A Message from Mayor Mahr
Today, the state reported another 400 COVID-19 positive test results, bringing the statewide total to 169,142. Union County currently has a total of 16,322 confirmed cases. According to the Westfield Regional Health Department, Fanwood’s number stands at 96 cases.
As we slowly reenter the world, this week we will see the opening of personal care salons, pools, and campgrounds. Of course, there will be occupancy limits and mandated mask-wearing, but it’s a great sign that our businesses can start reopening. I was happy to see so many of you dining al fresco as restaurants began their road back last week – and hope that when you feel comfortable to return to the marketplace of personal services you will remember Fanwood Businesses First!
On Wednesday, June 24 at 7 PM with the Board of Education, Social Justice Matters, and the leadership of both Scotch Plains and Fanwood, the TRTH Committee continues the Listening Tour with “Listen to Our Youth on Policing in Our Community.” The students participating in these events have proven to be a valuable resource and I encourage you all to go to the Fanwood Facebook page to view live on Wednesday.
Last week the borough mailed the estimated 3rd Quarter tax bill, and a LOT of questions have followed. The bill is an estimate because the State of NJ has yet to finalize its budget. We have never had to send an estimate in the past, so I understand there are questions.
The timing is unfortunate, but the new tax bill you just received ALSO reflects the outcome of the Union County-mandated property tax reassessment that was completed in December 2019.
I have scheduled a special meeting for Thursday, June 25 at 7 PM to hear from you and assist in interpreting your property tax bill and answering your questions as to how it was formulated. Please see below for instructions on how to participate in this virtual meeting.
And 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
Hometown Heroes
Another of the unsung heroes of the COVID pandemic is our own Jo-Ann Crifasi.
Jo-Ann sewed her fingers to the bone creating facemasks as a fundraiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer. After raising more than $7,000 for the fund JoAnn is putting down her needles for a minute to enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Thank you Jo-Ann for serving the broader community with your facemasks while raising an incredible sum for this beautiful cause.
Jo-Ann is pictured here with Minnie Mouse and Jo Ann’s late granddaughter Summer, whose passing inspired the family’s efforts on behalf of Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
For more information on Alex’s Lemonade Stand. please go to alexslemonade.org.
Special Council Meeting to discuss Recently Received Estimated Tax Bills
Thursday, June 25 at 7 PM
Please join Mayor Colleen Mahr, CFO Fred Tomkins, Tax Collector Colleen Huehn, and other Borough officials for a Q & A regarding the estimated Tax Bill you recently received.
The bill is an estimate because the State of New Jersey has not yet determined its budget. To review your current bill and property tax history, go to https://wipp.edmundsassoc.com/Wipp/?wippid=2005.
You may recall in 2019 Union County mandated that the Borough reassess all properties. This process was completed in December 2019 and your current tax bill reflects the revised assessment.
For those of you dissatisfied with the new assessment, you may file an appeal with Union County by July 1, 2020. The required documents to file an appeal can be found at https://ucnj.org/taxation-board/tax-appeal-forms-and-guidelines/
Please DO NOT multiply the 3rd quarter amount by 4, that will NOT be reflective of the 2020 total.
I encourage you to join the meeting and let us know your concerns. Below you will find instructions on how to connect to this virtual meeting. Questions may be submitted to gotomeeting@fanwoodnj.org for the discussion. If you are unable to participate, please send your questions to the Tax Collector at CHuehn@fanwoodnj.org or Mayor Mahr at mayor@fanwoodnj.org.
Join Zoom Meeting via Video
https://zoom.us/j/92994814698?pwd=cUh1RWZEaTdxb004aUlMbFVSV2N6QT09
Meeting ID: 929 9481 4698
Password: 890891
Call-in #
+1 929 436 2866 US
Meeting ID: 929 9481 4698
Password: 890891
Via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fanwoodnewjersey/
Questions may be submitted by electronic mail to the following address: gotomeeting@fanwoodnj.org.
Congratulations Top Fanwood Graduate, Josie Cerino
Congratulations to Josie Cerino for achieving the highest grade point average of all Fanwood 2020 graduates. Josie’s quick mind and natural academic gifts will serve her well as she begins her studies at Stevens Institute. Good luck Jose, your hometown is very proud!
June 24 Planning Board Meeting to be Remote
The June 24 Planning Board meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m.will be remote via video conference and available for live-stream. The meeting agenda and exhibits can be found on Fanwood’s Planning Board page. This meeting is open to the public for questions and comments. Below are the instructions to join:
Live-stream
Video link
Meeting ID: 936 1173 6040
Password: 035362
Dial-in information
Phone: (929) 436-2866 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 936 1173 6040
Password: 035362
Contactless Libraries Open
Fanwood Memorial Library, in tandem with the Scotch Plains Public Library, will begin contact-less curbside pick-ups today.
Residents will be able to place holds through the online system or by phone.
Call the Fanwood Library at (908) 322-6400 during the following hours:
9:30 -12:30 on Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri
12:30 – 4:00 on Tuesday
Fanwood Recreation Expands Online Summer Offerings
Fanwood Recreation has added Karate for Beginners, Hip Hop Experience Dance, Young Rembrandts Art Workshops, and Chess to its ONLINE Summer schedule for kids, along with its Make It a Mystery, English Essay Writing, ACT Boot Camp, Study Skills and SAT Boot Camp programs.
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 about and to register for these programs, please go to fanwoodrecreation.org. More ONLINE summer programs are still being added!
