Mayor’s Community Update: September 16, 2022
Here is a Catch Up of this Past Week in New Providence and Some of the Many Exciting Things Going On and Upcoming in our Community:
This week we honored and remembered 9/11, all our lost, their families, and their loved ones. We also honored our emergency management teams who help keep us safe: our brave first responders, our police, our fire department, our EMS, all of our front line workers, and volunteers. We reflected and prayed that we never experience anything like this ever again. We will never forget.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Our New Providence Diversity Committee is hosting an entire fun filled educational month from Sept 15th – Oct 15th full of events and activities for all ages to celebrate Hispanic Heritage: https://www.newprov.org/2022/09/celebrate-national-hispanic-heritage-month/
We are celebrating National Library Card Month by promoting #SeptemberSignUp. The NP Library is hosting a contest! Post a pic or video of yourself holding your NP Library Card to Facebook, Instagram or TikTok with the hashtags #SignUpSeptember and #newprovlibrary
Lots of great community events this weekend including the Book Festival, FreeCycle, and Plant Exchange. See below in the UPCOMING section of this update for all the details!
Utility upgrades are continuing around the borough. Please be patient during these delays and detours while this important work continues.
– – – – – – – – – – –
ELECTION 2022:
EARLY VOTING:
General Election Early Voting Dates Available at the New Providence DeCorso Community Center 15 E. Fourth Street:
* Saturday, October 29, 2022: 10am – 8:00pm
* Sunday, October 30, 2022: 10am – 6:00pm
* Monday, October 31, 2022: 10am – 8:00pm
* Tuesday, November 1, 2022: 10am – 8:00pm
* Wednesday, November 2, 2022: 10am – 8:00pm
* Thursday, November 3, 2022: 10am – 8:00pm
* Friday, November 4, 2022: 10am – 8:00pm
* Saturday, November 5, 2022: 10am – 8:00pm
* Sunday, November 6, 2022: 10am – 6:00pm
Voter Registration closes on October 18th – if you have not registered to vote and would like to do so, please visit: https://ucnj.org/boe/voter-outreach/Voter for more information.
Below are a few great opportunities to register to vote for the November 8, 2022 General Election in person:
Upcoming Public Outreach Events:
- Clark – Concert in the Park Oak Ridge Park, 136 Oak Ridge Road on Saturday, September 10 – 6pm – 10pm
- Union College: Elizabeth Campus 40 W Jersey Street on Tuesday, September 13 – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Union College: Plainfield Campus 232 E 2nd Street on Wednesday, September 14 – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Union College: Cranford Campus: 1033 Springfield Avenue on Thursday, September 15 – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Roselle: Cultural Day (Hispanic Heritage Month) Warinanco Park (Sport Center), 1 Park Drive onSaturday, September 17 – 2pm-5pm
- Union Library Voter Registration Event Vauxhall Branch – 123 Hilton Avenue on Tuesday, September 20 – 10am – 2pm
- Linden: September to Remember Linden City Hall 301 N Wood Avenue on Saturday, September 24 – 11am-5pm
- Elizabeth: Puerto Rican Parade & Festival Todd Bowles Field 201-215 Front Street on Sunday, September 25 – 1pm-5pm
- Hillside: Hillside Health Fair on Saturday, October 1 – 8am-2pm
– Rahway: Family Fun Day (Hispanic Heritage Month) Rahway River Park – Parkway Drive on Saturday, October 15 1pm – 5pm
Dates to remember:
- October 18: Voter Registration Deadline for General Election
- November 1: Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail for General Election
- November 8: General Election – Polls are open from 6am – 8pm (refer to your sample ballot for polling place)
– – – – – – – – – – –
LET’S GO GREEN NP:
Please be sure you are signed up for our Recycle Coach: www.newprov.org/recycle-coach
Cartridge Recycling: Cartridge World has kept hundreds of thousands of Ink and LaserJet cartridges out of landfills by recycling them at their location in New Providence. Please join the effort and drop off used cartridges at 1310 Springfield Avenue. Cartridge World – New Providence
Eye Glasses Recycling: If you have any used/unwanted/no longer needed eye glasses, please drop off at the Lions Mailbox in front of the New Providence Memorial Library. All these glasses are used for people in need. New Providence LIONS
Aluminum Can Recycling: New Providence Volunteer Fire Department (newprovidencefire.org) is seeking donations of aluminum cans for the Aluminum Cans for Burned Children program at St. Barnabas Hospital. Over the years, this fundraising activity has provided invaluable financial support to the Burn Foundation. Aluminum cans can be placed in the can cart behind the fire house located on Floral Avenue.
