Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce Union County’s “Four Centuries in a Weekend” countywide history event returns for its 30th season on Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th. Unless noted otherwise, all participating historic sites are open from 12:00 p.m. noon to 5:00 p.m. Each day is packed with tours, exhibits, and various special events and activities at more than 30 house museums and historic sites in Union County, all open to the public free of charge. 

“Our ‘Four Centuries in a Weekend’ event aims to ignite interest in the great history of our county for both history enthusiasts and curious visitors,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Attendees will have the opportunity to witness a reenactment of the Revolutionary War era in Elizabeth, learn to make butter the colonial way at Caldwell Parsonage in Union, or even try their hand at apple cider pressing as our ancestors did in Berkeley Heights. With 38 locations participating this year, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and take away from Union County’s diverse and storied past. I invite you to join us in exploring as many historic sites as you can and bring your friends and family. I hope to see you there.”

Union County’s ‘Four Centuries in a Weekend’ is the first and oldest History ‘Open House’ Weekend of its kind in New Jersey. The event started in 1994 with 16 participating locations and will now celebrate its 30th anniversary with 38 participating sites, the largest number to date.

“I proudly join in celebrating 30 years of connecting our residents and visitors to New Jersey’s historic beginnings,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “Union County is rich with historical treasures, traditions and stories. You can see and enjoy many of them at Four Centuries in a Weekend. I want to thank the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, their dedicated staff and the volunteers whose contributions make this lively weekend possible.”

Attendees can stop by Revolutionary War burial grounds, the county’s oldest railroad station, quaint house museums, special exhibitions, and much more. Each site will provide visitors with a free Union County Passport to stamp. Visitors can also pick up free Union County History trading cards at many sites.

At most sites, representatives or docents will provide tours or answer questions. These exhibits provide the opportunity to learn about aspects of every-day life during the 1700s, the 1800s, and more recent times.

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.

Participating Sites are:

Berkeley Heights

• Deserted Village of Feltville / Glenside within Watchung Reservation

1 Cataract Hollow Road, Berkeley Heights

• Little-Lord Farmstead

31 Horseshoe Road, Berkeley Heights

Clark

• Dr. William Robinson Plantation Museum

593 Madison Hill Road, Clark

Cranford

• Crane-Phillips House Museum

124 North Union Avenue, Cranford

• William Miller Sperry Observatory

UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ

1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford

Elizabeth

• Belcher-Ogden Mansion & Bonnell Homestead

1046 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth

• Boxwood Hall State Historic House

1073 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth

• Elizabeth Public Library

Open Saturday only/ Closed Sunday

11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth

• Siloam Hope First Presbyterian Church and Snyder Academy

42 Broad Street, Elizabeth

Fanwood

• Fanwood Train Station Museum

Open 12-4 pm both days

230 North Avenue, Fanwood

Hillside

• Evergreen Cemetery

1137 North Broad Street, Hillside

• Woodruff House/ Eaton Store Museum

Open 12-4 pm both days

111 Conant Street, Hillside

Kenilworth

• Oswald J. Nitschke House

49 South 21 Street, Kenilworth

Mountainside

• Deacon Andrew Hetfield House

Constitution Plaza, Watchung Avenue, Mountainside

New Providence

• Salt Box Museum

1350 Springfield Avenue, New Providence

Plainfield

• Drake House Museum

602 West Front Street, Plainfield

• duCret Center of Art

Open Saturday 9am-3pm / Open Sunday 9am-12pm noon

1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield

• Quaker Meetinghouse

Open Saturday only/ Closed Sunday

225 Watchung Avenue, Plainfield

Rahway

• African-American History & Heritage Learning Center

Open Saturday only/ Closed Sunday

261 Central Avenue, Rahway

• Merchants & Drovers Tavern Museum

1632 St. Georges Avenue, Rahway

• Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)

1601 Irving Street, Rahway

Roselle

• Abraham Clark Memorial House

101 West 9^th Avenue, Roselle

Roselle Park

• Roselle Park Historical Society & Museum

9 West Grant Avenue, Roselle Park

Scotch Plains

• Frazee House

1451 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains

• Osborn Cannonball House Museum

1840 Front Street, Scotch Plains

• Shady Rest Country Club

820 Jerusalem Road, Scotch Plains

Springfield

• Cannon Ball House

126 Morris Avenue, Springfield

Summit

• Carter House

90 Butler Parkway, Summit

Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Open Saturday 10am-4pm only/ Closed Sunday

