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.
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This year many of us were happy to see the end of the winter weather and to welcome spring!
The winter months proved to be challenging with repeated snow storms. Fortunately, the snow melted slowly and the rivers were contained as we continue the ongoing mitigation for our rivers. Another sure sign of spring is the daffodils planted throughout our town by volunteers have begun to blossom.
As we begin springtime, the Emergency Preparedness Seminar takes place yearly on the third Wednesday in March by the Office of Emergency Management. This year, the seminar was held remotely and the seminar is available to view through the Pompton Lakes website or on cable channel PLTV 77.
I am pleased to announce, Lidl Supermarket began renovations in the former A & P Supermarket. Construction fencing surrounds the building and the company has displayed their signage outside announcing the store will be opening soon. The anticipated date for the opening of the supermarket is in early June. As redevelopment continues to progress, the supermarket is a welcomed addition that offers many positive benefits for our community.
A year ago, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives throughout the world and restrictions limited our normal activities and the way we were accustomed to living. I am hopeful the worst of the pandemic is over as vaccines become more widely available for the public. As we slowly move forward to lift restrictions and reopen, I would encourage everyone to be diligent and continue to protect yourself by washing your hands, wearing masks and social distancing in an effort to stop the spreading of this disease.
The Borough will be celebrating NJ Local Government Week by promoting a media series online honoring and highlighting the Borough’s rich history. Photos and stories will be posted by the Historic Commission on the Borough website and Borough social media pages the week of April 18th through April 24th capturing past history and events. I would invite residents to share their historic photos or stories with the Historic Commission at historic@pomptonlakes-nj.gov.
Stay safe,
Mayor Michael Serra
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The Municipal Clerk monitors and issues required licensing within the Borough.
Dog/Cat License:
Just a reminder for those who have not licensed their pets for 2021, please submit your application, payment and $10 late fee in as soon as possible. Applications can be found online or on the table in the main lobby of Borough Hall. You may mail you payment or drop it off in the blue drop box located in the main lobby of Borough Hall. Once payment is received, the license and tag will be mailed to you. Please remember to provide a stamped, self-addressed return envelope. Review the application and remember to include any paper work that applies so there is no delay. Any questions call Jill at 973-835-0143 x235. If you received a call from animal control and you no longer have your pet, please contact me to remove your pet from our system. You may also email me at license@pomptonlakes-nj.gov with questions or concerns. Have a great day.
Bingo/Raffle Licensing:
Prior to conducting a Bingo or Raffle game of chance, an organization must first apply for a State Identification Certificate from Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission. The Commission oversees the operation of games conducted by charitable, educational and religious organizations for the State of NJ and determines eligibility for organizations and is the enforcing agent who governs charitable gaming.
Once an organization receives their State Identification Certificate, the Borough Clerk’s Office will assist qualified organizations with obtaining a Bingo or Raffle License for games of chance to be conducted within the Borough.
Miscellaneous Licensing:
Business owners must first secure a license for the following; entertainment, amusement devices, gasoline pumps, soliciting, taxicabs and limos, secondhand precious metals, gems and jewelry dealers, street openings and excavation and tow trucks and wreckers
Be well,
Elizabeth Brandsness, R.M.C.
Municipal Clerk/Deputy Administrator
973-835-0143 ext. 238
clerk@pomptonlakes-nj.gov
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Governor Murphy Expands Eligibility for New Jersey’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program |
Governor Murphy today announced the expansion of eligibility for more frontline essential workers and high-risk groups in New Jersey’s COVID-19 vaccination program. |
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Eligible groups include individuals ages 55-64, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, higher education educators and staff, and communications and utility infrastructure workers among others.
Beginning Monday, April 5, the following groups are eligible for vaccination:
- Individuals ages 55-64;
- Individuals ages 16 and up with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
- Educators, including support staff, in higher education settings;
- Communications infrastructure support, including engineers, and technicians, and members of the press;
- Real estate, building, and home service workers, including construction workers, code officials, plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, property management, and maintenance workers;
- Retail financial institution workers, including bank tellers, lending services, public accounting, and check-cashing workers;
- Sanitation workers providing disinfection and janitorial services, city sanitation workers; residential, commercial, and industrial solid and hazardous waste removal workers;
- Laundry service workers, including those working in laundromats, laundry services, and dry cleaners;
- Utility workers including, electrical generation and supply system, natural gas delivery, nuclear power plant, water supply, telephone, cable/fiber/optical/broadband/cellular service workers; and,
- Librarians and support staff at municipal, county, and state libraries.
