Volume XIII| July 31, 2020
A Message from Mayor Moench
Dear Bridgewater Resident,
 
I hope this message finds you and your family in good health. I remain so encouraged and proud of this community, despite all of the challenges. Neighbors are helping neighbors and everyone seems to be pitching in. According to the numbers provided to us by our health officials, the curve in Bridgewater has undoubtedly flattened. No one individual or government is responsible for that progress. It takes the will and strength of an entire community.

Despite the progress we have made, I encourage you to continue to practice common sense by following the safety guidelines outlined by our State and local heath officials. We must remain vigilant. Please continue to support your community by patronizing local businesses. Be generous with not only your time and resources but with your kindness toward your fellow community members.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email. Have a safe and healthy rest of your day!

 
Sincerely,
Matthew C. Moench
Mayor
COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE
The Township is hosting another blood drive on Tuesday, August 25th from 1:00PM to 6:00PM. Click on the flyer above or the button below to schedule an appointment. Our first drive was filled in just hours! We will continue hosting these events based on the generosity and selflessness of our community. Thank you!!
COMMUNITY SHRED EVENT ON AUGUST 8TH
Bridgewater will be hosting an "Operation Secure Shred" event with Somerset County at the Municipal Complex from 9:00AM to 1:00PM on Saturday, August 8th.

Documents are commercially shredded safely, privately, and properly by trained, licensed, and bonded document destruction specialists. Staples and paperclips do not have to be removed. Residents can bring documents in up to six boxes, containers, or bags per visit and may stay and watch as their documents are shredded. Residents will be asked to take back their receptacles.

The following recyclable items will not be accepted: junk mail, magazines and newspapers. The 2019 Recycling Collection Schedule and more are available at www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle.

“Operation Secure Shred” events are free of charge for Somerset County residents; pre-registration is not required. N o businesses allowed No commercial vehicles allowed. Proof of residency is required (current driver's license, valid lease, tax bill or any other bill with a Somerset County address).

Operation Secure Shred is sponsored by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders in cooperation with the county  Department of Public Works .  For more information, call 908-203-6018 or email  PublicWorks@co.somerset.nj.us
MAYOR MOENCH CO-HOSTS SBA WEBINAR FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
The webinar was led by Kathy Cook, SBA External Affairs Specialist. Businesses heard about how to request reconsideration for a COVID-19 Working Capital Loan and were provided an opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A session. Please share this information with any business owners you may know!
HEALTH

The Health Department continues to work with health officials to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, and to keep the public as informed as possible. At this time we will respond to any complaints filed in our office, but we have postponed routine inspections until we can ensure the safety of our residents, businesses, and Township employees. If you encounter an issue that requires immediate attention, you can still reach us by phone or email. Please click the button below for contact information.  

SENIOR CENTER

                                          
  We are happy to announce additional virtual classes to the regularly scheduled virtual programs the Senior Center has to offer. Kim Minerley from Rehab at Rivers Edge, has kindly offered to present a 5 week class on horticulture. Join us as we take a tour of the culinary and decorative plant world and how we can implement them into our day to day.
The topics covered each week are as follows:
 
Week 1:  Garden Tour  - We will take a tour of 'Farmer' Kim's garden! We may even get to harvest!
 
Week 2:  The Patio Garden  - We will talk about small gardens that we can keep on our patio, stoop or deck! We will talk specifically about the Italian Garden and a Snack Garden
 
Week 3:   Culinary Herbs  - We will learn about various herbs and their uses and hope to in the kitchen whip up a dish containing the herbs we harvest!
 
Week 4:  Growing Phalaenopsis Orchids  - We will be learning about Orchids and replanting properly.
 
Week 5:  Happy & Healthy Succulents   - We will be learning about various succulents; how to propagate, how to replant, how to group them and care for them.

Contact Jen Osterberg at josterberg@bridgewaternj.gov for more info !


CLERK

The Township Clerk’s Office is up and running.  We are here to assist with our daily functions via mail, email or fax.  We are currently making appointments for those who need specific services.   We are here assisting the governing body with upcoming meetings (via broadcast), available for licensing including but not limited to dogs, cats, raffles, bingo and other games of chance and other duties as imposed by statute, regulation or municipal ordinance. 
 
