October 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
Make your shopping list as the opening of a grocery store in Pompton Lakes has become a reality! Lidl, a grocery food store located in the Pompton Town Square that offers award-winning products in more than 95 stores in nine states across the East Coast, opened their doors to the public on September 1, 2021. A supermarket is a valuable asset for our community and Lidl will fulfill a longtime demand for a grocery store as well as bringing job opportunities to our town. I commend all those involved with securing a food store, for their dedication and persistence – it has been a long process!

During the August Council Meeting, I proclaimed September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. I fully support “Turn the Towns Teal” awareness campaign and thank the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Northern NJ, the Kaleidoscope of Hope, the Order of Eastern Star, Mountain View Chapter No. 205, and the Free & Accepted Masons, Genesis Lodge No 88 for collaborating to promote awareness for ovarian cancer. 

Last summer town events were either postponed or cancelled. I am pleased to announce Pompton Day resumed along with the Fireworks display. The Town Wide Garage Sale made for a busy day in Pompton Lakes. Some upcoming events include; Chamber of Commerce Car Show on October 10th, Fire Prevention week begins October 11th and the Halloween Hunt is scheduled to be held on October 24th.

This year marked the 20th Anniversary for 9/11 and the Remembrance Ceremony was on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 in the front of the Municipal Building. A large crowd from our community came together in an effort to heal, embrace our country for its resilience to endure and most importantly to never forget the heinous attack all Americans experienced on that grim day.  

I thank our many crossing guards who are out there every day assuring the safety of our schoolchildren and pedestrians. I urge motorist to be mindful of children walking and bicycling to and from school. Obey the law and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalks.  

Some reminders -- leaf season begins this month and once a week garbage pickup is in effect starting October 14th. Also, please abide by the regulations for the collection of recyclables and solid waste trash. All trash should be in containers with tight secure lids that have the capacity of no more than 45 gallons nor weigh more than 60 pounds. Refer to the Town Calendar for Recycling and Solid Waste Collection Schedules and Regulations. If you have any further questions please contact the Department of Public Works at 973-835-1465.  

Until next time -- stay safe and enjoy the fall season.
 
Stay safe,

Mayor Michael Serra
Borough Clerk's Office
2021 General Election:

How can I vote in the 2021 General Election? 

Apply for a vote-by-mail ballot and return it one of the following ways:
          
Mail: 

  • It must be postmarked on or before 8:00 p.m. November 2nd and be received by your County’s Board of Elections on or before November 8th 

Secure Ballot Drop Box:

  • Place it in one of your County’s secure ballot drop boxes by 8:00 p.m. on November 2nd
  • Drop box locations can be found at Vote.NJ.Gov

Board of Elections Office:

  • Deliver it in person to your County’s Board of Elections Office by 8:00 p.m. on November 2nd 
  • County Election Officials contact information can be found at Vote.NJ.Gov

In-Person Early Voting for the General Election begins on Saturday, October 23 through Sunday, October 31, 2021. Each NJ County will hold nine (9) days of early, in-person machine voting. Each county, depending on its size, will designate a minimum of 3 to 10 voting locations for early in-person voting purposes. Early voting locations will be open from at least 10 am to 8 pm on Mondays through Saturdays, and from at least 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays – see below or Go to Vote.NJ.Gov for additional information on early voting sites.  
In-Person Voting on Election Day, November 2nd, at your polling place, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Accommodations will be made for voters with disabilities. Go to Vote.NJ.Gov for your polling place, listed on the Polling Locations page.
 
NOTE: Vote-by-mail ballots CANNOT be returned to your polling place for this election.

Voting Questions? Call 1-877-NJ-VOTER (1-877-658-6837).

Elizabeth Brandsness, R.M.C.
Municipal Clerk/Deputy Administrator
Borough of Pompton Lakes
973-835-0143 ext. 238
clerk@pomptonlakes-nj.gov
Top Stories
The Joe Louis Story to be Screened in the Boxer's Hometown
Undefeated World Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis lived and trained in Pompton Lakes during the time he was World Champion. Born in Alabama, and growing up in Detroit, Joe Louis came to Pompton Lakes in 1935 to train at Dr. Joseph Bier's Health Farm on Perrin Ave (now the location of the local Elks Lodge). He stayed and trained there, on and off, until his professional retirement in 1949.

Louis was welcomed in the town, attracting admirers and supporters to watch him train and sometimes treating local children to ice creams. He donated earnings from promotional fights to help purchase the town’s first ambulance, and later contributed to the building of a police communications tower.
The Friends of the Pompton Lakes Library are celebrating Joe Louis' achievements and his connection to Pompton Lakes by showing the movie telling his life story and featuring many of his 25 championship wins. The film will be screened on the library lawn on Friday October 1st from 7pm and preceded by an introduction from local historian, Paul Bowlby, who has amassed a wealth of knowledge and a collection of rare Joe Louis photographs and memorabilia.

(A rain date of Sunday October 3rd has been reserved in case of inclement weather)

This program is made possible in part by a grant administered by the Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council from funds granted by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The Friends acknowledge all their local partners for making this Film Festival possible, including the Pompton Lakes Mayor’s Office and Council, the Pompton Lakes BID and the Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council, 

Steve Edgeller, President of the Pompton Lakes Library said, “We’re looking forward to showing this rarely seen movie which celebrates Joe Louis, his achievements and his records which still stand today.”

