Category: Public Info

In celebration of Women’s History Month and the nation’s 250th Anniversary, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, invites residents to attend a live speaking engagement titled “Union County Women of the American Revolution.”

The keynote speaker will be Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, who will present “The Patriot Women of Elizabethtown and Vicinity,” a compelling exploration of the courageous women who used their intelligence, resourcefulness, and sacrifice to advance the cause of American independence.

“Women have always been central to the American story — even when history did not always center them,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, it is important that we highlight the women of Union County who played meaningful roles in shaping the course of American independence.”

The free event will take place on Thursday, March 19^th at 12:30 p.m. in the Student Commons at Union College of Union County, NJ’s Cranford Campus, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.

While figures such as Abigail Adams are widely recognized, many local women — from all backgrounds — understood the importance of the American cause and stepped forward in ways both visible and behind the scenes. Rajoppi’s presentation will shed light on the patriot women of Elizabethtown and surrounding communities who contributed through strategy, courage, and personal sacrifice.

“It’s exciting to share the compelling stories of the women of Elizabethtown especially since it was their sacrifices, courage, and patriotism that was critical to the success of American’s independence,”  Ms. Rajoppi said.

Rajoppi has served as Union County Clerk since 1996, administering election laws; recording, filing and preserving property documents; processing passport applications; swearing-in notaries public; issuing public oaths; and maintaining numerous other vital records and services. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1970 and a Master of Public Administration from Seton Hall University in 1988.

Her distinguished public service career includes roles as Mayor of Springfield Township, Chairman of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Assistant Secretary of State for New Jersey, and Registrar of Deeds and Mortgages for Union County. She has also lectured in political science and public administration at Rutgers University–New Brunswick and taught municipal clerks and local officials statewide.

Rajoppi is the author of the nationally award-winning book “Women in Office: Getting There and Staying There,” as well as “The Civil War in New Brunswick: The Brunswick Boys and the Great Rebellion.” She has received three national awards from the National Federation of Press Women and currently serves as President of the Union County Historical Society.

“National Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the achievements and resilience of women throughout our nation’s history — including those right here in Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Affairs Advisory Board. “This program not only honors the women of the Revolutionary era, but also reinforces our commitment to ensuring their stories are remembered and shared with future generations.”

National Women’s History Month is observed every March to celebrate the vital role women have played in shaping communities, states, and the nation.

This event is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs. The program is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and held in collaboration with Union College of Union County, NJ.

The presentation is free and open to all Union County residents. To register, visit ucnj.org/250.

America’s 250th

On July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This historic milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we seek to build for generations to come.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in March 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 to provide support in Spanish.

“We want our seniors to enjoy a quality and independent life as long as they can, which is why this initiative has run successfully for ten years now. It’s a convenient way for them to stay in the know with the latest resources available to them, and to have an opportunity to speak with an expert in person, in a comfortable and relaxed setting,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We invite all seniors and caregivers to stop by the next ‘ASK’ event to learn how our Division on Aging staff can help you.”

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 March:

Thursday, March 5th
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue, Clark
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, March 10th
Union Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue, Union
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Thursday, March 19th
Fanwood Memorial Library
5 Forest Road, Fanwood
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, March 25th
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue, Garwood
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“We want to thank our Division on Aging for their commitment to ensuring our senior population feels supported, remains connected to their community, and most importantly, keeps their dignity as they enter these later stages of life,” 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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the 2026 seasonal recycling events will begin in March. The program will kick off with a “Weekend of Shredding.” The first shredding events of the season, taking place on Saturday, March 21st and Sunday, March 22nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the West Hall parking lot (Police Academy) of the Union County VoTech Campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

“With the arrival of our seasonal recycling events, residents will have convenient opportunities to reduce waste, recycle unwanted items, and eliminate harmful products from their homes and environment,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “I encourage everyone to make use of these programs and participate. By working together, we make Union County cleaner, safer, and more accessible for everyone.”

Union County’s free paper shredding events take place each year from March through October, bringing mobile paper shredding trucks to various locations throughout the County. Any Union County resident, regardless of their hometown, can take their personal documents to be shredded at any of these events and have them shredded onsite.

