Slideshow photography by Robert Simonelli, Jr.

A Message from the Mayor

​

November 12, 2020

 

Residents of Spotswood,

 

Hello, all; I hope this message finds you in good health and, if not, our prayers are with you. It would seem the news is not getting better; currently we are at 175 positives, 16 of which have been reported in the last 10 days. And, unfortunately, yet another resident has succumbed to COVID-19, bringing our total of departed souls to 7. This second wave seems to be moving at a very fast rate, and one wonders why there appears to be hesitation on imposing restrictions. Believe me, none of us want them. The financial impact alone was devastating for many, but it would seem to have been effective the first time. If we look back to the height of the summer, when the beaches were overflowing with people and dining was predominantly outside, the numbers were low. The temperature is changing, more people are indoors, and numbers are rising. This would suggest that ventilation may be the problem. However, that is just my opinion.

 

Halloween went off without a hitch and, once again, Spotswood Recreation has done an excellent job. We thank all those who participated; Recreation, PTA, EMS, Fire, Police, and, of course, Mr. Incredible. Veterans Day is also behind us; a belated thank you to my Brothers and Sisters of the Armed Forces. The OOA put together gift packages for our local Veterans, taking the time for personal visits. Kudos to Donna, Beth, Josephine, and Larry; they have done an excellent job keeping our seniors active during this pandemic.

 

Thanksgiving is coming up, a time to be thankful for what we all that we have. Yes, even in 2020, there are things to be grateful for. I have always felt that if you and your family have your health, you are indeed blessed. I am thankful for that; and for those who don’t, I pray that things get better. The Governor has suggested that we refrain from gathering with our families on this day. I would disagree with this. We can go to a restaurant offering indoor dining with six-foot spacing. It doesn’t make sense to me that, if this is acceptable, gathering with family is not. I will be with family this year, as I have always done. I will be more cautious, but I will still be there. If we’re smart, we can all enjoy the holiday with loved ones.

 

This year has altered our lives in dramatic ways. We’ve had to deal with countless restrictions, the cancellation of important life events, and we’ve been pushed into a more virtual world. Businesses, our schools, and the Borough struggle with changes every day, and it seems the end of the tunnel is more distant than ever. Residents have basically had to adjust to a new way of life, which has been extremely taxing on all of us. And, even under these circumstances, we still march on strongly, we work together, and we will survive as have generations before us.

 

In my past letters I have thanked a lot of people for all that they do, as without them this job would be impossible. However, I left out the most important people; my family. They have been by my side, seeing me through every day. They have had to deal with unnecessary comments from irresponsible individuals directly, and did not fire back. That is what character is; being the bigger person. So, I offer a fervent thank you to my family members, for without you I definitely would never have been able to take this on.

 

In closing, as always, Be Smart, Stay Safe, and, by all means, please Stay Healthy!

  

God Bless,

 

  

Ed Seely,

Mayor

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Municipal Offices continue to be closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff are available by phone or email to answer your questions or concerns. Payments can be made online, mailed, or dropped off in the box outside the Municipal Building. We appreciate your patience as we make the necessary accommodations to allow us to welcome the public safely. 

News and Announcements 

Municipal Offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27, to observe the Thanksgiving holiday. Trash normally picked up on Thursday will be picked up on Friday. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Finance Notice:  We have been notified that the convenience fee for eCheck processing through our online payment portal will be increased to $1.95, effective November 15, 2020.

PUBLIC NOTICE:

Dredging of DeVoe Lake, Phase I

PUBLIC NOTICE:

Brunswick Avenue Improvements

Spotswood Community Calendar

We wish to thank Captain George Ahrend, a former Borough of Spotswood resident and police officer, for sharing his artistic talent in contributing to the design of the Borough of Spotswood's seal. We thank Mr. Thomas Sullivan, a former Borough of Spotswood resident and sanitation employee, for sharing his artistic talent in contributing to the design of the Borough of Spotswood's seal.

Municipal Building