The Friends of the Pompton Lakes Library is an independent non-profit volunteer organization working to further the educational and informational needs of the community through its support of the Emanuel Einstein Memorial Library, also known as The Pompton Lakes Library. The Friends of the Pompton Lakes Library is a not for profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

If you would like more information about this event, please contact Steve Edgeller, at (973) 513 9468 or email at friends@friendsofpomptonlakeslibrary.org.
Recent News
Borough of Pompton Lakes Announces Hydrant Flushing Program
Beginning Monday, October 18,2021 the Pompton Lakes Borough Municipal Utilities Authority will conduct its Fall Hydrant Flushing Program. The hydrant flushing will be performed during
the hours of 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM in order to cause the least inconvenience to our customers.

It should be noted that customers may experience a temporary discoloration in their water or a drop in water pressure during the program.
Pompton Lakes Car Show on October 10th
The 21st Annual Pompton Lakes Classic Car Show is Sunday October 10, 2021 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. along Wanaque Avenue. Pre-registration is open and must be submitted to (973) 839-0187. You may register at the gate for $20.00 also. Come out for a great show!
Borough of Pompton Lakes Hosting Paper Shredding Day
The Borough of Pompton Lakes is hosting a Paper Shredding Day on Saturday October 30, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Pompton Lakes High School, 44 Lakeside Avenue, Pompton Lakes, N.J. 07442. This is open to Pompton Lakes residents.
Borough of Pompton Lakes Hosting Free Rabies Clinic
The Borough of Pompton Lakes is hosting free Dog and Cat Rabies Clinic on Saturday November 13, 2021 at the Pompton Lakes Firehouse, 1 Passaic Avenue, Pompton Lakes, N.J. 07442. Last names A-M from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., N-Z from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Borough of Pompton Lakes Hosting Flu Clinics
The Borough of Pompton Lakes is hosting Flu Vaccine Clinics Ages 3 and up every Monday from 2:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. starting September 20, 2021. Appointments are required at (973) 835-0143, ext. 235.
Pompton Lakes Recreation Get Fit Classes Resume for Fall
Pompton Lakes Recreation is hosting "Get Fit" Classes from 9/27 - 11/17 on Monday's and Wednesday's at Lincoln Elementary School, 40 Mill Street, Pompton Lakes, N.J. 07442. Bring weights and mats. Register on site.
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. – 4 p.m.
 
Starting Saturday, September 11, 2021, the library will resume regular hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fall Story Time
Registration will be limited to Pompton Lakes residents ONLY with a valid, up-to-date library card. If you do not have a library card, please stop in during business hours to obtain one. Please bring ID and proof of residency.
Due to capacity limitations, registration for story time will be held on a weekly basis for the following week’s classes. You may register in person or by phone. We will not be accepting registrations online or via email at this time. 
We will also not be able to accept walk-ins. Please be sure that all children that will be in attendance are registered.

Masks will be required in the story time room for all persons ages 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status.

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.  
Pompton Lakes Scarecrow Contest Returns for 2021
The Pompton Lakes Business Improvement District's Annual Scarecrow Contest is BACK! Please drop off your scarecrow on Saturday October 16, 2021 to the Pompton Lakes Library Front Lawn. Prizes will be awarded for the top 3.
Passaic County Announces Outdoor Hike
Passaic County is hosting an Outdoor Hike on Wednesday November 17, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. at Rifle Camp Park, 387 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park, N.J. in recognition of National Go For a Hike Day.
Passaic County Hosting Veterans Support Group
Passaic County is hosting a Veterans Support Group Sessions via the dates listed below at 930 Riverview Drive, Suite 200, Totowa, N.J. 07512 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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.

Saturday October 23, 2021
Ringwood Park and Ride
30 Cannici Drive, Ringwood, N.J.
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:
October 13 & 27
 
Borough Wide Paper Pickup: October 13 & 27
 
Metal: Every Monday and Thursday
 
Garbage: Please refer to the Borough Calendar for Garbage Collection dates
 
First Responders Flash Briefing
Pompton Lakes Police Department Hosting Coffee with a Cop
Chief Clark and the entire Pompton Lakes Police Department are inviting everyone to come join us on October 6th for National Coffee With A Cop Day. It will be held at the Pompton Lakes Starbucks from 3pm-4pm. There will be free coffee courtesy of Starbucks. Hope to see you there!
Pompton Lakes Stigma Free
Pompton Lakes Stigma Free: Mental Illness Awareness Week
Every year, millions of Americans are confronted with the reality of living with a mental illness. However, mental illness impacts everyone, whether directly or indirectly through family, friends, or workplace. So every year during the first week of October, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and participants across the country hold Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) to promote awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination, and provide support.
Mental health conditions are essential to discuss year-round, but highlighting them during MIAW provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to join together as one unified voice. This year’s MIAW is centered around “Together for Mental Health,” where the focus is on the importance of advocating for better care for people with serious mental illness (SMI). 

Throughout the week, NAMI will be raising the voices of people with lived experience to talk about SMI and the need for improved crisis response and mental health care. They will be featuring special blog topics and personal stories that will be shared on their website and social media. If you would like to support the campaign, share your story, or learn about others experiences, consider using the hashtags #Together4MH #MIAW
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 |