Household Hazardous Waste Recycling: Sept 10th www.ucnj.org/recycle
Scrap Metal Recycling: Saturday, September 17th. Union County’s scrap metal recycling events are drive-up only, and contact-free. Participants must remain in their vehicles at all times. Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed and be easily accessible for staff to remove. For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.
Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection: ucnj.org/green-connection.
Annual Freecycle-Fest Event hosted by our Sustainability Committee will be held on September 17, 2022 (rain date Sept 18, 2022) at the New Providence Community Pool parking lot from 9am – 2pm. This is an opportunity to bring unwanted items to a central location in New Providence for “recycling” with other families. In the past this Freecycle Event has been held simultaneously with the Green Fair. However, the two events will be held on separate dates this year. Thank you to the Sustainability Committee for their good work on this for our community.
NEW addition to this year’s FreecycleFest! Plant and Seed Exchange! Sept 17th (Sat) 9am-2pm (rain date Sun Sept 18th). For guidelines and tips on seeds and cuttings, check out https://tinyurl.com/Plant-Exchange-NP
The weather is perfect for more walking and cycling! Drive Less!
– – – – – – – – – – – – –
NEW PROVIDENCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY:
Learn over 70 world languages as well as English with MANGO LANGUAGES, our new highly-rated language learning app! Just download the app in your app store, then sign up with your NP library card to begin your personalized, adaptive language learning experience! https://connect.mangolanguages.com/newprovidencelibrary/start
BRAINFUSE is back!
– FREE LIVE ONLINE TUTORING
– FREE HOMEWORK HELP
– FREE WRITING LAB
– FREE SKILLS LAB and more, all from certified teachers! All you need is your NP Library Card number to login. Don’t have a library card? Come in to get one during #SignUpSeptember and get entered to win a free gift card to a local NP business, plus a fun library swag bag!
It’s #SignUpSeptember!
– Get your free library card
– Take a Library Tour
– Free giveaways at checkout
– Social Media contest
September is National Library Card Month!
To celebrate, the NP Library is hosting a contest! Post a pic or video of yourself holding your NP Library Card to Facebook, Instagram or TikTok with the hashtags #SignUpSeptember and #newprovlibrary
Don’t have a library card? Come in to get one! Just bring ID and proof of residency (teens age 14+ can show their school ID or PowerSchool acct) to get your FREE Library Card!
A daytime English as a Second Language class is starting at the New Providence Library this fall. Please contact Anita Alvarado at (908) 486-1777 ext. 402 or email aalvarado@literacynj.org. Au pairs and new arrivals to New Providence are all welcome!
Batter-Up Let’s Talk Baseball on the following Mondays 7pm-9pm: 10/10, 11/14, 12/12
Have you seen the new WINDOW DISPLAYS on your way into the library? Stop by the library to check out the new shelves!
Coming in September: A Hispanic Heritage Artifact Display by our Diversity Committee is planned for the library.
Library Calendar of Upcoming Events and Activities: https://www.newprovidencelibrary.org/events/library-calendar/month.calendar/2022/09/15/-
Have you made the switch to the Libby app? It offers the best reading experience for all ages and has the same great content you love in the OverDrive app! Get in-app support with any questions you may have. https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/switchtolibby
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
NEW PROVIDENCE HISTORICAL SOCIETY:
BOOK FESTIVAL this Sat. Sept. 17 on the grounds of the Salt Box Museum!
Cemetery tours at the New Providence Presbyterian Church will return October 15th at 1pm and 2pm for Union County’s Four Centuries Weekend. John Sponauer, New Providence Historical Society member, researcher, and tour guide educates attendees on the difference between a cemetery and a graveyard, shares many interesting and intriguing historical facts, cemetery folklore, and shows the final resting places of some of the New Providence founding families and Revolutionaries. Tours are limited to 20 persons. The tours are approximately 30-45 minutes. To reserve your spot please send an email to NPcemeterytours@gmail.com. Indicate the date/time you wish to attend along with the size of your party. You will receive a confirmation email. ***You must email to reserve your spot*** Please Note: Footing may be uneven in some areas, so suitable footwear recommended!