165 Hobart Avenue, Summit

Twin Maples

214 Springfield Avenue, Summit

Wallace Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church

138-142 Broad Street, Summit

Union

• Caldwell Parsonage

909 Caldwell Avenue, Union

• Connecticut Farms Church

888 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union

• Donald M. Payne Vauxhall Meeting Center

333Russell Street, Vauxhall (Union)

• Liberty Hall Museum

1003 Morris Avenue, Union

Westfield

• Miller-Cory House Museum

614 Mountain Avenue, Westfield

Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center

314 Mountain Avenue, Westfield

Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route

Pop-Up Visitors Center, 10 Prospect Street, Westfield

For more information, including a complete list of activities and participating locations, visit www.ucnj.org/4c or contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550.

Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado informs voters that the polling place list and drop box locations for the 2024 General Election are available on the UCBOE website at www.ucnj.org/ucboe. The 2024 General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5.

All 24 secure ballot drop boxes will open September 20, 2024 for the 2024 General Election and will remain open through the close of the polls on November 5, 2024 at 8:00pm. Drop boxes are under camera surveillance 24/7, available to voters 24/7 and ADA accessible.

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

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join the Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising event. The ceremony will take place on Friday, October 11th, at 11:00 a.m., on the steps of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

“We take pride in celebrating the achievements and contributions of Italian Americans, who have enriched all aspects of our lives and continue to shape the fabric of our communities,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, who will be emceeing this year’s program. “Today, we honor their cultural heritage and recognize their hard work, dedication, and legacy here in Union County and across the nation.”

This year’s featured speaker will be Joshua G. Losardo, Mayor of Scotch Plains, a proud Italian American and long-time advocate for the Italian-American community.

In recognition of their continued contributions, the Union County Board of County Commissioners will also honor various Italian-American organizations within Union County with a formal resolution presented during the event.

“As a proud Italian-American, I am honored to continue supporting this annual tradition that celebrates our rich heritage and the countless contributions of Italian-Americans to Union County and beyond,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella. “The values of hard work, community, and service are deeply rooted in our culture, and it is a privilege to stand with Italian-American organizations like UNICO and others, who embody these principles through their dedication to education, philanthropy, and cultural preservation.”

Italian-style refreshments and pastries will be served following the program on the courthouse grounds.

For more information, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator at (908) 527-4388 or via email at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the first-ever Union County Food Security Summit, which will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Kean University Liberty Hall Academic Center. This groundbreaking event will unite local food pantries, soup kitchens, community leaders, and advocates to strengthen collaboration, share resources, and address food insecurity across the county.

“The Food Security Summit is a reflection of Union County’s ongoing commitment to creating a community where no one has to worry about their next meal,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “By coming together, we can ensure that our local food pantries and soup kitchens have the resources they need to provide both immediate aid and long-term solutions to those in need. We are grateful to all who are contributing to this important work.”

The summit takes place during the month of October, recognized nationally as “Tackling Hunger Month,” emphasizing the critical need to address food insecurity. This event is a key part of Union County’s ongoing efforts to combat hunger, and it provides an important opportunity to bring attention to the challenges faced by local food distribution organizations as they work to support residents in need.

The Union County Department of Human Services (DHS) and its partners will highlight the importance of community-based efforts to combat hunger and underscore the County’s commitment to addressing food insecurity as part of its broader human services mission. Through this initiative, DHS is building a network that not only addresses immediate food needs but also connects individuals and families with services that promote economic independence and resilience.

“Addressing food insecurity requires constant innovation and collaboration, which is why events like this summit are so important. After participating in discussions at NJAC and learning about effective models, including those from Bergen County, I was motivated to bring those insights back to our Union County team to formulate our own program and summit,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “This conference will help us identify new ways to combat hunger, foster self-sufficiency, and create a stronger network of support for our residents. We are grateful to everyone who is joining this critical conversation.”

The event will feature expert-led workshops, Q&A discussions, and networking sessions designed to address the most pressing challenges faced by food pantries and soup kitchens. Key topics include:

• Best practices for food distribution and logistics
• Strategies for expanding outreach and maximizing resources
• Collaborating with local governments and nonprofits to enhance service delivery
• Connecting clients to comprehensive support services, including housing, employment, and mental health programs

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all local food service providers and community stakeholders to participate in this essential summit. To register for the event or for more information, please visit https://ucnj.org/food-summit/.

