Author: Web Site Administrator

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites non-profit organizations to attend a free professional development workshop titled “Build Your Audience with Social Media,” on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., presented on Zoom by Jessica Maarek,founder of Red Root Marketing.

“In today’s digital age, social media has emerged as a vital tool for non-profits to connect with their communities and propel their organizations to new heights,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Social media serves as a gateway to developing stronger community bonds, and this workshop is the key to unlocking its full potential. I encourage non-profits to seize this opportunity and join us.”

Participants will learn ways to use social media to connect with their community to benefit their organizations in multiple ways. The workshop will show how to use a Community Map, and how to create compelling content and ads to meet fundraising goals, increase audiences and draw participants to events.

Red Root Marketing deploys efficient, effective, grassroots and hyperlocal techniques to create social-media marketing campaigns for small businesses and nonprofits in New Jersey.

Organizations eligible for funding from Union County’s Local Arts Grant (LAP), History Grant, and HEART Grant are encouraged to participate. Other non-profit organizations located in New Jersey are also welcome to attend.

Organizations who are interested in attending this webinar can register at https://ucnj.org/social-media-webinar/.

This workshop is coordinated and hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. The event is made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

For more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550.

More than 30 historic sites across Union County will be open to the public — with tours and special events, exhibits and demonstrations

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to announce the return of Union County’s “Four Centuries in a Weekend” countywide history event on Saturday, October 21, 2023 and Sunday, October 22, 2023. Unless noted otherwise, historic sites are open from 12:00 p.m. noon to 5:00 p.m. Each day is packed with special exhibits and activities at more than 30 house museums and historic sites in Union County, all open to the public free of charge.

“Our history is not just a collection of dates and events, it is the very fabric of our community’s identity,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This annual celebration is a testament to our commitment to preserving and sharing the rich history of our past and this journey through time connects us to the generations who came before us. Our history is alive in the stories we tell and the lessons we learn, so I invite all of our residents to participate, to explore these historic sites, and to be a part of this living history.”

Four Centuries in a Weekend is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State, and is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, in collaboration with staff and volunteers at the sites and is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

Visitors will be able to stop by Revolutionary War burial grounds, the county’s oldest railroad station, quaint house museums, special exhibitions and more. Each site will provide visitors with a free Union County Passport to stamp. Visitors can also pick up free Union County History trading cards at many of the sites.

At most sites, representatives or docents will provide tours or answer questions. These exhibits provide the opportunity to learn about aspects of every-day life during the 1700s, the 1800s, and more recent times.

Participating sites are:

Berkeley Heights

Deserted Village of Feltville / Glenside Park
1 Cataract Hollow Road, Berkeley Heights

Clark

Dr. William Robinson Plantation Museum
593 Madison Hill Road, Clark

Cranford

Crane-Phillips House Museum
124 North Union Avenue, Cranford

William Miller Sperry Observatory
Union College of Union County
1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford

Elizabeth

Boxwood Hall State Historic Site
1073 E. Jersey Street, Elizabeth

Elizabeth Public Library
11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth
Open Saturday only. Closed Sunday

Nathaniel Bonnell Homestead &
Belcher-Ogden Mansion
1046 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth

Siloam Hope First Presbyterian Church & Snyder Academy
42 Broad St., Elizabeth

Fanwood

Historic Fanwood Train Station Museum
230 North Avenue, Fanwood

Hillside

Evergreen Cemetery
1137 North Broad Street, Hillside

Woodruff House, Eaton Store Museum
111 Conant Street, Hillside

Kenilworth

Oswald J. Nitschke House
49 South 21 Street, Kenilworth

Mountainside

Deacon Andrew Hetfield House
Constitution Plaza, Watchung Avenue, Mountainside

New Providence

Salt Box Museum
1350 Springfield Avenue, New Providence

Plainfield

Drake House Museum
602 West Front Street, Plainfield

duCret Center of Art
1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield
Open Saturday only. Closed Sunday.

Rahway

African-American History & Heritage Learning Center
261 Central Avenue, Rahway
Open Saturday only. Closed Sunday

Union County Performing Arts Center
1601 Irving Street, Rahway

Roselle

Abraham Clark House
101 W. 9th Avenue Roselle

Roselle Park

Roselle Park Historical Society & Museum
9 W. Grant Avenue, Roselle Park

Scotch Plains

Frazee House
1451 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains

Osborn Cannonball House Museum
1840 Front Street, Scotch Plains

Shady Rest Country Club
820 Jerusalem Road, Scotch Plains

Springfield

Cannon Ball House
126 Morris Avenue, Springfield

Summit

Carter House
90 Butler Parkway, Summit

Reeves-Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Avenue, Summit
Closed Saturday. Open Sunday only.

