Category: Public Info

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join two free webinars that focus on suicide prevention. The programs will be available on Zoom and Facebook Live on September 8 and September 10, 2025, and are presented by the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Individual and Family Support Services and the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse.

“These events serve as a reminder that no one is ever truly alone,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M Leon. “National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month calls us to act. Even a small act of compassion can save a life. When we take the time to check in on one another and learn how to connect people to resources, we create a stronger, healthier community.”

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that suicide is the 11^th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2023, 49,316 Americans died by suicide – equaling approximately 1 death every 11 minutes. Additionally, many adults think about suicide or make an attempt. Data shows that 12.8 million individuals have seriously thought about suicide; 3.7 million made a plan, and 1.5 million attempted suicide. 91% of all adults surveyed in the United States think suicide can be prevented at least some of the time. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and normalize seeking help. These webinars are designed to provide residents with knowledge and tools that can make a difference.

The first session, Make the Right Call, will take place on Monday, September 8, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Led by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) and the NJ Mental Health Players, this webinar will give residents a closer look at what happens when someone calls the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Through role-play and interactive demonstrations, the NJ Mental Health Players will show how the hotline works in real time while helping to reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations about suicide prevention.

The second session, Life, Connected: How Relationships and Environments Prevent Suicide, will be held on Wednesday, September 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and facilitated by Caring Contact. This discussion will highlight how connection plays a key role in keeping people safe. Rather than focusing only on crisis response, the session will explore everyday protective factors, like meaningful relationships and supportive environments, that reduce the risk of suicide. Participants will walk away with practical ways to strengthen those connections at home, at work, and in their community.

“Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “These webinars are about giving residents the knowledge and confidence to recognize the signs, start difficult conversations, and connect people to support. When we come together as a community with that purpose, we build a stronger safety net where no one has to face their struggles alone.”

Residents can register for both webinars by visiting https://ucnj.org/mental-health/ If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or having suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Calls are free, confidential, and answered by trained crisis counselors in multiple languages.

For more information about Union County Human Services programs and activities, visit ucnj.org/dhs or call the DHS Action Line at 908-677-5405.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying Thursday, September 4, 2025, 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.

• Cranford – Riverside Dr.
• Hillside –  Harvard Ave. Area, Cornell Ave., John St., Eastern Pkwy., McLean Pl. area, Aldine St. Area, Williamson Ave. Mertz Ave., Clark St., Munn Ave.
• Mountainside – 1400 block Rt.22
• Plainfield – Huntington Ave. between Plainfield Ave. and Maltby Ave., Grant Ave., Wadsworth Ave., Deborah Ct., Leland Ct., Raymond Ave., Cole Pl., Milton Pl., Berkeley Ter., Andover Ave., Acadamy Ave., Reeves Ter., Carlisle Ter., Wiley Ave. Area
• Rahway – Midwood Dr., Crescent Dr., Lakeside Dr., Milton Blvd.
• Roselle Park – Hawthorne St., Columbus Pl., Roosevelt St. Area
• Union – Gifford Ct., Hobson St. Area, Savitt Pl., Doris Ave. Area, Interlux paint property
• Westfield – Carleton Rd., Midwood Pl., Fairfield Cir., Cacciola Pl., Stirling Pl., Ripley Pl., Livingston Pl.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the return of Hayrides and Campfires for the Fall 2025 season. The hayrides will take place at Warinanco Park in Roselle and Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“We’re excited to bring Hayrides and Campfires back for another season,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “These events give families and friends the opportunity to step away from their busy routines and make fall memories together. It’s a fun tradition that highlights what community is all about here in Union County.”

Tickets will go on sale September 2^nd at 9:00am, with prices set at $6.00 for Union County residents and $12.00 for non-residents. Tickets must be purchased in advance from www.ucnj.org/tickets – tickets will not be sold on site. Each event includes a hayride, entertainment, and hot chocolate with marshmallows to complete the night. Group sales are limited to 15 people. Please note there are no refunds or exchanges.

