Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, invites residents to attend a special historical lecture, “New Jersey’s Revolutionary Rivalry: The Untold Story of Colonel Tye and Captain Huddy,” presented by author Rick Geffken.

The event will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Elizabeth Public Library, 11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth. This program is part of Union County’s ongoing efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, highlighting lesser-known stories that shaped both local and national history.

“Union County is proud to support programs that bring history to life for our residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, it’s important that we continue to share stories like this one—stories that challenge perspectives, deepen understanding, and connect our communities to the past in meaningful ways.”

Author Rick Geffken will explore the intense and complex rivalry between Colonel Tye, a formerly enslaved man who became a Loyalist leader, and Captain Joshua Huddy, a prominent figure in the Monmouth County militia. Their conflict reflects the deeply divided loyalties and personal stakes that defined the Revolutionary War in New Jersey.

Following the Battle of Monmouth in 1778, warfare in the region shifted to smaller, localized conflicts between militias and Loyalist groups. The escalating tensions between Tye and Huddy ultimately contributed to a series of events that drew international attention and impacted diplomatic negotiations during the war.

“This lecture offers a powerful opportunity to explore a more nuanced and inclusive history of the Revolutionary War,” said Commissioner Vice-Chair Rebecca L. Williams, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “By highlighting figures like Colonel Tye, we are able to tell a broader story—one that reflects the diverse experiences and complexities of our nation’s founding.”

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance. A QR code for registration will be available on promotional materials.

For more information on this and other Cultural and Heritage programs, visit www.ucnj.org/250.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in May 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 assistance will be available at all ASK events in May.

“Our Aging Services Kiosk offers seniors an opportunity to learn about resources and to speak with a professional who can provide valuable guidance during this new phase of life, all at no cost,” Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We welcome all seniors and caregivers to utilize this free program and visit their nearest location this May.”

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 May:

Tuesday, May 5th

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue, Union

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, May 13th

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue, Clark

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“We want to thank the Division on Aging of the Department of Human Services for their service and commitment to improving the lives of seniors in our community,” said Union County Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging.

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.

In honor of Arbor Day, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board, unveils the distinguished winners of the annual Union County Arbor Day Poetry Contest. Each year, the contest aims to inspire students in grades 4-8 to embrace environmental stewardship and advocate for tree conservation.

“Each year, this contest reminds us that the next generation is already thinking deeply about the world around them,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Through their poetry, these students show an appreciation for nature that goes beyond the classroom. They’re not just learning about the environment—they’re becoming advocates for it. We’re proud to celebrate their creativity and the powerful message behind their words.”

A special awards ceremony, honoring the first, second, and third place winners across different grade levels, will be held during Thursday, April 30th at 6:00pm where the winners will be recognized by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

4th Grade

• 1st Place: Beautiful Trees — Finley Miller, Lincoln School
• 2nd Place: A Tree Stands By Me — Eileen Crawford, Lincoln School
• 3rd Place: A Seed to a Tree — Rhea Marda, Mountain Park Elementary School

5th Grade

• 1st Place: Rooted in the Clouds — Eman Hassan, Terence C. Reilly School, Elizabeth
• 2nd Place: Where the Green Giants Stand — Mackenzie Martinez, School Number 4, Linden
• 3rd Place: Nature’s Chance — Will Leo, Mountain Park Elementary School, Berkeley Heights

6th Grade

• 1st Place: The Quiet Life of Trees — Leah Marshall
• 2nd Place: Always a Giver — Lucas Lopina
• 3rd Place: Life of Trees — Melanie Lopes

7th Grade

• 1st Place: Guardians of the Street — Liliana Price, Hillside Ave. School, Cranford
• 2nd Place: Wonderful Creation — Madison Chapka, Lincoln School, Garwood
• 3rd Place: A Tree’s Endless Story — Juliana Pizzuta, Hillside Ave. School, Cranford

8th Grade

• 1st Place: The Quiet Language of Earth — Shaila Jimenez, School #27, Elizabeth
• 2nd Place: The Life Trees Bring — Gabriella Gomes, Lincoln School, Garwood
• 3rd Place: No third-place award (only two entries submitted)

“As liaison to the Shade Tree Advisory Board, it’s especially meaningful to see how this contest connects creativity with environmental responsibility,” said Lourdes Leon. “These students are expressing, in their own voices, why trees and green spaces matter in our communities. Their work reflects not only talent, but a real understanding of the role we all play in protecting our environment.”

