August 2021
Greetings!

Here's the latest information about things going on in the Borough of Pompton Lakes this month, assembled and produced by the Public Information Department.
Mayor Serra's Message
As we slowly resume activities and events take place I am hopeful the pandemic is behind us and we can all get back to life as we knew it prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope the 4th of July Holiday was safe and enjoyable as families and friends gathered in celebration.    

We continue to enjoy the outdoors during the summer months, the newly installed floating dock is a popular place for residents to relax and enjoy Pompton Lake. Children continue to use the renovated playground equipment in the area of the Boat House on Lakeside Avenue.  

By this time all residents should have received the July-June 2021-2022 Borough of Pompton Lakes Town Calendar. Those new to Pompton Lakes, the calendar serves as a helpful tool and keeps you informed as to Borough business and phone contacts, provides scheduling for meetings and events as well as the schedule for garbage, recycling and paper pick up throughout Town. If you have not received a calendar please contact the Municipal Clerk or refer to the website for the digital copy.  

This year, Pompton Lakes High School held a Graduation Ceremony and I would like to express my congratulations and best wishes to all the Pompton Lakes Senior Graduates. The past year has been difficult and with persistence and perseverance you achieved this milestone in your life. I commend you on your well-deserved success!

Summer Concerts on the Library Lawn have proven to be successful this year with a large number attending the events. I would urge all to support local businesses and Pompton Lakes eateries before or after concerts.   

Pompton Day is scheduled for September 5, 2021 and a rain date of September 6, 2021. The committee has been busy planning new events for the day and volunteers are welcome. The day begins with a 5-K Run, Fishing Derby, Street Vendors, Events in the afternoon, and the evening includes the Annual Fireworks Display overlooking Pompton Lake.   

The 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony will be held on September 8th at 6:30pm at Borough Hall. This year civic groups and organizations will be included to participate in the event.  

The Town Wide Garage Sale is scheduled for September 25, 2021 with a rain date of September 26, 2021. The event provides residents the opportunity to participate in the Town Wide Garage Sale at no cost or to shop around Town. Please be mindful of pedestrians while driving through town.

Many residents have reported poor Optimum/Altice cable service in Pompton Lakes along with the rising costs. I have reached out to Optimum/Altice and a regional representative has been assigned to Pompton Lakes to address cable issues. Residents should contact Marilyn Davis directly at the following email address - Marilyn.Davis16@AlticeUSA.com.  

In closing, I am pleased to announce renovations for the Lidl Supermarket are near completion and the food store should be opened in the coming weeks. This is an exciting time for Pompton Lakes -- Redevelopment projects are progressing and these projects will bring growth, prosperity and positive change to the Borough.  

Enjoy the remainder summer!  
 
Stay safe,

Mayor Michael Serra
Borough Clerk's Office
Alcoholic Beverage Licenses: 

The rules and regulations for Liquor Licenses are governed by the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety. The Governing Body serves as the Municipal Issuing Authority within local communities. Mayor and Council authorize the issuance and renewal for liquor licenses, approve transfers and amendments, enforcement and implementation of regulations along with the discipline of violators.   

The Municipal Clerk plays a key role in Alcoholic Beverage Licensing by coordinating the process for new licenses, yearly renewals, transfers, extension of premise and amendments to existing licenses. To assure public safety and community standards, applicants must adhere to thorough investigations, inspections, specific law that governs Alcoholic Beverage Licensing and provide documentation.  The Municipal Clerk works closely with the Police Department, Building Department, Health Department and Fire Department as well as communicate with the licensee during the licensing process. The Municipal Clerk submits certified copies to the Director of all adopted Resolutions and Ordinances affecting local Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Requests from local organizations for special permits, Social Affair or Caterer’s Permit are reviewed by the Municipal Clerk and Police Department to determine compliance and the applicant meets the guidelines for the Borough and Alcoholic Beverage Control. The Municipal Clerk is authorized to execute Social Affair and Catering permit applications.   