2020-2021 Cat Licenses are renewed annually beginning the month of June, if you haven’t yet licensed please see below for details.
 
Mail–In payment or Drop off payment with a self addressed stamped envelope at the Municipal Building vestibule and place in the Clerk Office box to be processed and returned.
 
Cost: $5.00 Spayed/Neutered; $8.00 if NOT Spayed/Neutered
New cat application forms can be found at  http://www.bridgewaternj.gov/twpclerk.html
 
Rabies must be good for the licensing period which means thru April, 2021 for renewal. Proof of current rabies vaccinations must be provided. Proof of spaying/neutering is required unless previously provided.
 
Rabies is a serious concern of Township Officials. By licensing, we know your pet has been properly vaccinated.  Should you no longer have your cat please note on the reminder card and return to Bridgewater Township Clerk Office at 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, so notices to renew do not continue.
   
For Registrar/Vital Records and Statistics, please see the information below for Marriage or Civil Union applications.
 
 
 
Community Shred Event
Bridgewater Township in collaboration with Somerset County, Department of Public Works will be hosting a Secure Shred Event for the Community and Somerset County residents only on August 8, 2020, from 9am to 1pm (or until the three shred trucks are full) rain or shine! So come and have your confidential papers professionally shred by a state licensed and bonded shred company. It’s free, secure and convenient.


MUNICIPAL SERVICES

TThe Yard Waste is operating normally. Senior Brush pick-up (age 65 or older) is still continuing, contact Public Works for scheduling.
   
There are currently no Bulky Trash days scheduled. We will update when we can hold these events safely.
 
All of our Parks, trail systems and playgrounds are open for use. Governor Murphy has ordered that if you can’t safely social distance (6 feet or more) with people who are not in your household, you must wear a mask or a cloth covering when out in public.   
 
Please do not visit playgrounds if you have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, recently tested positive for COVID-19, or were exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days. If you choose to visit a playground please adhere to the following guidelines:
 
-           Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with. Avoid crowded playgrounds.
 
-           Wash hands  with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

-           Adults and older children who can safely use hand sanitizer: Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and rub hands together until dry, if soap and water are not readily available.
-           Wear a cloth face covering, if you can. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on:
o    Children under age 2;
o    Anyone who has medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask
 
 
Engineering, Code Enforcement, Planning, and Zoning offices are open to the public from 9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday as well as being available by phone and email. DPW is available by phone and email only. Please click the button below for contact information.



POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Police have seen an uptick in scams targeting the elderly and families. Acting Chief Paul Payne has provided the following links so residents can be informed.




To protect the officers and personnel of the Bridgewater Police Department, as well as the community from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), we will be implementing a hybrid reporting process that allows an officer to contact you by phone (or respond directly in certain circumstances)after the incident has been reported to Somerset County Communications. Officers will contact you at the number provided to dispatch for crimes/incidents such as Harassment (Phone Calls and non-Domestic Violence), Hit and Run Accidents, Fraud and Financial Crimes, Identity Theft, Thefts, Lost Property, Criminal Mischief, Property Damage, and Threats. Please note that telephone reports are intended for offenses that do not require a police response due to violence or the need to collect evidence. The officer will confirm with the complainant that:

• This is not an emergency.
• The complainant knows that filing a false police report is a crime.
• The incident occurred within the Bridgewater Township limits.
• The complainant understands that the Bridgewater Township Police Department will review this case and may contact them if further information is needed.

After the Report is taken:

• When finished with the call, the officer will give the complainant a case number to reference at a later date and time.
• If documents are needed, such as written statements, have the complainant fax or email them to you, have the complainant bring them to the police department, or lastly, meet the complainant outside in the open.

Please note that telephone reports are intended for offenses that do not require a police response due to violence or the need to collect evidence.

This process allows the public to report crimes in which the complainant does not have access to a computer to utilize the self-reporting system located on our website.

Anyone requesting a copy of an incident report can call our Records Bureau at 908-725-4044 or email Records@bridgewaterpd.com . A copy of the report can be emailed back to the requesting party. Make sure to provide your name, phone number, email address, and case number.

