A Message from Mayor Mahr
Earlier today, the state reported another 516 COVID-19 positive test results, bringing the statewide total to 168,496. Union County currently has a total of 16,291 confirmed cases. As of today, the Westfield Regional Health Department has confirmed an additional case in Fanwood over the past week, bringing our town-wide total to 96.
It is wonderful that the spread of this virus has slowed in New Jersey, but I urge you to continue to be vigilant in protecting yourself and others from contagion by continuing to observe mask-wearing, social distancing, hand washing, and good common sense.
Today, we observe Juneteeth as the anniversary of the date that all of the slaves in the United States were given their liberty. Now more than ever it is important that we celebrate the freedom of all Americans. For a local look at how Juneteenth affects local residents, please watch the Juneteenth Video at socialjusticematters.org.
Related to this celebration is the ongoing “Listening Tour” of the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Committee. This weeks’ event featured current and past students airing their concerns about the racial environment in our school district. I want to express my deep gratitude for the students, who took the time to give us such thoughtful and sincere depictions of what it’s like in our high school from their eyes. Their suggestions will inform future district decision-making so future students of color will have a better experience in our district. Next week on June 24 the next listening tour will feature “Let’s Listen to Our Youth Discuss Policing in our Community”.
And finally, please take a moment to review the notice below on the Estimated Tax bill you will soon receive. If you disagree with your new assessed value, you’ll find detailed information on how to appeal below.
As ever, whether during the pandemic or another time of need, we are here to help. If you need assistance with food insecurity, illness, or unemployment issues, please reach out at mayor@fanwoodnj.org.
– Mayor Colleen Mahr
Important Message on 3rd Quarter Estimated Taxes
In the coming week you will be receiving an Estimated Bill for 3rd quarter taxes, due August 1.
The State of New Jersey notified all municipalities of the delay in the adoption of the State budget and recommended that all municipalities send out estimated 3rd quarter tax bills. To comply with that recommendation, the Borough of Fanwood calculated an estimated 2020 tax rate of 2.756.
In 2019 the Borough had a town-wide re-evaluation; therefore, this estimated bill is based on your new assessed value using the estimated tax rate. Once the State settles their budget and we receive a confirmed tax rate a final bill will be mailed.
In order for you to calculate an estimated 2020 tax total, you can multiply your “new” assessed value by the estimated rate of 2.756.
Please DO NOT multiply the 3rd quarter amount by 4, that will NOT be reflective of the 2020 total. If the estimated rate changes, your final bill will reflect any necessary adjustments.
If you disagree with your new assessed value, you may submit an appeal to Union County. The Appeal Deadline is July 1, 2020. On July 1 Appeals can be filed online up to midnight (12 pm) or must be received by their office by no later than 4 pm. Appeals postmarked on or before July 1 but not received until after July 1 will be rejected.
To begin the appeal process, visit https://ucnj.org/taxation-board/ and select “File A Tax Appeal Online” from the column to the left.
Social Justice Group Aims to Mark Juneteenth with broadcast, “African Americans, Emancipation, and Freedom”
The Juneteenth program will be airing on local TV (Comcast 35 and FiOS 24) on June 19 at 1 pm and 6 pm. It will also air on local channels this Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm, 6 pm, and 7 pm. The program is also available on the Fanwood Facebook page.
Recycling Reminder
Don’t forget we are returning to Thursday Curb Side Pickup.
Put your bins out on Wednesday evening for pickup on Thursday, June 25.
Please consider adding the Recycle Coach app to your phone to be sure to get up-to-the-minutes recycling news.
Contactless Libraries Open Soon
Fanwood Memorial Library, in tandem with the Scotch Plains Public Library, will be starting contact-less curbside pick-ups on Monday, June 22. Residents will be able to place holds through the online system or by phone. Pickup instructions will be available when you place your order.
Details about Fanwood Library Curbside Pickup
Starting Monday, June 22, patrons can once again borrow materials by placing items on hold and using our Curbside Pickup Service.
Holds may be placed on books, books-on-tape, and DVDs. Each cardholder can place up to five holds at one time.
You can place a hold through our online catalog or by calling the library to speak to a staff member. Please don’t leave a message requesting a hold.
You will be notified by email or phone when your holds are available. Once notified, patrons must call the library to reserve a pickup time. Your checkout period begins at your reserved pickup time.
Holds can be picked up in our Lobby at your reserved time. Please remember to wear a mask. Stay Safe!
