Category: Public Info

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is urging residents to be cautious of private companies advertising expedited passport services that charge excessively high fees. These companies often promise quicker processing times but may add unnecessary costs without delivering the faster service they claim.

“These services can charge hundreds of dollars, claiming to save you time and a trip to the passport office,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “In one recent case, a company charged a resident $240, only to send her to our office to pay the standard processing fees on top of what she had already paid. Don’t be misled—there is no faster way to obtain a passport.”

Ms. Rajoppi assured residents that her office is available for appointments six days a week, day and night, with no extra fees beyond those mandated by the U.S. State Department. “For a nominal increased fee, you can expedite your passport and receive it within two to three weeks. Normal processing times are six to eight weeks,” she explained.

She also advised residents planning to travel in December or January to check their passport expiration dates, as many countries require that a passport be valid for at least six months before entering. “If your passport is close to expiring, it’s important to renew it now to avoid any travel disruptions,” she added.

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. 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.

Residents can make an appointment online for passport services at the Elizabeth or Westfield offices, with options available for daytime, evening, and Saturday hours. Both offices offer passport photo services for a fee of $10.00. In-person appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, 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.

For further details on Union County passport services, visit ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services or call 908-527-4966. To learn more about all services offered by the Union County Clerk’s Office, call 908-527-4787 or visit www.ucnj.org/county-clerk.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Wednesday, September 11, 2024, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM (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.

Cities

• Berkeley Hts. – Grant St. Area, Kuntz Av., Camptown Dr., Mt. Carmel
• Fanwood – Tower Pl., Steward Pl., Midway Av.
• Hillside – Harvard Av., Cornell Pl., John St., Westminster Area
• Linden – Tremley Pt. Area, Range Rd., Bradford Av., Lexington Av., Marion Av.
• Plainfield – Jefferson Av., 1st St., Rock Av., Wiley Av., E.3rd St., St. Nicholas Blvd.
• Rahway – Elston Av., Randolph Av., Martin St., Dudley Ct., Leesville Av. Area, Midway Dr., Milton Blvd. Area, Donald Av., Price St., Allen St., Elizabeth Av.
• Scotch Plains – Morse Av., Bryant Av. Area
• Springfield – Cottage Ln., Berkeley Rd. Area, Oakland Av., Waverly Av.

County Parks

• Clark – Oak Ridge
• Hillside – Conant, Rutgers
• Mountainside – Watchung Res. Loop Area

Today, we solemnly honor and remember the lives lost in the tragic events of September 11th. We also pay tribute to the heroes who rose in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Union County residents are invited to visit the September 11th Memorial at Echo Lake Park, a space of reflection and remembrance for those we lost.

A uniformed Honor Guard will stand watch at the memorial from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring and light candles in remembrance of those lives lost on September 11th.

Candles will also be available at the memorial, courtesy of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

You can learn more about the memorial and the biographies of Union County residents who perished on that day by visiting ucnj.org/september-11th-memorial

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that the Union County Immunization Clinic has achieved remarkable success in August 2024, coinciding with National Immunization Awareness Month, by administering 845 vaccines—a fourfold increase compared to August 2022. This significant achievement highlights the clinic’s commitment to increasing access to vaccinations for Union County residents of all ages, ensuring the health and safety of the community.

“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our clinic staff. Their tireless efforts, coupled with new outreach initiatives, have had a transformative impact,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This achievement is a testament to the power of teamwork and the effectiveness of increasing access and improving communication.”

Over the past year, the clinic has implemented several key changes that have contributed to this success:

• Improved Accessibility: Expanded clinic hours and mobile operations have brought vaccines directly into the community. In one mobile clinic event alone, 63 vaccinations were administered in Linden before the holiday, making immunizations more convenient for residents.

• Enhanced Communication: The clinic has introduced new communication methods, including email, to streamline appointment scheduling and the submission of required documentation. Patients can now easily reach the clinic staff, reducing delays and ensuring a smoother process for families.

• Strengthened Collaboration: An open line of communication between school nurses and clinic staff has further simplified the vaccination process for students, helping families avoid multiple visits and reducing stress.

• Increased Staffing: With more nurses available during peak times, the clinic can now see up to three patients simultaneously, ensuring faster service for walk-ins while continuing to prioritize appointments.