The Union County Department of Human Services is committed to providing programs and services that promote the well-being of County residents, with a special focus on vulnerable populations. Through partnerships with community organizations and agencies, DHS helps individuals and families achieve stability and self-sufficiency by addressing basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare while offering opportunities for economic growth and personal development.

For more information, please call the Union County DHS Action Line at 908-677-5405.

Union County voters may use any of these locations for early in-person voting

Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises Union County residents that eight locations have been selected for those wishing to cast their vote early, in-person for the 2024 General Election. Any registered, Union County voter can use any of these sites to vote in-person, by machine from Saturday, October 26 through Sunday, November 3, 2024.

“New Jersey has expanded voters’ rights by introducing early voting in 2021,” said Ms. DiRado. “We encourage voters to use early voting, or a vote by mail ballot, to cast their vote ahead of Election Day.  Making a plan to cast your vote is important and there are now more options in New Jersey than ever before.”

The eight convenient locations are:

• Cranford: Union College, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Nomahegan Building, Room N4,

Near the Guard Booth – Parking in Lot 1

• Elizabeth: Sampson Community Center, 800 Anna Street
• New Providence: DeCorso Senior Center, 15 E. 4^th Street
• Plainfield, Union College, Church Street, Between E. 2^nd & E. 3rd
• Rahway:  Rahway Recreation Center, 271 E. Milton Avenue
• Roselle: Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue
• Union Township: Union Township Senior Center, 652 Rahway Avenue
• Union Township: Kean University, New Academic Building, corner of North Avenue and Morris Avenue, Lobby Access

All of these early voting locations will be open during the following hours:

• Saturday, October 26, 10am – 8pm
• Sunday, October 27, 10am – 6pm
• Monday, October 28, 10am – 8pm
• Tuesday, October 29, 10am – 8pm
• Wednesday, October 30, 10am – 8pm
• Thursday, October 31, 10am – 8pm
• Friday, November 1,10am – 8pm
• Saturday, November 2, 2024, 10am – 8pm
• Sunday, November 3, 10am – 6pm

Upon arriving at an early voting location, voters will sign in on an electronic poll book.  The electronic poll book will print a bar code on the ballot card so the voting machine knows which ballot to activate.  The ballot card will be inserted into the voting machine which begins the process for the voter.

Please note that these locations are for in-person, machine voting only. Mail-in ballots cannot be submitted at these locations.

Voters who plan to use a mail-in ballot can deposit it in any of the twenty-four (24) Board of Elections’ secure drop boxes in Union County, return it to the Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service, or hand-deliver it to the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth by November 5, 2024 at 8pm.

Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, November 5, must use their designated polling place.

For more information, including a list of drop box locations and an online polling place finder, visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

Union County residents interested in helping voters at polling locations on Election Day this year have time to apply to become poll workers. Poll workers will earn $300 for the day, starting at 5:15 a.m. through at least 8:15, after the close of the polls. The General Election is held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

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 2024 Presidential Election 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.  Union County residents who are 16 or 17 may work an 8 hour shift on Election Day.

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, follow the Poll Worker Resources link at ucnj.org/ucboe. For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

The Union County Board of Elections reminds residents that Tuesday, October 15 is the deadline for voter registration for the 2024 General Election. Election Day will be on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

“There are multiple options for residents to register to vote in time for the upcoming election,” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “Those eligible to vote can apply online, by mail or in person in order to register.”

The Union County Board of Elections office is open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to accept Voter Registration Forms. On the October 15 voter registration deadline, the Board of Elections Office will remain open until 9:00 p.m. to receive forms.

Municipal Clerk offices can also provide and accept voter registration forms.

Voter registration forms in both English and Spanish can also be downloaded from the Union County Board of Elections website at ucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning.

To register online, eligible residents should visit: voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow the Online Voter Registration instructions. Your County Commissioner of Registration will notify you if your application is accepted. If it is not accepted, you will be notified on how to complete and/or correct the application.

You can register to vote if:

• You are a United States citizen
• You will be 18 years old by the next election
• You will be a resident of the State and county for 30 days before the election
• You are NOT currently serving a sentence because of a felony conviction
• As of March 17, 2020, persons currently on parole or probation are entitled to vote.

To receive a voter registration form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

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.