NEW Fanwood Library Hours
The building is still closed to the public, but staff are available to help by phone during the following hours:
Monday: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Tuesday: 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Friday: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
SPF Scouts hold Food Drive Thru 6/13
Due to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Cub Scouts packs and Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scout) troops will be conducting an SPF Scouting for Food Drive “Thru” on Saturday, June 13 from 9 am – 1 pm at Fanwood Presbyterian.
Summer Programs begin at the Library
On June 23rd The Fanwood Memorial Library will begin the following Virtual Book Clubs each Tuesday.
Timeless Tales & Fantastical Stories
For those in K-3rd grade at 1:30 pm. Stories, Crafts & Activities to Grow Your Imagination.
The Round Table
Families with Kids in Grades K-6 at 5:30. Knights, Dragons, Adventure & More.
Sign up each week at sstaub@fanwoodlibrary.org to get your link. Visit www.fanwoodlibrary.org.
Virtual Storytime and a Craft with Ms. Susan will be held on Wednesdays beginning June 24th.
10:30 am TODDLER TIME for 2 & 3 yr olds
1:30 pm ONCE UPON A TIME for 4 & 5 yr olds
Important information on the July 7, 2020 Primary Election
A reduced number of polling locations will be available on July 7, 2020 to provide voters with only a paper, provisional ballots. Voting machines will only be available for voters with disabilities.
Districts 1, 2, 6, and 7 will vote at Fanwood Borough Hall, 75 N. Martine Avenue, and
Districts 3 and 5 will vote at LaGrande Park Building, 3rd Street Entrance. If you are unaware of which district you reside in. Call the Clerk’s Office at (908) 322-8236 x. 123. Polls will be open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.
- All active, registered Democratic and Republican Voters will automatically receive a Vote by Mail Ballot. Return postage is prepaid. You should have already received yours. If you have not received your Ballot, contact the County Clerk’s Office, Election Division at (908) 527-4996.
- Unaffiliated voters and inactive voters will automatically receive an application for a vote by mail ballot. In order to receive a ballot, you will have to declare a party affiliation. Return postage is prepaid. Applications must be received by the County Clerk by June 23, 2020, in order to receive a Ballot on time. Contact County Clerk if you have not received an application at (908) 527-4996.
- Vote by Mail Ballots postmarked on or before Election Day, July 7, will be counted so long as they are received by July 14, 2020.
- If you don’t want to depend on the mail or are delivering your ballot close to election day, mail-in ballots may be deposited in one of the 5 secure ballot drop boxes located throughout the county. Drop Boxes will be located at the following locations:
- County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
- Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue, East, Westfield, NJ 07090
- Plainfield City Hall, 515 Watchung Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07060
- Mountainside Borough Hall, 1385 Route 22 East, Mountainside, NJ 07092
- Union Municipal Building, 1976 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
- Two Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207
- 300 North Avenue East, Westfield, NJ 07090
- Regular Office Hours – Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm
- Saturday, June 20 – 9 am to 1 pm
- Saturday, June 27 – 9 am to 1 pm
- Thursday, July 2 – 9 am to 8 pm
- Monday, July 6 – 9 am to 8 pm
- Tuesday, July 7 Election Day – 9 am to 8 pm
- You will not automatically be registered for Vote By Mail in future elections.
- For more information, you may contact the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.
- If you are unaware of which district you reside in, contact Kathleen Holmes, Borough Clerk (908) 322-8236 x. 123.
A Message from Fanwood Chief Trigo
All of the members of the Fanwood Police Department appreciate the dedicated decades of service of Lt. Frank Marrero.
He has touched the lives of many and we wish him Godspeed.
Fanwood Local Business Update
Fanwood Animal Hospital announces the opening of its new, state of the art facility at 137 South Avenue. Their beautiful new animal hospital with expanded parking is open for business. If your dog or cat is feeling under the weather or is due for a wellness checkup, please reach out to the team at 908-322-7500 for an appointment.
A reminder that our downtown is re-opening with restaurants now offering outdoor dining and bringing back diners at a safe distance. All eateries will continue to offer take-out and at Sheelans, you CAN get a takeout cocktail!
Our retailers are permitted to open for in-person shopping with safety protocols such as 50% store capacity. Be sure and remember Norman’s Hallmark and Enchantments for your Father’s Day and graduation shopping.
Be well and enjoy beginning to safely return to more of our Fanwood businesses.
Fanwood Recreation Online Summer Programs for Seniors
Beginning the week of June 29 and ending the week of August 31, Fanwood Recreation will be offering these weekly online programs for Seniors: Zumba Gold, Gentle Yoga, and Meditation. The fee for registering for Zumba and Yoga is only $15 for each 10-session program, and Meditation is free. For more information and to register, please visit fanwoodrecreation.org.
