Author: Web Site Administrator

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.

“There has been a dramatic increase of people traveling this summer with a concurrent increase in passport applications,” said Joanne Rajoppi. “In addition, before you make travel plans, please be sure to check the expiration date on your passport. Most countries will not admit travelers with passports that will expire within six months, so be sure that your renewal is completed before the six-month period begins.”

The State Department is experiencing a wait time of 10-13 weeks for passport renewals and 7-9 weeks for expedited renewals. The same waiting period applies to new passport applications.

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 Department of Parks & Recreation would like to alert you to a situation that may impact your planned use of a park facility in the next few days. Due to dry conditions, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has set the fire danger rating for northern New Jersey to VERY HIGH. In addition, the Forest Fire Service has imposed Stage 3 campfire restrictions. Per that designation, all campfires and cooking fires are temporarily prohibited. This prohibition applies to both wood and charcoal fires. Cooking is only allowed on an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas or electricity. The Stage 3 campfire restriction does not automatically expire if we experience any rainfall. The restriction can only be changed by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. We regret any impact this situation will have on your planned activity.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to come to the free “Native Plant Swap and Shop” event on Tuesday evening, June 13, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and swap up to three invasive plants for a matching number of colorful, beneficial native plants, free of charge. Additional native plants will also be available for sale at the event. The event takes place in the Watchung Reservation at the Scout Camping Area, located near the Trailside Nature and Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

“The Swap and Shop event is a fun way to learn about the value of native plants in our local ecosystem. Everyone with a yard or garden can help preserve and protect butterflies and other valuable pollinators, by taking out invasive species and replacing them with native plants,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Residents who plan to participate in the swap must pre-register online at ucnj.org/plant-swap. The swap is limited to 100 registrants. All other attendees are welcome on a walk-in basis. There is no charge for admission. Attendees can arrive any time after 5:30 and stay as long as they like.

Expert naturalists will be on site to provide guidance and information on gardening with native plants.

Examples of invasive plants to bring for the swap are: Japanese barberry, pachysandra, butterfly bush, garlic mustard, porcelain berry, periwinkle, English ivy and Chinese silvergrass. For accurate identification the invasive plants should be dug up recently and brought to the event in a sealed bag or box, with their entire roots included.

The native plants offered for swap include Cardinal Flower, Dense Blazing Star, Blue False Indigo, Joe Pye Weed, Foxglove Beardtongue, Swamp Milkweed and Orange Coneflower. 

The Toadshade Wildflower Farm will also be on site with native plants for sale during the event. Participants who plan to make a purchase are advised to pre-order for pickup through the Toadshade website, toadshade.com.

For information about other nature education programs offered by Union County, visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/trailside. More information about activities in Union County Parks is available at ucnj.org/parks.

Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at the Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Department of Human Services, and the American Job Center, will host a Transportation, Logistics, and Supply Chain Job Fair for Union County residents ages 18 and older on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Roselle in Warinanco Park.

“We encourage all residents who are interested in a career in the world of transportation, logistics, and supply chain to join us at the upcoming job fair,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “We host these events to help those who are looking for employment embrace available opportunities and connect with the key players in the industry, paving the way for their success. Register today to not miss the chance to plan your course towards a rewarding career in a dynamic and ever-growing field.”

This job fair is being coordinated by the American Job Center within the Union County Department of Human Services. Salaries start at $25.00 an hour. Some of the companies included in the event are Clean Harbors, Fed Ex, Farmland, United Window, Coach USA, and Wakefern.

If there are any companies who would like to participate in this job fair, please contact Carolina Marin at astrid.marin@ucnj.org or 908-380-6237.

For more information, please contact the American Job Center at ajcbusinessteam@ucnj.org or visit www.ucnj.org/job-fair.

The current air quality index is listed as hazardous. It is expected to remain at hazardous, very unhealthy, or unhealthy levels for the next 24 hours. Based on current levels, the Department of Environmental Protection recommends all residents to stay indoors and reduce activity levels.

