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Monroe Conservation Commission seeks volunteers Monroe The Town of Monroe Conservation Commission is looking to add two members and a secretary. Commission members are appointed by the Town Board and serve a non-compensated two-year term, advising the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and Town Board on matters related to the town’s natural resources, ecology and environmental challenges. The commission meets on the third Wednesday of the month. There are currently five active members. The post of secretary also must be filled due to a recent vacancy. Residents interested in serving are urged to contact the Commission’s Chairman, John Ebert, c/o Monroe Town Hall, 11 Stage Road, Monroe, NY 10950. In a press release announcing the vacancies, Ebert said the commission’s primary goals are preserving open space and protecting the watershed and lakes within the town. Commission members also participate in Groundwater Guardian and Streamwalk Programs in addition to its representation on inter-municipal councils involving the Ramapo River and Moodna Creek. Monroe Police will host prescription drug disposal effort on Saturday Monroe On Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents and business owners in the Village of Monroe can bring all outdated, unused or unwanted medications, including all controlled and non-controlled substances such as Oxycontin, Vicodin and Percocet, to the Monroe Police Department, where they will be destroyed. In a press release announcing the program, Det. James Frankild said the program will allow residents to dispose of prescription medications they no longer use or want “in an environmentally friendly manner. Studies have found that many of the prescription medications that are flushed down the toilet or thrown away in the trash are now showing up in watersheds, streams, and lakes.” He also said that many young people begin unlawfully using prescription medications that they take from the family home or that of friends, neighbors or relatives because they are easily accessible. “We feel that removing and disposing of these drugs properly will help keep them out of the hands of unauthorized users and by disposing of them properly, by incineration, we can also help protect the environment,” Frankild said. Absentee ballots available Goshen Orange County voters who qualify and wish to vote by absentee ballot may apply by mail before Nov. 1 or apply and vote in person at the county board of elections office, 25 Court Lane, Goshen, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or during the following extended absentee voting hours: Saturday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, Nov. 3, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-noon For more information call the board of elections at 291-2444 or 888-879-7655.