Category: Public Info

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.

The Union County Police Department has charged two individuals following investigations into separate illegal dumping incidents at Green Brook Park and Warinanco Park.

On August 1, Union County Police were notified that mattresses, furniture and other items had been dumped in a wooded area of Green Brook Park in Plainfield. Officers Mascitelli and Gray of the Investigations Division identified a white Ford Transit van used to transport the items and subsequently charged Silvia Estrada, 29, of Plainfield with illegal disposal. She was also issued a summons for dumping on County property. Her case is pending in Plainfield Municipal Court.

On August 2, a Union County Police patrol officer discovered furniture, garbage bags and other household items dumped in and around a dumpster near the Warinanco Sports Complex in Roselle. Officers Mascitelli and Gray identified a red Dodge Ram used to transport the materials and subsequently charged Juan Xopa, 20, of Elizabeth with illegal disposal. He was also issued a summons for dumping on County property. His case is pending in Roselle Municipal Court.

“Illegal dumping is not only disrespectful to our parks and the residents who use them, but it also places an unnecessary burden on County resources and taxpayers,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “We appreciate the diligent work of the Union County Police officers who investigated these incidents and identified those allegedly responsible. We will continue to take illegal dumping seriously and hold violators accountable.”

A first conviction for illegal disposal under state law carries a fine of at least $2,500, community service and responsibility for applicable cleanup and disposal costs. A conviction under the County ordinance carries an additional $500 fine.

The Union County Police Department remains committed to keeping County parks clean and free from illegal dumping. Anyone with information about illegal dumping within the Union County park system is asked to call 908-654-9800 and select the Investigative Division.

All charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The Union County Clerk’s Office will host a Notary Public Training Seminar at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, on Friday, September 18, 2026, 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 Tuesday, September 1, 2026 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.

Deputy County Clerk Clara C. Fernández will make opening remarks and 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’s website, https://ucnj.org/county-clerk/new-jersey-notary-training/. For additional information contact Anna Lima at 908-527-4787.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit us online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly congratulates Commissioner Alexander Mirabella on his appointment to multiple national leadership roles with the National Association of Counties (NACo). Commissioner Mirabella has been selected to serve on the Finance, Pensions and Intergovernmental Affairs Policy Steering Committee, including its Fiscal Policy and Pensions Subcommittee, and the International Economic Development Innovation Council. He will also continue representing New Jersey as the state’s member on the NACo Board of Directors.

“Commissioner Mirabella has earned the respect of his colleagues through years of unwavering commitment to public service,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “These appointments are a well-deserved recognition of his experience and dedication. We are incredibly proud to see him continue representing Union County and the State of New Jersey in these important national leadership roles, and we congratulate him on this outstanding achievement.”

Commissioner Mirabella said he is honored by the opportunity to continue serving alongside county leaders from across the nation.

“I am deeply honored by these appointments and grateful to NACo President George Dunlap for his confidence in me,” said Commissioner Mirabella. “County governments play a vital role in the daily lives of our residents, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for policies that strengthen local governments and encourage long-term economic growth.”

The National Association of Counties represents nearly 40,000 county elected officials and more than 3,000 county governments nationwide, providing a unified voice on federal policy issues. Commissioner Mirabella has been actively involved with NACo since 2020 and has consistently worked to ensure that the interests of Union County and New Jersey counties are represented in national conversations.

For more information about NACo and Commissioner Mirabella’s appointments, please visit the NACo website at www.naco.org.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying county and municipal parks Friday morning, August 7, 2026 between the hours of 3 am to 7 am weather permitting. 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

• Berkeley Heights – Snyder, Mt. Carmel
• Clark – Oak Ridge
• Cranford – Nomahegan
• Elizabeth – Mattano
• Hillside – Conant, Rutgers
• Kenilworth – Lenape
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway
• Roselle – Warinanco

Municipal Parks

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

Union County Deputy Clerk Clara Fernández announces that the ballot position drawing for the November 3, 2026 General Election will be held in person and livestreamed on Facebook on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the 7th Floor Tower Courtroom of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

The public is welcome to attend the drawing in person or watch it online. A link to the livestream will be posted before the drawing on the Office of the County Clerk’s elections website at unioncountyvotes.com.

Voters who wish to vote by mail must apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot by Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

Voters should also be aware of an update from the United States Postal Service. A postmark now shows the date the Postal Service processes a ballot, not the date it is mailed. This means a ballot mailed close to Election Day may receive a later postmark. In New Jersey, Vote-by-Mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day to be counted. Voters are encouraged to mail their ballots early or use a secure ballot drop box. Ballots with a postmark after Election Day cannot be counted.

Voters may also vote in person on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at their regular polling place, or vote early between October 24 and November 1 at designated early voting locations throughout Union County. Early voting locations will be posted on unioncountyvotes.com.

For more information about voting in Union County, including how to apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot, visit unioncountyvotes.com or call 908-527-4996. For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

Learn how to help the environment and teach about the importance of trees – no experience necessary

Union County residents who love nature and are interested in volunteering may consider joining the 4-H Master Tree Steward program this fall. Master Tree Stewards are community volunteers who visit 4^th grade classrooms each spring to present an interactive lesson on trees. No experience is needed. All training and classroom materials are provided by the Master Tree Steward program.

“Master Tree Stewards are essential to this community,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “In addition to educating our youth about trees, they help young people understand the connection between responsible stewardship and its effects on future generations.  We are grateful for the work that they do, and are looking forward to welcoming new and returning volunteers this September.”

Each fall, the Master Tree Steward program offers a series of training sessions, consisting mainly of guided walks in nearby parks and nature reserves. Easy reading assignments, indoor classes, and a simple project are also part of the program. The entire program, including a tree identification guide, is covered by a $35.00 administrative fee.

Applicants who complete the series obtain a Master Tree Steward certificate and are qualified to teach lessons about trees to 4^th grade classrooms in the spring. The program provides a complete lesson plan along with posters, seeds and other supplies.

The 2026 fall training series will meet every Wednesday from September 2nd to December 9th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., except for any holiday that falls on a Wednesday.

The 4^th grade classroom visit schedule takes place on Wednesdays from January to June. Certified Master Tree Stewards are requested to choose 6 dates for their visits. Each visit takes approximately one hour, typically from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

To apply, or for more information please contact Union County 4-H Youth Development Agent, James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext.3), or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Master Tree Steward program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, as part of a statewide program under the umbrella of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station. For information on all Extension programs in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards and 4-H clubs for youth, visit ucnj.org/rce.