Crash reports can be obtained by utilizing https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/

We will do our best to assist the public in any way we can. However we need the community to follow the recommendations of the CDC and limited their exposure risks.


RECREATION

Registration is open for Bridgewater Recreation's Summer programs!
 
We are currently accepting registration for our remaining Basketball Clinics with former NBA player and Bridgewater native Eric Murdock and his staff. The program will run in the mornings, Monday - Thursday, with 4 remaining sessions to choose from. It is open to players entering grades 4 - 8 (2020 - 2021 school year). Additional information can be found at   http://brd.leagueapps.com/camps/1685992-basketball... .
 
Also available are our Soccer Skills Clinics  with DTS training staff. These week long clinics, open to players ages 7 - 12, will be offered at either 8:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. There are still 2 weeks available to choose from. Please go to   http://brd.leagueapps.com/camps/1682920-soccer-ski...  for more details.
 
Bridgewater Recreation and Club Pilates have teamed up to offer Club Pilates FIT Mat Classes for adults 18 years of age and older! These heart-pumping, functional, interval training Pilates classes are offered Tuesday mornings at Glen Park. For more details please visit http://brd.leagueapps.com/camps/1711219-club-pilates-fit-mat-class---summer-2020 . This is an outdoor program. Space is strictly limited and participants must be registered in advance, no exceptions.
 
Missed our Crafternoon Sessions? We are now offering Curbside Crafts . Complete craft kits are available for pickup. Visit https://brd.leagueapps.com/pages/registration  to see a variety of fun projects, including Hello Sunshine Tote Bag, Hot Shot Soccer Craft, Three-Pointer Basketball Craft & more. Supplies are limited. Registration is open to Bridgewater residents only. Prices vary by project. Registration and details for the projects are available on our website. Check back often for additional projects!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Please follow us on Twitter, @bridgewaterrec or on Bridgewater Township's social media sites for the latest information. If you have any questions please call the Bridgewater Recreation Department at (908)725-6373.
  
Continue to stay well, be active, and stay positive.



FINANCE

The Finance Department is continuing its full operation.  Residents can submit tax and sewer payments online with the ACH fees waived.

Pay online:

TAX BILL PAYMENT:

SEWER BILL PAYMENT:

Payments can also be mailed either to the Township Lock box in Newark or to the municipal building.

Bridgewater Tax Collector
P.O. Box 24005
Newark, NJ 07101-0406

or

Bridgewater Township
c/o Tax Collector
100 Commons Way
Bridgewater, NJ 08807


To reach Township Finance, Tax Collector or Tax Assessor offices you may send them an email. Please click the button below for contact information. 
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
The COVID-19 prevention guidelines for Bridgewater residents can help you stay healthy:

  • Stay at home (unless obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family or close friends, reporting to work, or engaging in outdoor activities.)
  • Avoid close contact with people outside your household (within 6 feet).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If they are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, switches, cabinet handles, remotes, tables, counters, sinks, toilets, etc.
 
What should I do if I am sick?

  • Stay home. Avoid close contact with other people (within 6 feet), including family members.
  • Cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue or your sleeve, not your hands.
  • Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you have trouble breathing.
 
After I get sick, how do I know that I'm recovered?

  • You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (without using fever-reducing medication)
  • AND
  • your other symptoms have improved (for example, your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
  • AND
  • at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
 
Visit  https://covid19.nj.gov/   or  https://www.coronavirus.gov/   for more information.


Healthcare Workers: For working around the clock and facing this pandemic so bravely on the front lines.

Emergency Responders: For serving our community so bravely especially in these times of uncertainty. Putting yourselves in harms way every single day to ensure that we can stay safe and healthy.

Teachers: For adapting so quickly to this crisis and making sure that our children are still getting the education that they need.

Our Residents: For staying calm and patient in this trying time, following the guidelines set out by the Country's public heath authority and for helping your your neighbors in every way that you can.

This is not the new normal...we WILL be back!
What other information would you like to see? Please click the link below and give us feedback on items that you think should be included.
Matthew C. Moench, Mayor
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