For more information about eligibility, statewide vaccination site locations, and to preregister for a vaccination, visit https://covid19.nj.gov/vaccine.
For more information on CDC criteria for eligibility, please click here.
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Governor Murphy Announces Increased Outdoor Gathering Limits and Increased Capacity for Large Venues |
Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 234, which will increase outdoor gathering limits and increase capacity for seated events at large venues. The Order also clarifies indoor capacity limits for banquet halls and similar venues. |
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“With the warmer weather approaching, we are taking the step to increase outdoor gathering limits to encourage everyone to engage in social activities outside whenever possible,” said Governor Murphy. “Additionally, we are confident in increasing capacity in our large venues as we have seen the strict enforcement of our COVID-19 health and safety protocols by spectators since we reopened these venues last month. By continuing to follow public health guidance and data, I am hopeful that we will be able to responsibly and incrementally expand capacities in the coming months.”
Executive Order No. 234 will effectuate the following changes on Friday, April 2, at 6:00 a.m.:
Outdoor Gatherings
- The general outdoor gathering limit will increase from 50 people to 200 people.
- Outdoor gatherings that are religious services or ceremonies, political events, weddings, funerals, or memorial services will continue to not have any limit.
- College and youth sporting events will be permitted up to 200 spectators if the outdoor venue can accommodate appropriate social distancing.
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Borough Offices Closed Friday April 2, 2021 |
Borough Offices, except for emergency services, is closed this Friday April 2, 2021. Borough Offices will reopen on Monday April 5, 2021. |
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Passaic County Announces COVID-19 Testing for April |
The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners is offering FREE COVID-19 testing throughout the County. A pop-up mobile testing site will stop in each municipality for a full day of on-site testing.
Mobile test sites are open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
These sites will test patients using the saliva test. No eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum at least 30 minutes prior to testing. Results are available 48 to 72 hours after the test.
Please bring a smartphone or tablet for registration.
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At home testing is also available: |
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Additional COVID-19 Testing Resources for Pompton Lakes Residents |
The Borough of Oakland is operating a free COVID-19 testing facility at the Borough of Oakland Senior Center, 20 Lawlor Drive, Oakland, NJ 07436 each Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and each Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. This site is open to Pompton Lakes residents in addition to Wayne, Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, and all Northwest Bergen towns. Click here to pre-register.
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Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey |
Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 231. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020 through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended in 2020 on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, August 1, August 27, September 25, October 24, November 22, and December 21, and again in 2021 on January 19 and February 17. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed. |
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“As we move rapidly to vaccinate New Jerseyans, the need for additional resources and support remains,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Extending the public health emergency allows us to continue COVID-19 mitigation efforts and is critical to our efforts to expand our vaccination program.”
Executive Order No. 231 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.
For the full text of Executive Order No. 231, click here.
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Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition Announces Underage Drinking Webinar |
The Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition is excited to announce a free webinar opportunity to local parents and community members! Join us for a Zoom Webinar on How Alcohol Advertisements Promote Underage Drinking on Thursday April 29, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
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Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition Hosting Drug Take Back Day 2021 |
The Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition in conjunction with the Pompton Lakes Police Department is hosting 'Drug Take Back Day' on Saturday April 24, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Borough Hall, 25 Lenox Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442. Bring your unused or expired medications and safely dispose of them using our collection drop box. |
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Pompton Lakes Business Improvement District Hosting 'Art on the Ave' Art Show |
The Pompton Lakes Business Improvement District is hosting 'Art on the Ave' Art Show, which is an interactive art show in which participants create a painting which is to be displayed in various locations on Wanaque Avenue. Email your information to Michael Carelli at plsocialmedia@pomptonlakes-nj.gov by April 9, 2021. Please let them know if you would like to use your own paint, or not. Canvas to be provided. Participants will be notified when and where to pickup your materials and supplies. Artwork will be picked up by the participant when the art show is over. |
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Remember: You Are Not Alone |
The holidays can be hard on mental health – and even more so during this pandemic. If you're feeling down and need to talk:
- Crisis Text Line: Text “NJ” to 741741
- Family Helpline: 1-800-843-5437
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-572-7233
- Mental Health Hotline: 866-202-4357
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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.