The DEP further recommends residents limit time outdoors and reduce strenuous activity when the air quality index improves to unhealthy smoky conditions from wildfires in Canada are causing hazy skies, reduced visibility and the odor of burning wood are likely, and that the smoke will linger for a few days.

This air quality alert recommendations are for everyone, and specifically pertains to children, older adults, and people with lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and those with people with respiratory issues.

It is best in general during this poor air quality to limit your time outside, keep pets indoors, wear an N-95 if you are outside, use the recirculate air function in your car.

Residents are advised not to call 9-1-1 unless they observe fire or smoke immediately associated with fire.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi would like to provide an update on the unofficial results of the June 6, 2023 Primary Election in Union County.

While the majority of the ballots have been processed and counted, there are still Vote-By-Mail ballots, provisional ballots and cured ballots that required to be tallied before the results can be finalized.

The unofficial results can be found on the Union County Votes App, provided by the Clerk, or by visiting the website www.unioncountyvotes.com. It is important to note that these results are subject to change pending the review and counting of vote-by-mail, provisional ballots and cured ballots.

“It is important to provide timely and accurate election results to the public” Rajoppi said, “however, the process of reviewing vote-by-mail, provisional and cured ballots is mandated by law and essential to upholding the integrity of the election.” The official results will be released on Monday, June 19, 2023.

For more information or inquiries on any of the County Clerk programs and services, visit ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

• Heavy hazy and smoky conditions are present is our area due to the wildfires in Canada. These conditions can last the rest of the week. The NWS has an air quality alert in effect until midnight this evening. If you have a health condition please use caution when outdoors.
• Residents are advised not to call 9-1-1 unless they observe fire or smoke immediately associated with fire. Our dispatch centers are getting inundated with calls.
• The fire danger rating has been elevated to VERY HIGH. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has imposed Stage 3 campfire restrictions. In Stage 3, all fires in wooded areas are prohibited unless contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas or electricity. No charcoal fires are allowed.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are proud to announce as part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Stepping Up to Mental Health” initiative, through his 2023 Chairman’s theme of “Building a Stronger Union County, the upcoming event “Mental Health Roundtable Focus on Children & Youth,” on June 13, 2023. This important event aims to bring together key stakeholders, experts, and community members to discuss and address the critical issue of access, equity, and affordability of behavioral health services for children and youth in the county.

“Stepping Up to Mental Health was one of my main focuses within my initiatives from my 2023 theme,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This Mental Health Roundtable is a significant step in Union County’s commitment to prioritizing mental health and providing a platform for collective action and I am looking forward to attending, speaking and hearing from all of the panelists involved on how we can move forward together in helping our communities and residents who may be facing or know someone facing mental health issues.”

The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Kean University’s Liberty Academic Center, located at 1003 Morris Avenue, Building 2, in Union, NJ. It will feature engaging panel discussions led by prominent figures in the field, focusing on different aspects of the mental health system. The roundtable will serve as a platform to share insights, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration to improve the well-being of the children and youth in Union County.

The panel discussions will include: NJDCF Children’s System of Care, Improving Access, Equity & Affordability for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services, Union County Schools, and Hospital Systems. These panels will discuss how Union County, as a community, can address children and youth mental health challenges, while working with local leaders who understand the need and can be an active agent in facilitating a meaningful dialogue to analyze community supports and systems of care. Additionally, these panels will directly shape how collectively Union County can address the challenges and build a comprehensive Behavioral Health Continuum of Care for the children and youth of Union County. Attendee’s insight and collaboration in this high level discussion will create the playbook that will allow Union County to develop creative solutions towards influencing and impacting systemic change that will lead towards community alignment.

Recently, the State of New Jersey allocated $5 million funding for the Union County Mental Health Project, which will help expand access, equity, and affordability for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Care Services. Furthermore, as part of the roundtable, Governor Phil Murphy and Senate President Nicholas Scutari will provide valuable insight on ways to explore strategies to improve this access and speak about the subsidies.

“The insights gathered during the event will contribute to the development of strategies, policies, and programs to improve the accessibility and quality of behavioral health services for the younger population,” said Debbie Ann Anderson, Director of Human Services. “I would like to thank the State of New Jersey, particularly Governor Murphy and Senate President Scutari for their continued support and commitment to Union County and our Mental Health initiatives.”

