Mayor’s Community Update: September 9, 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:
Hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend and unofficial end of summer! We have a FULL Fall Upcoming Calendar of Events and Activities: (See UPCOMING section below 👇)
Congratulations and welcome new owners Sunni and Joli of M&M Liquors on South Street on their Grand Re-Opening! We welcome them to our New Providence family of businesses!
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: https://www.newprov.org/2022/09/celebrate-national-hispanic-heritage-month/
Utility Upgrades are continuing around the Borough, expect some delays and detours. Please be patient while this important work continues.
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General Election Early Voting Dates Available at the New Providence DeCorso Community Center 15 E. Fourth Street:
- Saturday, October 29, 2022: 10am – 8:00pm
- Sunday, October 30, 2022: 10am – 6:00pm
- Monday, October 31, 2022: 10am – 8:00pm
- Tuesday, November 1, 2022: 10am – 8:00pm
- Wednesday, November 2, 2022: 10am – 8:00pm
- Thursday, November 3, 2022: 10am – 8:00pm
- Friday, November 4, 2022: 10am – 8:00pm
- Saturday, November 5, 2022: 10am – 8:00pm
- Sunday, November 6, 2022: 10am – 6:00pm
- Dates to remember:
October 18: Voter Registration Deadline for General Election
November 1: Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail for General Election
November 8: General Election – Polls are open from 6am – 8pm
(refer to your sample ballot for polling place)
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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
Cartridge Recycling: Cartridge World has kept hundreds of thousands of Ink and LaserJet cartridges out of landfills by recycling them at their location in New Providence. Please join the effort and drop off used cartridges at 1310 Springfield Avenue.
Eye Glasses Recycling: 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.
Aluminum Can Recycling: New Providence Volunteer Fire Department (newprovidencefire.org) is seeking donations of aluminum cans for the Aluminum Cans for Burned Children program at St. Barnabas Hospital. Over the years, this fundraising activity has provided invaluable financial support to the Burn Foundation. Aluminum cans can be placed in the can cart behind the fire house located on Floral Avenue.
Household Hazardous Waste Recycling: Sept 10th www.ucnj.org/recycle
Scrap Metal Recycling: Saturday, September 17th. 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
The weather is perfect for more walking and cycling! Drive Less!
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NEW PROVIDENCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY:
Just in time for the new school year, the NP Library has brought back BRAINFUSE!!!
- FREE LIVE ONLINE TUTORING
- FREE HOMEWORK HELP
- FREE WRITING LAB
- FREE SKILLS LAB
and more, all from certified teachers!
All you need is your NP Library Card number to login. Don’t have a library card? Come in to get one during #SignUpSeptember and get entered to win a free gift card to a local NP business, plus a fun library swag bag!
It’s #SignUpSeptember!
– Get your free library card
– Take a Library Tour
– Free giveaways at checkout
– Social Media contest
September is National Library Card Month!
To celebrate, the NP Library is hosting a contest! Post a pic or video of yourself holding your NP Library Card to Facebook, Instagram or TikTok with the hashtags #SignUpSeptember and #newprovlibrary
Don’t have a library card? Come in to get one! Just bring ID and proof of residency (teens age 14+ can show their school ID or PowerSchool acct) to get your FREE Library Card!
A daytime English as a Second Language class is starting at the New Providence Library this fall. Please contact Anita Alvarado at (908) 486-1777 ext. 402 or email aalvarado@literacynj.org. Au pairs and new arrivals to New Providence are all welcome!
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!
NJ Film School is coming to the NP Library for a 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.
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
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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NEW PROVIDENCE HISTORICAL SOCIETY:
ARCHIVE ROOM OPEN THIS SATURDAY – SEPTEMBER 10
The Archive room of the N.P. Hist. Soc., will be open again, this Saturday; Sept. 10; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
We are located at 377 Elkwood Ave., at the rear of the N.P. Memorial Library. Enter main entrance, follow main aisle to rear of library, where you’ll see our sign and turkey !
Archival photos; Maps; Transcribed Oral Interviews; N.P. history; Obituaries; and more. Come pick up our newsletter, or purchase your own copy of the “Images of America, New Providence” photo book. We also are the only source of Author, Bert Abbazia’s book; “The Creation of the New Providence Community Pool”. Feel free to stop in and visit us ! 908 665-1034.
ALSO – Pick up a flyer for our upcoming BOOK FESTIVAL, Sat. Sept. 17 !
Have an interest in local history ? Why not join and get involved with upcoming events. For more information please call (908)665-1034.
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
DECORSO COMMUNITY CENTER (www.newprov.org/seniors):
All senior programs take place at the center unless otherwise noted.
Walking Club Restart, Wednesday, September 14, 10am – Want to enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise while socializing with friends?The group will meet at the Center and walk in the surrounding neighborhoods. Weather permitting. Please wear comfortable clothing and sneakers and bring water. For bus transportation to the Center, please call (908) 665-0046 or e-mail decorsocenter@newprov.us two days in advance.
Game Day, Wednesday, September 14, 11am – Gather your friends to socialize and play any game you’d like. Cards, Scrabble, and dominoes are available at the Center, or bring your own game to play! Club member Bert will be leading a game of Wizard, a fun card game that you can try out! There is also a Ping Pong table set up in the back room for those who would like to play. The picnic tables on the patio will also be available if the weather is nice! For bus transportation, please call (908) 665-0046 or e-mail decorsocenter@newprov.us two days in advance.
Knitting Lessons and Knitting Club, Thursday September 15, 1pm – Come learn a new hobby and meet wonderful friends! Instructor Christine will be offering knitting lessons. The regular knitting club will then resume on Thursday, October 13, at 1pm. Bring your own project and enjoy the conversation. All seniors are welcome!
