Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce that the Clerk’s Westfield office will be offering one-stop vote-by-mail (VBM) voting this Saturday, September 13th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., ahead of the September 16th Clark Special School Board Election. The Westfield office is located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.
“We encourage all eligible voters to participate and have their voices heard in this election,” said Clerk Rajoppi. “This is a great opportunity for those who prefer to avoid the crowds on election day and want to cast their votes efficiently and securely.”
The vote-by-mail (VBM) option provides residents with an accessible and convenient way to cast their ballots ahead of the upcoming election. Voters can take advantage of this opportunity to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot, complete it, and submit it all in one visit.
For more information about vote-by-mail voting or other election-related inquiries, please contact the Union County Clerk’s office at 908-527-4787 or ucnj.org/county-clerk.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services are proud to announce the expansion of home-delivered meal services for eligible residents through Meals on Wheels of Union County. This long-standing program provides not only nutritious meals, but also regular wellness checks that support the health, independence, and dignity of seniors and vulnerable residents across the county.
“Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal delivery service — it is a lifeline for many in our community,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Behind every meal is a message of care and respect. For families, this program provides peace of mind knowing their loved ones are receiving both nourishment and a friendly check-in. For seniors, it means staying connected and supported in the comfort of their own homes.”
The program is designed for Union County residents aged 60 years or older who may have difficulty preparing meals due to illness, injury, or medical conditions, or who face barriers to shopping for groceries. By providing both food and a caring presence, Meals on Wheels helps reduce isolation while meeting essential nutritional needs.
The service also reflects Union County’s broader commitment to health and wellness. By partnering with Meals on Wheels, the County ensures residents have consistent access to balanced meals, which helps prevent malnutrition, hospitalizations, and other health challenges that can come with aging or limited mobility.
“This program goes beyond food — it delivers independence,” said Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “For many residents, a hot meal delivered with compassion makes the difference between isolation and connection. As Commissioners, we recognize that supporting our seniors means investing in their ability to live with dignity, security, and community. We encourage residents to take advantage of this service or to spread the word to neighbors who may need it.”
Union County residents 60 years of age or older who are interested in Meals on Wheels can call (908) 486-5100, Monday through Friday, to inquire about eligibility and enrollment.
For more information about Union County programs and services for seniors, visit www.ucnj.org/aging or call the Union County Division on Aging at 908-527-4870.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Public Safety are thrilled to be hosting their second annual Back to School Health Fair on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle. The Back to School Health Fair, held in partnership with RWJUH Rahway and Trinitas Regional Medical Center provides free health services, screenings, resources, and giveaways for all Union County individuals and families to prepare themselves for the upcoming school year.
“We know that the start of the school year can bring both excitement and challenges, and our goal is to ease that transition by connecting families to these services in one convenient location. Back-to-school season should be a time when every family has the resources they need to feel safe and healthy,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Our goal is for every child to walk into their classroom ready to learn, and every parent to feel confident knowing their family’s health and well-being are supported.”
The event will offer a wide range of free health and wellness services for the community. Attendees can receive vaccines from the Union County Family Clinic (for those eligible), free dental cleanings from Overlook Medical Center – Atlantic Health System, and health insurance guidance from HolaDoctor and Wellpoint. PROCEED, Inc. and Prevention Links will also be on-site to provide home and utility assistance, as well as family support services. In addition, Bridgeway and NAMI NJ will offer mental health screenings and resources, while the Partnership of Maternal and Child Health will share important maternal health information.
RWJUH Rahway and Trinitas will conduct preventive screenings for blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and stroke risk. Nurses will be available to provide blood lead level testing, and Registered Environmental Health Specialists from the Union County Office of Health Management will use XRF Analyzers to detect lead in everyday objects. There will also be brief demonstrations at 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 1:00pm on nutrition education (RWJ), physical therapy (RWJ PT), and emergency preparedness (Union County MRC & RWJ Wound Care). Together, these services ensure that residents have access to vital preventive care and resources, all in one place.
For more information about the Back to School Health Fair, visit www.ucnj.org/wellness or contact the Union County Department of Public Safety at 908-654-9816.
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 11th 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
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 2nd 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.
TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to the provision of Chapter 213 of the Public Laws of 1975, the following Notice of Meetings of the Union County Community Development Revenue Sharing Committee for the fiscal year 2025-2026 is hereby provided to the Public.
Please be advised that the regular meetings and the administrative meetings of the Union County Community Development Revenue Sharing Committee will be conducted as virtual meetings via a video conferencing platform. If you would like to attend any of the meetings, please call Charlene Bathelus at 908-527-4023 or email cbathelus@ucnj.org for links and/or additional information.
Philip Kandl, Director Division of Community Services Department of Economic Development County of Union
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.