Warinanco Park – 1 Park Drive in Roselle

Friday, October 3rd – 6:30pm-9:30pm

Trailside Nature and Science Center – 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside

Sunday, October 5th – 3:30pm-6:30pm

Friday, October 10th – 6:30pm-9:30pm

Sunday, October 12th – 3:30pm-9:30pm

Friday, October 17th – 6:30pm-9:30pm

For more information about Hayrides and Campfires, please contact the Union County Parks Information Desk at 908-527-4900. For information about all events in and activities in Union County parks, visit ucnj.org/parks.

Lately, I’ve been hearing a growing wave of concern from voters about mail-in ballots (VBMs): how they’re sent out, how they’re counted, and whether they’re truly secure.

This concern isn’t unfounded – it’s being fueled by a flood of misinformation that’s threatening to undermine the confidence in one of the most secure and accessible voting methods we have.

It’s time to set the record straight.

Mail-in ballots, long known as absentee ballots, have evolved significantly over the years. In New Jersey, for example, voters no longer need to provide a reason to vote by mail. What was once a highly restrictive process—only available to those in the hospital or overseas, and not even extended to pregnant women—is now an accessible option for all registered voters.

This change is especially critical for two of the largest and most influential voting blocs in our country: university students and senior citizens. Many students attend college far from their registered voting districts, and many seniors prefer the safety and convenience of voting from home. For both groups, mail-in ballots provide a secure, reliable, and accessible means to make their voices heard—no matter where they are.

Importantly, the mail-in ballot process is highly regulated to safeguard against fraud. Voters must fill out a formal application and sign it. That signature is then carefully compared to the one on file in the statewide registration database. Only if the signatures match is a ballot issued. If there’s a mismatch, voters must provide verified identification before receiving a ballot.

Deadlines matter: For the November 4th General Election, the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot in New Jersey is Tuesday, October 28th. To be counted, all vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by the close of Election Day. Ballots are not counted until Election Day, and results are not released until after polls close, ensuring fairness for all voters—whether they vote early, by mail, or in person.

Allegations of widespread voter fraud are not supported by evidence. Investigations by reputable and diverse sources—including the Brennan Center, the Republican National Lawyers Association, the Government Accountability Office, and top universities like Arizona State and Columbia—have concluded that voter fraud is exceedingly rare. Most claims turn out to be clerical errors or unfounded accusations following close contests.

As a former president of a national organization of election officers, I can personally vouch for the integrity, dedication, and professionalism of those who administer our elections. The system is built on transparency, accountability, and fairness.

Mail-in ballots remain a secure, responsible, and effective way to vote—Let’s ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate fully in our democracy without fear, misinformation, or unnecessary barriers.

Update 9/8/25: The ASK event originally scheduled for Thursday, September 25th at the Hillside Public Library has been rescheduled for October. The new date and time will be announced in a future publication.

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

“The ‘ASK’ program was designed to provide residents with easy access to resources and services that can significantly improve their quality of life,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “I encourage all seniors and caregivers to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with a knowledgeable professional and visit their local libraries this September.”

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 September:

Wednesday, September 10th
(Bilingual staff available)
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue, Garwood
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, September 16th
(Bilingual staff available)
Union Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Thursday, September 25th
Hillside Public Library
1409 Liberty Avenue, Hillside
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, September 30th
(Bilingual staff available)
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue, Clark
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“The Division on Aging has made remarkable strides in uplifting the senior community through this initiative over the years, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will continue to bring to their lives in the future,” said Union County Commissioner and Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging, James Baker.
 
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.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes on Thursday, August 28, 2025, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Please 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.

Clark – Parkway Dr.., Highland Pl., Blake Dr., Feather Bed Ln., Old Raritan Rd., Frances Dr., St. Agnes Back Parking lot. Kennedy Dr., Ridge Rd., Fairview Rd. Area, Brookside Ter., Deerwood Dr.

Cranford – Carpenter Pl. Area

Hillside – Conant St., Harvard Ave., Cornell Ave., John St., Eastern Pkwy., McLean Pl. area

Kenilworth – Dorset Dr. Area, Water Co. Rd.

