Mayor’s Community Update: August 19, 2022
Here is a Catch Up of this Past Week in New Providence and Some of the Many Exciting Things Going On and Upcoming in our Community:
Congratulations to Chief Daniel Henn on getting sworn in as our new police Chief this past Tuesday at our Council meeting. Officers Carly Bouman and Marcos Martinez were sworn in and welcomed to the New Providence Police Department. We also congratulate and welcome Special Officer Bob Moran as a Class 3 Officer. We are very proud of our Police Department here in New Providence and thank them for their good service to our community.
The new traffic pattern on Pioneer Drive and Balcom Drive is now in effect. Please be aware of new road striping patterns and drive carefully! It is a good idea if you have children in the high school to go prior to the start of school to become familiar with the new routing. Here is the Traffic Pattern Change Packet: https://www.newprov.org/download/Police%20Department/high_schoolmiddle_school_traffic_plan_documents/Traffic-Pattern-Change-Packet-for-Parents.Students.pdf
We will be going to bid on Rapid Flashing Pedestrian Crossing Signals. These flashers are to replace existing equipment at Springfield/Livingston and Springfield/Ridgeview and add New Crossing Signals at Union/Kline and South/High.
Fun fall family-friendly upcoming community events and activities are planned including (will be added to the “UPCOMING” list below in next week’s update). Please mark your calendars:
New Providence Book Festival returns on Saturday September 17th 9am – 3pm on the grounds of the Salt Box Museum.
September 17th is also our Annual Freecycle-Fest Event 9am – 2pm hosted by our Sustainability Committee at the New Providence Community Pool parking lot. This is an opportunity to bring unwanted items to a central location in New Providence for “recycling” with other families.
Our New Providence Diversity Committee (Diversity in New Providence, NJ )is hosting an entire fun filled educational month from Sept 15th – Oct 15th full of events and activities for all ages to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. A Hispanic Heritage Artifact Display is planned for the library, along with themed Spanish story times for 3-6 year olds on these two Fridays: 9/23 and 9/30, the movie “Enchanto” for 5-10 year olds (9/17 2-4pm), and a poster contest. Mark your calendars for October 8th 2pm-3:30pm for a National Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Centennial Park with arts, crafts, Latin and folklore dances, a Zumba demonstration, a display of traditional dresses, music, songs, and fun for the whole family! This wonderful event is free and open to all!
The New Providence PBA 132’s 5th Annual Car Show is Saturday October 1st, 8am-3pm at 1378 Springfield Ave in New Providence (Community Pool Parking Lot). Rain date is Oct 2nd. This fun free event showcases some really amazing cars. Car lovers and friends alike will really enjoy this show! Don’t miss it!
Cemetery Tours return on October 15th. See below in the New Providence Historical Society section for sign up details. This is a very interesting and informative tour that I highly recommend!
Scarecrows returning to our downtown! Stay tuned for more details forthcoming from our New Providence Business Community!
The New Providence Annual Decorated Pumpkin Contest and Trunk-or-Treat Event, hosted by our New Providence Police in partnership with the New Providence Lions is Saturday, October 22nd 3pm at the New Providence Community Pool Parking Lot. Everyone is invited to attend and participate in this fun free family friendly event! More details forthcoming!
Downtown Trick-or-Treating sponsored by our generous businesses will be Saturday October 29th. Stores with orange pumpkins on their doors or in their windows will greet trick-or-treaters with candy and fun surprises.
Our Annual New Providence Street Fair returns to downtown New Providence on Sunday, October 30th. The fair will be held on Springfield Avenue, between South Street and Livingston Avenue, from 10am – 4pm and will include vendors, a petting zoo, face painting, music, storytelling, and fun activities. Food vendors will sell refreshments and delicious food throughout the day. Bring the family and come enjoy all the wonderful festivities planned! It’s not to be missed!
Utility Upgrades are continuing around the Borough, expect some delays and detours. Please be patient while this important work continues.
In case you missed this past Tuesday’s Council meeting, here are the highlights:
Congratulations to the New Providence Reds on their Championship and a great season!
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LET’S GO GREEN NP:
Please be sure you are signed up for our Recycle Coach: www.newprov.org/recycle-coach
The weather is great for getting outside more, walking and cycling more, and driving less!
