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Plain Alert Public Info

Mosquito Spraying Wednesday Evening

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, between the hours of 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm weather permitting. Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

  • Berkeley Heights – Grant St. Area
  • Clark – King St. Area
  • Hillside – Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., John St. Area
  • Kenilworth – Dorset Dr., Epping Dr., Water Co. Rd.,
  • Linden – Tremley Pt., Area. Range Rd., Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Marion Ave., Miner Ter.
  • Plainfield – E. 3rd ST. Area, St. Nicholas Blvd., Chelsea Blvd., Park Dr., Arlington Ave., F.S. Mathewson Dr. Cushing Rd., Knollwood Ct.
  • Rahway – Leesville Ave. Area, Elston St., Randolph Ave., Donald Ave., Price St., Allen St.,
    Main St., Elizabeth Ave. Area
  • Roselle – W.8th St. Area, E.8th St. Fire House Area
  • Scotch Plains – Frank St., Martine Ave. Extension, North Ave., South Ave., Brandywine Ct., Terrill Rd.
  • Springfield – Bernadette Ct., Brown Ave., Marion Ave.
  • Summit – Summit Recycling Center
  • Union – Rahway Ave., Gifford Ct., Brighton St., Savitt Pl., International Paint property on Morris Ave., Carlton Ter. Area, Allen Ave.
  • Winfield – U.C. Parkway
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Public Info

Union County Invites Seniors and Caregivers to Annual Division on Aging Public Meeting

A flyer advertising the Annual Public Meeting on Tuesday, September 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Plainfield Senior Center, located at 400 East Front Street in Plainfield.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Human Services, Division on Aging, invite Union County seniors, caregivers and community members to attend the Division’s Annual Public Meeting on Tuesday, September 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Plainfield Senior Center, located at 400 East Front Street in Plainfield.

The meeting will give older adults and caregivers an opportunity to speak directly with the Division on Aging about their needs, concerns and experiences. The feedback gathered will help the Division identify gaps in services and guide future planning to better meet the needs of Union County’s growing senior population.

“The best way to understand the needs of our older residents and their caregivers is to hear directly from them,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This meeting gives members of our community a meaningful opportunity to share what they are experiencing and help us strengthen the programs and services they rely on.”

Attendees will also learn more about the programs, services and resources available through the Division on Aging and will have an opportunity to ask questions. The meeting is intended to be an open conversation focused on ensuring that the voices of Union County seniors and caregivers remain central to the Division’s work.

“Community feedback plays an important role in how we plan for the future,” said Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “We encourage seniors and caregivers to join us, share their perspectives and help us better understand where additional support may be needed.”

All Union County seniors and caregivers are encouraged to attend, whether they currently receive services through the Division on Aging or would simply like to learn more and make their voices heard.

For more information, contact the Union County Division on Aging at 908-527-4870 or 800-820-8226.

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Public Info

Union County’s Popular Haunted Hayrides Return to the Deserted Village This Fall

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to experience the popular Haunted Hayrides at the Deserted Village of Feltville in the Watchung Reservation. The hayrides will take place Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25, with a rain date scheduled for Monday, October 26.

“The Deserted Village already has an atmosphere and history unlike anywhere else in Union County, but experiencing it at night brings the stories to life in a completely different way,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “The Haunted Hayrides have become a favorite fall tradition, and we look forward to welcoming residents back for another memorable weekend.”

Participants will board a hay wagon alongside David Felt, the New York businessman who built Feltville in 1845. As the wagon moves through the fields and forest under the cover of darkness, and then into the Village itself, Mr. Felt will recount stories of tragedy and mystery that occurred in the area now known as the Watchung Reservation. The tales are told so vividly that history seems to come alive. The journey culminates with a stop at the Village cemetery, dating back to the 1700s, where a chilling story is told that is certain to stir the imagination, and perhaps even the spirits.

Rides will depart every half hour from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, and from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 25.

The program is recommended for children age 6 and older, and strollers cannot be accommodated. The full experience lasts approximately one hour and includes both a hayride and a walking portion through the darkened forest. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a flashlight.

