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 5th and on Saturday, October 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:
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 2nd and Saturday, November 18th. 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 7th, 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 7th. 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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners has rescheduled the Barn Dance for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs for Sunday, October 8th at the Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle.
“This event reflects our commitment to building a society where everyone, no matter their abilities, feels valued and welcome,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This dance is going to be a day where we embrace diversity as a source of strength rather than separation. Music and dancing unite people, no matter who they are or where they are from. So, save the date, and join us for an afternoon of country music, games, and plenty of dancing.”
The Barn Dance will now be held on Sunday, October 8th from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Warinanco Sports Center, at 1 Park Drive, in Roselle. County residents can take part in line dancing instruction, games, arts and crafts, and a photo booth. Admission to the Barn Dance is free of charge; however, we kindly request attendees to register in advance. To register, please visit www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.
This event is hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services.
To find out more about special needs programs hosted by Union County, visit www.ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/ or call 908-527-4807.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites you to attend an Adult Women’s Self-Defense Class on Tuesday, October 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cranford Recreation Center, Room 220, located at 220 Walnut Street in Cranford.
“The Board of County Commissioners and I believe that keeping our communities safe will always be of the upmost importance,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Empowering women with self-defense skills is an essential step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of our community members. I encourage all women participate in this free empowering and confidence-building event.”
This exclusive and inclusive self-defense class will be conducted by two highly trained officers one from the Union County Sheriff’s Office and the other from the Summit Police Department and has been coordinated through the Office on Women to provide women with essential tools, information and knowledge to protect themselves and boost their confidence.
“Our trained officers are dedicated to serving the community, and we are excited to share our knowledge and expertise to help empower women with the tools they need to protect themselves,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli.
The class will cover a wide range of topics, including basic self-defense techniques, situational awareness, personal safety strategies, demonstrations on escaping from common holds and grabs, with a focus on empowerment and confidence-building exercises.
“It has been well-documented that women run a higher risk of experiencing an assault or sexual crime of any kind,” said Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, liaison to the Commission on the Status of Women. “This is why taking a proactive approach in educating and preparing our residents is so important to the well-being of our community. I urge all women to take advantage of this educational resource and attend the class.”
The event is free of charge, but pre-registration is required. Interested participants may register at https://ucnj.org/oowselfdefense. For more information contact The Union County Office on Women, Jennifer Erdos at 908-527-4216 or Jerdos@ucnj.org.
This event is brought to you by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with the Union County Office on Women and the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
For more information about the self-defense class or other services offered by The Union County Office on Women, please contact Jennifer Erdos at Jerdos@ucnj.org or 908-527-4216.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents and friends to this year’s 2023 Fall Festival on Saturday, October 7th from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Oak Ridge Park, located on 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark. Admission is free for all.
“After the astounding turnout we received at our Summer Concert Series, we had to keep the momentum going with another exciting, fun-filled night of live music and refreshments that I know all will truly enjoy,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Board of County Commissioners and I understand how important it is for our community to have opportunities to unwind and reconnect with each other, and will continue providing our residents with a safe and enjoyable atmosphere where they can make great memories together. I hope to see you all there.”
The 2023 Fall Festival will be featuring live performances from several bands, and plenty of food and refreshments for all to enjoy. New this year, we debut Union County’s first ever Micro Beer Garden! Attendees may purchase refreshing ales and hops brewed right in Union County. The beverages for the Micro Beer Garden will be provided by Wet Ticket Brewing from Rahway, Yale Terrace Brewery from Cranford and Climax Brewing Co. from Roselle Park. Residents must be 21 and over, and able to present a valid photo ID before being served.
The musical line-up for the 2023 Fall Festival will feature the following performers:
The Weight Band – This band knows how to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, The Band, and that’s in part because their group leader, Jim Weider, was the lead guitarist of The Band for 15 years! The Weight Band recreates the energy of that grassroots, Woodstock sound that will transport fans back in time, while blending in their own inspirational, original acts that will leave the audience hopeful for what’s to come in the future.
Willie Nile – This remarkable songwriter stems from Buffalo, NY and has performed with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Tori Amos, Barenaked Ladies and The Who. His most notable cover album, Positively Bob: Willie Nile Sings Bob Dylan, truly showcases the singer’s talent: a distinctive, soulful voice that captures the essence of the artists that inspire him.