Please Support our New Providence Historical Society. They are always looking for people who have an interest in local history, an interest in joining and supporting their mission. For more information and/or to donate please visit https://newprovidencehistorical.com/about/ or call (908)665-1034.
The New Providence Historical Society also puts out a newsletter called Turkey Tracks: https://newprovidencehistorical.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/turkeytracks-issue129.pdf
– – – – – – – – – – – – – –
RECREATION:
Fall Offerings for Youth and Adults: https://www.newprov.org/recreation/
Recreation Community Events: www.newprov.org/community-events
DECORSO COMMUNITY CENTER (www.newprov.org/seniors): All senior programs take place at the center unless otherwise noted.
- Walking Club Restart, Wednesdays, 10am – For bus transportation to the Center, please call (908) 665-0046 or e-mail decorsocenter@newprov.us two days in advance.
- Game Day, Wednesdays 11am – Gather your friends to socialize and play any game you’d like. Cards, Scrabble, and dominoes are available at the Center, or bring your own game to play! Club member Bert will be leading a game of Wizard, a fun card game that you can try out! There is also a Ping Pong table set up in the back room for those who would like to play. The picnic tables on the patio will also be available if the weather is nice! For bus transportation, please call (908) 665-0046 or e-mail decorsocenter@newprov.us two days in advance.
- Knitting Lessons and Knitting Club, Thursdays 1pm The regular knitting club will then resume on Thursday, October 13, at 1pm. Bring your own project and enjoy the conversation. All seniors are welcome! Call 908-665-0046 to get more information.
- Bingo, Fridays 11am – Bring a friend and enjoy the fun! Bingo cards are 50 cents each. For bus transportation, please call (908) 665-0046 or e-mail decorsocenter@newprov.us two days in advance.
- Welcome Back Country and Western Picnic, Wednesday, September 28, 12pm – Join friends for some good old boy country music and dancing!!! Enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, Italian sausage, French fries, onion rings, corn-on-the-cob, lemonade, iced tea, and watermelon. Wear your western duds and get ready to have a boot-scootin’ boogie time!!! Cost $15. Tickets are on sale now at the Center. Last day to purchase tickets is September 21. Make checks payable to NPSCC. For bus transportation, please call (908) 665-0046 or e-mail decorsocenter@newprov.us two days in advance.
NURSE’S HOURS: The New Providence Public Health Nurse, Jennifer Aranda, will be at the DeCorso Center on Wednesday, September 21 beginning at 10:00a.m. to give blood pressure screenings and answer questions. Please stop by the Card Room to see her before the Club meeting.
NPSC CLUB MEETING – Meet A Neighborly Travel Advisor Over Coffee
Summer may be over, but you can plan your next vacation! Wednesday, September 21 at 11am for a meeting of the New Providence Senior Citizens Club and a presentation by Nish Verma, Trusted Travel Advisor. Nish is a “Travel Guru and Guide” based in Berkeley Heights who believes everyone should travel with ease in affordable comfort. Join him at the NPSC Club meeting to learn about: removing the complexities of travel planning and booking, understanding the changes in global health and safety protocols post-pandemic, and planning a senior-specific travel adventure. He will address all of your travel-related questions and concerns. Coffee & donuts will be provided, so RSVPs are appreciated for planning purposes. For bus transportation, please call (908) 665-0046 or e-mail decorsocenter@newprov.us 2 days in advance.
JEWELRY MAKING
Jewelry making is a great hobby for people of all ages. We have beads of many different colors, shapes, and designs, with the goal of pairing several of them and turning them into wearable art. Jewelry making not only develops creativity but actually strengthens muscles in the hands. Join us on Thursday, September 22 at 11am. E-mail decorsocenter@newprov.us or call (908) 665-0046 two days in advance to register.
