A Message from Mayor Mahr
Earlier today the state reported another 4,391 positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total to 75,317. The current total in Union County is 7,904 per the state tracking.
Fanwood has 47 confirmed cases. In the last 24 hours, Fanwood has had an additional loss to COVID, being a 74-year old man with underlying conditions. This brings the Fanwood total to 5 deaths, 3 within the long-term-care facility. Our thoughts are with the entire community in this time of loss.
As of today, the governor advised that the schools will remain closed until May 15, at which point it will be reevaluated.
Below you will see stories of the good works so many in our community are performing each day. I applaud their efforts and encourage each of us to do our part to help each other get through this stressful time.
If you are in need of assistance or have assistance to offer, please contact me directly at mayor@fanwoodnj.org. I am here to serve you.
– Mayor Colleen Mahr
Second Quarter Taxes Due May 1
The Mayor & Council of the Borough of Fanwood recognizes the effects this deadly virus has had on the community and wishes to mitigate, to the extent possible, these disastrous consequences on those who reside in the Borough.
Because it is within our power to fix interest rates for delinquent payments, we have resolved to extend the “grace period” for late payments from May 10th to May 31st, 2020. Further, the Council has determined that the interest rate for payments made after the May 31st deadline will be assessed at .00001%. You can read the full resolution here.
Second Quarter 2020 Tax Payments are due May 1. Payments must reach the Tax Collector on or before the end of the May 31 grace period to avoid interest charges.
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.
Council Meeting Monday, April 20
On Monday, April 20 at 7 pm the Fanwood Council will meet for our regularly scheduled meeting. We encourage the public to participate electronically. To download instructions, please click here.
Joint Statement from Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr and Scotch Plains Mayor Al Smith
Sadly, we wish to inform the community that the 2020 SPF Memorial Day Concert and Parade has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The SPF Memorial Day committee chaired by Ralph Checchio shared the decision today with the Mayors of Scotch Plains and Fanwood.
We understand the importance of these events to our communities and it is not a decision taken lightly, but with a strong conviction that it is in the best interest of the health and welfare of those marching and those who line the route that we support this decision. Chairman Checchio and the volunteers have put in countless hours planning, raising funds and executing these events that are a beloved tradition in our communities and we thank them for their dedication and efforts. They plan to be back in 2021 to host these great events.
We have agreed that in the coming weeks to discuss ways that we can honor our SPF veterans while maintaining all the prudent social distancing guidelines that now guide our way of life. One bright spot is that the Hometown Hero Banners will soon be put on full display with our American Flags and are glad to see many new banners that will line our streets.
The federal government’s stimulus checks will start arriving to homes all over the country beginning this week. If you are curious to find out the status of your check, please visit IRS.gov.
Good News in Hard Times
The Scotchwood Florist at 265 South Avenue in Fanwood is currently running a COVID-inspired Rainbow Ribbon Fundraiser, with funds going to the Fanwood Rescue Squad. Pictured is Lori De-Milt Flowers (center) making the donation to Mayor Colleen Mahr (Left) and Fanwood Rescue Squad Treasurer Nam-June Joe (right).
The Borough is grateful to Scotchwood Florist and all the residents who have contributed to this fund so far. To participate in this fundraiser, please contact Scotchwood Florist at 908 322-4569.
Local Businesses Feeding Front Line Workers
FLAG of SPF has sent meals and comfort items to Overlook Hospital, RWJ Rahway Hospital, Trinitas in Elizabeth and JFK Medical Center in Edison. We have purchased meals and items from SP and FW Dunkin Donuts, Sheelen’s Crossing, Fabio’s, Bagel Plus, Fanwood Bagel, and local shops.
To contribute:
Cash or check:
Payable to:
Maggie Savoca
106 Woodruff Place
Fanwood, NJ 07023
Online: GoFundMe.com
If you are a business that can provide breakfast items- must all be individually wrapped and prepared using Food Safety precautions, email maggiesavoca@gmail.com.
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman’s Website Provides Resources
On her website, Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman states “As our nation continues efforts to mitigate both the spread and impact of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, I am committed to providing you with as much information and as many resources as possible to keep your family healthy and secure during, and in the immediate aftermath of this crisis. While I’m working on legislation that will provide resources for families hit by layoffs or other coronavirus-related challenges, I’m also working with state and federal leaders to get New Jersey every tool it needs to see us through this.”
The Congresswoman’s website has compiled a number of different resources at