Twin Maples
214 Springfield Avenue, Summit

Wallace Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church
138-142 Broad Street, Summit

Union

Caldwell Parsonage
909 Caldwell Avenue Union

Congressman Donald M. Payne Vauxhall Meeting Center
333 Russell Street, Vauxhall (Union)

Connecticut Farms Church
888 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union

Westfield

Miller-Cory House Museum
614 Mountain Avenue, Westfield

Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center
314 Mountain Avenue, Westfield

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For information about all Cultural and Heritage programs, including grant opportunities, visit ucnj.org/cultural. For information about all programs and activities in Union County parks, visit ucnj.org/parks or call 908-527-4900.

For details about the tours, exhibits and special activities at each site, including updates or late-breaking changes, visit www.ucnj.org/4c or contact the individual site.

In celebration of World Space Week, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to visit Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside for a series of special programs, crafts, activities, giveaways and more for the week of October 7 – 14. Programs are open to participants ages six and older.

“Trailside’s special presentations on solar eclipses offer visitors a fantastic opportunity to gain additional information and insight from knowledgeable speakers before the upcoming solar astronomical events on October 14, 2023 and April 8, 2024,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage anyone who is interested in learning about the wonders of our solar system to visit Trailside during this event.”

Pre-registration is required for all programs and can be completed online at ucnj.org/trailside. A modest fee applies to most programs.

On October 7^th, visitors can join Paul Cirillo for a presentation at 1:30 p.m. on the 2024 Great American Solar Eclipse.  Paul is a member of the NJ Astronomical Association, which operates the largest public observatory in New Jersey. He is also a volunteer outreach “ambassador” for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. His easy style of communicating allows diverse audiences to understand the wonders of the universe. His talks include the latest astronomical images from observatories both on and off the Earth.

On October 14, an annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central and South America. Join members of the Amateur Astronomers, Inc. for a brief presentation on the partial solar eclipse that will occur on this day. The presentation begins at 11:30 a.m. and will be followed by a solar eclipse watch, weather permitting. Solar viewing glasses will be provided for all registrants.

Trailside will also offer two guided walks on the new, half-mile Solar System Trail in the Watchung Reservation.  Participants will learn how to use the audio guides to discover fun facts about our solar system. Every step on this walk represents a million miles in space. Walks take place on October 7 at 11:30 a.m. and October 14 at 1:30 p.m.

Trailside’s fall workshop series will continue for toddlers, families and seniors, featuring classes with space-themed topics. Programs began September 28 and run through December 5.

Toddler Time, for adults with children ages three and under, meets on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. To celebrate Space Week, young visitors can attend classes about the Stars & Planets and Sun & Moon. Additional topics include Monarch Mania, Bats & Beasts, Fall Fun, Wigwam Ways, Animal Architects and Nocturnal Neighbors.

The Senior Nature Walk series, for participants ages 55 and older, meets on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These guided walks are led by a Trailside naturalist and highlight a different topic each week. In preparation for the annular solar eclipse, participants will walk the Solar System Trail and learn all about solar eclipses on October 10.  Other topics include Pollinators, Spotted Lanternfly, Fall Foliage Walk, Fall Stroll at Oak Ridge Park, Living Lenape, Deserted Village Tour and Echo Lake Walk.

Four evening programs will be offered this fall for adults with children ages six and older. Families can explore the Watchung Reservation by the light of the full moon and find out which animals become active at night. These programs include Harvest Moon Walk, Hunter’s Moon Walk, Nocturnal Neighbors and When I’m Sleepy.

Mark your calendar for upcoming events at Trailside, including a live animal show on October 28^th at 1:30 p.m. and again at 2:45 p.m.  Larry from Unique Creatures will educate visitors and give an up-close look at some unique animals from around the world, including snakes, lizards, insects, birds, and mammals.

To register and for more information about upcoming activities for children, families and seniors, including Space Week, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite all residents to bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to any of our final two free paper shredding events of the 2023 shredding season, being held this October 7^th and October 21^st.

“This convenient and useful service makes it easier for residents to properly dispose of sensitive paperwork and documents that may be expired, no longer needed, and are otherwise using up valuable space at home,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage all Union County residents to take part and attend these shredding events before they are gone for the season.  By continuously putting our efforts together, we make Union County a cleaner, more environmentally conscious place to live in.”

