Category: Public Info

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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the second annual Plein Air painting event will take place on Sunday, September 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Deserted Village of Feltville. Artists are invited to paint the beautiful sites of the Deserted Village, located at 9 Cataract Hollow Road in Berkeley Heights.

“Filled with charming, 19th-century houses and panoramic views, the Deserted Village serves as this beautiful backdrop where nature meets history, and where artists and visitors can draw plenty of inspiration from,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Everyone is welcome to join us as we celebrate art, community, and the rich history that makes Union County unique.”

Plein air painting is the process of creating a work of art, in the outdoors, with the subject in full view of the artist. The term is derived from the French phrase “en plein air”, meaning “in the open air,” which emphasizes the artist capturing the subject or scene in the natural light directly in observation.

“After the success of last year’s inaugural event, we are excited to return to the Deserted Village and welcome seasoned artists and beginners alike to unleash their creativity and let the natural surroundings inspire them,” said Union County Vice-Chair and Liaison to the Cultural & Heritage Advisory Board,  Rebecca L. Williams. “Visitors will also enjoy seeing the incredible talent of these artists unfold in real time. It’s a fun event for everyone.”

The 2026 Plein Air Painting Festival is a free event and open to the public. Interested participants are asked to bring their own painting materials and chairs. To register, please visit www.ucnj.org/pleinair. For questions or assistance, please contact culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call (908) 558-2550.

This event is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. To learn more about the programs and services offered by the Office, please visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/.

The Union County Police Department has completed a comprehensive investigation into the reported theft of funds from the Parent School Alliance account at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences in Scotch Plains and announced that an arrest has been made.

“Parent-school organizations such as the one at the Academy for Allied Health are fundamental to creating opportunities for students, keeping parents connected, and enhancing the educational experience. It is a community built on trust, fairness, and shared goals for the success of all students, and we are looking forward to this being resolved,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek.

On January 14, 2026, the Union County Police Department was notified of a reported theft involving funds missing from the Parent School Alliance account at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences at Union County Vocational-Technical Schools (UCVTS), located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. The Parent School Alliance is a parent -run volunteer organization that supports the students attending the Academy.

Detective Rodrigues conducted a months-long investigation into the missing funds and determined that the former Treasurer of the organization, Ms. Kathy O’Neil of Clark, NJ, DOB (05/25/1974), had sole access to the account during the 2024-2025 school year.

The investigation revealed numerous questionable transactions, including ATM withdrawals, teller withdrawals, online purchases, and other expenditures unrelated to the organization. In total, approximately $29,000.00 was found to be missing from the account. Based on the investigation, Ms. O’Neil has been charged with third-degree Theft by Unlawful Taking and third-degree Credit Card Fraud.

On July 23, 2026, Ms. O’Neil turned herself in to the Union County Police. She was processed on the charges and released, pending a Union County Superior Court appearance scheduled for August 27, 2026. If convicted, Ms. O’Neil faces 3 to 5 years of imprisonment on each third-degree conviction, fines, restitution of the missing funds, and various court assessments and/or fees.

Superintendent Gwen Ryan stated, “The District has no comment at this time, as it is a pending legal matter. We will monitor the situation closely as partnership with parent organizations continues to be an important support to our programs.”

Ms. O’Neil is presumed innocent until found guilty.