Splintered Sunlight – This tribute band to The Grateful Dead is sure to please hardcore Deadheads and new listeners alike with their own unique renditions of timeless hits from The Grateful Dead and other legends.
The 2023 Fall Festival is brought to you by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.
For more information about activities and programs of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to announce that the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County program is now recruiting for its 35th class. Gardeners of all levels can sharpen and practice their skills while giving back to the community by joining the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County.
“The Master Gardeners program is one of our most successful volunteer programs in all of Union County,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, and share in their mission of providing our community with the most comprehensive and useful education on horticulture that can be applied to their everyday lives.”
The Master Gardeners are volunteers who are trained and certified by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. They create and run programs for the public including educational workshops and horticulture programs for people with special needs. The centerpiece of the program is the 1.5-acres Union County Demonstration Garden, located adjacent to the Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation, at 152 New Providence Road in Mountainside.
The 2024 Master Gardener training program is from January to May, and consists of weekly classes that cover basic botany, entomology and plant pathology, integrated pest management, vegetable gardening, tree fruit, lawn care and flower gardening among other topics. Participants who complete the coursework and provide 60 hours of pre-approved community service earn the title of Rutgers Certified Master Gardener.
To complete the coursework, students have the option to either attend live lectures or learn asynchronously. Live lectures will be on Tuesday mornings from 10: 00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. held at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office in Westfield. Asynchronous learning students will have access to pre-recorded lectures, all the same study materials, and occasional evening office hours.
“The Master Gardener program exceeded my expectations. From both the classroom and volunteering at the demonstration garden, I gained a wealth of knowledge on gardening, new ideas for plants and vegetables in my own garden, and how to research and address plant diseases. It was also nice to meet so many fellow Master Gardeners. The course was taught by a Rutgers professor, covering interesting and current topics from soil, insects, plant pathology, pruning, house plants, flower gardens, native and pollinators and vegetable gardening, etc. The Integrated Pest Management project taught me how to find a problem, research for a solution, and practice what I learned.” wrote a 2023 participant.
Another participant added, “What an awesome experience this has been! I enrolled in the Master Gardener course as a virtual student. The content of the course is vast and detailed, the instructors so informative, the lessons well presented. My mom is a bona fide master gardener, and I always felt that I needed to nurture that nagging instinct to grow things. The more I learned with the course, the braver I became, no longer hesitant, but willingly allowing my green thumb to flourish. I created a perennial garden in the front of my house, and grew vegetables in my backyard. I am absolutely proud of my thriving roses, lavender, hydrangeas and azaleas. I tasted the sweetest tomatoes, crunchiest cucumbers, most fragrant peppers and freshest lettuce, all grown by me. This course truly changed my life… and I proudly tell my family and friends that yes, I am now a Master Gardener.”
Another Master Gardener student noted, “I enjoyed the Master Gardeners course very much. I started the course with only a basic understanding of gardening and learned a great deal about the growing seasons, the soil, dealing with pests, and the great variety of gardens that can be planted. Based on the research available from Rutgers, I also discovered a number of strategies to improve my own garden. A key benefit is that I have met a number of wonderful people through the program, and I continue to learn from the more experienced Master Gardeners.”
“This program showcases the wonderful volunteers we have in our community, and how their generosity contributes to keeping our environment beautiful and bountiful,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Board. “I encourage those that have an interest in all things horticulture, gardening, or simply want to try a new way to give back to consider applying.”
To apply for the 2024 training course, visit the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County registration website at http://bttr.im/fem3x. Once accepted into the program, there is a $200 program registration fee. Applicants must be willing to participate in volunteer activities. The program can accommodate 30 students.
To learn more about the Master Gardeners program, please call Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 908-654-9854 ext. 2 or email thopkins@ucnj.org.
The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County is a volunteer program offered through Rutgers Cooperative Extension, NJ Agriculture Experiment Stations and Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, in cooperation with the Union County Board of County Commissioners. It is supported in Union County by the Commissioner Board, with administrative assistance and office space in Westfield, land for the Demonstration Garden, and funding for special projects. For more information about all Extension projects and activities in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards and the 4-H youth development program, visit ucnj.org/rce.