The first shredding event will take place on Saturday, October 7^th at Union County VoTech’s West Hall/Police Academy Lot, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. The final shredding event of the season will take place on Saturday, October 21^st at the Berkeley Heights Municipal Complex, located at 29 Park Avenue in Berkeley Heights. There will be ample signage at both events to direct residents to the shredding sites.

Each shredding event begins at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude promptly at 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity.

Participants are reminded pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed prior to arrival at the shredding site.

These events are drive-up only and contact-free. Residents must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

Union County’s free shedding events are intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. For information, contact the https://ucnj.org/recycling/municipal-recycling-coordinators/ .  The shredding events are for residentially generated paper only.  Businesses and business documents will not be accepted for shredding at the events.  If there is a business that needs guidance on how to shred documents, they can contact the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning via the online form at  ucnj.org/recycle.

For the complete 2023 paper shredding schedule and information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

The mobile paper shredding program is paid for through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises Union County residents that seven locations have been selected for those wishing to cast their vote early in person for the 2023 General Election. Any registered, Union County voter can use any of these sites to vote in-person, by machine from Saturday, October 28 through Sunday, November 5.

“New Jersey has expanded voters’ rights by introducing early voting in 2021,” said Ms. DiRado. “We encourage voters to use early voting, or a vote by mail ballot, to cast their vote ahead of Election Day.  Making a plan to cast your vote is important and there are now more options in New Jersey than ever before.”

• Cranford: Union College of Union County, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Nomahegan Building, Room N4, Near the Guard Booth – Parking in Lot 1
• Elizabeth: Sampson Community Center, 800 Anna Street
• New Providence: DeCorso Senior Center, 15 E. 4th Street
• Plainfield, Union College of Union County, Church Street, Between E. 2nd & E. 3rd Streets
• Rahway:  Rahway Recreation Center, 275 E. Milton Avenue
• Roselle: Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue
• Union Township: Union Township Senior Center, 652 Rahway Avenue

All of these early voting locations will be open during the following hours:

• Saturday, October 28,  10am – 8pm
• Sunday, October 29, 10am – 6pm
• Monday, October 30, 10am – 8pm
• Tuesday, October 31, 10am – 8pm
• Wednesday, November 1, 10am – 8pm
• Thursday, November 2, 10am – 8pm
• Friday, November 3, 10am – 8pm
• Saturday, November 4, 10am – 8pm
• Sunday, November 5, 10am – 6pm

Upon arriving at an early voting location, voters will sign in on an electronic poll book.  The electronic poll book will print a bar code on the ballot card so the voting machine knows which ballot to activate.  Voters will then insert their ballot card into the voting machine in order to cast their vote.

Please note that these locations are for machine voting only. Vote by mail ballots cannot be submitted at these locations.

Voters who plan to use a vote by mail ballot can deposit it in any of the twenty-four (24) Board of Elections’ secure drop boxes in Union County, return it to the Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service, or hand-deliver it to the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth by November 7, 2023 at 8pm.

To check to ensure your ballot has been received by the Union County Board of Elections, go to the Track My Ballot link on the www.njelections.org website. A complete list of secure ballot drop boxes in Union County can be found at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, November 7, must use their designated polling place.

For more information, including a list of drop box locations and an online polling place finder, visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents with overseas travel plans that the U.S. Department of State is continuing to experience extended wait times for processing passport renewals and new passport applications.

“As more people are traveling internationally,” Ms. Rajoppi said, “2023 is set to be the highest demand year ever for passports, surpassing volumes in previous surges. I encourage those who wish to travel to check their passport expiration date before making plans for international travel (you will need at least 6 months on your Passport prior to traveling) and renew your passport well in advance of travel.”

As of this week, the State Department is experiencing a wait time of 8-11 weeks for routine applications and 5-7 weeks for expedited applications. Processing times begin when the Department of State receives the application and does not include mailing times which can take up to 2 weeks. Depending on demand, processing times fluctuate throughout the year.

Ms. Rajoppi added that “the U.S. Department of State is aggressively recruiting and hiring for their passport facilities in an effort to reduce wait times for processing.  The Office of the County Clerk passport staff are experienced passport agents who can answer any questions you might have and assist you with applying or renewing a passport.”

Residents can make an appointment online for the Elizabeth or Westfield office, with several options including daytime, evening and Saturday hours. This service is available in person and by appointment only.

The County Clerk’s main office is located in the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth and the annex office is located in the Colleen Frasier Building, at the Union County Complex, located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Passport photos are also available at both offices for a minimal fee of $10.00 each. To make an appointment at either location, please visit www.ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services/ and click “Make an Appointment Online.”