ATLANTIC HEALTH VIRTUAL PROGRAM on Head and Neck Cancers and the Role of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): A Brief Overview – September 23 at 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Learn the various signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer. Discussion will include how HPV can cause head and neck cancer and options for treatment. Presented by Tom Thomas, MD, Director, Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery & Trans Oral Robotic Surgery, Morristown Medical Center. Email decorsocenter@newprov.us by Tuesday, September 20 to register and to receive the Zoom link.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
HEALTH & WELLNESS:
MONKEYPOX: CDC recommends vaccination for people who might have been exposed to monkeypox. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3AftSRE. More information on MPX can be found at: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/monkeypox.shtml
Union County Monkeypox Vaccination Clinics 2022: WARINANCO SPORTS CENTER 1 PARK DRIVE, ROSELLE, NJ
FIRST DOSE: 9/16 3pm-7pm
SECOND DOSES: 10/12 1pm-5pm; 10/13 9am-1pm; 10/14 3pm-7pm
COVID: For details about Union County’s mobile COVID-19 vaccination services, testing, clinics, including locations and hours of operation please visit www.ucnj.org/covid19 or call 908-613-7829. Home-bound residents may be eligible for a home vaccination visit.
FLU: https://ucnj.org/covid19/flu-clinics/
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
New Providence Municipal Alliance (www.newprov.org/municipalalliance) (NPMA) – The mission of the New Providence Alliance is to identify abuse environments and root causes within the community, assess needs, and implement effective education and prevention programs.
September is National Recovery Month. During Recovery Month, the NPMA aims to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders and encourage individuals in need of treatment and recovery services to seek help. Recovery Month celebrates individuals living lives in recovery and recognizes the dedicated workers who provide the prevention, treatment, and recovery support services that help make recovery possible. “Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.”
During National Recovery Month and throughout the year spread the message that:
• Behavioral health is essential to health.
• Prevention works.
• Treatment is effective.
• People recover.
Refer to the Recovery Month website, recoverymonth.net, for additional information on the initiative.
Visit NP Alliance on Facebook or follow them on Instagram on Instagram at @newprovalliance, and visit their website to learn more about how the New Providence Alliance continues to bring programs to our community in an effort to educate people on the dangers of substance use.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
UPCOMING:
September 17th (Sat) 9am – 3pm: New Providence Book Festival returns on the grounds of the Salt Box Museum.
September 17, 2022 9am-2pm (rain date Sun Sept 18th): Annual Freecycle-Fest Event hosted by our Sustainability Committee will be held at the New Providence Community Pool parking lot. This is an opportunity to bring unwanted items to a central location in New Providence for “recycling” with other families. Sustainable New Providence
Sept 17th (Sat) 9am-2pm (rain date Sun Sept 18th): Plant and Seed Exchange, new addition to this year’s FreecycleFest! (rain-date Sunday, Sept 18th). For guidelines and tips on seeds and cuttings, check out https://tinyurl.com/Plant-Exchange-NP
Sept 17th: Fishing Derby for people with disabilities and special needs. This is a free event welcome to all ages, but pre-registration is required: ucnj.org/opsn-reg or call 908-527-4781 for assistance.
Sept 22nd (Thurs) 7pm William Paca Club: Come Support Mayor Al Morgan! All welcome! Free. Refreshments served.
Sept 23rd (Fri): Spanish story time for 3-6 year olds at the library for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Sept 27th (Tues) Borough Council Meeting at Borough Hall
Sept 29th (Thurs) 5pm: PBA 132 Happy Hour Event at Moe’s Bistro. $30
Sept 30th (Fri): Spanish story time for 3-6 year olds at the library for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Oct 1st (Sat) 8am-3pm The New Providence PBA 132’s 5th Annual Car Show at 1378 Springfield Ave in New Providence (Community Pool Parking Lot). Rain date is Oct 2nd. Food trucks! This fun free event showcases some really amazing cars. Car lovers and friends alike will really enjoy this show! Don’t miss it!New Providence PBA Local 132
Oct 1st (Sat) 10am: Craft Fair at the Library
Oct 6th Mayor and Council Debate for the upcoming election. Details forthcoming.