Arbor Day, observed every last Friday in April, has its origins in 1872 when it began in Nebraska, urging people to plant trees and raise environmental awareness. Over time, it has grown into a nationwide event promoting the appreciation of trees and their ecological importance. This year, Arbor Day falls on April 24th, highlighting the crucial role of environmental stewardship in safeguarding our natural resources.

For further inquiries regarding the Arbor Day Poetry Contest, please contact Zoraida Mosquera at zoraida.mosquera@ucnj.org or 908-527-4142. To learn more about Union County’s commitment to environmental initiatives, visit The Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

“Union County is proud to support and uplift our LGBTQ+ community not just during Pride Month, but throughout the entire year. We are committed to building an inclusive environment where all residents feel valued and celebrated,” said Commissioner Al Mirabella, liaison to the Board of Commissioners’ LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee.

For more information about the Union County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, to register for the 5K and Color Run, or to learn more about Pride Month events, please visit www.ucnj.org/lgbtq.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the 2026 Union County Senior Art Exhibit, featuring more than 180 original works created by older adults ages 60 and above, is now on display. The public is invited to view the exhibit now through May 27, in the Conference Center of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, at 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains.

“The high level of talent and broad range of artworks entered this year are both powerful and inspiring,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Our senior community has continuously proven that natural talent and a creative eye transcend age. Visitors of the exhibit can look forward to a spectacular experience.”

The exhibit is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday, and open until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday evenings. The venue is located approximately a quarter-mile from Martine Ave. Upon entering the campus from Raritan Road, visitors should proceed to the third building on the right. Ample parking is available on site.

The annual Senior Art Exhibit showcases artworks by both professional and non-professional artists who reside in Union County. The varied media categories include drawing, pastel, watercolor, oil painting, acrylics, photography, digital art, mixed media, printmaking, craft and sculpture.

Awards for outstanding entries in each media category were selected by independent professional artists Michael Donato, Richard Russo and Barbara Wallace.

Best in Show by a Professional Artist was awarded to Mary Ann Imbriaco of Hillside for her pastel work titled “Prayer Warrior.” Best in Show by a Non-Professional Artist was awarded to Chas Bernstein of Mountainside for his craft work, “Leafspring End Table.”

First-place artworks will advance to the state level, to be exhibited in the fall at the 2026 New Jersey Senior Citizens’ Art Show in East Windsor.

The Union County Senior Art Exhibit is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. The exhibit is coordinated annually by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, email msturm@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550 weekdays (relay users dial 711).

For more information about cultural programs offered by the County of Union, visit www.ucnj.org/cultural.

Bilingual & Republican Poll Workers Needed

Union County residents interested in assisting voters at polling locations on Election Day still have time to apply to become poll workers. Poll workers earn $300 for the day, with hours beginning at 5:15 a.m. and continuing until at least 8:15 p.m., after the polls close. The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.  Serving as a poll worker in the 2026 Congressional Midterm Elections is a great way to be involved in the democratic process.

Any Union County resident who is 16 years or older, can apply to become a poll worker.  Union County residents who are 18 years or older shall be registered to vote.

Republican poll workers are needed to meet statutory requirements of party parity at the polling place.  Bilingual poll workers are needed to assist voters who have limited English proficiency. No experience is needed. New poll workers must attend a mandatory, in-person training session.

Prospective poll workers can apply online or by using a paper application form. To apply online, visit the Union County Board of Elections at www.ucnj.org/pollworker. To receive a paper application, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org.

For more information, visit the Poll Worker Resources page at www.ucnj.org/ucboe. You can also find additional Union County Board of Elections information on the same page.

Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado informs voters that the secure drop box locations for the 2026 Primary Election open on Friday, April 17, 2026. 

There are two changes in location this year in Hillside and Summit.  The Hillside drop box is moved to Conant Park, 320 Conant St.  The Summit drop box is now located at the Summit Community Center, 100 Morris Ave. The full list of drop boxes is available on the UCBOE website at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.    

