Volume XIV| August 21, 2020
A Message from Mayor Moench
Dear Bridgewater Resident,
 
I hope this message finds you and your family in good health. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the patience and diligence you displayed in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias. From the outage numbers that were reported, it appears, that Bridgewater fared comparatively well to our surrounding communities.

However, one resident with a prolonged outage is too many and I know many of you were greatly inconvenienced by power loss in your homes. I would like to acknowledge our Office of Emergency Management, Police Department, Volunteer Emergency Services, Division of Public Works and members of our Administration who sprung into action to address resident issues and advocated fiercely with the utility companies to ensure they were prioritizing Bridgewater's power restoration.

Over the coming weeks, I will be working on various proposals at the State and local level that will not only try to hold accountable these power companies but that attempt to allow the Township to be more creative on how we approach energy reliability and allow residents an easier path to ensure their own power resiliency.

This is not going to be the last storm we experience in Bridgewater. Every individual in this State and in this community is a stakeholder and we all have a role to play.

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 SOLD OUT!
Thank you so much to our generous community for selflessly selling out our 2nd Township blood drive in as many months. We are so proud to live and work in a place that cares so much about the welling being and health of others. Please be on the lookout for future blood drive events!
TWO TOWNSHIP OPEN SPACE PROPERTIES DEDICATED FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS
At the Bridgewater Township Council meetings on August 3rd and August 17th respectively, two properties of Township Open Space were dedicated to residents.

Vaucher Revolutionary Preserve at Steele's Gap

The first was the former Wemple Property which is situated near Foothill Rd. and Twin Oaks Rd., was officially named the "Vaucher Revolutionary Preserve at Steele's Gap." The namesake for the property is 101 year old Bridgewater resident, and World War II veteran, Bob Vaucher, who helped lead the public/private partnership it took to preserve this land.

The Township held a small dedication event last week and you can see some pictures below. Also below, is a video produced by D&R Greenway which documents the history of the property and the efforts to preserve it.
Hancock Preserve

At the most recent Council Meeting, the Open Space property on North Bridge Street was officially named the "Hancock Preserve," after the family that had owned it for generations. For more information on this dedication, please click here to read the full resolution passed by the Council.
NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY
National Senior Citizen’s Day is an important day to remember and celebrate senior citizens and thank them for their contributions.

"The day was originally celebrated on August 12th when it was signed into the Social Security Act in 1935, but it was moved to August 21st in 1988 by former President Ronald Reagan who declared it an actual holiday." –Nina Godlewski


On August 20th, Bridgewater Township’s Senior Center hosted an outdoor event in honor of National Senior Citizen's Day. It seemed very fitting to honor our senior citizens particularly during this pandemic for their courage and tenacity to face these uncertain days with resolve. We acknowledge all our senior citizens as Hometown Heroes. 

The Delaney of Bridgewater, an up and coming independent, assisted living, and memory care facility, as well as, Foothill Acres Rehab and Nursing Center in Hillsborough sponsored an ice cream truck and provided lively musical entertainment. We were very grateful for their support to bring smiles and encouragement to our seniors.

For some, this was the first time being reunited with each other. Many were very grateful for this opportunity to reconnect for a short moment in a safe environment that promoted social distancing. This day proved to be an uplifting time for all.
VIRTUAL CLASSES FOR SENIORS

We would like to acknowledge and honor some individuals who not only should be recognized as senior citizens but as senior citizens with big hearts who serve our senior population at the Bridgewater Senior Center. Bridgewater Township’s Senior Center offers an array of exercise, art, and computer classes. It wouldn’t be possible without the volunteer work of our instructors. We wholeheartedly are grateful for their generous time, care, and effort they all put forth in providing quality programs for our seniors. They provide motivational encouragement, inspiration, and light to dark days. They are one-of-a-kind treasures that help others shine in a wonderful way. We thank you for all you do and all you are!
Bridgewater Township’s Senior Center Volunteer Instructors:

Andrea DuBois, Alberto Nevarez, Arthur Colim, Bea Amato, Tom Amato, Carol Shields, Kathy Kraft, Doreen Erbeck, Grace Fernandes, Helena Martin, Kathy Kircher, Linda Hyland, Marion Harris, Mei Huang, Norma Byk, Pat Benward, Pushpa Amin, Ron Almquist, Sabina Hanriot, Susan Mondics, Viola Ning, YaYa Kung


Due to the pandemic, the Bridgewater Township Senior Center has been closed on site. However, some of our classes continue to occur virtually thanks to some of our volunteer instructors. We would like to specifically extend our deepest thanks to these individuals who have given hope to others in these recent challenging days by offering their care and support.
Mei Huang
Mei is a virtual instructor for Dance Fitness at Bridgewater Township’s Senior Center.

“I consider myself very lucky to be able to retire early from Seton Hall University in 2015. That is the same year I started volunteering at Bridgewater Senior Center. For the last 5 years, I taught Monday's Dance Fitness class and Friday's Aerobics class regularly. I also lead other dance teachers to do a performance during the Christmas party at the center each year."
Carol Shields
Carol is a virtual instructor for a Weights class at Bridgewater Township’s Senior Center.

We appreciate Carol’s motivational and upbeat spirit to get participants moving and strong.
Arthur Colim
Arthur Colim is a virtual instructor for Strength Training at Bridgewater Township’s Senior Center. We appreciate Arthur’s energetic and positive attitude he gives to help others in need.