Free Shred and Recycle Your Personal Documents:
Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the next free paper shredding event
in the Kean Hall parking lot at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township.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. These events are drive-up only and contact-free. Drivers 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. Free shredding events are scheduled for September and October, after which the program will go on winter hiatus. The last event of the season will take place on October 29. For the complete 2022 paper shredding schedule, and for information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.
Free Scrap Metal Recycling for Union County Residents: August 20th 9am-12pm at two free drop-off centers:
* Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
* Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool).
Union County residents with old metal gutters, fencing, or appliances to dispose of can bring these items and more to free scrap metal recycling to these drop-off sites. 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, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.
Upcoming Scrap Metal events will take place on Thursday, September 1st and Saturday, September 17th. Please note that Union County’s scrap metal recycling events are drive-up only, and contact-free. Participants must remain in their vehicles at all times. Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed and be easily accessible for staff to remove. 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.
Annual Freecycle-Fest Event hosted by our Sustainability Committee will be held on September 17, 2022 (rain date Sept 18, 2022) at the New Providence Community Pool parking lot from 9am – 2pm. This is an opportunity to bring unwanted items to a central location in New Providence for “recycling” with other families. In the past this Freecycle Event has been held simultaneously with the Green Fair. However, the two events will be held on separate dates this year. Thank you to the Sustainability Committee for their good work on this for our community. Sustainable New Providence
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NEW PROVIDENCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY:
Have you seen the new WINDOW DISPLAYS on your way into the library? Stop by the library to check out the new shelves!
On display this month:
– On the left: Don’t let the sun go down on summer! Check one of these great summer reads out today!
– On the right: AfterWords Bookstore steals and deals on display! Just take from the shelves and pay at the front desk.
Friends of the New Providence Memorial Library are excited to present the works of Julie Harris in the Conti Family Community Room and the front reading area. Her most recent works focus on clothing as art objects, some even formed from handmade paper, creating an interplay of juxtaposed images and objects that are printed or sewn into the clothing. The handmade paper gown series addresses the innocence and purity of a child’s spirit. Translucent and diaphanous handmade paper has random texture and thickness, making these gowns very delicate.
Movie Day every Wednesday afternoon in August:
August 24th 1pm “Free Willy”
August 31st 2pm “Ponyo”
Please see all the wonderful events planned on the Library Events Calendar: https://www.newprovidencelibrary.org/events/library-calendar/month.calendar/2022/08/15/13
Your library card gets you free access to Comics Plus — thousands of digital comics, graphic novels and more for adults, teens and children age 5 & up. Every title is always available, on your computer, tablet or phone. To get started, go to http://newprovidencelibrary.org and click on the Resources tab.
Have you made the switch to the Libby app? It offers the best reading experience for all ages and has the same great content you love in the OverDrive app! Get in-app support with any questions you may have. https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/switchtolibby
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FIRETRUCK FRIDAY
Last week’s #firetruckfriday was the “Swiss Army Knife” of the fleet; Engine 4. Engine 4 is the first due apparatus to vehicle fires, any type of utility or carbon monoxide emergency as well as responds to mutual aid calls when the department is requested to respond to larger fire incidents in surrounding communities. This apparatus is the older cousin to Engine 2 with the primary difference being the pump panel location. Residents will often see Engine 4 at borough events and standbys as the variety in equipment carried aboard allows members to be ready for any type call while away from headquarters before additional or more specialized equipment from our fleet can arrive.
Engine 4 is a 2013 Pierce Velocity and equipped with the following:
– Detroit DD13 engine
– Allison HD 4000EVS automatic transmission
– 2000 GPM Waterous 2 Stage Pump
– 750 gallon water tank
– 50 gallon Class B foam tank
– Multitude of hose lines and fire suppression capabilities
– Auto extrication and stabilization tools
– Multiple hazardous gas detection meters
– High-rise firefighting hose packs
– Firefighter Assist and Search (FAST) equipment
– Gas powered chain and cut off saws
– Battery operated ventilation fan
– Brush Fire
Our New Providence Volunteer Fire Department looks forward to sharing more about their apparatus and equipment! Visit their Facebook page for photos and for more information: https://www.facebook.com/NewProvidenceFire
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NEW PROVIDENCE HISTORICAL SOCIETY:
Did you know that in the early 1900’s New Providence had a semi professional baseball team called the Crescents? The navy & white Crescents were organized by the New Providence Athletic Association. Stop by the New Providence Memorial Library during the month of August to see the Historical Society display on NP Baseball ⚾️! Take a glimpse into New Providence baseball history with old photos, uniforms, trophies and accessories. Compare a current New Providence High School uniform, polyester and sleeveless, to a 1929 heavy wool Crescents uniform. Or learn about the team coach and league commissioner Mr A. G. Balcom and his “boater” hats.