Bingo, Friday, September 16, 11am – The Center will have bingo games every Friday in September and an additional bingo game with special prizes on Wednesday, September 14 at 11am. Bring a friend and enjoy the fun! Bingo cards will be 50 cents each. For bus transportation, please call (908) 665-0046 or e-mail decorsocenter@newprov.us two days in advance.
Welcome Back Country and Western Picnic, Wednesday, September 28, 12pm – Join friends for some good old boy country music and dancing!!! Enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, Italian sausage, French fries, onion rings, corn-on-the-cob, lemonade, iced tea, and watermelon. Wear your western duds and get ready to have a boot-scootin’ boogie time!!! Cost $15. Tickets are on sale now at the Center. Last day to purchase tickets is September 21. Make checks payable to NPSCC. For bus transportation, please call (908) 665-0046 or e-mail decorsocenter@newprov.us two days in advance.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS:
MONKEYPOX:
Union County Monkeypox Vaccination Clinics 2022
WARINANCO SPORTS CENTER
1 PARK DRIVE, ROSELLE, NJ
FIRST DOSES:
Sept.14,2022 1pm-5pm
Sept.15,2022 9am-1pm
Sept.16,2022 3pm-7pm
SECOND DOSES:
Oct.12,2022 1pm-5pm
Oct.13,2022 9am-1pm
Oct.14,2022 3pm-7pm
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 at: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/monkeypox.shtml
COVID:
CDC now recommends an updated COVID-19 booster for everyone ages 12 and older. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3AJIBTJ
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
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 or call 908-613-7829. Home-bound residents may be eligible for a home vaccination visit.
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New Providence Municipal Alliance (www.newprov.org/municipalalliance) (NPMA) – The mission of the New Providence Alliance is to identify abuse environments and root causes within the community, assess needs, and implement effective education and prevention programs.
September is National Recovery Month. During Recovery Month, the NPMA aims to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders and encourage individuals in need of treatment and recovery services to seek help. Recovery Month celebrates individuals living lives in recovery and recognizes the dedicated workers who provide the prevention, treatment, and recovery support services that help make recovery possible. “Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.”
During National Recovery Month and throughout the year spread the message that:
• Behavioral health is essential to health.
• Prevention works.
• Treatment is effective.
• People recover.
Refer to the Recovery Month website, recoverymonth.net, for additional information on the initiative.
Visit NP Alliance on Facebook or follow them on Instagram on Instagram at @newprovalliance, and visit their website to learn more about how the New Providence Alliance continues to bring programs to our community in an effort to educate people on the dangers of substance use.
From our New Providence Municipal Alliance: International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
Please take a moment to remember those lost to overdose right here in New Providence. Please continue to follow the New Providence Alliance as they bring programs to our community that aim to educate people on the dangers of substance abuse and prevent any future tragedies.
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UPCOMING:
Sept 9th (Fri) 6:30pm-8pm: ‘Chat with the Mayor’ in the Lincoln Meeting Room Borough Hall.
Sept 9th 7pm: NPHS Pioneer Football Game
Sept 10th (Sat) 11am-1pm: New Providence Historical Society Archive Room open in the back of the Library Mason Room
Sept 10th (Sat) 10am – Household Hazardous Waste Recycling: www.ucnj.org/recycle
Sept 10th (Sat) 1:00pm: 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 (Mon) 7pm-9pm: Batter-Up Let’s Talk Baseball at the Library
Sept 12th (Mon) 8pm: Board of Adjustment Meeting
Sept 13th (Tues) 1pm: Movie at the Library, “Downton Abbey A New Era”
September 13th (Tues) 7:30pm: Brough Council Meeting at Borough Hall.
September 17th (Sat) 9am – 3pm: 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 (Thurs) 7pm William Paca Club: Come Support Mayor Al Morgan! All welcome! Free. Refreshments served.
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.
Oct 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 6th Mayor and Council Debate for the upcoming election. Details forthcoming.
Oct 8th (Sat) 7pm-11pm: New Providence Education Foundation Fall Festival at Untied to benefit our schools. Live Band. Cornhole Tournament. Silent Auction. Ticket information coming soon!
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 (Mon) 7pm-9pm: Batter-Up Let’s Talk Baseball at the library
October 15th (Sat)1pm and 2pm: Cemetery Tours at the Presbyterian Church (See New Providence Historical Society section for sign up details).
Oct 16th 3pm: Hickory Tree Chorus at the Library
October 22nd (Sat) 3pm: 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 29th (Sat) 8am-2pm: NPHS Athletics Clothing Drive
Oct 30th (Sun) 10am-4pm: New Providence Street Fair The fair will be held on Springfield Avenue, between South Street and Livingston Avenue
Nov 6th (Sun) 10am-4pm: Paca Club Craft Sale at the William Paca Club
Nov 8th (Tues) – ELECTION DAY! Don’t forget to VOTE!
Nov 13th 3pm: Banjo Rascals Concert at the Library
Nov 14th (Mon) 7pm-9pm: Batter-Up Let’s Talk Baseball at the library
Dec 2nd: “Night of a Thousand Stars” Community Tree Lighting Event in Centennial Park
Dec 11th 3pm: Cover Girls Concert at the Library
Dec 12th (Mon) 7pm-9pm: 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: Coming to a night sky this Saturday – a Full Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon is the full Moon closest to the Autumnal Equinox and usually occurs in September. At equinox, due to the Earth’s tilt, the Moon rises a bit sooner than it does at other times of the year. As a result, farmers and gardeners receive extra light for gathering crops. At the core of harvest time celebration is the recognition of what has come to fruition, what has grown from the seeds that each of us have planted—physically and metaphorically. So it has been known as a time of having gratitude and giving thanks. We all certainly have a lot to be grateful for!
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
