A Message from Mayor Mahr

Earlier today, the state reported another 2,207 confirmed COVID-19 positive test results, bringing the statewide total to 102,196. The Westfield Regional Board of Health reports that the Fanwood total of 62 COVID-19 cases remains the same, nine cases being associated with the Chelsea long-term care facility on South Avenue.  While the Board of Health (BOH) would like to report on the numbers of recovered patients, this data collection relies on recovered patients to self-report, which is not occurring consistently.

The Board of Health, serving eight towns, does not have the resources to do follow up interviews at this time.

We do know that people are recovering and we do know that that residents who were hospitalized have come home.  Sadly, some Fanwoodians remain hospitalized and I ask that you keep those families in your prayers.

This week, the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission announced that all agency, road testing, and inspection facilities will remain closed until at least Monday, May 11. The closures are part of the Murphy Administration’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

In addition to expanding online services, the Commission is continuing essential operations, including measures to support commercial trucking to keep the supply chain moving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read the full press statement.

Again, I’d like to remind our entire community that if you are in need of assistance or have assistance to offer, please contact me directly at mayor@fanwoodnj.org.

I wish everyone a safe and happy weekend!

– Mayor Colleen Mahr


The Fifth-Annual Show Must Go On!

Rockin’ For Autism happens tomorrow!

That’s the message from concert organizers, announcing the last-minute switch from an in-person event at La Grande Park to an exciting virtual performance by some of your favorite local and regional bands.

  • Glenn Stuart of the B Street Band
  • Eric Harrison
  • Frank Castucci of Velvet Jones
  • Jammin’ Jenn
  • Craig Kiell of Unforgettable Fire
  • Patrick Bamburak
  •  Matt Levine
  •  Sami Gootman
  • …and more!

Tomorrow’s event will be broadcast online from 6-9 PM. The wide array of performers are all generously donating their time to this cause. So, while you enjoy this fun Saturday night event in your homes, we hope you will open your hearts and wallets to support Autism Awareness and First Responders.

“We at Rockin’ for Autism are sending our support and love to the men and women on the front lines of the pandemic,” explained Jeff Banks, co-chair of the event. “We are offering a great lineup of entertainment when we all need it the most. There’s no obligation to donate, especially if you can’t at the moment, but all proceeds are going to vital charities that serve our community.”

There are three ways to watch and enjoy tomorrow’s annual concert:

  • On the Rockin’ for Autism’s Facebook page via Facebook Live
  • Online at www.rockin4autism.org
  • On television by tuning in to Comcast Channel 35 or Verizon FIOS Channel 24

Donations can be made through one of the following links!

Rockin’ for Autism / Autism NJ

FLAG (Front Line Appreciation Group, SPF Chapter)

Rockin’ For Autism is an annual music festival dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Autism New Jersey, the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Since its inception in 2015, the Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival has raised more than $72,000 for autism-related services and programming. Please visit us on Facebook or www.rockin4autism.org, and follow us on Instagram (@Rockin_for_Autism).

We hope you’ll join us for this wonderful annual event!


A Message from Atlantic Health

If you are experiencing a serious illness or severe symptoms of any kind, please do not put off seeking emergency medical care due to fears of coronavirus. Delaying emergency medical help could worsen symptoms or result in a life-threatening situation. In the event of a medical emergency, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1.

All Atlantic Health System emergency rooms at Overlook, Morristown, and Newton remain open and safe for an emergency of any kind, including both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related illnesses. Please know we have implemented many safety measures to keep our patients and caregivers safe.

What Precautions Are Being Taken at Hospitals? 

  • Everyone entering the hospital must wear a facemask at all times.
  • Patients with COVID-19 are isolated from other patients.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (respirators, face shields/goggles, gloves, and gowns) are worn.
  • Handwashing with soap and water or hand sanitizer gel is strictly enforced.
  • No visitors are allowed (except under extraordinary circumstances).
  • All public areas are cleaned throughout the day using hospital-grade disinfectants. All patient rooms, patient care areas, and equipment are thoroughly cleaned between patients using appropriate disinfectants. Additional cleaning using bleach products is completed in all rooms and areas occupied by a COVID patient.
  • All health care personnel and any visitors are screened for COVID-19 symptoms including a fever prior to entering the hospital.

For more information, visit AtlanticHealth.org/Together.


New Long Term Care Facility Reporting Tool

Understanding the need for the public to receive accurate up to date information on long term care facilities (LTCF), today the Westfield Regional Health Department shared with us a new portal that has been created by the NJ Department of Health concerning COVID 19 and LTCF.

NJ DOH now mandates that all long term care facilities publish information about their facility to the online portal by 2 pm every day. This information will then be used to populate information on the state website.  If you are looking for information specific to the LTCFs this may be helpful. Here is the link to the new portal.


A Guide to Essential & Non-Essential Construction Workers

Who is considered an essential worker and who is considered non-essential? The New Jersey government has an FAQ section for employees and employers looking for clarification, especially in the context of Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order #122 affecting non-essential construction workers. Have questions? Click here.


New Portal to Contact DOL Directly

The Department of Labor created a new web portal that allows New Jersey residents to contact the Department of Labor directly. This is a helpful tool for residents who have questions about their applications. To submit a message, residents must go to www.myunemployment.nj.gov and follow the instructions.


Fanwood Recreation Goes Virtual

Fanwood Recreation is adding more programs to its Spring ONLINE schedule!

Beginning this coming Wednesday, April 29, children ages 11–15 can register for the 3-session Babysitting Certification program.

Also beginning this coming Wednesday and Thursday, Fanwood Recreation offers these 6-session academic enrichment programs: K–2nd Grade Reading, English Essay Writing Class (grades 5–12), and Study Skills Class (grades 6–12).

For more information about and to register for all these programs, please go to fanwoodrecreation.org.


Road Work Updates

Paterson Road and Ridge Way: In late February, work began on the reconstruction of a section of Paterson Road and Ridge Way.  To date, drainage improvements, sewer lining, and new curbing have been completed.  The final step is paving, which will commence next week, weather permitting.  Residents within the project limits will receive notice at least 24 hours before paving begins.

North Martine Avenue: New Jersey American Water has completed the water main installation on North Martine and is now working to complete the service connections.  They expect to complete the work by mid-May.

Martine Avenue: The County has the paving of Martine Avenue scheduled in the coming months.  They will be paving Martine Avenue from North to South Borough limits, except in the downtown area, where the road was recently paved in the last year or so.


PSE&G Outlines steps taken in improving our environment

Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) this week released its inaugural Climate Report detailing how it is preparing for the opportunities and risks associated with climate change and supporting New Jersey and the region to achieve a sustainable future.

The report outlines how climate change is integrated into the organization’s corporate strategy and highlights how PSEG tracks progress on its climate change goals through metrics and targets. The Climate Report also assesses potential implications of the International Energy Agency’s “2DS,” a scenario designed to limit global average temperature increases to less than 2°C by 2050.

In the spirit of Climate Week, we recommend all Fanwoodians take a look at PSE&G’s report, linked below. It is comprehensive, but digestible and concerns all of us.

PSE&G 2020 Climate Report