Category: Public Info

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.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Wednesday, August 26, 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
• Clark – Riverside Dr., Miller Ave., King St., Surrey Rd., Dorset Dr. Area, Devon Ln., Jupiter St. Area, Ridge Rd., Hilltop Ave., Kennedy Dr., Conger Way, Schwinn Dr., Rutgers Rd. Area
• Hillside – Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., John St. Area
• Linden – Tremley Pt., Area. Range Rd., Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Marion Ave., Ziegler Ave. Area
• Mountainside – Summit Ln., Summit Rd.
• New Providence – Union Ave.
• Plainfield – E. 3rd St, St. Nicholas Blvd., Chelsea Blvd.
• Rahway – Leesville Ave. Area, Elston St., Randolph Ave., Donald Ave., Price St., Allen St., Main St., Elizabeth Ave. Area
• Scotch Plains – Brandywine Ct., Martine Ave. YMCA Area, Frank St., Raritan Rd. Allwood Rd. Area, Morse Ave. Jerusalem Rd.
• Springfield – Cottage Ln., Oakland Ave. Waverly Ave. Area, S. Springfield Ave., Meisel Ave.
• Summit – Summit Recycling Center
• Union – Rahway Ave., Hickory Rd. Area
• Westfield – Park Dr.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the continuation of its 2026 seasonal recycling programs in September, including two mobile paper shredding events and two dates for scrap metal recycling. The County’s final Household Hazardous Waste event of the season will follow in October.

“These free programs make it easier for residents to securely dispose of personal documents and responsibly recycle items that should not enter the regular waste stream,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We encourage residents to take advantage of the upcoming events and join us in keeping reusable materials out of landfills while protecting our communities and environment.”

Union County will host two free mobile paper shredding events in September, offering residents a convenient and secure way to dispose of sensitive personal documents on-site:

• Friday, September 18: Westfield Pool Parking Lot, 713 Cumberland Street, Westfield
• Saturday, September 26: UCNJ Parking Lots 5A/5B, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford

Both events will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, or until the shredding trucks reach capacity.

The shredding program is available to Union County residents only and is not open to businesses. There is a limit of four bags or boxes per vehicle, with each bag or box weighing no more than 10 pounds.

Only confidential and sensitive personal documents will be accepted. Magazines, junk mail and other non-sensitive papers should be recycled through residents’ municipal recycling programs. Residents should remove bindings, large plastic or metal clips and other non-paper materials before arriving. Staples are permitted. Pre-shredded, damp or wet paper will not be accepted.

Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program will continue in September, with events scheduled for Thursday, September 3, and Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the following locations:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Complex, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park Service Yard, 3 Parkway Drive

Residents may use either location on either date.

Accepted items include refrigerators and freezers with doors removed, metal cabinets, household appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, air conditioners, microwaves, washers, dryers, stoves, metal fencing, tire rims, wire hangers and other eligible metal items.

Union County’s final Household Hazardous Waste event of the 2026 season will be held on Sunday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools’ West Hall/Police Academy parking lot, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Residents may safely dispose of a variety of household chemicals and materials, including oil-based paints and finishes, motor oil and filters, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs and other accepted hazardous household products.

Latex or water-based paint, medical sharps and pressurized welding gas or oxygen cylinders will not be accepted.

Residents with leftover latex paint should dry it at home using a commercial paint hardener, sand, cat litter or sawdust. Once the paint has hardened completely, it may be disposed of with regular household trash.

All Union County recycling events are contact-free and drive-up only. Residents must remain in their vehicles while staff removes materials from their trunks. The events are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act grants that Union County applies for and receives through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

For a complete schedule and additional information about Union County recycling programs, visit www.ucnj.org/recycling or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Residents may also contact their municipal recycling coordinator for information about programs in their community.

The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides current information about countywide and municipal recycling programs, including accepted materials, curbside schedules and drop-off locations. For more information, visit www.ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

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.

Dr. Cesar DePaço’s latest contribution continues his support of the Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit

Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli announced that Dr. Cesar DePaço has donated $3,800 to provide a ballistic vest for K9 Kona, helping protect the patrol-trained K9 during deployments throughout Union County.

The donation follows Dr. DePaço’s recent visit to the Union County Sheriff’s Office canine facility, where he met K9 Kona and learned more about the work of the K9 Unit. The unit serves all 21 municipalities in Union County and provides mutual aid to law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey.

