Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to attend the Aging Services Kiosk, or ASK, events scheduled throughout October. These events offer residents an opportunity to meet one-on-one with knowledgeable professionals and learn about programs and services available to Union County’s older adults and their caregivers. Bilingual assistance will be available.

“The ASK program makes it easier for our older residents and their families to get reliable information and personalized assistance close to home,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We encourage seniors and caregivers to stop by one of our October locations, speak directly with our staff and learn about the many resources available to support them.”

ASK is operated by the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, part of the Department of Human Services. The program provides adults age 60 and older, as well as their caregivers, with a convenient way to learn about available services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.

Staff can provide information and assistance related to home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, caregiver support services and other resources. They can also assist with completing forms and help residents determine which programs may best meet their needs.

“Families should not have to navigate aging services on their own,” said Union County Commissioner James E. Baker Jr., Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “ASK gives residents a welcoming place to ask questions, receive individual guidance and connect with programs that can make everyday life a little easier.”

Any Union County senior or caregiver may visit any ASK location, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is required. The October ASK schedule is as follows:

Thursday, October 8
Elizabeth Public Library, Main Library
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, October 14
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue, Clark
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 20
Westfield Memorial Library
550 East Broad Street, Westfield
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information about ASK events or other services available to seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection toll-free at 1-888-280-8226 or visit ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

For all Union County programs and services, visit ucnj.org, call the Public Information Line at 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online contact form.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to recognize the Union County 4-H Science Ambassador Program for bringing hands-on science activities to more than 100 students at local libraries this summer.

Through the program, 4-H Science Ambassadors visited libraries in Union, Hillside, Plainfield and Elizabeth, where they introduced students to science through engaging demonstrations and interactive activities. During a recent visit to the Plainfield Public Library, Science Ambassador James Olm of Elizabeth demonstrated the science behind creating giant bubbles.

“Programs like this give young people an opportunity to experience science in a way that is fun, approachable and memorable,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We are proud of James and all of our 4-H Science Ambassadors for sharing their knowledge and encouraging younger students to remain curious about the world around them.”

The Science Ambassador Program is an educational outreach initiative of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. It provides young people with opportunities to strengthen their communication and leadership skills while sharing their interest in science with children throughout the community.

“The Science Ambassador Program is a wonderful example of young people learning from one another,” said Commissioner Stanley Neron, Liaison to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “Our ambassadors gain valuable experience as leaders and educators, while the students they meet are introduced to science through activities that capture their attention and make them want to learn more.”

For more information about the Union County 4-H Science Ambassador Program, contact 4-H Youth Development Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or 908-654-9854, extension 3.

To learn more about Union County 4-H clubs and programs, visit https://www.unioncountynj4h.com/4-h-club-list.

“What makes Four Centuries in a Weekend so memorable is that every stop offers something different,” said Union County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “You may hear a story you never knew, see an artifact that changes how you understand your hometown or watch your child become excited about history through a hands-on activity. I thank our local historians, site stewards and volunteers for opening these treasured places and making the past feel personal, welcoming and alive.”

2026 Program Highlights

• At the Deserted Village of Feltville in Berkeley Heights, visitors can take guided or self-guided tours, ride a hay wagon, press apple cider, roast marshmallows and meet figures from the Village’s past, including Revolutionary War soldier John Willcocks.
• The Drake House Museum in Plainfield will display the rarely shown Tree of Life quilt, reportedly made by the daughter of Declaration of Independence signer John Hart.
• The Frazee House in Scotch Plains will host The March to Yorktown on Sunday, featuring Generals Washington and Rochambeau and music by the New Jersey Fife & Drums Corps.
• At Springfield’s Cannon Ball House, visitors can sign a replica Declaration of Independence that will be preserved as a Semiquincentennial keepsake.
• The Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway will offer a Sunday presentation on American history, a student reading of the Declaration of Independence and guided tours of its historic theater.
• Twin Maples in Summit will present a Sunday lecture on the important roles women played during the American Revolution.

