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.
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. 4th and 5th 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.
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
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 eventosde 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:
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.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a Notary Public Training Seminar at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The featured speaker will be Union County First Deputy County Counsel Moshood Muftau, Esq.
Space is limited to the first 50 registrants. The registration deadline is Friday, September 5, 2025 or until the openings are filled. A registration fee of $10.00 includes a light breakfast and is required in advance to secure registration. Attendees should note that the Business Casual dress code at the John J. Stamler Police Academy is strictly enforced. Jeans and sneakers are not permitted, and men must wear shirts with collars.
“This Notary Training Seminar represents an opportunity for individuals to acquire valuable skills and expertise in notary services,” said County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Our commitment is to empower our residents with the tools they need to contribute effectively, and we invite you to be a part of this educational journey.”
County Clerk Rajoppi will make opening remarks and review the application process. Mr. Muftau will speak about the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.
The seminar will cover the Notary Public application process and new legal requirements and responsibilities. It will also cover the steps for proper notarization and other topics, including how to complete a notary journal and how to examine identification documents.
To register, use the downloadable form on the County Clerk website, ucnj.org/county-clerk. For additional information contact Anna Lima at 908-527-4787.
For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Friday August 22, 2025, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM 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, Garfield St., Kuntz Ave. Area, Camptown Dr.
Clark – Parkway Dr.., Highland Pl., Blake Dr., Midwood Dr. Area, Miller Ave., Riverside Dr., King St. Bartell Pl., Feather Bed Ln., Old Raritan Rd., Frances Dr., St. Agnes Back Parking lot
Cranford – Kenilworth Blvd. U.C. Police Yard
Hillside – Conant St., Valley View Rd. Area, Harvard Ave., Cornell Ave., John St.
New Providence – Union Ave. between Farm Gate Rd. and Kline Blvd.
Plainfield – Salem Rd., Hollywood Ave., Florence Ave., Pemberton Ave., Huntington Ave. between Plainfield Ave. and Maltby Ave., Worth Dr.
Rahway – Elston St., Randolph Ave., Leesville Av., Wall St., Donald Ave., Jones Pl., Elizabeth Ave., Allen St., Price St., Kearny Ave. Area, Egolf Dr., Linden Ave., Walking Path between Whittier St. and Linden Ave.
Roselle Park – Lehigh Ave., E.Colfax Ave.
Scotch Plains – Frank St.
Springfield – Oakland Ave., Waverly Ave., Cottage Ln.,Marion Ave., Washington Ave., Riverside Dr.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Newark Bait Fly Casting Club, invites residents with disabilities and special needs, family and friends, to participate in the 2025 Fall Fishing Derby. The inclusive fishing event will take place on Saturday, September 13th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.
“Fishing on the lake with your loved ones is a great way to bask in the sunshine and enjoy the outdoors before summer comes to a close,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. Whether you are new to fishing or a seasoned angler, all are welcome to join us at Echo Lake. I hope to see you there.”
The 2025 Fall Fishing Derby for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Participants of all ages are encouraged to bring their own chairs, poles, and fishing gear, or they can borrow the equipment provided.
Admission to the Fall Fishing Derby is always free; however, pre-registration is required. To register, please call 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.
“The Fishing Derby kicks off an incredible line-up of community events we have planned for fall that are designed to be accessible to all residents, allowing everyone the chance to participate, be entertained, and create lasting memories,” said Union County Commissioner and Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council, Sergio Granados. “On behalf of the Commissioner Board, I also want to thank our partners at the Newark Bait Fly Casting Club for their continued support in bringing this enjoyable event to our special needs community.”
The Newark Bait Fly Casting Club is the oldest scientific angling and casting club in the East. The group of fishermen and fisherwomen unite through a shared commitment to assist veterans, children, and individuals with disabilities through various events held during the year.
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. The Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs offers year-round programming designed to empower, support, and engage individuals and families through accessible recreation, education, and advocacy.
For more information about the Fall Fishing Derby or other events hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn or call 908-527-4781.