“We are extremely grateful to Dr. DePaço for once again supporting K9 Kona and the important work of our K9 Unit,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “His generosity made it possible for us to bring Kona into our agency, and this latest donation will help ensure that Kona is properly protected while serving alongside our officers. This continued commitment to the safety of our K9 partners and the communities they serve is sincerely appreciated.”

Dr. DePaço previously donated $10,500 for the purchase of K9 Kona. After completing months of extensive training and earning certification, K9 Kona was officially placed into service as a member of the Union County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit.

The ballistic vest will provide K9 Kona with an additional layer of protection while assisting Sheriff’s Officers during patrol duties and other law enforcement operations.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. DePaço and the DePaço Foundation for their continued generosity, dedication to public safety and support of the officers and K9 partners who serve Union County.

Appointments Are Available for Children From Pre-k Through Age 18; Registration Closes September 11

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Health Management and the Department of Human Services’ Division of Social Services, is partnering with RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Department of Health to offer back-to-school children’s vaccinations and school physicals on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Union County Family Clinic, located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth.

The clinic will offer all recommended childhood vaccines and school physicals to children from pre-K through age 18. Pre-registration is required, and walk-ins will not be accepted.

Please note that the Union County Family Clinic will be closed during its regular operating hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on September 21. The clinic will open only for the scheduled event from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

“Making sure children begin the school year healthy and prepared is one of the most important things we can do for our families,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “By bringing vaccinations, physicals and helpful community resources together in one convenient location, we are making it easier for parents and caregivers to access the support their children need. I encourage families to register before the deadline and take advantage of this valuable opportunity.”

Registered attendees will receive a lunch box filled with nutrition information, healthy recipes, nutritious snack items and fresh produce, while supplies last.

RWJBarnabas Health Community Health Workers and SNAP navigators will also be available during the event to connect families with community resources and provide guidance on accessing available health and social services.

Pre-registration is required. To register, call the Union County Family Clinic at 908-965-3627, extension 3868, or email UCclinic@ucnj.org.

For additional information about Union County programs and services, visit www.ucnj.org.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Wednesday, August 19, 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 – Camptown Dr., Kuntz Ave., Grant St., Garfield St., Mt. Carmel Area, Plainfield Ave. Little Flower Church, Nancy Pl., Bolton Blvd., River Rd., Delmore Ave.Camptown
• Clark – Riverside Dr. Area, King St., Bartel Pl., Surrey Rd., Dorset Dr. Area, Devon Ln., Jupitor St.
• Elizabeth – Clarkson Ave. Area, Joint Meeting Essex & Union, Union Ave.
• Hillside – Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., John St. Area
• Linden – Tremley Pt., area. Lower Rd., Range Rd., Miner Ter. Area, Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Marion Ave., 
• Plainfield – Jefferson Ave., 1^st St., E. 3^rd ST., Wiley Ave. Area, St. Nicholas Blvd., Colonial Pl. Area , Columbia Ave. Terrill Rd., Cushing Rd., Knollwood Ct., Cushing Pl., Worth Dr., Post Dr.
• Rahway – Leesville Ave. Area, Elston St., Randolph Ave., Donald Ave., Price St., Allen St. Martin St., Main St., Wall St., Barnett St.
• Roselle – Dennis St. Area. Pine St. Area by RXR
• Scotch Plains – Brandywine Ct., Martine Ave. YMCA Area, Springfield Ave. – Cottage Ln., Oakland Ave. Waverly Ave.Area, Marion Ave., Warner Ave. S. Springfield Ave.
• Summit – Summit Recycling Center
• Union – Gifford Ct., Brighton St., Savitt Pl., Rahway Ave., Audrey Ter., Debra Way, Allen Ave. Area

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to enjoy two additional evenings of outdoor movies at Warinanco Park following weather-related cancellations earlier this summer.

The updated Family Fun & Flix schedule is:

• Tuesday, August 25: GOAT
• Tuesday, September 8: A Minecraft Movie

Both movies will be shown at dusk on the Cricket Field at Warinanco Park in Roselle and Kids’ Fun begins at 7:00 p.m.

“While the weather may have disrupted our original plans, we are pleased to give families another opportunity to enjoy these movies together at Warinanco Park,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We hope residents will join us for two more evenings of outdoor entertainment as we bring this year’s Family Fun & Flix series to a close.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. In the event of inclement weather, residents should check Union County’s website and social media pages for updates before traveling to the park.

For the latest information about Union County’s summer programs, visit www.ucnj.org/summer.

For more information about Union County parks and recreational programs, visit ucnj.org/parks or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.