All participating sites will offer a free Union County History Passport that visitors can stamp at each stop. Several locations within the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area will also offer a special stamp for the Passport to Your National Parks book. Collectible Union County History Trading Cards highlighting notable people, places and events will be available at participating sites, with more than 80 cards to collect.

Hours vary at several locations, and some sites are open on Saturday or Sunday only. Visitors should review the complete schedule before planning their route.

Participating Sites

• Berkeley Heights: Deserted Village of Feltville / Glenside Park; Littell-Lord Farmstead
• Clark: Dr. William Robinson Plantation Museum
• Cranford: Crane-Phillips House; UCNJ Historic Tree Grove; William Miller Sperry Observatory
• Elizabeth: Belcher-Ogden Mansion and Bonnell Homestead; Siloam-Hope First Presbyterian Church and Snyder Academy; Boxwood Hall State Historic Site; Elizabeth Public Library
• Fanwood: Historic Fanwood Train Station Museum
• Hillside: Woodruff House, Eaton Store Museum and Phil Rizzuto All Sports Exhibit; Evergreen Cemetery
• Kenilworth: Oswald J. Nitschke House
• Mountainside: Deacon Andrew Hetfield House
• New Providence: Salt Box Museum; special Saturday archive and graveyard programs
• Plainfield: Drake House Museum; Plainfield Friends Quaker Meeting House
• Rahway: African American History and Heritage Learning Center; Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum; Union County Performing Arts Center
• Roselle: Abraham Clark House
• Scotch Plains: Frazee House; Osborn Cannonball House Museum; Shady Rest Country Club
• Springfield: Cannon Ball House
• Summit: Carter House; Reeves-Reed Arboretum; Twin Maples
• Union: Caldwell Parsonage; Donald M. Payne Vauxhall Meeting Center; Connecticut Farms Church; Liberty Hall Museum
• Westfield: Burial Grounds of the Presbyterian Church; Miller-Cory House Museum; Reeve History and Cultural Resource Center; Battle of Spanktown mural presentation at the Atlas Pythagoras Lodge #10

For the complete schedule, addresses, site-specific hours and activity details, visit www.ucnj.org/4c or contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550.

Four Centuries in a Weekend is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, within the Department of Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with the staff and volunteers of participating historic sites, and is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the Union County Family Clinic offers back-to-school vaccinations and Mantoux tuberculosis (TB) testing for uninsured individuals of all ages. Wellness visits are also available for babies and children up to age 5!

Eligible Union County residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered by Medicaid Plan A can access these important health services.

• 📍 Location: 40 Parker Road, Elizabeth, NJ (Basement Level)
• 🕘 Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• 📅 Appointments: https://ucnj.org/appt
• 📞 Phone: 908-965-3627 / 3868

For more information, including eligibility requirements and required documentation, please visit https://ucnj.org/union-county-family-clinic/

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is reminding residents of the final mobile paper shredding and household hazardous waste events of the 2026 season. Two scrap metal recycling dates are also scheduled for October. All three programs are free for Union County residents.

“These events make it easier for residents to clear out unwanted materials and dispose of them properly,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Whether you have sensitive documents, scrap metal or household chemicals to get rid of, I encourage you to check the October schedule and take advantage of these free programs before the season ends.”

The final two shredding events will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, or until the shredding trucks reach capacity:

• Saturday, October 10: Berkeley Heights Municipal Building parking lot, 29 Park Avenue, Berkeley Heights
• Friday, October 23: John Russell Wheeler Park, 234 W. Stimpson Avenue, Linden (for GPS directions, please use 248 W Stimpson Ave)

The program is for Union County residents only and is not open to businesses. There is a limit of four bags or boxes per vehicle, with each bag or box weighing no more than 10 pounds.

Only confidential or sensitive personal documents will be accepted. Magazines, junk mail and other nonsensitive papers should be placed in municipal recycling programs. Residents should remove bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other nonpaper materials before arriving. Staples are permitted. Pre-shredded, damp or wet paper will not be accepted.

