Township of Verona Newsletter
Boards & Committees Edition
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Welcome to this special edition newsletter from Verona's Boards & Committees.
Residents are encouraged participate in our community by volunteering for various boards, committees and commissions. If you are interested in knowing more about how you can serve Verona or would like to submit a letter of intent and resume for consideration by the Town Council for any of the boards, committees and commissions listed on the website,
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In this edition of the newsletter, our Boards & Committees will share various information, tips, tricks and fun activities for the whole family!
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Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
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The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee recommends new programs, rules for the use of facilities, user fee structures for facilities, determines needs and recommend uses of facilities and equipment, uses for new and expanded facilities and equipment, appropriate means to publicize all community recreation programs.
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Go Backyard 'Camping'
Kids love hanging out in their own cozy, private spaces. If you have room in the backyard, teach them how to set up a tent and then let them hang out in there reading books, drawing, etc.
While you’re outside, why not identify some of the wonders within your own backyard? There are many apps for iOS and Android that can identify leaves, flowers, plants, trees and bushes you have right in your own yard!
Stargazing is a magical and inexpensive way to reconnect with nature.
You can actually see many wonders of the night with your naked eye, and there are a variety of free apps for iOS and Android that identify constellations, stars and planets as well as a ton in other cool options such as detailed descriptions and following the projected path.
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International Space Station Viewing & May Stargazing Events
Every day NASA sends out reminders for when you can see the ISS traveling above your residential area, for as long as six minutes.
The space station orbits Earth 16 times each day, presenting multiple viewing opportunities.
NASA’s website
“Spot The Station”
shows where the ISS is in real-time. And by signing up for email or text alerts, the agency tells you when you can see it in your area.
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Create a Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course
Making an easy sidewalk chalk obstacle course in your own driveway is another great way to get kids outside and tap into their creative side.
Create rules for different shapes within your obstacle course! Here are some examples:
CIRCLES
- for standing on or jumping to. Spread the circles out to make it harder. Use smaller circles as stepping stones
RECTANGLES
- for jumping over, like hurdles
SWIRLS
- If you come to a circle with a swirl in it, you have to spin around
TRIANGLES
- you have to jump on two spots at the same time. I draw two triangles next to each other and you have to jump to both with one foot on each triangle
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For more information on each of these activites and more on the Parks & Rec. Advisory Committee please visit
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Neighborhood Traffic & Safety Committee
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The Neighborhood Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee is tasked to work together with residents, elected and appointed officials to study, propose solutions and plan for the implementation of approved traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures. Members are appointed by the Township Council and serve for a two (2) year term.
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Pedestrian Safety
Be Safe and Be Seen: Make yourself visible to drivers
Be Smart and Alert: Avoid dangerous behaviors
Be Careful at Crossings: Look before you step
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Bicycle Safety
Be Prepared Before Heading Out
Ride Defensively- Focused & Alert
Ride Predictably
Improve Your Riding Skills
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Drivers: Share the Road
People on bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as people behind the wheel of a vehicle.
- Yield to bicyclists as you would motorists and do not underestimate their speed. This will help avoid turning in front of a bicyclist traveling on the road or sidewalk, often at an intersection or driveway
- In parking lots, at stop signs, when packing up, or when parking, search your surroundings for other vehicles, including bicycles
- Drivers turning right on red should look to the right and behind to avoid hitting a bicyclist approaching from the right rear. Stop completely and look left-right-left and behind before turning right on red
- Obey the speed limit, reduce speed for road conditions and drive defensively to avoid a crash with a cyclist
- Give cyclists room. Do not pass too closely. Pass bicyclists as you would any other vehicle—when it’s safe to move over into an adjacent lane
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The Verona Shade Tree Commission is responsible for the care of our public trees, shrubs, and landscapes. The commission is comprised of volunteers who are residents designated by the Township Manager.
The trees can become your friend if you get to know them. Look at its bark and its leaves to recognize them. Be Friendly to trees! There are many benefits of trees.
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Improve air quality through photosynthesis
Prevent erosion of soil
Reduce noise pollution
Add beauty to the environment
Improve neighborhood health and safety
Provide shade and reduce utility costs
Enhance privacy
Increase property values
Reduce human stress
Soften and compliment architecture
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Tree Planting Information
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Library Board of Trustees
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The Verona Public Library offers a wide variety of resources and services to our community. Their primary goals are education, information, individual improvement and recreation. Our Library offers free computer use, wi-fi and internet access, special classes, children’s programs, checking out books and ebooks and a variety of other digital offerings. Community groups often meet at the library and kids will frequently visit the library after school to enjoy a quiet setting to complete homework and work on school projects. Visit
www.veronalibrary.org/
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The Library's Electronic Resources
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During our time at home, we all can make good use of the Verona Public Library’s electronic resources. Below, hear from a few of the Trustees as to how they are making use of these resources at home.
“Here’s a riddle for you. How is the Verona Public Library open even when it’s closed? If you have a question about
the library's digital offerings
, head on over to the library website and have a virtual chat with a librarian. I recently had a question, and I was promptly helped by a librarian. You can access the chat on your computer or on your phone. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask!”
“Books give us a place to go when we have to stay where we are. Take the time to enjoy those you have been too busy to read. Check out
Verona Public Library's website
and download the Libby app for ebooks. Looking for a physical book? Reach out to neighbors and set up a no contact book swap.”
“Do you have a few minutes to spare for reading at home? Enjoy
RB Digital Magazines
from our library’s website.”
“If you have young children and need a break, let them listen to the collection of stories posted in
Virtual Story Time
.
Kanopy
is a great resource to see movies for free.”
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The Verona Environmental Commission (VEC) was established by Ordinance No. 9-92 in 1992, consistent with state laws creating environmental commissions. The Commission is comprised of seven members (one of whom is also a member of the Planning Board) plus two alternates. All VEC members are Verona residents and serve without compensation. The chairperson and regular members are appointed by the Town Manager, and Alternates are appointed by the governing body. In addition, a member of the Town Council attends commission meetings and acts as a liaison between the Commission and the Council.
NEW VEC website coming soon!
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Spring Gardening & Planting Info
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Verona! You can begin planting some of your produce garden seeds in April. Seedling vegetables should be planted when the ground is warmer in May. We are recommending getting started sooner than later so our residents can enjoy gardening with their families while reducing their need to visit the supermarkets for simple items like peppers, tomatoes and herbs, etc. Many of our local garden centers will be stocking seedlings in coming weeks and will deliver them to your home. Please try to support our local centers: Hillcrest Farms in Verona: (973) 239-0809, Pleasantdale Nurseries in West Orange: (973) 731-0830. Have fun and stay safe.
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Verona Municipal Alliance Committee
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The Verona Municipal Alliance Committee is designed to support programs in the Township of Verona that would not otherwise be offered. The mandate under the grant from GCADA is to combat underage use, and all abuse, of alcohol and other substances.
The mission of VMAC is to work toward community wellness through the celebration and cultivation of the compassion, character, and confidence that individuals, especially our youth, need to make good choices in all aspects of their lives. The vision for the Verona Municipal Alliance Committee (VMAC) is an informed, healthy, vibrant community free of misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances.
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For social media, please tag @VMACnj with #veronastrong #standwithverona.
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