In addition to these changes, the clinic has expanded its outreach efforts through flyers, social media postings, and an updated website that provides valuable information to residents.

The clinic’s success during National Immunization Awareness Month highlights the importance of vaccination in protecting individuals and the broader community from preventable diseases. As the clinic continues its mission to provide accessible, reliable care, the Union County Immunization Clinic remains a foundation of public health efforts in the region.

For more information on the Union County Immunization Clinic, please visit https://ucnj.org/dhs/immunization-clinic/ or contact the clinic directly at 908-965-3756.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners happily invites all residents, family, and friends to join in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month this fall. The month-long observance of Latino and Hispanic culture will be commemorated through a series of events, including a captivating art exhibit showcasing vibrant pieces by Hispanic artists, family movie nights, a theatrical production that delves into the depths of Mexican culture, and other engaging activities aimed at inspiring and educating audiences on the multifaceted wonders of the Hispanic culture.

“We are taking this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the rich Latino and Hispanic culture that is an integral part of Union County and our entire nation,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We invite all residents and visitors to join us in exploring this diverse culture through its history, accomplishments, art, music, and cuisine during the events we have planned. I look forward to seeing you there.”

Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15th through October 15th. Initially starting as a week-long celebration in 1968, it was later extended to a month by President Ronald Reagan twenty years later. The month-long observance is intended to recognize the valuable contributions, cultural influence, and socio-economic impact of the Hispanic community on our society.

“As the first Latina on the Commissioner Board in Union County, I hold this position with immense pride on behalf of all Latinos who have journeyed to this country with dreams and aspirations,” said Union County Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “From Mexico to Colombia, and across South and Central America to the Caribbean Islands, our nation embraces a vast and diverse Latino community every day. Many, including myself, proudly call Union County our home and it is a true honor to celebrate the Hispanic community throughout this month, as it significantly contributes to the legacy of Union County.”

Hispanic Heritage Month’s calendar of events kicks off with the Annual Union County Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising ceremony on Monday, September 16^th at 4:45 p.m. on the front steps of the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance for us to highlight the rich traditions, talents, and stories of the Latino community that have shaped Union County into what it is today,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados. “As a proud Salvadorian-American, it fills me with immense pride to celebrate our diverse backgrounds while recognizing the unique contributions that each Hispanic culture brings to our community. I encourage all residents no matter what ethnicity to participate in these meaningful events, learn something new, and share in the beauty of the Hispanic experience.”

The full schedule of events is as follows:

Monday, September 16^th

4:45 p.m. – Annual Union County Hispanic Heritage Month Flag Raising Ceremony

Union County Courthouse – 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth

–more–

Friday, September 27^th

6:30 p.m. – Movie Night, featuring“The Book of Life”

Kawameeh Park – 1750 Morris Avenue, Union

Wednesday, October 2^nd

4:30 p.m. – Movie Night, featuring“Dora and the Lost City of Gold”

Washington Elementary School – 427 Darrow Avenue, Plainfield

Saturday, October 5^th

2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Family Fun Day

Free to Attend – Live Music- Arts & Crafts – Giveaways – Food Trucks

Warinanco Park – Roselle

(in case of rain, event will be held inside Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive, Roselle)

Thursday, October 10^th

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  – Hispanic Leadership Event

Presented by: Anna D. Martinez, Director of NJ Division on Women

Union College of Union County – 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford

Saturday, October 12^th

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.– “Mexico Beyond Mariachi: Trekking Mexico”

Presented by: City of Rahway

UCPAC, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway

Tickets $6 per person • To purchase tickets, visit ucpac.org

Additionally, a Hispanic Art exhibit featuring community artists will be on display throughout the month of September at the Commissioner’s Gallery, located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.

For the most up-to-date information about these events, please visit ucnj.org/hhm. For more information, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator at (908) 527-4388 or via email at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org.

For more information about events and activities in Union County parks, please visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation or see the calendar listing at ucnj.org/calendar.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and Town Parks Friday morning, September 6, 2024, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks 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.

