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.
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
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the Fall Fishing Derby for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, taking place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.
Join us for a fun day of fishing and outdoor recreation in partnership with the Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club.
This is a FREE event, but pre-registration is required. To register, call 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.
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.
For more information about the Fall Fishing Derby and other programs and events offered by the 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 residents and families to enjoy a favorite fall tradition with the return of Hayrides & Campfires this October at Warinanco Park and the Trailside Nature & Science Center.
The annual program offers families an opportunity to enjoy a crisp fall evening outdoors with a hayride, campfire, entertainment, hot chocolate and marshmallows.
“Fall is one of the best times to enjoy Union County’s parks, and our Hayrides & Campfires give families a chance to spend an evening together outdoors and enjoy a tradition that has become a favorite for so many residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We encourage families and friends to make plans early, reserve their tickets and come enjoy a great night in our parks.”
The 2026 schedule is:
Warinanco Park Friday, October 2 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Trailside Nature & Science Center Sunday, October 4 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 9 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 11 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 16 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are $6 for Union County residents and $12 for non-residents and go on sale Tuesday, September 1 at 9:00 a.m.All tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the event. Group sales are limited to 15 people, and no refunds or exchanges will be offered. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ucnj.org/ticket or in person at:
Trailside Nature & Science Center 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 908-789-3670
Union County Parks Reservations Warinanco Sports Center 1 Park Drive, Roselle Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 908-527-4900
Each ticket includes one hayride, entertainment, hot chocolate and marshmallows. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the campfire.
Upon arrival, participants should report directly to the check-in table, where their ticket will be exchanged for a numbered hayride pass. Hayrides depart approximately every 20 minutes, with passes assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Friday participants must check in before 8:00 p.m., and Sunday participants must check in before 5:00 p.m. Participants who arrive after those times are not guaranteed a hayride.
In the event of rain, ticket holders will be rescheduled to another available hayride date or an alternate date, as space permits. For Friday rain information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-558-4079 after 3:00 p.m. For Sunday rain information, call Trailside Nature & Science Center at 908-789-3670 after 1:00 p.m.
For more information about Union County parks and recreation programs, visit www.ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Department of Human Services’ Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse, will host a free educational webinar on Wednesday, September 16th, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Pathways to Wellness: Navigating the Road to Recovery & Suicide Prevention will be presented in collaboration with the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
“Recovery is possible, help is available, and no one should ever feel that they must face a mental health or substance use challenge alone,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “This webinar is an opportunity to connect residents and families with reliable information, compassionate support and potentially life-saving resources. We encourage everyone to join us and learn how each of us can help build a stronger and more supportive community.”
The virtual event is being held in recognition of National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, both observed throughout September. The webinar will provide information and resources related to recovery, behavioral health and suicide prevention while encouraging open, supportive conversations about these important issues.
The webinar is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required. To register, visit ucnj.org/dhs-webinar. The program will also be streamed on Facebook Live.
“Many people want to help a family member, friend or neighbor who may be struggling, but they may not know what to say or where to turn,” said Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “By making trusted information and resources easier to access, we can reduce stigma, encourage people to seek support and remind our residents that they are not alone.”
National Recovery Month promotes and supports evidence-based treatment and recovery practices while recognizing the individuals, families, service providers and communities that make recovery possible. National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month brings attention to suicide prevention, reduces stigma surrounding mental health and highlights resources available to people experiencing emotional distress or crisis.
For additional information about the webinar, contact the Union County Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse at OBHSM@ucnj.org or 908-527-4844.
If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Online chat is also available at 988lifeline.org. If there is an immediate danger or medical emergency, call 911.ReachNJ is a central call-in line for New Jersey residents who are looking for help with a substance use disorder (SUD). If in need call New Jersey’s 24/7 helpline at 1-844-732-2465.
