites all residents to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by attending a special Hispanic Leadership Event, featuring Anna D. Martinez, Director of the New Jersey State Division on Women, as keynote speaker. This free event will take place on Thursday, October 10th at 12:30 p.m. at the UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, in the Victor M. Richel Student Commons, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford.

“We are honored to have Anna Martinez as our guest speaker for this year’s Hispanic Leadership event,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Anna’s dedication to serving children, families, and the community is truly inspiring. Her career exemplifies the impact that determination and a passion for public service can have on improving lives. I encourage everyone to register for this important event and hear from Anna’s wealth of experience and insight.”

Before joining the Department of Children and Family Women’s Division in 2018, Anna Martinez made strides on the federal level as part of President Obama’s Administration. During this time, Anna served in various roles, including as Chief of Staff for the Office for Victims of Crime, senior advisor to the Associate Attorney General, and policy specialist for the Office of Vice President Joe Biden. Additionally, Anna served as Deputy Political Director for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and received the U.S. Department of Justice Special Achievement Award for her work and support of voting rights. The New Jersey native is also fluent in Spanish, having completed her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Virginia and her Master’s Degree in Spanish from Columbia University. Anna’s work on violence prevention, human trafficking, public safety issues, and advocacy for victims’ rights has made her an excellent fit for her current role as the Director of the New Jersey Division on Women.

“As a Latina in public service, I am immensely proud of Anna’s achievements. Her leadership not only uplifts women but also serves as a powerful voice for the Latino community,” said Union County Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “Attendees will have the chance to be inspired by an amazing role model and advocate for our Hispanic community.”

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

“By highlighting Latino trailblazers like Anna Martinez during Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the strength of leadership combined with the compassion of a teacher,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados. “As a true ‘shero’ in the Latino community, Ms. Martinez exemplifies the public servant we all aspire to be, focusing on preparing the next generation of leaders. This event provides an excellent opportunity to honor her contributions and the positive impact she continues to make in championing the rights and well-being of our community.”

This event 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, and held in collaboration with UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ.

“We would like to thank the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs for their collaboration in organizing these engaging educational activities,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “They bring our community together and offer the opportunity to learn about each other’s histories and backgrounds, helping us embrace the diverse ethnicities and cultures that exist within Union County.”

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

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce that tickets for The Great Pumpkin Sail are now available for purchase at ucnj.org/ticket. The much-anticipated event will take place on Friday, November 1st, starting at 5:15 p.m. at Union County’s Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

“The Great Pumpkin Sail is one of our most popular fall events in Union County; it is open to residents and visitors of all ages and makes for a wonderful tradition to share with friends and family,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Bring your carved jack-o-lanterns and join us under the stars as we illuminate Echo Lake with dozens of floating pumpkins. I look forward to seeing you all there.” 

The Great Pumpkin Sail provides visitors of all ages the opportunity to have their Jack-o-Lantern added to a board and watch them float on Echo Lake.

The event will take place on 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. to 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. Please purchase only one ticket per family of six. Each family ticket includes the right to float one pre-carved Jack-o-Lantern, weighing no more than eight (8) pounds after carving.

Due to limited space, attendees are advised to purchase tickets early. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date has been scheduled for November 2.

The Great Pumpkin Sail is presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to participate in the upcoming free scrap metal recycling drop-off events on Thursday, October 3rd, and Saturday, October 19th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The scrap metal disposal events will take place at two collection sites in Union County and are held twice a month from April to November.

“Our scrap metal recycling events are conveniently held to make it easy for residents to contribute to waste reduction, energy conservation, and giving new life to unwanted or unused items,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This October, we are asking residents to participate in our recycling efforts by dropping off any scrap metal at the nearest designated location.”

Union County scrap metal recycling drop-off will be accepted on October 3rd and October 19th between 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Residents from any Union County municipality can bring scrap metal to either of these sites. Final scrap metal recycling events for the 2024 season will be held in November, on Thursday, November 7^th, and Saturday, November 16^th. To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, residents are invited to download the free Recycle Coach mobile app. 

Residents must remain in their vehicle at all times. Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area, or truck bed and be easily accessible to staff to remove from vehicle.

Acceptable items for recycling include unwanted pots and pans, air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chair/wire), freezers (doors must be off, by law), refrigerators (door must be off by law) stoves, tire rims, toasters, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, railings, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), wire hangers and drained lawnmowers.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce an inclusive Fall Fest for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs on Sunday, October 6th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Warinanco Sport Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Roselle.

“We are excited to host the inclusive Fall Fest for our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This event is always a wonderful opportunity for individuals with disabilities and special needs to connect and have fun. We are proud to offer a space where everyone can feel welcome and valued.”

This year’s Fall Fest will feature a variety of engaging activities, including line dancing instruction, games, arts and crafts, and a photo booth. Attendees can also enjoy light refreshments while participating in these inclusive activities. Admission to the Fall Fest is free, but registration is required online at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

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. For more information about the “Fall Fest” or other programs or events hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, visit www.ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/ or call 908-527-4781.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners cordially invites all military veterans, active duty personnel and veteran’s service providers to attend a free Networking Mixer on Wednesday, October 16^th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Tavern, located inside the Galloping Hill Golf Course, 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth.

