From the Mayor's Desk:

Most Garwood residents have had power restored however the area between Beech Avenue and Unami Park is still in the dark. There is not a definite timetable as to when the power will be restored as at this time most of the outages are the result of downed trees. 

PSE&G still has over 90,000 customers without power and has been bringing in hundreds of additional tree trimmers from out of state to free power lines in it’s efforts to restore electrical power.

It is particularly cold at night and I would urge those in town with power who have friends in the affected area to open their hearts and their homes to help if at all possible. Borough Hall and the Library remain open to residents to recharge cell phones, laptops or other battery driven devices or with a need to get warm.      

We would like to once again request that residents check up on their elderly neighbors to ensure that they are well; if they are in need of any special assistance please alert the Garwood Police department. The county has resumed it’s “Meals on Wheels” food delivery service for our seniors as well as it’s Paratransit system however that is limited to Kemo and Dialysis patients only at this time.     

The regional emergency shelter at Cranford’s Community Center on Walnut Avenue is in need of volunteers, they are scheduled to remain open thru next week.  Anyone interested in lending a hand can register to help by going to the Ralph Froelich Justice building on North Avenue, in Westfield or by calling the UC Office at 908-654-9881.     

At this time garbage pick-up and leaf collections will continue on their regular schedules.    

School is scheduled to reopen on Monday, November 5^th.    

Elections in NJ will go forward as scheduled; here in Garwood our regular polling places at the library, Borough Hall and Fire House have electrical service so voting machines can be accommodated. Residents are encouraged to exercise their right to vote in this very important election.    

We continue to urge residents to conserve the fuel in their vehicles and generators as supplies available for consumers are greatly depleted and it is unclear exactly when this situation will improve.

Finally, I would like to personally thank all of our Police, DPW workers, Fire Dept. and First Aid Squad volunteers who have given so much of themselves to keep the residents of Garwood safe, you are all to be commended. Also, our Police Chief, Captain, Fire Chief, Director of Emergency Management and our Superintendent of Public Works for their behind-the-scenes advance planning that have kept things running smoothly.