Tickets are $8 for Union County residents and $16 for out-of-county participants. Purchases are limited to eight tickets per person and must be made in advance for a specific date and time. No refunds or exchanges will be permitted, and tickets will not be sold on-site during the event.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, September 8 and may be purchased online at ucnj.org/ticket or in person at the following locations:

Trailside Nature and Science Center
452 New Providence Road, Mountainside
Tuesday through Sunday, except holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
908-789-3670

Warinanco Sports Center
1 Park Drive, Roselle
Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
908-527-4900

Space is limited, and early purchase is strongly recommended, as the Haunted Hayrides regularly sell out. Ticket holders who arrive late may only be accommodated on a later ride if space is available.

The Haunted Hayrides are hosted by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Park Environmental Services. For more information, please call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.

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Public Info

Mosquito Spraying Friday Evening

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Friday, September 4, 2026, between the hours of 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm weather permitting. Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

  • Berkeley Heights – Shadow Ln., Park Ave., Riverbend Rd. Area, Emerson Ln. Area,
  • Clark – Parkway Dr., Norwood Cir. Area, Poplar Ter.
  • Elizabeth – Wyoming Ave., between Monmouth Ave. and Springfield Ave.
  • Hillside – Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., John St. Area
  • Linden – Tremley Pt., Area. Range Rd., Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Marion Ave., Ziegler Ave. Area
  • Plainfield – E. 3rd ST. Area, St. Nicholas Blvd., Chelsea Blvd., Park Dr., Arlington Ave., F.S. Mathewson Dr.
  • Rahway – Leesville Ave. Area, Elston St., Randolph Ave., Donald Ave., Price St., Allen St., Main St., Elizabeth Ave. Area
  • Roselle – Pine St., by RXR Tracks, Columbus Ave., Oak St. Area
  • Scotch Plains – Frank St., Allwood Rd. Area, Morse Ave.
  • Springfield – Marion Ave., Warner Ave.
  • Summit – Summit Recycling Center
  • Union – Rahway Ave., Whitewood Rd,, Gifford Ct., Brighton St., Savitt Pl., LeHigh Ave., International Paint property on Morris Ave.
  • Westfield – Park Dr., Carlton Rd. Area
  • Winfield – U.C. Parkway
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Public Info

Union County Deputy Clerk Announces Vote-by-Mail Available for Roselle Special School Election

Union County Deputy Clerk, Clara Fernández announces that vote-by-mail ballots for the upcoming Roselle Special School Election are now available. Voters may obtain vote-by-mail ballots in person at either of the two Union County Clerk’s offices:

Westfield
300 North Avenue East
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

(This office will be closed on Saturday, September 5, 2026)

Elizabeth
2 Broad Street, Rm 113
Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Union County Clerk’s offices will also be open on Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for voters who wish to obtain or return vote-by-mail ballots. Vote-by-mail ballots have also been mailed to voters who have previously requested them.

Sample Ballots for the Roselle Special School Election are now available on the Union County Clerk’s website. 

Voters are encouraged to review their Sample Ballots and all election materials carefully before voting.

The Roselle Special School Election is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The ballot includes two Bond Proposal Questions for voters to consider.

For more information regarding vote-by-mail, ballot drop-off options, sample ballots, and polling locations, please visit www.unioncountyvotes.com, contact the Union County Clerk’s Office at 908-527-4996, or email ucvote@ucnj.org.

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Public Info

Union County Continues America 250 Commemoration With “The History of U.S. Immigration”

A flyer advertising “The History of U.S. Immigration,” on Thursday, September 17, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Liberty Hall Academic Center, located at 1003 Morris Avenue in Union.

As Union County continues to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, invites residents to attend “The History of U.S. Immigration,” a free lecture exploring how immigration has shaped the United States from its earliest days through the present.

The program will be held on Thursday, September 17, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Liberty Hall Academic Center, located at 1003 Morris Avenue in Union. The event coincides with U.S. Constitution Day and is also being presented as part of Union County’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

“The history of immigration is inseparable from the history of the United States,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “As we continue to mark our nation’s 250th anniversary, this program gives residents an opportunity to look more closely at the generations of people who came to this country and helped shape its communities, culture and future.”