Scrap metal recycling will be available on Thursday, October 1, and Saturday, October 17, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at both of the following locations. Residents may use either location on either date:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Complex, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park Service Yard, 3 Parkway Drive

Accepted items include refrigerators and freezers with doors removed, metal cabinets, household appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, air conditioners, microwaves, washers, dryers, stoves, metal fencing, tire rims and wire hangers.

The final household hazardous waste event of the season will take place on Sunday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools’ West Hall/Police Academy parking lot, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Residents may bring accepted household materials including oil-based paints and finishes, motor oil and filters, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides and fluorescent bulbs.

Latex or water-based paint, medical sharps, and pressurized welding gas or oxygen cylinders will not be accepted. Leftover latex paint can be dried at home with a commercial paint hardener, sand, cat litter or sawdust. Once completely hardened, it may be disposed of with regular household trash.

All Union County recycling events are contact-free and drive-up only. Residents must remain in their vehicles while staff removes materials from their trunks. The events are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act grants that Union County applies for and receives through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

For a complete schedule and more information, visit ucnj.org/recycling or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Residents may also contact their municipal recycling coordinator.

The free Recycle Coach app provides information about countywide and municipal recycling programs, including accepted materials, curbside schedules and drop-off locations. Learn more at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the County’s Hispanic Heritage Cultural Festival on Saturday, October 3, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage in Rahway.

Observed in Union County from September 15 through October 14, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the history, cultures, traditions and lasting contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

“Hispanic Heritage Month gives us an opportunity to recognize the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape Union County and continue to contribute to the strength and character of our communities,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Our Cultural Festival brings residents together to enjoy the music, art, traditions and many cultures that make Union County such a vibrant place to live. I encourage everyone to join us for this special celebration.”

Held under this year’s theme, “Unidos, somos más • Together, we are more,” the free, family-friendly festival will feature live entertainment, cultural performances, community resource tables and activities for children and families, including face painting, coloring, bracelet making, maraca decorating, games and a photo booth.

Community organizations and agencies scheduled to participate include the Latino Action Network, PROCEED, Union County Social Services, PRAE, the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, the Union County Board of Elections, We Are One New Jersey and the Union County American Job Center.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is deeply personal to me. As a Cuban-American, I carry my family’s heritage, traditions and story with me in everything I do,” said Union County Commissioner Lourdes M. Leon. “Since becoming a Commissioner, I have been proud to be part of this celebration and to see it continue to grow into something that brings so many families and communities together. The Cultural Festival is a chance for us to honor where we come from, share our traditions with one another and celebrate the incredible diversity of our Hispanic and Latino communities here in Union County.”

During the Cultural Festival, Union County will recognize individuals and organizations for their leadership, advocacy, service and contributions to arts and culture. The 2026 honorees are:

• Angel Estrada Community Leadership Award: Gloria Montealegre
• Latino Advocacy and Empowerment Award: Latino Action Network
• Humanitarian Leadership Award: David Orozco
• Artistic Excellence and Cultural Impact Award: Ricardo Roig
• Excellence in Educational Leadership Award: Elcy Castillo-Ospina

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the Union County Courthouse will be illuminated in red, yellow, blue, green and orange in recognition of the diverse cultures, traditions and nations represented throughout Union County’s Hispanic and Latino communities.

UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage is located at 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway. For more information about Union County’s Hispanic Heritage Month programs and events, visit www.ucnj.org/hhm.

Bilingual and Republican poll workers especially needed

The Union County Board of Elections is seeking residents to serve as poll workers for the General Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Poll workers will earn $300 for the day.

Poll workers play an essential role in ensuring that Election Day runs smoothly and that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot. The workday begins at 5:15 a.m. and continues until at least 8:15 p.m., after the polls close.