Under the terms of the Open Public Meetings Act P.L. 1975, C. 231, and pursuant to requirements of N.J.S.A 10: 4-10, please be advised that circumstances necessitate amending the 2026 Meeting Schedule of the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
As such, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is advising the public, in accordance with the law, the cancellation of both the Agenda Setting Session and the Regular Meeting of Thursday, September 17, 2026 (originally scheduled for September 24, 2026). The aforementioned September 17, 2026 meetings will now be rescheduled to be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The Agenda Setting Session will commence at 6:00pm with the Regular Meeting to commence as soon as possible following the conclusion of the Agenda Setting Session. Additionally, the meeting will be held at the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room of the Union County Administration Building, 6th floor, located at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ, 07207.
Persons requiring a sign language interpreter should contact the Office of the Clerk of the Board at 908-527-4140.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to attend the Aging Services Kiosk, or ASK, events scheduled throughout September. These events provide 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 brings essential information and personalized assistance directly into our communities, making it easier for seniors and caregivers to receive the support they need,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We encourage residents to stop by any of the September locations, speak with our knowledgeable staff and learn more about the many resources available through Union County.”
ASK is operated by the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, part of the Department of Human Services. The program offers adults age 60 and older, as well as their caregivers, a convenient way to learn about available programs 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.
“Finding and understanding available services can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for families balancing caregiving responsibilities,” said Union County Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “ASK gives residents a welcoming place to ask questions, receive individual guidance and connect with services that can make a meaningful difference in their daily lives.”
Any Union County senior or caregiver may visit any ASK location, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is required. The September ASK schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, September 1 Cranford Public Library 224 Walnut Avenue, Cranford 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 17 Fanwood Memorial Library 5 Forest Road, Fanwood 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 23 Union Public Library 1980 Morris Avenue, Union 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, September 29 Rahway Public Library 2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway 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.
Please be advised that the weekday hours of operation for Wheeler Sprayground and Ulrich Pool have been adjusted. Weekend hours will remain unchanged.
Wheeler Sprayground
Monday–Friday: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Ulrich Pool
Monday–Friday: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Please remember to check Union County’s social media channels for the latest updates regarding any weather-related closures or changes to operating hours.
Union County Deputy Clerk Clara Fernández announced that Union County will conduct a special ballot drawing on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., if Judge Quraishi of the Federal District Court determines that Lana Leguia is eligible to appear on the ballot as a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.
The drawing will be held at the Union County Courthouse Cherry Street Annex Building, Second Floor, Courtroom 202 C.
Judge Quraishi’s determination is expected on August 31, 2026. If the judge determines that Lana Leguia is not eligible, the drawing will be cancelled.
For the latest update on whether the Special Ballot Drawing will be held, please visit the Union County Votes website and app.
The public is invited to attend the drawing in person or view the proceedings online. A livestream link will be posted prior to the drawing on the Office of the County Clerk’s elections website at unioncountyvotes.com.
Voters who wish to vote by mail are reminded that they must submit their applications for a Vote-by-Mail ballot no later than Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
For additional information about voting in Union County, including Vote-by-Mail applications and early voting locations, voters may visit unioncountyvotes.com or call 908-527-4996.
On August 26, at approximately 1336 hours, the Union County Police Department was dispatched to Wheeler Park for a report of an aggravated assault. Linden PD intercepted a male near Aviation Plaza on Rt 1/9 and Stiles St.
The suspect indicated that he stabbed another male in Wheeler Park and was immediately detained. A search of the area revealed a 40-year-old male who suffered multiple stab wounds in the park, near Stiles St and route 1 & 9. The victim was conscious and alert.
Linden FD/EMS and Union County Police personnel arrived, provided immediate care, and transported the victim to University Hospital-Newark, where he remains in stable condition.
Suspect Mark Minotti, DOB 12/31/1998, was arrested, transported to the Union County Police Department, interviewed, processed, and charged with the following:
2C:5-1/2C:11-3a(1) First Degree Attempted Murder
2C:12-1b(1) Second Degree Aggravated Assault
2C:12-1B2 Aggravated Assault with Weapon
2C:39-4d 3rd Degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose (Knife)
2C:39-5d 4th Degree Unlawful Possession of a “other” Weapon
He has been transported to Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth. All charges are allegations; suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Based on the investigation, this is believed to be a random attack by a single actor. There is no continuing safety threat to Wheeler Park or the surrounding area.