Elizabeth Brandsness, R.M.C.
Municipal Clerk/Deputy Administrator
Borough of Pompton Lakes
973-835-0143 ext. 238
clerk@pomptonlakes-nj.gov
Top Stories
Pompton Lakes Businesses: New Jersey's Ban on Plastic Carry Out Bags and Polystyrene Foam
Effective May 4, 2022, all stores and food service businesses are banned from providing or selling single-use plastic carryout bags or polystyrene foam food service products to customers. Grocery stores that occupy at least 2,500 square feet are also banned from providing or selling single-use paper carryout bags. Instead, reusable carryout bags, as defined in the law, may be provided or sold at the point of sale. Single-use plastic straws may only be provided on a by-request basis, effective November 4, 2021. This state-wide ban supersedes any previous or existing local, county, or city ordinances.
For additional information and insight into the law, read through the list of Frequently Asked Questions.

To stay on track, read the banned bag and polystyrene foam ban timeline for all critical dates as defined by the law. It is recommended that interested parties print a copy of this timeline and keep it posted in order to keep track of the deadlines.

If you need additional support, The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) offers a live chat on this website from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The live chat is answered by New Jersey-based business experts who can assist in providing answers to your questions.

The NJBAC is also offering virtual “roundtables”, or webinars, available to all organizations interested in educating their constituencies about the new law. Please contact Melanie.Willoughby@sos.nj.gov to request a roundtable.
Recent News
Borough Hosting Free COVID-19 Clinics
The Borough of Pompton Lakes in partnership with Wayne Township is hosting two COVID-19 vaccine clinics at St. Mary's Church, 17 Pompton Avenue, Pompton Lakes, N.J. 07442. Moderna and Pfizer will be available.

  • August 12, 2021 from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
  • September 9, 2021 from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Lake Restoration Committee Announces Annual Photo Contest: Win a Free Kayak
The Pompton Lakes 'Lake Committee' is hosting their annual photo contest. Enter for a chance to win a free kayak, by submitting a photo of a Borough waterway 'lake, stream, or river' by emailing the photo to plsocialmedia@pomptonlakes-nj.gov. Enter between now and September 12, 2021. The winner will be announced at the September 22, 2021 Borough Council Meeting. Additional prizes for runner ups. Photo's will be posted in an album on the Borough's Facebook Page, and the photo with the most likes will be deemed the winner.
Pompton Day Accepting Sponsors
Pompton Day 2021 has several sponsorship and donation opportunities for local businesses. Sponsorship opportunities include:

  • Fireworks
  • Kids Zone with Inflatables
  • Petting Zoo
  • Dunk Tank
  • Teen Center Goldfish Game
  • Artists
  • Golf Cart Rentals
  • 5k Run & Walk Trophies
  • Shirts

For more information, contact pomptonday@yahoo.com.
Pompton Lakes Recreation Hosting Volleyball
Pompton Lakes Recreation is hosting Volleyball on Monday night's at 6:00 p.m. at Hershfield Park. Any questions, call (973) 715-5234.
Pickleball Now Available at Hershfield Park Tennis Courts
The Borough has announced that Pickleball is now available at the Hershfield Park Tennis Courts as of July 30, 2021.
STILL ONGOING: Pompton Lakes Environmental Protection Committee Announces River Clean Up Pledge: Keep Our Rivers and Streams Free of Debris
The Pompton Lakes Environmental Protection Committee has announced a river cleanup campaign as COVID-19 has forced the in person river clean up event to be cancelled.


Take the pledge here, and return to the Borough of Pompton Lakes, Attn: Borough Clerk, 25 Lenox Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 or email it to clerk@pomptonlakes-nj.gov.
Pompton Lakes Library New Hours
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
 