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Recreation Commission Announces Registration for Summer Camp |
Pompton Lakes Recreation Summer Camp in person registration is April 17, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and May 5, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Hershfield Park, or register online at www.register.capturepoint.com. Summer Camp will run from June 28, 2021 to July 30, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Hershfield Park.
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Recreation Commission 'Get Fit' Program Continues for Spring Season: Participate Virtually |
The Borough of Pompton Lakes is hosting 'Get Fit' Fitness Classes from March 25, 2021 to May 22, 2021. Classes are pre-recorded and posted on the Get Fit Community Group page twice a week. This program is free to Pompton Lakes and Riverdale residents. |
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Pompton Lakes Library Offering Automatic Renewals |
We now offer courtesy Automatic Renewal service to all library patrons! Eligible items will be automatically renewed on the day (5 AM) that they are due. Their due date will be extended for another loan period.
How will you know if this was done?
- You can check your account online, or if you are currently signed up for email notifications, we’ll email you a summary of what we were able to renew and what could not be renewed.
- Please note that not all items are eligible for this service.
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We can’t auto-renew:
- Items that have been requested by other patrons.
- Items that have already reached their renewal limit.
- Your library card must also be current, and in good standing.
Not sure how to access your account online? Do you need to renew your card or sign up for email notifications?
Just ask us! Find your local library’s contact information at www.palsplus.org/members.html.
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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!
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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. |
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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.
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RB Digital Magazines Moving to Libby App Starting January 25, 2021 |
The digital magazines offered by The Pompton Lakes Public Library have changed platforms and are now accessible through the Libby App or libbyapp.com.
- All magazines will be available with article view in Libby.
- Magazines will not count against a user’s checkout limit.
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Tax Information from the Pompton Lakes Library |
The Pompton Lakes Public Library currently has available the IRS 1040 and 1040 – SR booklets and instructions.
*NOTE* – The local AARP tax assistance program will NOT be available this year (2021).
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Passaic County Announces Annual Film Festival |
Passaic County has announced their Annual Film Festival will take place on Saturday April 24, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at Preakness Valley Golf Course, 209 Totowa Road, Wayne, N.J. 07470. For more information, visit www.passaiccountynj.org/filmfestival or call (973) 569-4720. |
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Passaic County Announces Composter and Rain Barrel Sale and Education Program |
Passaic County is hosting a Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale on Saturday May 22, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Ringwood Municipal Building, 60 Margaret King Avenue, Ringwood, NJ. Composter bins are $54.95 and rain barrels are $64.95. You must wear a mask and maintain social distancing on site. To purchase a rain barrel or other materials, visit the County of Passaic's online store at www.passaiccompostersale.ecwild.com. You will pick up your items the day of the sale.
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Passaic County Announces Used Bicycle and Sewing Machine Collection |
Passaic County has announced a Bicycle and Sewing Machine Collection on Saturday May 1, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Woodland Park Municipal Complex, Parking Lot, 5 Brophy Lane, Woodland Park, N.J. 07424. Bikes must be rust free, no children's bicycles, and bikes needing repairs or tires will be accepted. Portable sewing machines must be in working order. Donations are tax deductible and a receipt will be provided on site. |
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Passaic County Hosting Free Document Shredding Event |
Passaic County is hosting a free document shredding event on Sunday April 18, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Senior Services Building, 930 Riverview Drive, Totowa, N.J. 1 person per car, must wear a mask, and 6 ft. social distancing. |
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Passaic County Announces Medical Sharps Collection |
Passaic County is hosting Medical Sharps Collections on Sunday May 2, 2021 and Saturday October 2, 2021, both from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The first collection is at the Borough of Bloomingdale, 101 Hamburg Turnpike, Bloomingdale, N.J., and the second collection is at the Borough of Woodland Park, 5 Brophy Lane, Woodland Park, N.J. |
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Passaic County Announces Tire Recycling Events |
Passaic County has announced Tire Recycling Events for 2021:
Saturday April 24, 2021
Passaic County Para-Transit Facility
1310 RT-23 North
Wayne, N.J. 07470
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.
