Union County News

Union County Life’s guide to the 2026 county races covers the three commissioner contests, the Sheriff race, and the County Clerk race ahead of Election Day, Nov. 3.

Mountainside Rescue Squad Chief Eric Pastore presented a course for volunteer EMS leaders at the EMS Council of New Jersey Convention on Oct. 9, 2026.

Congressman Tom Kean Jr. presented $365,000 to Mountainside on Oct. 15 for a new emergency operations center in the borough’s former Public Works garage.

The Mountainside Rotary Club hosts a Red Cross blood drive on Nov. 14 at the Municipal Building. Book at RedCrossBlood.org with sponsor code MountainsideRotary.

Imagine trained nearly 50 volunteers this summer. Free grief support groups run year round in English and Spanish. Adult facilitator training is set for Dec. 4 to 6.

Mountainside fire officials used a burning dollhouse to teach charging, candle, and escape plan safety at the Oct. 9 open house. New members are welcome.

Mountainside addresses DEP leaf disposal limits delaying November-December collections. Updates on Halloween closures, pool project, downtown improvements, and community services.

Mountainside Rotary Club’s ninth annual pickleball tournament raised funds for community service with student volunteers, local sponsors, and community leaders.

Mountainside PAL Cop Trot 24th annual: 170+ 5K runners, 40+ children Tot Trot. Matthew Molski wins overall; intergenerational community event.

Mountainside Monster March scarecrow competition closes TODAY, Oct. 5. Design monster scarecrows for downtown lamp posts. Prizes: $100, $50, $50.

Berkeley Heights Board directs policy committee to review eliminating or reducing $30 student parking fee at Governor Livingston High School; vote 6-1 to send to policy.

Mountainside unanimously approved $1 million grant application for Community Pool renovation through Union County Improvement Authority 2026 Capital Project Grant Program.

Teddy Grossi, Mountainside WWII and Korean War veteran, recognized as 2026 Senior of Distinction for military service, union leadership, and cancer survival resilience.

Mountainside resident John Trupchak reflects on his Marine Corps service in Vietnam, aviation career, and the life built on faith, family, and civic responsibility.

Mountainside ranked No. 17 among New Jersey's 25 safest towns on 2026 list. Only Union County town in top 25. Recognition reflects community policing efforts.

Mountainside Scout Grant Matejek built three bat boxes for his Eagle Scout project at the Elks property near Echo Lake, supporting local bat conservation.

Coach Giovanni Cerullo builds youth basketball and baseball in Mountainside through PAL programs. Formally recognized Sept. 16 for 17+ seasons coaching.

The Lockwood Group donated $10,000 to Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss, and created butterfly art installation at Mountainside center. Free grief support.

Mountainside proclaims October 3 as Ruth C. Leist Day honoring resident's 100th birthday. Leist has lived in borough since 1956, raised 4 children.