Starting Saturday, September 11, 2021, the library will resume regular hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pompton Lakes Library
Explore and stay informed on local and national topics, people and events in areas such as business, health, education, jobs and careers, political and social issues and more. Features a wide variety of credible, vetted news sources spanning the U.S., including The Record, The Star Ledger, and Suburban Trends. Available remotely 24/7 on any device with your library card!
Pompton Lakes Library Launches Brainfuse - An E-Learning Program for all Ages
The Pompton Lakes Public Library is pleased to announce the launch of Brainfuse – on demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning for all ages and levels. Brainfuse HelpNow™ provides differentiated learning solutions for users of diverse needs and background.
Students communicate with live tutors using an interactive whiteboard to chat, write, draw, copy/paste text or images and graph homework problems. HelpNow™ will be available to all library patrons from the public computers at the Pompton Lakes Public Library or from any computer with an internet connection starting February 1 until June 15, 2021. To access HelpNow™, please visit the library’s website at https://www.pomptonlakeslibrary.org.  
Passaic County Clerk Offering Veteran ID's
Veteran IDs offer discounts or benefits by stores and restaurants. An Honorable Discharge and driver’s license are needed to obtain a Veteran ID. This service is available through the County Clerk by appointment only. Call 973-225-3690 to schedule.
Passaic County Announces COVID-19 Clinics for Passaic County Residents
The Passaic County Department of Health Services is offering the following FREE services for residents 18+. No insurance is required. An appointment is not required for the vaccine clinics, but is needed for the eye screening clinics.. An I.D. is required.
Passaic County Hosting Free Document Shredding Event
Passaic County is hosting a free document shredding event on Saturday September 18, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Hawthorne Pool, 32 May Street, Hawthorne, N.J. This event is rain or shine.
Passaic County Announces Medical Sharps Collection
Passaic County is hosting Medical Sharps Collections on Saturday October 2, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Borough of Woodland Park, 5 Brophy Lane, Woodland Park, N.J.
Passaic County Announces Tire Recycling Events
Passaic County has announced a Tire Recycling Event on Sunday October 24, 2021. The collection is from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., and is rain or shine. Proof of residency is required. Commercially generated tires will not be accepted. For further information, please call the Passaic County Office of Solid Waste and Recycling Programs at (973) 305-5738.
Passaic County Announces Household Hazardous Waste Collections for 2021
Passaic County has announced Household Hazardous Waste Collections for 2021. Each collection is from 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., and is rain or shine. Participants are asked to remain in your vehicles with masks and social distancing.

Sunday September 19, 2021
City of Passaic Employee Lot
333 Passaic Street, Passaic, N.J.
Add Your Phone to the COVID-19 Fight; Download COVID-19 Alert App
Add your phone to the COVID fight!

Download COVID Alert NJ, State of New Jersey's new app to help stop COVID-19 in New Jersey. Join the movement and protect your community by downloading COVID Alert NJ for free in the App Store and on Google Play Store.

Learn more at covid19.nj.gov/app
Garbage and Recycling News
The Borough of Pompton Lakes would like to inform residents on what is accepted in recycling.

Accepted Materials:
  • Mixed Paper, Office Paper, and Envelopes
  • Corrugated Cardboard (flatten and/or cut into bundles)
  • Telephone Books and Soft Cover Books
  • Glass Food and Beverage Jars (all colors)
  • Aluminum & Metal Beverage Containers
  • Pet Food Cans
  • Milk Jugs and Plastic Beverage Bottles
  • Detergent and Shampoo Containers
  • Juice Boxes & Juice/Beverage Cartons
  • Plastic with #1, #2, or #5 Symbols

Not Accepted:
  • Plastic Bags
  • Pizza Boxes
  • Light Bulbs
  • Aluminum Foil & Baking Pans
  • Drinking Glasses, Dishes, and Broken Window Glass
  • Ceramics and Pottery
  • Aerosol Cans
  • Motor Oil and Anti-Freeze Containers
  • Clothes Hangers
  • Cookie Tins and Bandage Tins
  • Carbon and Waxed Paper
  • Tissue Paper, Napkins, Paper Plates, and Paper Towels
  • Styrofoam
  • Plastics with #3, #4, #6, and #7 Symbols.

Any questions can be directed to the Department of Public Works at (973) 616-5900.
Recycling Center

The Borough Recycling Center is located on Grove Street and is open to all Borough Residents and Businesses. Residents and Businesses must display on their mirror or show the attendant a valid Borough decal or I.D. upon entering the Center. The Center is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
 
The Recycling Center offers biodegradable lawn and leaf bags at a cost of $.35 cents per bag. The following materials are accepted at the Recycling Center:

  • Grass Clippings
  • Leaves, Brush & Tree Limbs (max length 8 ft; max diameter 2 inch)
  • Co-mingled Glass, Plastic & Metal Recyclables
  • Aluminum cans - must be separated from other co-mingled recyclables
  • Paper & Cardboard Recyclables
  • Corrugated Cardboard – must be separated from other paper recyclables
  • Electronic Equipment & Computers
  • Metals
  • Waste Engine Oil
  • Car Batteries
 
Tires may be brought to the Recycling Center at a cost of $2.50 per tire without the rim and $5.00 per tire with rim. Propane tanks are not accepted at the Recycling Center.
 
