News in Brief: National S'Mores Day, Mayor's Gala Awards Nominations and Passport Advice

Fanwood Memorial Library Celebrates National S'Mores Day

Nothing says summer like a s'more. And on Tuesday, the Fanwood Memorial Library is hosting a National S'Mores Day celebration. The first 100 people to borrow books from the library – or, according to the press release, "take out s'more books" – will receive a free "s'more kit" to take home: graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows. 

Scotch Plains Mayor's Gala Still Seeking Volunteer Awards Nominees

The Scotch Plains Recreation Department is still accepting nominations for Scotch Plains Volunteers of the Year and Volunteer Organization of the Year, the department announced in a press release Thursday.

The awards recognize individuals and groups who have exhibited "extraordinary community service," the release said. The recipients will be recognized at the 20th annual Mayor's Charity Gala on December 3rd.  The categories for awards are as follows:

• Male Volunteer of the Year
• Female Volunteer of the Year
• Volunteer Organization of the Year

Nomination forms can be picked up in the Scotch Plains Recreation Department, located in the municipal building, or online at the township's website: www.scotchplainsnj.com. 

The Gala is a non-partisan event, the release said. The event seeks to gather all segments of the community for an evening of dining, dancing and a silent auction.  Proceeds from the event support the Municipal Alliance Committee and other local non-profit organizations.

For information about sponsoring or donating an item for the Mayor's Gala, please contact the Scotch Plains Recreation Department by calling 908-322-6700, ext. 1223.

County Clerk Offers Expedited Passport Service 

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi urged county residents to apply for passports as soon as possible, in a press release her office distributed Tuesday. With the National Passport Agency experiencing high volume in processing applications, Rajoppi – who is seeking reelection in November – suggested using expedited services to avoid disrupting travel plans.

"If you are traveling within 14 days, my office can assist you by making an appointment with the National Passport Agency," Rajoppi said in the relase. "It requires a trip to New York or Philadelphia, but you will receive your passport within 24 hours.

"The current demand for passports has created a slower response time from the National Passport Agency," she added. "Residents who have summer or autumn travel plans should consider using the expedited delivery option when applying for a new passport or a renewal. Even the expedited mail option, which costs $60 extra, can take two to three weeks for delivery."

Passport customers should allow a sufficient amount of time to mail their application and receive their passport before traveling, the release said. The routine processing of passport applications – without the more expensive expedited delivery option – can take four to six weeks. Applications may be obtained at the Scotch Plains Public Library or the county clerk's office annex, located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Applications and related information can also be found online at http://www.ucnj.org/ctyclerk/passport.html.

Those who visit the clerk's annex in Westfield are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing time to allow for staff assistance with the passport process. For more information about obtaining a U.S. passport, call 908-527-4966.