The shredding events are intended for personal and sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail, and other papers through their municipal recycling program. Please remove all bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia prior to the event (staples are allowed). Pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted.

In addition to paper shredding, Union County’s additional seasonal recycling programs, Scrap Metal Recycling and Hazardous Waste Disposal, will resume this Spring.

Union County’s Scrap Metal events provide a space where residents can recycle various metal items, including refrigerators (with doors removed), metal cabinets, appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, and even air conditioners. The scrap metal items are collected at two locations on the first Thursday and third Saturday of the month, from April to November. The first scrap metal events of the season will take place on Thursday, April 2nd & Saturday, April 18th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. On these dates, residents may recycle unwanted scrap metal items at either of our two convenient locations:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (service yard across from swimming pool), 3 Parkway Drive

Union County’s first Household Hazardous Waste event of the season will take place on Saturday, April 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be held at Union County Vo-Tech in the West Hall/Police Academy Lot, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. At these events, residents can bring a variety of household chemicals for proper recycling or disposal. These items include, but are not limited to, oil-based finishes, motor oil, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides, fluorescent light bulbs, and more. Latex (water-based) paint (wall paint), medical sharps, and welding gas/ oxygen cylinders will not be accepted. Residents are advised to dry latex paint out at home using commercial paint hardener, sand, kitty litter, or sawdust. Once hardened, it can be thrown in your household trash.

All Union County recycling events are contact-free and drive-up only.  Residents must remain in their cars while staff unloads materials from their trunk. For a complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, please visit ucnj.org/recycle/ or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Residents may also contact their municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in their community. The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up-to-date information on both countywide and local recycling programs. Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection

The Union County Division of Emergency Services invites residents, businesses, and community stakeholders to participate in the final public meeting regarding the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) update. The virtual meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will provide a high-level overview of the draft 2026 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, along with an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions and provide feedback prior to final submission.

Residents interested in attending the virtual meeting, reviewing the draft plan, or submitting public comments can find additional information and register by visiting: https://ucnj.org/hmp/. The draft plan is available for public review and comment through March 10, 2026.

The 2026 plan serves as an update to the County’s 2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan and represents a collaborative effort involving municipal partners, emergency management professionals, and community stakeholders. The plan outlines strategies designed to reduce long-term risks to people, property, infrastructure, and the environment from natural and human-caused hazards.

Hazard mitigation planning plays a critical role in strengthening community resilience. By investing in mitigation strategies before disasters occur, communities can reduce the impact of future emergencies, lower recovery costs, and help residents and businesses return to normal operations more quickly.

Throughout the planning process, a dedicated project website was used to provide updates, share meeting information, and gather public input. The site also hosts the draft plan and supporting materials for review.

Members of the public seeking additional information about the plan or the public meeting may contact:

Anne Mrazik
Consultant Project Manager, Michael Baker International, Inc.
anne.mrazik@mbakerintl.com

Elizabeth Stamler
Union County Emergency Services
estamler@ucnj.org

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that vote-by-mail ballots for the upcoming Berkeley Heights Special School Election will be available beginning Monday, February 9, 2026. Voters may obtain mail-in ballots in person at either of the two Union County Clerk’s offices:

Westfield

300 North Avenue East
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00am – 7:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Elizabeth

2 Broad Street
Monday through Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm

Vote-by-mail ballots for this election will also be mailed to voters who have requested them, beginning Monday, February 9.

The Berkeley Heights Special School Election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The ballot will include two bond proposal questions for voter consideration. Voters are encouraged to plan ahead and review all election materials carefully.

For more information regarding vote-by-mail, ballot drop-off options, and polling locations, please visit www.unioncountyvotes.com, contact the office at 908-527-4996 or email ucvote@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs are pleased to announce a special presentation titled “The Lenape: Native Americans, New Jersey, and American History,” originally set for January 27th, has now been rescheduled to Tuesday, February 24th, at 6:00 p.m. Led by Seton Hall University history professor, Dr. Sean P. Harvey, the speaking event explores the rich history of the Lenape people who resided in New Jersey during the time of European colonization, and is also part of Union County’s year-long series of events in celebration of the 250^th Anniversary of the American Revolution. The presentation will be held in the Auditorium of the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. To reserve your spot, please pre-register at ucnj.org/250.