The lecture will be presented by Dr. Frank Argote-Freyre, a professor of Latin American history at Kean University. Dr. Argote-Freyre earned his Ph.D. in Latin American History from Rutgers University and is the author of Fulgencio Batista: From Revolutionary to Strongman. He also coauthored A Brief History of the Caribbean with Danilo Figueredo and served as assistant editor of the Encyclopedia of Cuba.

In addition to his academic work, Dr. Argote-Freyre has been actively involved in efforts supporting immigrant rights and social justice. He previously served as Chair of the New Jersey Commission on New Americans and is President Emeritus of the Latino Action Network and Director of the Latino Coalition. Earlier in his career, he worked as a journalist, columnist and congressional press secretary.

“Constitution Day invites us to think not only about the founding of our nation, but also about the people who have carried its promise forward,” said Union County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Affairs Advisory Board. “Here in Union County, immigration is part of the history of nearly every community. This conversation will help us better understand where we came from and how those experiences continue to shape who we are today.”

The presentation is free and open to Union County residents. Advance registration is required. To register, visit www.ucnj.org/250.

This event is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the New Jersey Department of State. The program is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in partnership with Kean University’s Center for Raising Excellence and Cultural Empowerment and Department of History. For additional information, call 908-558-2550.

America’s 250th Anniversary: On July 4, 2026, the United States marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This historic milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s past, recognize the many people and communities that have shaped its history, and look ahead toward the future we seek to build for generations to come.

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Public Info

Traction Line Recreation Extension Study

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Public Info

November 3, 2026, General Election Vote by Mail Status

union county votes

In response to the current Supreme Court decision, please be advised the Union County Clerk will be processing the Vote by Mail ballots as per New Jersey State law. Ballots are required to be in the mail to voters no later than September 19, 2026.

The State is currently in litigation with the Federal government, and at this time no one knows what the outcome will be.

If you are not comfortable at this time with receiving a Vote by Mail, you may OPT OUT by sending an email to ucvote@ucnj.org and provide your full name, address and date of birth. You will receive confirmation that you will no longer receive a Vote by Mail Ballot and may vote early or at your polling place on November 3, 2026. Please submit your request NO LATER THAN September 15, 2026.

You may receive Vote by Mail Ballots in the future by submitting a new application.

If you choose to continue to receive a Vote by Mail Ballot, it is strongly recommended that you place your ballot in the mail a minimum of 7 days prior to November 3rd or place your ballot in a secure Drop Box. Drop Box locations can be found at https://ucnj.org/boe/ballot-drop-box-locations/

Drop Box locations will be listed on your Sample Ballot.

Please call our office at (908)527-4996 if you have any questions

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Public Info

September is Emergency Preparedness Month

The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that September is Emergency Preparedness Month. Emergencies can happen at any time and often without warning, so now is a good time to make sure you and your family are prepared.

Take a few simple steps this month: create or update your family emergency plan, build an emergency supply kit, review important contact information, and make sure you know how to receive local emergency alerts.

Preparedness today can make a major difference when an emergency happens. Learn more about emergency preparedness and available resources through ReadyNJ and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management.

Visit ready.gov to learn more.

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Public Info

Bellies 2 Bottoms Baby Item Collection

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is asking for your help with Bellies 2 Bottoms, a baby item collection serving vulnerable families throughout Union County communities.

From September 1–30, 2026, residents are encouraged to donate diapers, formula and baby wipes at participating Union County drop-off locations. Please remember to check expiration dates before donating.

Drop-Off Locations:

  • Engineering Building
    • 2325 South Ave., Scotch Plains
    • 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
  • Public Safety Building
    • 400 North Ave. East, Westfield
    • 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Social Services
    • 200 West 2nd St., 1st Floor, Plainfield
    • 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • Prosecutor’s Office
    • 32 Rahway Ave., Elizabeth
    • 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • Administration Building
    • 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth
    • 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Every donation can help provide essential supplies to babies and families in need across Union County.

For questions, contact Judith Guest at 908-527-4388 or judith.guest@ucnj.org