Mayor’s Community Update: August 26, 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:
Tonight! Friday Aug 26th 6pm: The 2022 Pioneer Football Season kicks off with the Mayor’s Trophy Rivalry Game against Governor Livingston (No Thanksgiving Game this year). Come cheer on our team, our Pride and Class Marching Band, and our 📣Cheerleaders! Let’s Go Pioneers!
A new sidewalk was installed in front of AWR to aid in the drop off and pickup of students. Please stay off the concrete until it is totally dry. www.newprov.org/2022/08/new-sidewalk-installed-at-awr/
New Providence PBA Emergency Blood Drive on August 31st from 12:30pm to 6:30pm at Borough Hall.
Thank you to our crossing guards! The NPPD hosted a very nice Crossing Guard Luncheon this week I attended to thank our crossing guards, and go over everything for the upcoming school year.
From our Municipal Alliance: https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/health/addiction/2022/08/25/operation-helping-hand-somerset-patriots/65417751007/
The new traffic pattern on Pioneer Drive and Balcom Drive is in effect. Please be aware of new road striping patterns and drive carefully! It would be a good idea if our high schoolers, middle schoolers, parents, and staff go prior to the start of school to become familiar with the new routing. Here is the Traffic Pattern Change Packet for your reference: https://www.newprov.org/download/Police%20Department/high_schoolmiddle_school_traffic_plan_documents/Traffic-Pattern-Change-Packet-for-Parents.Students.pdf
If you have any used/unwanted/no longer needed eye glasses, please drop off at the Lions Mailbox in front of the New Providence Memorial Library. All these glasses are used for people in need.
Don’t forget the sales tax holiday on school supplies starts this Saturday 8/27: https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/news/2022/08182022
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. See below in UPCOMING section for dates and events.
From Union County-Spotted Lanternfly Update: Act Now to Prevent Breeding: Spotted lanternfly infestations begin with the appearance of small, beetle-like nymphs in the spring, which transform into large, destructive hopping insects over the summer. Help prevent spotted lanternflies from breeding in the fall, and help to reduce the habitat for next year’s nymphs. Spotted lanternflies lay their eggs in the fall. Residents can help prevent them from breeding now, by stomping on any lanternfly they see. Residents with trees on their property can use circle traps to catch nymphs in the summer and mature lanternflies in early fall. Lanternflies are known to feed on the sap of 70 different trees and plants, but the ailanthus tree, or Tree-of-Heaven, is their preferred host. *Please note that sticky tape and glue traps should never be used, because they can ensnare birds and beneficial insects. Circle traps are widely available online. They can also be made at home with simple materials. For more information about circle traps and other environmentally safe methods of trapping nymphs and mature lanternflies, including a link for instructions on do-it-yourself circle traps, visit ucnj.org/slf.
Residents can also reduce the preferred habitat for spotted lanternflies by arranging to have ailanthus trees removed from their property. Because the ailanthus tree is an invasive non-native species, removing it can enable more diverse, native species to grow while also reducing breeding opportunities for the spotted lanternfly. Property owners are advised to consult a professional landscape or tree service to remove ailanthus trees. Sprouts and small saplings can be pulled up by the roots, but larger ailanthus trees require professional treatment with an herbicide to prevent them from growing back in greater numbers after cutting. View the entire press release on the Union County website: https://wp.me/p4sLwl-pDU
Utility Upgrades are continuing around the Borough, expect some delays and detours. Please be patient while this important work continues.
In case you missed the last Council meeting, here are the highlights:
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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
Get out more! Walk and cycle more – drive less!
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.
NEW addition to this year’s FreecycleFest! Plant and Seed Exchange! Sept 17th (Sat) 9am-2pm (rain date Sun Sept 18th). For guidelines and tips on seeds and cuttings, check out https://tinyurl.com/Plant-Exchange-NP
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NEW PROVIDENCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY:
Batter-Up Let’s Talk Baseball on the following Mondays 7pm-9pm: 9/12, 10/10, 11/14, 12/12
Have you seen the new WINDOW DISPLAYS on your way into the library? Stop by the library to check out the new shelves!
The last Movie Day is this Wednesday afternoon in August:
August 31st 2pm “Ponyo”
We’re excited to welcome NJ Film School to the NP Library for this fantastic presentation on the History of Zombies in Film & Video Games!
Open to Teens & Adults
Sat, Sept 10 @ 1:00PM
Email NPMLTeens@gmail.com to register
Coming in September: A Hispanic Heritage Artifact Display by our Diversity Committee is planned for the library. Stay tuned!