LEAVING MATERIALS AT THE RECYCLING CENTER GATE WHEN THE CENTER IS CLOSED IS CONSIDERED ILLEGAL DUMPING AND PUNISHABLE BY FINES AND/OR IMPRISONMENT.
Recycling No Paper:
August 11 & 25
 
Borough Wide Paper Pickup: August 4 & 18
 
Metal: Every Monday and Thursday
 
Garbage: Please refer to the Borough Calendar for Garbage Collection dates
 
First Responders Flash Briefing
Pompton Lakes Police Department
We would like to thank nine year old, Lia for doing an excellent job serving as Chief for the Day of Pompton Lakes Police Department. Our department raffled off the position through a fundraiser set up by the Lenox School PTA. 
She spent the day with Chief Clark learning about law enforcement and giving orders to our officers. Her firm but fair approach won over the members of our department. We thank her for spending the day with us and know that she will make an excellent police officer if she decides to pursue a career in law enforcement!
Pompton Lakes Stigma Free: August is Wellness Month
August is National Wellness Month, a month dedicated to self-care, managing stress and promoting healthy routines. Create wholesome habits in your lifestyle for the entire month and notice how much better you feel!

Research has shown self-care helps manage stress and promotes happiness. Whether you challenge yourself to increase your water intake or trying something completely new, make a small change and impact your health in positive ways. 
Why Is Wellness Important for Individuals in Recovery? 

Wellness is especially important for people with behavioral health conditions because it directly relates to their quality of life and longevity. A study by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors found that individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness die years earlier than those without these disorders, with heart disease being the prime culprit. They also experience diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and obesity at a rate that is 1.5 to 2 times that of the general population.

The Wellness Difference:

For people with behavioral health conditions, wellness is more than a reduction of risk factors or the absence of disease, illness, or stress. Wellness involves having: 
  • Purpose in life; 
  • Satisfying work and play; 
  • Joyful relationships; 
  • A healthy body and living environment; and 
  • Happiness.

SAMHSA’s Wellness Initiative supports embracing the Eight Dimensions of Wellness to achieve improved quality of life and longevity. It is to inspire individuals and communities to incorporate the Eight Dimensions of Wellness into their lives.

The Eight Dimensions of Wellness:

What wellness means and what we focus on varies from person to person. Yet it is useful to think about practical ways we can improve our wellness in each dimension. Here are several examples. 

EMOTIONAL—Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships 
  • Be aware of and listen to your feelings. 
  • Express your feelings to people you trust. 

FINANCIAL—Satisfaction with current and future financial situations 
  • Be thoughtful and creative about your budgeting and spending. 
  • As needed, meet with financial professionals who provide free or low-cost services for guidance. 

SOCIAL—Developing a sense of connection, belonging, a well developed support system 
  • Make at least one social connection per day by calling, e-mailing, or visiting someone. 
  • Get active in a support group. 

SPIRITUAL—Expanding our sense of purpose and meaning in life 
  • Make time for practices that enhance your sense of connection to self, nature, and others. 
  • Take time to discover what values, principles, and beliefs are most important to you. 

OCCUPATIONAL—Personal satisfaction and enrichment derived through one’s work 
  • Work toward a career in a field you are passionate about or a volunteer activity that has meaning for you. 
  • Communicate with your supervisor regularly and get support when needed. 

PHYSICAL—Recognizing the need for physical activity, diet, sleep, and nutrition 
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator; replace driving with walking or bicycling when possible. 
  • Get enough sleep—your body needs it to rejuvenate and stay well! 

INTELLECTUAL—Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills 
  • Research a topic that interests you and share what you learned with others. 
  • Find creative outlets that stimulate your mind and sense of curiosity.

ENVIRONMENTAL—Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being 
  • Appreciate nature and the beauty that surrounds you. 
  • Seek out music and other experiences that have a calming effect on your well-being.

Remember: Small steps can lead to many more healthy habits in your lifestyle! For more ways to add wellness to your daily life follow National Wellness Month: #wellnessmonth.
Pompton Lakes Borough Council
Mayor Michael Serra

Council Members
Council President - Erik DeLine
William Baig, Terri Reicher, Ekamon Venin, Jennifer Polidori, Maria Kent

Submit Content: plsocialmedia@pomptonlakes-NJ.gov

(c) 2021 Borough of Pompton Lakes
Borough of Pompton Lakes, New Jersey
25 Lenox Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 | (973) 835-0143 |