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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 April 25, 2021
Montclair State University
143 Clove Road
Little Falls, N.J.
Sunday June 6, 2021
West Milford Recycling Center
30 Lycosky Avenue
West Milford, N.J.
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Passaic County Hosting T-Ball Spring Training Program |
Passaic County is hosting T-Ball Spring Training at Goffle Brook Park every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. for 'squirts' and 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. for 'squirts seniors'. Register at www.passaiccountyrec.org. |
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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.
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Garbage and Recycling News |
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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.
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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.
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Recycling No Paper:
April 14 & 28
Borough Wide Paper Pickup: April 7 & 21
Metal: Every Monday and Thursday
Garbage: Please refer to the Borough Calendar for Garbage Collection dates
Garbage collection is cancelled for Friday April 2, 2021 and the Recycling Center is closed.
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First Responders Flash Briefing |
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Statewide Distracted Driving Enforcement and Awareness Campaign: UDrive. UText. UPay. |
Law enforcement officers from the Pompton Lakes Police Department will be cracking down on distracted drivers during April as part of New Jersey’s UDrive. UText. UPay. enforcement campaign. |
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Beginning April 1 and running through the end of the month, the high visibility law enforcement initiative will target motorists who engage in dangerous distracted driving behaviors such as talking on hand-held cell phones and sending text messages while driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2018 alone, 2,841 people were killed in distracted driving crashes on our nation’s roads and an estimated 400,000 people were injured. In New Jersey, driver inattention was listed as a contributing circumstance in 50 percent of the state’s crashes in 2018. Driver inattention was in fact listed as a contributing factor in crashes at a rate seven times higher than that of the next highest contributing factor (speed).
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
New Jersey is one of eight states nationally to receive dedicated federal funds this year to tackle the issue of driver distraction. This federal funding will be used for police overtime enforcement grants at the local level as well as a statewide multimedia public awareness campaign on this important issue.
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Pompton Lakes Stigma Free: April is Alcohol Awareness Month |
A 2014 study from the CDC revealed that excessive alcohol consumption was responsible for the death of almost 1 in 10 U.S. adults between the ages of 20 and 64. Untreated drug and alcohol use contribute to tens of thousands of deaths every year and impact the lives of many more. Healthcare has effective tools that could prevent many of these deaths, but they are not being utilized widely enough, and many people who could benefit do not even seek them out. One important reason is the stigma that surrounds people with addiction.
People with addiction continue to be blamed for their disease. Even though there had been health campaigns to spread awareness that addiction is a complex brain disorder with behavioral components, many continue to view it as a result of moral weakness and flawed character. To understand why there is an alcohol awareness month, you must first understand the disease itself.
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- Alcoholism is a disease, and the alcoholic is a sick person;
- The alcoholic can be helped, and is worth helping;
- Alcoholism is a public health problem, and therefore a public responsibility.
Organizations Fighting Alcohol Use Disorder:
Once you are ready to address the problem, seeking out treatment is a good next step. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence along with many organizations and groups have been developed and funded to help aid in the recovery of alcohol use disorder:
Alcoholics Anonymous:
AA or Alcoholics Anonymous is run by a community of recovering alcoholics. They too have been where you are now and will understand better than anyone what you need to her. They have free meetings in almost every city or town around the country. Their 12 step process will give you an optimistic, driven path to follow on the road to recovery.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA):
This is an organization that publishes material to help you stay informed. They stay up to date with alcohol and treatment research so that you always have a place to find the answers.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):
If you have questions about the science behind alcohol abuse, this is the organization to check out. They release data that shows the long term and short term effects of alcohol use.
Al-Anon and Alateen:
There are a lot of resources available to those on the path to recovery. However, they are not the only ones that need help. If you know someone struggling with this disease you may not know how to help them or deal with the stress that accompanies supporting someone through this tough time. This is group you can reach out to in person or over the phone when things seem to be getting too hard. They will show you how to be both encouraging and understanding.
While these are only a few of the groups that you can reach out to, there are many more ready and willing to help. Check your area to find groups that are specific to your local and may be able to help.
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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 |
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