County Parks

• Clark – Oak Ridge
• Cranford – Nomahegan, Mohawk
• Elizabeth – Warinanco, Mattano, Phil Rizzuto
• Garwood – Unami
• Hillside – Conant, Rutgers
• Kenilworth – Black Brook
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake, Watchung Reservation Loop Area
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway Pk.
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa
• Springfield – Meisel
• Summit – Briant

Town Parks

• Clark – Curry Field
• Linden – Memorial
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Scotch Plains – Brookside
• Union – Biertuempful
• Westfield – Tamaques, Mindowaskin, Brightwood, Clark
• Winfield – Union County Pkwy.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Wednesday, September 4, 2024, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM (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 Hts. – Grant St., River Rd. Area, Kuntz Av., Camptown Dr., Riverbend Rd., Shadow Ln., Wren Ct., Daria Ln. Area, Snyder Av. Water Treatment Plant, Summit Ln.
• Clark – Schwinn Dr., Conger Way, Rutgers Rd., Roberts Rd.
• Cranford – Kenilworth Blvd., County Park Dr.
• Elizabeth – Bayway Av.
• Hillside – Harvard Av., Cornell Pl., John St., Westminster Area, Aldine St., Crescent St., Williamson Av.
• Kenilworth – Dorsett Dr., Epping Dr., Water Co. Rd., Union Av., Bloomingdale Av.,
• Linden – Tremley Pt. Area, Range Rd., Linden land field
• Mountainside – Darby Ln., Sunny Slope Dr., Elston Dr. Area
• New Providence – Charnwood Rd., Runnymede Pkwy, D.P.W. Yard Passaic Av.
• Plainfield – Bradford St., Jefferson Av., 1st St., Rock Av., Everett Pl., Berkeley Ter., E.3rd St., Milton Pl., St. Nicholas Blvd.
• Rahway – Elston Av., Randolph Av., Leesville Av. Area
• Roselle – Pine St. Path along RXR, Wheatsheaf Rd., Columbus Av. Roselle recycling yard, Chandler Av., Harrison Av., Jouet St., Morris Pl., 8th Av., Spruce St., 9th Av., Jackson Av., Lafayette St., Prosper Av., W. 1st Av., and Chestnut St. Area
• Scotch Plains – Martine Av. extension, Tussel Ln., Goodmans Crossing, South Av. and North Av. between Hetfield Av. and Crossway Pl., Frank St., Pheasant Ln., Richelieu Pl., Mountain Av. between Victor St. and Jerusalem Rd., North Av., South Av., Between Hetfield Av. and Crossway Pl.
• Springfield – Cottage Ln., S. Springfield Av., Oakland Av., Waverly Av., Marion Av., Warner Av., Alvin Ter.
• Summit – Kent Pl. (Summit Recycling Center), Risk Av., Beech Spring Dr.
• Westfield – Woodbrook Cir. Area, Linden Av., Hamilton Av., Woodmere Dr. Area

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to participate in the recycling of their personal documents and sensitive papers at the County’s next free paper shredding event on Saturday, September 21^st. The event will be held at UCNJ in Parking Lots 5A/5B at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and running until 1:00 p.m.

“We encourage all residents to make use of this valuable tool as it greatly contributes to our collective efforts in ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly future for Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

Upon arrival, there will be ample signage to guide residents to the shredding site. The paper shredding event will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will end promptly at 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. However, if the shredding trucks reach full capacity, the event will conclude ahead of schedule. Residents are encouraged to arrive promptly at the start of the event to ensure that there is sufficient capacity for their materials.

All paper shredding events are designed for drive-up and contact-free service. We kindly ask residents to have their papers in the trunk of their car or the cargo bed of their truck before arriving, to facilitate efficient removal of materials by staff. Residents must remain in their vehicles while staff handles the unloading and shredding of papers, which are shredded onsite in the mobile shredding trucks. Participants are reminded that pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Additionally, bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other extraneous materials must be removed before arrival at the shredding site.

Union County’s free shredding events are intended for personal, sensitive, and residentially generated documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail, and other waste paper through their municipal recycling program.  For contact information regarding your municipal recycling program, please visit https://ucnj.org/recycling/municipal-recycling-coordinators/. Residents are limited to ten pounds (four bags/ boxes) per vehicle. Business documents will not be accepted for shredding at the events. Businesses that show up at the event will be turned away. Businesses that need shredding services can instead contact the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning by phone at 908-654-9890 or via the online form at www.ucnj.org/recycle for further guidance.

The next free paper shredding event will take place on Friday, September 27^th at the Westfield Pool Parking lot in Westfield. For the complete 2024 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. 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.