Any Union County resident age 16 or older may apply. Applicants who are 18 or older must be registered to vote. Residents who are 16 or 17 years old may work an eight-hour shift on Election Day.

No previous experience is required. All new poll workers must attend a mandatory in-person training session before Election Day.

Applications may be submitted online at ucnj.org/pollworker. To request a paper application, call the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org.

Additional poll worker resources are available at ucnj.org/pollworker. For more information about the Union County Board of Elections, visit ucnj.org/ucboe.

The November 3 election date and $300 Election Day compensation are consistent with information published by the New Jersey Division of Elections

Today’s Polish Heritage Flag Raising Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. will be moved indoors at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

Governor Mikie Sherrill has ordered U.S. and New Jersey flags to be flown at half-staff today in recognition and mourning of State Senator Barry Tallman Parker. In keeping with proper flag protocol, the County will hold today’s Polish Heritage ceremony indoors rather than conduct an outdoor flag raising.

We look forward to welcoming everyone this afternoon as we come together to celebrate Polish heritage, culture and contributions to Union County.

The Master Gardeners of Union County (MGUC) have named Marissa Duarte, a 2026 graduate of Union County Vocational-Technical Schools, the recipient of the 2026 Madeline Flahive DiNardo Scholarship.

The $750 scholarship is awarded annually to a Union County student pursuing further studies in agriculture, horticulture, food science, environmental science or a related field. The MGUC Scholarship Committee selected Marissa based on her academic excellence, community involvement and personal statement about the role gardening has played in her life.

“Marissa has taken her interest in gardening and used it to help others, from teaching younger students to growing food for local families,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “That is an impressive accomplishment, and I congratulate her on this well-deserved scholarship. I wish her the best as she begins her studies at UMass Amherst.”

Marissa began gardening in middle school as a member of the Rutgers 4-H Garden Club. She eventually became club president, teaching younger members about gardening and environmental stewardship and participating in community outreach projects.

She later brought that experience to the garden at Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey, where she helped develop a partnership with Kean University’s sustainability and architecture departments to support and redesign the garden. Produce grown there is donated to the organization’s on-site food pantry, giving Marissa an opportunity to see firsthand how gardening and food production can benefit local families.

“My experience leading the Garden Club showed me how gardening can strengthen communities,” Marissa wrote in her scholarship essay.

Marissa plans to study Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She hopes to explore food production and sustainability and make a positive impact on food systems and community well-being.

The scholarship is named in honor of Madeline Flahive DiNardo, the recently retired Rutgers professor and Agricultural Agent who served the Master Gardeners of Union County for 38 years, providing education, leadership and mentorship to generations of Master Gardeners.

“We are delighted to recognize Marissa with this year’s scholarship,” said Patricia Paul, president of the Master Gardeners of Union County. “Her commitment to gardening, leadership and community service reflects the values this scholarship was created to recognize. We wish her every success at UMass Amherst.”

“What stands out about Marissa is that she has already put what she’s learned into practice,” said Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, liaison to Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “Her work with the Garden Club and the Jewish Family Service garden shows how education and service can make a difference close to home. The Master Gardeners have chosen a wonderful recipient for a scholarship that honors Madeline Flahive DiNardo’s years of teaching and mentorship.”

New Jersey Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist Rutgers Cooperative Extension in providing horticultural education and unbiased, research-based information to the public. Since the Union County program began in 1987, Master Gardeners have provided more than 232,000 hours of volunteer service to Union County residents.

For more information about the Master Gardeners of Union County, visit www.mastergardeners-uc.org. For media inquiries, contact the Master Gardeners of Union County at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, 151 Grant Street, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922, or email mastergardeners@ucnj.org.

Trailside Nature & Science Center will be closed to the public beginning Wednesday, September 23 at 12:00 p.m. through Friday, September 25 at 1:00 p.m. due to a scheduled conference being held at the facility.

Trailside will reopen to the public on Friday, September 25 at 1:00 p.m.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming visitors back Friday afternoon