Linden – Tremley Pt. Area, Range Rd.

Plainfield – Huntington Ave. between Plainfield Ave. and Maltby Ave., Cushing Rd., Knollwood Ct., Cushing Pl., Worth Dr., Watchung Ave, E. 4^th and 5^th St. City Hall Area

Rahway – Elston St., Randolph Ave., Leesville Av. Area, Egolf Dr., Linden Ave., Walking Path between Whittier St. and Linden Ave.

Roselle Park – Hawthorne St., W. Grant Ave., Walking Path between Galloping Hill Rd. and Chestnut St.

Scotch Plains – Pheasant Ln., Church St., Portland Ave., North and South Ave. between Hetfield Ave. and Crossway

Springfield – Oakland Ave., Waverly Ave., Cottage Ln.

Winfield Park – U.C. Parkway Dr.

La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union se complace en continuar con sus eventos de reciclaje de temporada este septiembre. Animamos a los residentes a aprovechar estos programas anuales gratuitos, que ofrecen una forma segura y responsable de desechar documentos personales, chatarra y residuos domésticos peligrosos en los puntos de entrega designados en todo el Condado de Union.

“Cuando los residentes participan en nuestros eventos de reciclaje, no solo son ciudadanos responsables, sino que también desempeñan un papel vital en la conservación de recursos y el fomento de un medio ambiente más saludable para el disfrute de las generaciones futuras”, declaró Lourdes M. Leon, Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union. “Únase a nosotros este septiembre y sigamos trabajando juntos para mantener el Condado de Union seguro, limpio y sostenible”.

Se anima a los residentes a triturar de forma segura sus documentos personales en los próximos eventos gratuitos de trituración de papel del Condado, que se llevarán a cabo el sábado 20 de septiembre y el viernes 26 de septiembre, de 9:00 a. m. a 1:00 p. m., en las siguientes ubicaciones:

• Sábado 20 de septiembre: UCNJ – Estacionamientos 5A/5B, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford

• Viernes 26 de septiembre: Piscina Westfield – Estacionamiento, 713 Cumberland Street, Westfield

Este evento forma parte del programa anual de trituración de papel del Condado de Union, que se lleva a cabo de marzo a octubre. Todos los documentos se trituran en el lugar y el papel triturado se transporta a una planta de reciclaje para su procesamiento. Los eventos se llevarán a cabo, llueva o truene, de 9:00 a. m. a 1:00 p. m., o hasta que los camiones de trituración alcancen su capacidad máxima.

Los eventos son gratuitos y están abiertos a todos los residentes del Condado de Union, independientemente de su municipio, y están destinados exclusivamente a la eliminación segura de documentos personales y confidenciales. No se aceptarán documentos comerciales. Se recuerda a los residentes que las revistas, el correo basura y otros documentos no confidenciales deben reciclarse a través de los programas municipales de reciclaje habituales. Antes de asistir, retire todas las encuadernaciones, clips grandes de plástico o metal y otros materiales que no sean de papel (se permiten grapas). No se aceptará papel triturado, húmedo o mojado.

El Programa de Reciclaje de Chatarra del Condado de Union también continúa en septiembre, brindando a los residentes la oportunidad de reciclar diversos artículos metálicos. Los eventos de entrega se realizarán el jueves 4 y el sábado 20 de septiembre, de 9:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m., en dos ubicaciones convenientes:

• Cranford: Edificio de Servicios de Emergencia, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth

• Rahway: Parque del Río Rahway (siga Park Drive, Rahway, saliendo de la Avenida St. George hasta el patio de servicio frente a la piscina)

Los artículos aceptados incluyen refrigeradores (sin las puertas), gabinetes metálicos, electrodomésticos, bicicletas, chatarra de aluminio, aires acondicionados y otros artículos metálicos para el hogar. El programa de chatarra opera el primer jueves y el tercer sábado de cada mes, de abril a noviembre.