Anyone interested in attending and being part of this robust event, must register by Thursday, June 8^th, 2023 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stepping-up-to-mental-health-tickets-648953737097 or contact the Union County Department of Human Services at (908) 527-4846 or email difss@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite the public to attend two events in Union County in honor of Juneteenth. First is a special free movie presentation of “The Woman King” at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on June 17, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. In addition, residents are invited to the fourth annual Juneteenth Flag raising ceremony on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

“This month, as we raise the Juneteenth flag high and celebrate other events, we honor the resilience, strength, and freedom of our African American community,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This flag represents the struggles and triumphs of a community that fought for their liberation against all odds. Let it serve as a symbol of unity, justice, and progress as we continue to strive for equality and a future where every individual is truly free. I hope to see all of our residents at the both the flag raising and the movie night.”

The Juneteenth Flag was created in 1997 to commemorate June 19, 1865, when the citizens of Galveston, Texas were finally notified about the abolition of slavery. President Lincoln had signed the Proclamation of Emancipation more than two years earlier, on January 1, 1863.

“As a Commissioner and an educator with a deep personal connection to Juneteenth, I stand proud today, celebrating the emancipation of my ancestors and the resilience of the African American community,” said Commissioner Rebecca Williams. “Juneteenth is not just a historical event; it is a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice, equality, and education. Through knowledge and understanding, we honor the past, empower the present, and shape a better future for generations to come.”

The movie in the park will take place around dusk at approximately 8:30 p.m. “The Woman King” is a 2022 film that offers a fictional representation of the historical West African kingdom of Dahoney. It tells the story of an all-female elite warrior unit called the Agojie and their quest for freedom and justice. Please note that “The Woman King” is rated PG-13, and some subject matter may not be suitable for children under the age of 13. Popcorn will be available for free while supplies last.

“Knowledge and awareness in the black community unites us and makes it unfit to ignore the historical past of enslaved people, which is emblematic of Juneteenth. As we gather this month to commemorate the federal holiday, let us remember the significance of this day in history,” said Commissioner Dr. Angela Garretson. “Juneteenth symbolizes the liberation of enslaved people, and it is a time to recognize the progress black people have made and recommit ourselves to dismantling systemic injustices that persist. Let us strive to educate minds of all generations, ignite hearts, and foster a society where freedom and opportunity flourish for all.”

At the Union County flag raising, there will be a poetry reading by Elizabeth resident, Jeremiah LaPorte and a reading of the General Order No. 3, by Commissioner Rebecca Williams. The people were informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. There will also be a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” by James Weldon Johnson, as a duet performed by singers Julia Arnold-Bouie and Willow Frazier, students at the Academy for Performing Arts in Scotch Plains.

“Together, let us stand as a united community, celebrating the diversity that enriches us and embracing the shared vision of a future where every voice is heard, every person is valued, and every dream is within reach,” said Commissioner James Baker. “Embrace freedom. Celebrate Juneteenth.”

For more information about the Juneteenth Flag ceremony, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator Judith.Guest@ucnj.org or 908-527-4388.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation are looking for volunteers in the Ashbrook Reservation Adopt-A-Park event on Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. 

“This cleanup event will have a positive impact on the health of the Ash Brook Swamp and increase the enjoyment of the Ash Brook Reservation for all who pass through it,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I would like to thank all of those for coordinating this event, as well as all of the volunteers who sign up – I encourage everyone interested to register today.”

The event will be focused on removing leaves and debris from a drainage swale that flows to the Ashbrook, an important waterway within the Rahway River Watershed. By removing the debris, the water’s flow will be restored and it will minimize flooding of an adjoining walking trail.

The Project will be directed by Union County Park Environmental Services staff, with all tools supplied by Union County Parks.

This Adopt-A-Park event will take place at Ashbrook Reservation (meeting at Union County Vo-Tech Parking Lot), located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Residents interested should register at www.ucnj.org/ashbrook23/. For more information, please call Robert Berns with the Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 789-3683.