A Message from Mayor Mahr

Earlier today, the state reported another 1,670 COVID-19 positive test results, bringing the statewide total to 150,399. Union County currently has a total of 15,122 confirmed cases. Fanwood’s current figure remains at 88 confirmed cases.

The Fanwood Police Department is leading a food drive with Scotch Plains to assist in feeding our communities most vulnerable. I want to thank Chief Richard Trigo and Scotch Plains Police Chief Ted Conley for supporting this great idea. More information can be found below.

On Monday, May 25, at 9 AM, I will gather with local officials on the steps of the Fanwood Memorial Library to formally recognize the valor and heroism of our fallen heroes who are commemorated on this solemn day. However, in recognition of the Governor’s Executive Order limiting gatherings to groups of ten, you are asked to remain in your homes. I invite you to join me for the ceremony via Fanwood’s Facebook page where it will be live-streamed.  On this site, you will also be able to view the Gold Star Video which includes greetings from Fanwoodians. The video will be released over the weekend and can be seen on local TV as well, so keep an eye out!

And finally, the weekend is a nice time to walk the Gold Star Walk to recognize these soldiers and remember their sacrifice.  If the walk does not work for you, a full set of the Gold Star signs are available for viewing on the front lawn at Borough Hall.    You’ll see more details below.

If you are having trouble accessing relief services, or you’re experiencing other emergency needs, I urge you to reach out to me directly at mayor@fanwoodnj.org.  We are here to help.

– Mayor Colleen Mahr

Fanwood Police Food Drive

In a collaborative effort to replenish the local Food Banks, Fanwood Police Chief Richard Trigo and Scotch Plains Police Chief Ted Conley have joined together and have set up food collections sites at their respective police departments.

The police department is accepting any of the following: vegetables, potatoes, jelly, peanut butter, pasta, pasta sauce, tuna fish, coffee, canned fruits, snacks, cake mix, mac and cheese, full-size toiletries, soap, and toilet paper.

Paterson Road Closure Starts May 18 thru 22

Please be advised that commencing on Monday, May 18 at 7:00 A.M. Paterson Road will be milled and paved from North Martine Avenue to Hunter Avenue.  It is anticipated that the work will take approximately one week to complete, weather permitting.

All of the work will be completed from 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.  This will require a full road closure.  Parking will be prohibited on Paterson Road within the work zone during the operation of milling and paving.  Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Detour signs will be posted and Fanwood Police Officers will be on scene to assist with traffic.  All inquiries should be directed to Lieutenant Francisco Marrero of the Fanwood Police Department (908) 322-5000, extension 509.

Fanwood Recreation offering Summer Camp online

Fanwood Recreation announces its first ONLINE Summer Camp! For all the Harry Potter fans and creative kids out there, registration is now open for WORLD OF WIZARDRY CAMP! This camp has sold out every summer for the last several years when we offered it in person, and we expect the same thing to happen online. Space is limited, so if you have a student of the magical arts in your house between the ages of 8 and 13, don’t delay—register now!

For more information about and to register for this camp, please go to fanwoodrecreation.org. More online summer camps will be announced soon.

Fanwood Gold Star Tribute

In an effort to shine a light on those many Fanwoodians who have served our country and paid the ultimate price, the Memorial Day Committee is developing a map for the Gold Star Tribute.

The map traces the route among all of the twelve streets in Fanwood that are named after fallen service members.  Each street sign now has a gold star.  The Committee will place a placard with a history of the fallen at the base of the street sign and we encourage you to visit the sites and remember the sacrifice of these Fanwood heroes.

You are of course discouraged from taking the walk in large groups and know you will practice social distancing on the walk.  We will release the map from this e-blast prior to Memorial Day.