Oct 7th (Fri) 6:30pm-8pm: Chat with the Mayor at Borough Hall Lincoln Meeting Room
Oct 8th (Sat) 7pm-11pm: New Providence Education Foundation Fall Festival at Untied to benefit our schools. Live Band. Cornhole Tournament. Silent Auction. Ticket information coming soon! New Providence Education Foundation
Oct 8th to Nov 1st: Scarecrows returning to our downtown! See New Providence Business Community for sign up and details! Deadline to enter contest is Oct 1st! http://www.newprovbiz.com/calendar/halloween-downtown-trick-or-treating/
October 8th 2pm-3:30pm: National Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Centennial Park with arts, crafts, Latin and folklore dances, a Zumba demonstration, a display of traditional dresses, music, songs, and fun for the whole family! This wonderful event is free and open to all!
Oct 10th (Mon) 7pm-9pm: Batter-Up Let’s Talk Baseball at the library
October 15th (Sat)1pm and 2pm: Cemetery Tours at the Presbyterian Church (See New Providence Historical Society section for sign up details).
Oct 16th 3pm: Hickory Tree Chorus at the Library
October 22nd (Sat) 3pm: New Providence Annual Decorated Pumpkin Contest and Trunk-or-Treat Event at the New Providence Community Pool Parking Lot. Everyone is invited to attend and participate in this fun free family friendly event!
Oct 29th (Sat): Downtown Trick-or-Treating sponsored by our generous businesses. Stores with orange pumpkins on their doors or in their windows will greet trick-or-treaters with candy and fun surprises.
Oct 29th (Sat) 8am-2pm: NPHS Athletics Clothing Drive
Oct 30th (Sun) 10am-4pm: New Providence Street Fair The fair will be held on Springfield Avenue, between South Street and Livingston Avenue
Nov 6th (Sun) 10am-4pm: Paca Club Craft Sale at the William Paca Club The William Paca Club
Nov 8th (Tues) – ELECTION DAY! Don’t forget to VOTE!
Nov 13th 3pm: Banjo Rascals Concert at the Library
Nov 14th (Mon) 7pm-9pm: Batter-Up Let’s Talk Baseball at the library
Dec 2nd: “Night of a Thousand Stars” Community Tree Lighting Event in Centennial Park
Dec 11th 3pm: Cover Girls Concert at the Library
Dec 12th (Mon) 7pm-9pm: Batter-Up Let’s Talk Baseball at the library
– – – – – – – – – – – –
QUICK LINKS:
Borough Council Meetings: youtube.com/channel/UCZzCgFvlBgpSfW-JEVRMXsA
Borough Contact Information and Action Line: www.newprov.org/citizen-action-line
New Providence (Mailed) Calendar: https://www.newprov.org/download/Borough%20Newsletters/2022/2022-Annual-Calendar-most-recent.pdf
NPHS Athletics Calendar: https://sites.google.com/npsdnj.org/nphs-athletics/athletic-schedule
NPTV Schedule: www.sites.google.com/npsdnj.org/cook-nptv/nptv-schedule
Public Works: www.newprov.org/department-of-public-works
Recycle Coach: www.newprov.org/recycle-coach
Senior Citizen Bus: Transportation (with pick up at your home) is available for residents 55+ to ShopRite every Tuesday morning at 8am. Please call the Center at (908) 665-0046 by Monday morning to sign up or for more information.
Smart911 Community Alert System: newprov.org/2022/04/register-today-for-smart-911
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
MISSED AN UPDATE? Mayor’s Community Updates can be found on the borough website and at https://www.mayoralmorgan.com/community-updates
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
KEEP INFORMED with Borough information:
Website – newprov.org
Facebook – @newprovnj
Twitter – @newprovnj
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
FUN FACT: The name “September” comes from an old Roman word, “septem,” which means 7. September was the seventh month of the year on the Roman calendar – It did not become the ninth month of the year until the advent of the Gregorian calendar. Happy September New Providence!
Please feel free to contact me anytime about any issue. Your concerns are my concerns. We are here to serve you. We are a team effort here in NP! Thank you to our outstanding Borough Council, our dedicated administration, employees and staff, our selfless volunteers, our generous local businesses and to all of you for making our community such an incredible place to live and work. Please be sure to support all our wonderful local establishments and SHOP NP! Have a great weekend and week ahead! We are Pioneer Strong!
– Mayor Al Morgan