All 24 secure ballot drop boxes will remain open through the close of the polls on June 2, 2026 at 8:00pm. Drop boxes are under camera surveillance 24/7, available to voters 24/7 and ADA accessible.

Additionally the list of certified polling locations is available on the Board’s website.  There are changes this year in Elizabeth, Linden, Roselle Park and Union.  Affected voters will be notified via postcard prior to Election Day.  Each voter’s polling location is also available on their sample ballot.

Voters are encouraged to bring their sample ballots with them to the polling location for easy check-in!

For a complete list of polling locations and ballot drop boxes in Union County, please visit the Board of Elections website online at www.ucnj.org/boe.   

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Union County Sheriff’s Office announces the tragic passing of Sheriff’s Officer Joseph DeVito, who lost his life this morning in a motor vehicle accident.

Officer DeVito was a dedicated member of the Sheriff’s Office who served with honor, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the community. His loss is deeply felt by his colleagues, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The circumstances surrounding the accident are currently under investigation by the New Jersey State Police. No further details are available at this time.

“We are devastated by the loss of Officer DeVito,” said Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “He was not only a valued member of our department, but also a respected colleague and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Union County Sheriff’s Office asks the public to keep Officer DeVito’s family, loved ones, and fellow officers in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this tragic loss.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce that the Clerk’s Westfield office will be offering one-stop vote-by-mail (VBM) voting on Saturday, April 18th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., ahead of the April 21st Annual Westfield School Election. The Westfield office is located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. 

“We encourage all eligible voters to participate and have their voices heard in this election,” said Clerk Rajoppi. “This is a great opportunity for those who prefer to avoid the crowds on Election Day and want to cast their votes efficiently and securely.”

The vote-by-mail (VBM) option provides residents with an accessible and convenient way to cast their ballots ahead of the upcoming election. Voters can take advantage of this opportunity to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot, complete it, and submit it all in one visit.

Voters should also be aware of a recent update from the United States Postal Service. Postmarks now reflect when mail is processed—not when it is dropped off—meaning ballots mailed close to Election Day could receive a later postmark. In New Jersey, vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day to be counted. Voters are encouraged to mail ballots early or use secure drop boxes to ensure timely receipt. If the postmark reflects a date after the election date, the ballot will not be valid.

For more information about vote-by-mail voting or other election-related inquiries, please contact the Union County Clerk’s office at 908-527-4996 or ucnj.org/county-clerk.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, presents Dr. Daisy Century as Phillis Wheatley, the first published African-American poet and the first African-American female published writer. The performance, in honor of National Poetry Month and the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, will take place at 7:00pm on April 30th at The Plainfield Performing Arts Center, located at 724 Park Street in Plainfield.

“Union County is proud to celebrate the power of literature and history through this portrayal of Phillis Wheatley,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This performance offers residents a meaningful chance to connect with an important voice from our nation’s early history while recognizing the lasting impact of poetry. Through Dr. Daisy Century’s portrayal, the audience will experience the voice of a writer whose words continue to inspire generations.”

Phillis Wheatley, born in West Africa, was forcibly taken to Boston as a child and sold to the Wheatley family, where her remarkable intellect was nurtured. She became a celebrated poet, corresponding with influential figures like George Washington after dedicating a poem to him. Though her life ended at 31, her powerful words continue to inspire readers to this day.

Dr. Daisy Century, an accomplished educator, performer, and author, brings Wheatley’s remarkable story to life with thoughtful research and dramatic storytelling. A graduate of Claflin University, South Carolina State University, and Temple University, Dr. Century has performed historical portrayals at venues including the National Archives and the Theodore Roosevelt National Historic Site, as well as schools, libraries, and museums across the country. Her performance honors Wheatley’s voice and highlights the lasting importance of poetry in American culture.

Created in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month is an annual celebration each April that highlights the influence of poetry and the writers who shape it. To register for the April 30th performance, and for more information on American Revolution 250th Anniversary events in Union County, visit www.ucj.org/250.

This event was possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the State of New Jersey Council on the Arts, and in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.