Gold Star Video Tribute

As part of the virtual commemoration of this important occasion, the Fanwood Memorial Day Committee prepared a video tribute to the 12 local Gold Star Heroes along with special messages from Fanwoodians.  The video is expected to be released on Saturday and can be seen on local Fanwood TV.  (Comcast channel 35 or Fios channel 24)

Honoring the Fallen

We invite you to view and share this document of Fanwood service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. We will be honoring these twelve men during Monday’s moment of silence:

  • William J. Brohm Second Lieutenant, US Army
  • Charles S. Burns III Captain, US Army
  • Eugene W. Hendricks Staff Sergeant, United States Air Force
  • Edward M. Klaniecki Specialist Four, US Army
  • Hugh MacLennan Warrant Officer Class II, Royal Canadian Airforce
  • Donald E. Vinton Petty Officer, Third Class, US Navy
  • John T. MacDermott Second Lieutenant, US Army
  • Theodore F. Ginder Private, US Army
  • Walter R. Stewart Staff Sergeant, US Armed Air Force
  • Edward Stagaard Sergeant, US Army
  • Ernst Ashworth Petty Officer, First Class, US Navy Reserve
  • Richard W. Gere Petty Officer, Third Class, US Navy

To view more information on the service members, please click here.

On The Road Back

Today, Governor Murphy laid out an extensive update for the state’s reopening procedure. We urge all Fanwoodians to take the time to read it by clicking the preview image.

THANK YOU, FRIENDS OF THE FANWOOD LIBRARY!

The Friends of the Fanwood Library recently donated $4,000 to support new eBooks and audiobooks for adults, teens and kids. Friends members’ contributions and book sale proceeds made this donation possible. The Friends also sponsor the eBooks and audiobooks that we offer through eLibraryNJ.

The library will continue to add new material all summer long. Keep logging into RBdigital and Libby to find new favorites. Register on our website if you don’t have the apps. Need help? Contact library@fanwoodlibrary.org.

We are grateful to the Friends for this generous gift that helps us keep our community reading while we’re staying safe at home.

A Message from Kessler Rehab

At Kessler Rehabilitation Center, there is nothing more important to us than your health and safety during this unprecedented time. We are taking extensive preventative measures, guided by the CDC, to protect our patients and employees who enter our centers. These protocols include Patient and staff screening & masking, hand-washing & deep cleaning procedures, equipment, supply & delivery safety audits, and TeleRehab.

For more information please visit:  https://link.edgepilot.com/s/8aa89777/6xjxdril-kaaZu7VTZZ-mg?u=http://www.kessler-pt.com/

Fanwood Hosting Virtual Memorial Day Observance

Because we are unable to gather together this year to honor the fallen, the Memorial Day Committee invites you to make your own video remembrance to be included in the Fanwood video tribute.

Feel free to be creative, if you wish to offer a patriotic tune or other creative/artistic material feel free to express yourself.

  • Please send your video via email (NO TEXTS) in full resolution to FanwoodGoldstars@gmail.com
  • Please shoot horizontal, and not the vertical cell phone look.
  • Your video should be brief, no longer than 2 minutes.
  • Submission Deadline. Midnight, Monday, May 18

Important information for Second Quarter 2020 Tax Payments

In line with Governor Murphy’s executive order, the Borough of Fanwood has extended the normal May 1st property tax payment grace period to June 1st. This action supersedes the action the Borough Council took last month to reduce the interest rate applied to late payments.

Since Borough Hall is currently closed to the public, payments should be submitted as follows:

  • Regular Mail mail to tax collector 75 N Martine Avenue, Fanwood NJ 07023
  • Online on our homepage click on the sidebar for tax/utility payments; you will be directed to a site to make an online payment using credit card or e-check (additional charges are applied when paying online see information listed on payment site)
  • Drop-off there is a mail slot located on the wall outside of the front entrance to borough hall labeled tax and sewer payments drop payment inbox it will go into a secure payment box inside of the building.

Property Owners should take note of the additional fees that are charged on credit card payments. These charges are not imposed by the Borough of Fanwood but by the entity that will process the payment.  This site has been set up as a convenience.  The upcharges are as follows:

  • $1.05 to send an e-check
  • $3.95 for Visa Debit
  • 2.95% upcharge for credit card payments