“We are excited to host our Networking Mixer for all military personnel living in Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “One of the several ways we honor the sacrifices they have made is by creating programs and opportunities for them to foster connections, pursue education goals, find employment, and, most importantly, feel valued and supported by the community they so bravely served.”

The Networking Mixer offers a valuable opportunity for veterans and military personnel, to connect to resources and establish relationships within the community. The event will feature complimentary food and a cash bar.

Attendance at the mixer is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, please visit ucnj.org/veterans.

“I want to thank the Office of Veteran Services for their dedication in supporting the courageous men and women who have selflessly served this country. Their commitment to the well-being of our veterans and military personnel makes these events not only possible, but successful,” said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Liaison to the Veteran Affairs Committee. “I invite all Union County veterans and military personnel to join us on October 16th. It will be a great opportunity to explore new possibilities and connect with fellow comrades in a relaxed and beautiful setting.”

For more information on this event, or to learn about other programs through The Office of Veteran Services, please call Geoff Smith with the Office of Veteran Services at 908-527-4918 or email at W.Geoff.Smith@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners cordially invites all military veterans, active duty personnel and veteran’s service providers to attend a free Networking Mixer on Wednesday, October 16^th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Tavern, located inside the Galloping Hill Golf Course, 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth.

“We are excited to host our Networking Mixer for all military personnel living in Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “One of the several ways we honor the sacrifices they have made is by creating programs and opportunities for them to foster connections, pursue education goals, find employment, and, most importantly, feel valued and supported by the community they so bravely served.”

The Networking Mixer offers a valuable opportunity for veterans and military personnel, to connect to resources and establish relationships within the community. The event will feature complimentary food and a cash bar.

Attendance at the mixer is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, please visit ucnj.org/veterans.

“I want to thank the Office of Veteran Services for their dedication in supporting the courageous men and women who have selflessly served this country. Their commitment to the well-being of our veterans and military personnel makes these events not only possible, but successful,” said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Liaison to the Veteran Affairs Committee. “I invite all Union County veterans and military personnel to join us on October 16th. It will be a great opportunity to explore new possibilities and connect with fellow comrades in a relaxed and beautiful setting.”

For more information on this event, or to learn about other programs through The Office of Veteran Services, please call Geoff Smith with the Office of Veteran Services at 908-527-4918 or email at W.Geoff.Smith@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with the American Job Center, is pleased to announce that a Job Fair will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center, located at 724 Park Avenue in Plainfield.

“We are committed to helping residents achieve their career goals by providing access to valuable opportunities like this job fair,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We are proud to support our community’s growth by connecting residents with employers. If you or someone you know is seeking employment or exploring new career opportunities, we encourage you to attend.”

This free event is open to all Union County residents and will feature employers from various industries offering full-time, part-time, entry-level positions, and opportunities for career growth.

Participating employers include the Council for Airport Opportunity (CAO), Financial Resources Credit Union, InstaCare Home, FedEx, NYC Department of Corrections, The New Jersey Maritime Pilot and Docking Pilot Commission, U.S. Marshal, Valley Bank, Solar Pros, Gracious Home Care, ABM, Home Instead, Jefferson Park Ministries, Union County Savings Bank, Mary Kay.

Attendees will also have access to career resources such as resume reviews and information on employment assistance programs through the American Job Center.

“Our goal is to provide every resident with the resources they need to succeed in today’s job market,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Workforce Development Board. “This job fair is just one of the many ways we are helping to build a stronger, more resilient workforce in Union County, creating opportunities that lead to long-term success.”

The Job Fair will take place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. While registration is not required, it is highly encouraged at www.ucnj.org/dhs/job-fairs/. Attendees are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes and dress professionally.

For employers who wish to participate in the Job Fair, please call Carolina Marin at (908) 527-4373 or email ajcbusinessteam@ucnj.org.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents that Vote-by-Mail ballots for the 2024 General Election are now being mailed out to voters who have opted to receive their ballots automatically. Due to the significant volume of mail, the ballots are being sent in batches over the next several days, organized by town.

“Your participation in this election is critical. We urge residents to promptly open their received ballots and cast their votes immediately to prevent the possibility of misplacing or mistakenly discarding the ballot,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

To ensure ballots are not mistaken for junk mail, they are being mailed in bright yellow envelopes with “OFFICIAL MAIL-IN BALLOT/BOLETA OFICIAL POR CORREO” printed in bold, black lettering to the right of the addressee window.

Batches of Vote-by-Mail ballots were mailed starting on September 20th to voters in Berkeley Heights, followed by Clark on the 21st, Cranford, Fanwood and Garwood on the 23rd, and Elizabeth on the 24th. To view the Vote-by-Mail ballot mailing status of your town, visit unioncountyvotes.com.

Voters who have opted to receive their Vote-by-Mail ballots automatically can expect to receive their ballots within eight days of mailing. Each ballot includes pre-paid return postage and detailed instructions. After filling out the ballot, voters should place it in the return envelope and check to see that their home address appears in the see-through window.

For instructions on how to complete mail-in ballots, please visit unioncountyvotes.com.

Other Union County voters who wish to use a Vote-By-Mail ballot can request one by using the downloadable application form on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, or by contacting the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

Voters who choose to vote in person can come to their polling place on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5^th. To look up an Election Day polling place, visit unioncountyvotes.com/where-do-i-vote.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services, visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For information on all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.