“Engaging in history seminars, such as our Lenape speaking event, allows us to gain valuable insights into our ancestors and what their day-to-day experience was. This exploration fosters a deeper appreciation for the rights and freedoms we enjoy alongside our fellow Americans today,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Join us in learning together about the rich history of our land as we continue celebrating our 250^th anniversary all throughout the year. I hope to see you all there.”

Presenter Dr. Sean P. Harvey teaches courses on Colonial America, Revolutionary America, Democracy, Slavery, and Manifest Destiny, as well as Native American History before Removal. He also conducts surveys of American history and departmental seminars. He is the author of Native Tongues: Colonialism and Race from Encounter to the Reservation and serves on the Editorial Board of Commonplace: The Journal of Early American Life. Additionally, he is a member of the Advisory Council at the McNeil Center for Early American Studies and the Revolution NJ Scholarly and Public Programs Working Group, and co-edited Reviews for Journal of the Early Republic from 2014 to 2017.

A countywide event calendar was created earlier this year, allowing municipalities and authorized organizations to submit their commemorative programs for approval and inclusion. Residents can explore upcoming activities and learn more by visiting www.ucnj.org/250.

“We’re excited to continue adding events to this calendar throughout the year, giving our residents and guests plenty of opportunities to celebrate this significant moment in our history together,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, Chair to the Union County 250^th Committee. “I encourage any historical organizations and local community groups to submit their 250^th Anniversary events to our email for review.”

Residents, historical organizations, and community groups are encouraged to submit their 250^th Anniversary-related events through the official Union County 250^th Anniversary Event Calendar, available at www.ucnj.org/250.

For more details and updates on the celebration, visit ucnj.org/250 and follow Union County on social media.

This event is supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs.

For more information about this event and other programs highlighting the arts and the history of Union County, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. You can reach us by telephone at (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users should dial 711, or you can send an email to culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

The Master Gardeners of Union County are pleased to announce the availability of a $750 scholarship for a graduating Union County high school senior who plans to pursue higher education in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, or a related field.

“Our continuing partnership with Rutgers University is one of many avenues for the County of Union to support health and environmental stewardship,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This Master Gardener scholarship for high school seniors is yet another way to invest in future generations and the place we call home.”

This annual scholarship honors Madeline Flahive DiNardo, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Agent and long-time supporter of the Master Gardener program, whose dedication to education, environmental stewardship, and inspiring the next generation of leaders in gardening, sustainability, and the natural sciences. Eligible applicants must be residents of Union County and graduating seniors from a Union County high school. The selected student will demonstrate an interest in plants, the environment, or community service, and show academic promise in their chosen field of study.

“Supporting students who are passionate about horticulture and environmental science aligns perfectly with our mission of education and community outreach,” said Patricia Paul, President of the Master Gardeners of Union County. “We are proud to invest in a student who will carry these values forward.”

Scholarship Details:
• Award Amount: $750
• Eligibility: Union County high school seniors
• Fields of Study: Agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, or related disciplines
• Application Deadline: March 15, 2026

scholarship@mastergardeners-uc.org
Master Gardeners of Union County
151 Grant Street
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
(908) 654-9854

“This scholarship reflects the strength of our partnership with Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the role it plays in connecting students to real-world learning,” said Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, Liaison to Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “By supporting young people who are curious about the environment and sustainability, we’re helping cultivate the next generation of problem-solvers and stewards.”

For more information or to request an application, please contact the Master Gardeners of Union County at scholarship@mastergardeners-uc.org. Applications may also be available from your high school guidance counselor offices as well.

About the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County
The Rutgers Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist Rutgers Cooperative Extension in delivering horticultural education, community outreach, and environmental programs throughout Union County. From the Demonstration Gardens in Watchung Reservation to school programs, plant clinics, and public workshops, Master Gardeners share their passion for plants and sustainable gardening practices to benefit the entire community.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, is pleased to celebrate Black History Month and the 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States with a free performance titled, “Madame Selika 1878: Songbird in the White House.” The performance will take place on Thursday, February 19th at 7:00 p.m. at UCPAC’S Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway. Pre-registration for the performance is available at ucnj.org/bhm.