The New Providence Historical Society hosts cemetery tours at the New Providence Presbyterian Church will return October 15th at 1pm and 2pm for Union County’s Four Centuries Weekend. John Sponauer, New Providence Historical Society member, researcher, and tour guide educates attendees on the difference between a cemetery and a graveyard, shares many interesting and intriguing historical facts, cemetery folklore, and shows the final resting places of some of the New Providence founding families and Revolutionaries. Tours are limited to 20 persons. The tours are approximately 30-45 minutes. To reserve your spot please send an email to NPcemeterytours@gmail.com. Indicate the date/time you wish to attend along with the size of your party. You will receive a confirmation email. ***You must email to reserve your spot*** Please Note: Footing may be uneven in some areas, so suitable footwear recommended!
Please Support our New Providence Historical Society. They are always looking for people who have an interest in local history, an interest in joining and supporting their mission. For more information and/or to donate please visit https://newprovidencehistorical.com/about/
The Historical Society is looking for Docents for the Salt Box Museum.
The New Providence Historical Society also puts out a newsletter called Turkey Tracks: https://newprovidencehistorical.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/turkeytracks-issue129.pdf
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RECREATION:
Checkout all of the New Providence Recreation Department Fall offerings for Youth and Adults: https://www.newprov.org/recreation/
Recreation Community Events: www.newprov.org/community-events
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HEALTH & WELLNESS:
Monkey Pox Update:
Monkeypox is less transmissible than covid, but the health department is recommending that anyone at increased risk for contracting monkeypox consider vaccination. Two vaccines can be used for preventing monkeypox infection. CDC recommends vaccination for people who might have been exposed to monkeypox. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3AftSRE. More information on MPX can be found here: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/monkeypox.shtml
Individuals that are interested in pre-exposure vaccination can contact the following programs. Vaccination at these sites is by appointment only:
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Location: Annex 2 (white tent structure), 230 East Ridgewood Ave, Paramus
Phone: 800-730-2762
Website: www.newbridgehealth.org
Cooper Vaccine & Testing Clinic, Cooper University Hospital
Location: 300 Broadway, Camden
Phone: 856-968-7100
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7am-8pm and Friday, 7am-5pm
Website: https://my.cooperhealth.org/mychart/authentication/login
Hyacinth AIDS Foundation/Project Living Out Loud!
Location: Jersey City
Phone: 201-706-3480
The Prevention Resource Network, a program of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey
Location: Asbury Park
Website: www.prnvnacj.org/
North Jersey Community Research Initiative (NJCRI)
Location: Newark
Phone: 973-483-3444 ext. 200
COVID Update:
Union County’s free COVID-19 vaccination program has expanded to offer the Novavax vaccine, approved for ages 18 and older. The Union County vaccination program also continues to offer the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines approved for various age groups including infants age 6 months and up.
Union County’s vaccination portal: ucnj.org/covid19. If additional assistance is needed call 908-613-7829. Walk-ups for booster shots for all eligible age groups are welcome at both the Warinanco Sports Center and Plainfield High School sites, but appointments are encouraged. Home-bound residents may be eligible for a home vaccination visit. To make an appointment, call the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-613-7829 during regular weekday business hours, or leave a call-back message after hours. For details about Union County’s mobile COVID-19 vaccination services, testing, clinics, including locations and hours of operation please visit www.ucnj.org/covid19.
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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: New Providence Cares About Your Mental Wellness
The New Providence Mental Health Advocacy and Education Committee is spearheaded by Council President Nadine Geoffroy and Councilwoman Lisa McKnight. For more information please contact Nadine Geoffroy at ngeoffroy@newprov.org.
988 is now the official national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis call or text 988 anytime anywhere 24/7 for help and support, or just to talk. You’re not alone. We’re all in this together. To learn more about the 988 system in NJ, please watch this presentation created by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuKhq-VPVjU
Veterans are invited to a bi-monthly, veteran-run peer support & discussion group, Warriors Welcome. This group is no-cost, confidential and a judgment-free zone. They meet every 1st and 3rd Friday: bit.ly/WarriorsWelcomeNJ.