El próximo evento de Residuos Domésticos Peligrosos del Condado de Union se llevará a cabo el sábado 6 de septiembre, de 9:00 a. m. a 2:00 p. m., en el estacionamiento Kean Hall de la Universidad de Kean, ubicado en 1000 Morris Avenue en Union. En este evento, los residentes pueden traer diversos productos químicos domésticos para su reciclaje. Estos artículos incluyen, entre otros, acabados a base de aceite, aceite de motor, gasolina, tanques de propano, productos químicos para piscinas, pesticidas, bombillas fluorescentes y más. No se aceptará pintura de látex ( base de agua). Se recomienda a los residentes secar la pintura de látex en casa con endurecedor de pintura comercial, arena, arena para gatos o aserrín. Una vez endurecida, puede desecharse en la basura doméstica. Tenga en cuenta que ya no se aceptarán fuegos artificiales para desechar en los eventos de Residuos Domésticos Peligrosos. Sin embargo, sí se aceptará munición para desechar. Todos los eventos de reciclaje del Condado de Union son sin contacto y solo se puede acceder desde el automóvil. Los residentes deben permanecer en sus vehículos mientras el personal descarga los materiales de sus maleteros.

Los Programas de Reciclaje del Condado de Union se financian con fondos de la Ley de Mejora del Reciclaje (REA), que el Condado de Union solicita y recibe.

Para obtener un cronograma completo y más información sobre todos los programas de reciclaje organizados por el Condado de Union, visite ucnj.org/recycle/ o llame a la línea directa de reciclaje del Condado de Union al 908-654-9889. Los residentes también pueden comunicarse con su municipal recycling coordinator Para obtener más detalles sobre el reciclaje en su comunidad.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to continue its seasonal recycling events this September. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these free annual programs, which offer a safe and responsible way to dispose of personal documents, scrap metal, and household hazardous waste at designated drop-off locations throughout Union County.

“When residents take part in our recycling events, they’re not just being responsible citizens; they’re also playing a vital role in conserving resources and fostering a healthier environment for future generations to enjoy,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Join us this September, and let’s continue working together to keep Union County safe, clean, and sustainable.”

Residents are encouraged to securely shred personal documents at the County’s upcoming free paper shredding events, taking place on Saturday, September 20th, and Friday, September 26th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the following locations:

• Saturday, September 20th: UCNJ – Parking Lots 5A/5B, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford
• Friday, September 26th: Westfield Pool – Parking Lot, 713 Cumberland Street, Westfield

This event is part of Union County’s annual paper shredding program, which runs from March through October. All documents are shredded on-site, and the shredded paper is transported to a recycling facility for processing. Events will take place, rain or shine, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or until the shredding trucks reach capacity.

Events are free and open to all Union County residents, regardless of their municipality, and are intended for the secure disposal of personal and sensitive documents only. Business papers will not be accepted. Residents are reminded that magazines, junk mail, and other non-sensitive papers should be recycled through their regular municipal recycling programs. Before attending, please remove all bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other non-paper materials (staples are allowed). Pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted.

Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program also continues in September, providing residents with an opportunity to recycle various metal items. Drop-off events will be held on Thursday, September 4th, and Saturday, September 20th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two convenient locations:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. George’s Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Accepted items include refrigerators (with doors removed), metal cabinets, appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, air conditioners, and other metal household goods. The scrap metal program operates on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month, April through November.

Union County’s next Household Hazardous Waste event will take place on Saturday, September 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Kean University’s Kean Hall Parking Lot, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union. At this event, 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 lightbulbs, and more. Latex paint (water-based) 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. Please note that fireworks will no longer be accepted for disposal at the Household Hazardous Waste events.  However, ammunition will still be accepted for disposal. 

All Union County recycling events are contact-free and drive-up only. Residents must remain in their cars while staff unloads materials from their trunks.

Union County Recycling Programs are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) funds, which are applied for and received by the County of Union.

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.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and Municipal Parks Wednesday morning, August 27, 2025, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks 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.

County Parks:

• Clark – Oak Ridge
• Cranford – Nomahegan
• Garwood – Unami
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway
• Roselle – Warinanco
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa

Municipal Parks:

• Linden – Memorial
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Rahway – Flanagan
• Westfield – Tamaques