“As part of our month-long celebration of Black History, it’s important for us to showcase the arts,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek. “Music, singing, dancing; they all play a vital role in every culture, serving as powerful mediums for expressing our experiences, capturing emotions, and connecting communities through our shared history. We are honored to host this free event for our residents and neighbors, and hope that you join us this February as we continue celebrating black history and culture across the county.”

The performance, part of Union County’s American Revolution 250th Anniversary and Black History Month celebrations, highlights the life of soprano singer Marie Selika Williams through a re-creation of her historic 1878 concert at the White House. At the recommendation of Frederick Douglass, Madame Selika performed a recital in the Green Room of the White House for President and Mrs. Rutherford B. Hayes and their guests during a period in time when racism was still prevalent. Madame Selika, along with her husband Samson Williams, were the first free people of color to perform there.

Terrance McKnight, the award-winning journalist, author and weekday evening host for radio station WQXR, conceived, directs and explores the historic, political and social ramifications of that evening with performances by soprano Candice Hoyes, tenor Justin E. Bell and pianist Kyle Walker.

Mr. McKnight regularly curates concerts and talks at Merkin Concert Hall, the Billie Holiday Theatre, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and the Museum of Modern Art. This is his fifth time returning to Union County to provide high-quality programs for Black History Month celebrations.

“Terrance McKnight is an exceptional storyteller with a talent for blending music with history that really captivates audiences.  We know you’re going to enjoy the wonderful show while learning about Marie, the Queen of Staccato,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, Chair of the Union County 250^th Committee. “Her story is featured in both our Black History Month and American Revolution celebrations because of what she represents. Marie’s journey is filled with hope and determination, marked by her overcoming obstacles, breaking ceilings, and paving the way for future generations. This makes her not only part of our African American heritage but of the broader legacy of this great country.”

Admission to “Madame Selika 1878: Songbird in the White House”is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, visit ucnj.org/bhm.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State; the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; and the Union County HEART Grant program. 

For more information about this event, and other programs and services related to the arts and Union County history, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711. Or send E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org

The Union County Board of Elections reminds Berkeley Heights residents that Tuesday, February 17^th is the deadline to register to vote in the upcoming Berkeley Heights Special School Election, scheduled for Tuesday, March 10.

The Special School Election will be held from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on March 10. Eligible voters may register online, in person, or by submitting a voter registration application. Complete voter registration information is available on the Union County Board of Elections website at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

Voting on Election Day will take place at regular polling locations, which can be found on the Board of Elections website or by calling the Board directly at 908-527-4123.

For voters who choose to vote by mail, secure ballot drop boxes for the Berkeley Heights Special School Election will open on February 9. Mail-in ballots may be returned at any of the following locations:

Snyder Avenue Park, Snyder Avenue, Berkeley Heights

The Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East, Westfield

Union County Administration Building, Rahway Ave. & Elizabethtown Plz, Elizabeth

Union County Board of Elections, 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth

Residents are encouraged to verify their voter registration status and plan ahead to ensure their voices are heard in this important local election.

For more information, visit www.ucnj.org/ucboe or contact the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners stands in solidarity with our Haitian community and with local leaders calling for an immediate extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.

The humanitarian, security, and political conditions in Haiti remain deeply unstable. Forcing families to return under these circumstances would place lives at risk and separate parents from children, workers from jobs, and neighbors from the communities they help strengthen every day.

Haitian TPS holders are integral members of Union County — they are essential workers, small business owners, caregivers, and parents raising families who call this county home. They contribute to our economy, our schools, our faith institutions, and our neighborhoods.

Union County has long been a place that values dignity, compassion, and fairness. We believe federal policy must reflect those same principles.

In keeping with these values, the Union County Board of County Commissioners urges members of Congress to sign Discharge Petition No. 15, H.Res. 965, allowing for consideration of H.R. 1689, which would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status. We call on federal leaders to act with urgency to provide stability, certainty, and protection for Haitian families who deserve safety, not displacement.

Union County will continue to stand with our Haitian residents and community partners in calling for policies that uphold human dignity, family unity, and public safety.