Growing up in the Philippines, Arthur learned Martial Arts. It was during this time that Arthur channeled a passion for learning strength training and self-defense tactics. Chinese Kung Fu influenced his learning techniques. 
Pushpa Amin
Pushpa Amin is a virtual Yoga instructor for Bridgewater Township’s Senior Citizen Center. 

Pushpa creates a “sense of calm” for class participants with her soothing voice and clear directions. We appreciate Pushpa’s balanced spirit which helps inspire others to gain a sense of inner peace and wholeness.
Beatrice "Bea" Samol
Beatrice "Bea" is a Bridgewater Township Senior Services Associate. Bea, has worn many hats in the last year or so including standing in the gap during the transition period of finding a new program coordinator for the Bridgewater Township Senior Center. Bea’s team spirit attitude and determination to effectively support the seniors is truly evident in her work and interactions with others. Her passion to give her all when meeting people’s needs exemplifies her caring heart.

We appreciate Bea’s continual support to the senior population and her concern for others. 


Thank you senior citizens for just being…YOU! Happy Senior Citizen’s Day!
Thomas Scalera, Chief Fire Marshall
Tom Scalera was hired as Bridgewater Township's new Chief Fire Marshall just a few weeks ago and has already shown his depth of knowledge and commitment to fire safety in our community.

Tom has been active in the fire services for over 39 years. Previously in his career, he was a professional firefighter in the City of Plainfield, serving as Captain, while also being a City Fire Official. Concurrently, Tom served as a Fire Official in the Borough of Fanwood for 24 years. Additionally, Tom also worked as a State of New Jersey Fire Inspector for the Department of Community Affairs. Tom is still an active firefighter, currently serving as the Chief of the South Plainfield Volunteer Fire Department. A Department of which he has been an active member for 39 years.

"I am excited to bring my passion for the fire services and fire safety to Bridgewater," said Tom. "I look forward to educating our residents and businesses community about the importance of fire safety to benefit the community as a whole. I hope to serve this great community well in my new role."

Chief Fire Marshall Scalera, can be reached at (908) 725-6300 ext. 5555 or by email at tscalera@bridgewaternj.gov.

Please join us in welcoming him to the Bridgewater community!
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

                                         
 Although Bridgewater Township Senior Center is closed for onsite operations until further notice, virtual activities and programs for Bridgewater residents of age 55 and above are offered via Zoom. Among the programs offered via Zoom are Dance Fitness, Weights Class, Strength Training, Yoga, and Brain Games. Clients can now participate in many of their favorite activities and classes in the comfort of their own home using Zoom. These virtual classes are a great way to stay active while reconnecting socially with others from the center. If you are interested in participating in Bridgewater Township’s Senior Center’s virtual classes, please contact Jennifer Osterberg at seniors@bridgewaternj.gov for more information. You may also call the senior center at 908-725-8020. Callers are asked to leave their name, phone number, and a brief message. Calls will be returned as soon as possible.


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. 
 
  For Registrar/Vital Records and Statistics, please see the information below for Marriage or Civil Union applications.
 


MUNICIPAL SERVICES

The Yard Waste is operating normally. Senior Brush pick-up (age 65 or older) is still continuing with expanded days and hours after the Tropical Storm, 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

Child Safety Seat Inspections

Child safety seat inspections are done by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, contact the Traffic Safety Bureau at 908-526-1977 or email the Traffic Safety Bureau at traffic@bridgewaterpd.com . Please include your name, phone number and dates/times of availability

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 now open for some of Bridgewater Recreation's Fall programs!
NEW for Fall 2020 are College Soccer and Ladies Night at the MCT. Please visit https://brd.leagueapps.com/pages/registration for more information.

College Soccer is a Wednesday night program consisting of pickup games for players ages 18 - 25, supervised and refereed by a DTS trainer. Sign up with some friends and meet some new ones! Registration and more information can be found at brd.leagueapps.com.
Ladies Night on the MCT is a great opportunity for women age 26 and up to get out, be active, and have fun playing soccer on Thursday nights. Pickup games will be supervised by Soccer Centers staff. Participants in both these programs must register in advance. Registration and more details are available at brd.leagueapps.com.

Our popular In Town Soccer program is for boys and girls entering grades K - 8 in Fall 2020. Teams practice on local fields one night per week with games on Saturdays. More information is available at bwtintownsoccer.leagueapps.com. The In Town Soccer deadline is Monday, August 24th.

High School Soccer is a Monday night pickup game program for players in grades 9 - 12. Games are refereed and supervised by a DTS trainer. All players must register in advance at brd.leagueapps.com, where you may also find more details regarding the program.
Junior Panthers Soccer is for boys and girls ages 4 & 5. Participants will learn the fundamentals of soccer in a fun environment. There are three sessions being offered, Saturdays at 8:30 a.m., Sundays at 9:00 a.m., and Sundays at 10:10 a.m. Registration is strictly limited and on a first come, first served basis, please go to brd.leagueapps.com for more details.

Panther Soccer Academy is an instructional development program designed for players who want to take their game to the next level and are interested in trying out for Bridgewater United's travel soccer club. Players must have previous experience on an In Town Soccer team. Additional information and registration is available at brd.leagueapps.com.
Summer Programs 

We are currently accepting registration for our remaining Basketball Clinic with former NBA player and Bridgewater native Eric Murdock and his staff. The program will run in the mornings, Monday - Thursday, with 1 remaining session. 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....
 
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 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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