Elections for Bernards Committee, School Board, Flu Shot Clinic Ahead This Week

The ballot this Tuesday will present Bernards Township voters with two election races that appear to be contested — but only one has more candidates than spots to be filled.

One of the four candidates who had filed for election to the three, three-year seats available starting next year on the Board of Education, John Groot, has said he has decided he is no longer seeking election.

After participating in a candidates forum held in mid-October at Ridge High School, Groot said he concluded that the other candidates have either more experience or would be able to dedicate more to the position than he could.

However, his decision was made too late to remove his name from the ballot, so it will be presented to voters in the November 5 election. He said he would serve if by some chance he is elected — although he emphasized it is no longer his intention to gain a spot on the board. Part of the reason Groot said he filed for the position was that he didn't know whether anyone would seek to fill the vacancy created when incumbent Bill Koch decided not to seek re-election.

Incumbents Michael Byrne and Elaine Kusel are seeking re-election, and newcomer Christopher Viereck also is seeking election for a first term on the school board.

Meanwhile, a three-way exists for one three-year term available on the all-GOP Bernards Township Committee.

Republican Carol Bianchi, who already was appointed to the Township Committee earlier this year following the resignation of Republican Township Committeeman Scott Spitzer, is running against Democrat David Ferdinand and independent candidate Bill Connors.

Also this week, there still is a chance to obtain a flu shot through the Bernards Township Health department this week.

The health department has scheduled another seasonal flu shot clinic for Wednesday, Nov. 6. This clinic will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bernards Township Community Center, 289 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge and is open to those age 4 years through adults.

The cost of the flu shot is $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents and they are also available for no charge for those with a valid Medicare Part B card. Participants should consult with their doctor before receiving the flu vaccine. Clinical services are provided by the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills. For additional information, call 908-204-2520.

Seasonal influenza is a contagious, respiratory illness caused by a virus which is preventable by a vaccine. 

The vaccine takes about two weeks to become effective against flu and provides protection for about six months. Protection provided by the vaccine declines over time. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone 6 months and older receives a flu shot. New Jersey law requires that children up to 59 months of age attending any licensed child-care center or pre-school facility, must receive at least one dose of influenza vaccine between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31 of each year

The Bernards Township Health Department is the contractual health agency serving Bernards Township, Bernardsville Borough, Chester Borough, Long Hill Township, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, and Peapack and Gladstone Borough. For more information, visit www.bernardshealth.org.