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: For #firetruckfriday this week, we are covering the largest apparatus of the fleet, Truck 3. Measuring in at 47’ 5” long and weighing in at 80,800 lbs, Truck 3 is our aerial ladder truck and is a key apparatus in nearly every incident type. Frequently it is the second arriving apparatus to fire incidents and the members on-board can be assigned to any number of tasks including but not limited to search and rescue, ventilation, forcible entry and addressing utility issues. Truck 3 also responds to neighboring towns and throughout Union County during large scale fires when requested.
Truck 3 is a 2005 Pierce Dash equipped with the following:
– Detroit 60 series engine
– Allison HD 4000EVS automatic transmission
– 100’ Ladder with platform.
– 6 ground ladders of different lengths
– 2000 GPM Waterous 2 Stage Pump
– 300 gallon water tank
– Auto extrication and stabilization tools
– Multiple ventilation fans
– Firefighter Assist and Search (FAST) equipment
– Battery and Gas powered saws specifically configured to cut a variety of materials
– Additional scene lighting
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. LAST CHANCE! 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.
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/
Adults – come get artsy at NP Rec! Registration is open. Find flyers and the link to CommunityPass at 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:
TONIGHT! 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!
August 27th to September 5th: New Jersey back-to-school sales tax holiday on: school supplies, school art supplies, school instructional materials, computers, school computer supplies.
August 31st 12:30pm – 6:30pm: PBA Blood Drive at Borough Hall
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 10th 1:00pm (Sat): NJ Film School presentation on the History of Zombies in Film & Video Games at the Library. Open to Teens & Adults. Email NPMLTeens@gmail.com to register
Sept 12th 7pm-9pm (Mon): Batter-Up Let’s Talk Baseball at the Library
Sept 12th 8pm (Mon): Board of Adjustment Meeting
Sept 13th 1pm (Tues): Movie at the Library, “Downton Abbey A New Era”
September 13th 7:30pm (Tuesday): 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 Sun Sept 18th): 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 17th (Sat) 9am-2pm (rain date Sun Sept 18th): Plant and Seed Exchange, new addition to this year’s FreecycleFest! (rain-date Sunday, Sept 18th). For guidelines and tips on seeds and cuttings, check out https://tinyurl.com/Plant-Exchange-NP
Sept 22nd (Thursday) 7pm William Paca Club: Come Support Mayor Al Morgan! All welcome!
Sept 23rd (Fri): Spanish story time for 3-6 year olds at the library for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Sept 27th (Tues) Borough Council Meeting at Borough Hall
Sept 29th (Thurs) 5pm: PBA 132 Happy Hour Event at Moe’s Bistro. $30
Sept 30th (Fri): Spanish story time for 3-6 year olds at the library for Hispanic Heritage Month.
October 1st (Sat) 8am-3pm The New Providence PBA 132’s 5th Annual Car Show at 1378 Springfield Ave in New Providence (Community Pool Parking Lot). Rain date is Oct 2nd. Food trucks! This fun free event showcases some really amazing cars. Car lovers and friends alike will really enjoy this show! Don’t miss it!
Oct 8th to Nov 1st: Scarecrows returning to our downtown! See New Providence Business Community for sign up and details! Deadline to enter contest is Oct 1st! http://www.newprovbiz.com/calendar/halloween-downtown-trick-or-treating/
October 8th 2pm-3:30pm: 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!
Oct 10th 7pm-9pm (Mon): Batter-Up Let’s Talk Baseball at the library
October 15th 1pm and 2pm: Cemetery Tours at the Presbyterian Church (See New Providence Historical Society section for sign up details).
October 22nd 3pm (Sat): New Providence Annual Decorated Pumpkin Contest and Trunk-or-Treat Event at the New Providence Community Pool Parking Lot. Everyone is invited to attend and participate in this fun free family friendly event!
Oct 29th (Sat): Downtown Trick-or-Treating sponsored by our generous businesses. Stores with orange pumpkins on their doors or in their windows will greet trick-or-treaters with candy and fun surprises.
Oct 30th 10am-4pm (Sun): New Providence Street Fair The fair will be held on Springfield Avenue, between South Street and Livingston Avenue
Nov 6th 10am-4pm (Sun): Paca Club Craft Sale at the William Paca Club
Nov 8th (Tues) – ELECTION DAY! Don’t forget to VOTE!
Nov 14th 7pm-9pm (Mon): Batter-Up Let’s Talk Baseball at the library
Dec 2nd: “Night of a Thousand Stars” Community Tree Lighting Event in Centennial Park
Dec 12th 7pm-9pm (Mon): Batter-Up Let’s Talk Baseball at the library
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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: New Jersey is home to more diners than any other state (and the best one is right here in New Providence!). Atlantic City is home to the world’s longest boardwalk. Cape May, NJ is the oldest seaside resort in the United States. During the Revolutionary War, more battles were fought in New Jersey than any other state.
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