For the latest updates on passport wait times at the State Department, and for additional details about renewing or obtaining a U.S. passport, visit travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.

The Union County Clerk is authorized to accept passport applications and forward them to the State Department for processing. For more information about the County Clerk’s passport service, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services or call 908-527-4966.

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

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is happy to inform residents that Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program will continue in October. A wide variety of metal goods, from obsolete household appliances to air conditioners to dehumidifiers, metal gutters and pots and pans, and window frames are accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway every month from April to November.

“Through our Scrap Metal Recycling events, we’ve been able to retrieve a significant amount of waste in the form of household appliances, car and bicycle parts, aluminum siding and much more,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I am amazed at how committed our constituents are to cleaning up their environment, and will continuously encourage all Union County residents to collect their unused scrap metals and bring them to one of our participating locations to be recycled.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted on Thursday, October 5^th and on Saturday, October 21^st from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites.  After the October events, the next Scrap Metal Events will take place on Thursday, November 2^nd and Saturday, November 18^th.  The November events will be the final events for the 2023 season.  To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

Residents must remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed and be easily accessible to staff to remove from vehicle.

Acceptable items for recycling include air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

Union County residents interested in helping voters at polling locations on Election Day this year have time to apply to become poll workers. Poll workers will earn $300 for the day, starting at 5:15 a.m. through approximately 8:15pm, after the close of the polls. Election Day is Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Any Union County resident who is 16 years or older, can apply to become a poll worker.  Union County residents who are 18 years or older shall be registered to vote. No experience is needed. New poll workers must attend a mandatory, in-person training session.

Prospective poll workers can apply online or by using a paper application form. To apply online, visit the Union County Board of Elections at www.ucnj.org/pollworker.

To receive a paper application, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org. For more information, follow the Poll Worker Resources link at ucnj.org/pollworker.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite residents to a Hispanic Heritage Month Leadership Event on October 12, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Union College of Union County, ROOM N-4, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford. The keynote speaker featured at this event is Executive Director of the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development in the Department of State, Marelyn Rivera.

“I am proud to present this opportunity for our residents to engage in meaningful discussions with Hispanic leaders who have made remarkable contributions to our community,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Pioneers like Ms. Rivera serve as role models, demonstrating that through collaborative efforts, we have the capacity to make significant changes, not only within the Hispanic community but also throughout society at large. I encourage you to attend this seminar, and I hope to see you there.”

As a first-generation student in her family, Marelyn Rivera will be discussing her history growing up as a Latina woman in New Jersey, and how she was able to leverage her background and education during her fifteen-plus year career span, championing and advocating for the Hispanic Community every step of the way.

“I am delighted to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by featuring the accomplished and accredited Latina, Ms. Marelyn Rivera.,” said Commissioner Lourdes M. Leon. “Her leadership in both the public and private sectors stands as a testament to the possibilities when one dedicates themselves to serving their community.”

The Leadership Event starts at 12:00 p.m. with the special presentation from Ms. Rivera, and is open to the public.

This event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. Interested participants may register at ucnj.org/HHM

This event is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State, and is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and held in collaboration with Union College of Union County, NJ.

For more information on this event or other Cultural and Heritage-related events or programs, please contact John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at 908-436-2912 or by email at jprescott@ucnj.org

Ballots will be mailed to voters in bright yellow envelopes

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that Vote by Mail Ballots have been mailed to all registered Voters on the permanent vote by mail list in Union County.  The ballots are sent in bright yellow envelopes to help voters avoid misplacing their ballot.

Voters can view the updated schedule of mailings on the County Clerk’s elections website, at UnionCountyVotes.com. The schedule is also available on the County Clerk’s free mobile app, UC Votes. Ms. Rajoppi has a “How to Vote a Vote by Mail Ballot” video on the Clerks website to assist voters with the process of filling them out and Mailing the ballots back. Residents can view the video at:  https://unioncountyvotes.com/vote-by-mail-ballot-application/.

Voters can choose several ways to return their Vote by Mail ballot as early as possible before Election Day: by Postal Service (postage is pre-paid), secure drop-off box, or hand delivery to the County Clerk’s offices or Board of Elections office.

The drop-off boxes are available on a 24/7 basis until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7^th, when the polls close.

The Board of Elections office will be open for voters to hand deliver their vote by mail ballots until 8:00 p.m. on November 7^th. Voters who hand deliver their ballots to this office must sign a registry and present a valid New Jersey driver’s license or other New Jersey identification.

For more details, including the location of offices, drop-off boxes, and polling places, visit unioncountyvotes.com.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

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