Virtual Muslim Mental Health community group meets Sundays 7pm. Join for a discussion of mental health concerns, wellness goals, and more. Newcomers welcome! bit.ly/MuslimGroupNJ
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UPCOMING:
Aug 20th 9am – 1pm (Saturday): Recycling – DPW Yard
Aug 26th 6pm (Friday): Mayor’s Trophy rivalry game against GL kicks off the 2022 Football Season on Friday night 8/26 6pm! (No Thanksgiving Game this year). Come cheer on our team, our Pride and Class Marching Band, and our Cheerleaders 📣! Let’s Go Pioneers!
From the State of New Jersey: From August 27th to September 5th, New Jersey will have a back-to-school sales tax holiday – cutting the cost on: school supplies, school art supplies, school instructional materials, computers, school computer supplies.
Sept 2nd 6:30pm-8pm (Friday): ‘Chat with the Mayor’ in the Lincoln Meeting Room Borough Hall.
Sept 3rd 9am-1pm (Sat): Recycling at the DPW Yard
Sept 5th Labor Day – Borough Offices Closed
Sept 6th 7:30pm (Tues): Planning Board Meeting at Borough Hall
Sept 12th 8pm (Mon): Board of Adjustment Meeting
September 13th 7:30pm (Tuesday): The next Brough Council Meeting at Borough Hall.
September 17th 9am – 3pm (Saturday): New Providence Book Festival returns on the grounds of the Salt Box Museum.
September 17, 2022 9am – 2pm (rain date Sept 18, 2022): Annual Freecycle-Fest Event hosted by our Sustainability Committee will be held at the New Providence Community Pool parking lot. This is an opportunity to bring unwanted items to a central location in New Providence for “recycling” with other families.
Sept 22nd (Thursday) 7pm William Paca Club: Come Support Mayor Al Morgan! Everyone welcome!
Sept 27th (Tues) Borough Council Meeting at Borough Hall
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QUICK LINKS:
Borough Council Meetings: youtube.com/channel/UCZzCgFvlBgpSfW-JEVRMXsA
Borough Contact Information and Action Line: www.newprov.org/citizen-action-line
New Providence (Mailed) Calendar: https://www.newprov.org/download/Borough%20Newsletters/2022/2022-Annual-Calendar-most-recent.pdf
NPHS Athletics Calendar: https://sites.google.com/npsdnj.org/nphs-athletics/athletic-schedule
NPTV Schedule: www.sites.google.com/npsdnj.org/cook-nptv/nptv-schedule
Public Works: www.newprov.org/department-of-public-works
Recycle Coach: www.newprov.org/recycle-coach
Senior Citizen Bus: Transportation (with pick up at your home) is available for residents 55+ to ShopRite every Tuesday morning at 8am. Please call the Center at (908) 665-0046 by Monday morning to sign up or for more information.
Smart911 Community Alert System: newprov.org/2022/04/register-today-for-smart-911
Turkey Tracks Newsletter of the New Providence Historical Society: http://newprovidencehistorical.files.wordpress.com/…
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MISSED AN UPDATE? Mayor’s Community Updates can be found on the Borough website and at https://www.mayoralmorgan.com/community-updates
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KEEP INFORMED with Borough information:
Website – newprov.org
Facebook – @newprovnj
Twitter – @newprovnj
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FUN FACT: When you feel like being sarcastic, you might find it interesting to know that the word “sarcasm” actually comes from the Greek verb sarkazein, which literally means “to tear flesh like dogs.” Eventually, it also came to mean “to gnash the teeth” and “to speak bitterly.” So if you have ever felt hurt by a sarcastic remark now you know why. This is all the more reason, be mindful of your words; if you can be nothing else, BE KIND.
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
– Mother Teresa
Please feel free to contact me anytime about any issue. Your concerns are my concerns. We are here to serve you. We are a team effort here in NP! Thank you to our outstanding Borough Council, our dedicated administration, employees and staff, our selfless volunteers, our generous local businesses and to all of you for making our community such an incredible place to live and work. Please be sure to support all our wonderful local establishments and SHOP NP! Have a great weekend and week ahead! We are Pioneer Strong!
– Mayor Al Morgan
