From the DPW
Tree Trimming
The Department of Public Works will begin tree trimming along Borough streets and rights-of-way. Areas where trees, branches and large limbs hang over the roadways creating a hazard for motorists and pedestrians will be trimmed.
Tree pruning provides a safer environment for all persons who walk and drive along the roads and sidewalks throughout our community. Large trees, limbs and other vegetation can cause costly damages to vehicles, especially larger ones such as school buses, plow trucks and trash trucks. Pedestrians that have branches and limbs hanging down may be forced to walk around them at times and that may even need to walk on a busy street.
Pruning dead or diseased branches helps prevent further decay of the trees and also benefits the trees as the result of additional sunlight and air circulation. Tree pruning also deters pest and animal infestation and improves their appearance and driving site lines.
This work will begin in February and will continue through the winter months as weather permits. Please call the Department of Public Works at 201-891-4333 if you have any questions. We thank you for your cooperation as we work to provide safe and clear travel paths for all.
Richard Lilienthal
Superintendent of Public works
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Toiletry Donations for Families for Families
Now through Friday, February 28
Families for Families is a 501(c)(3) organization who collect and distribute amongst other things gently used furniture, household goods, and personal hygiene items to families in need. Currently they are looking to collect toiletries (shampoo, soap, bodywash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.) and feminine products. If you can donate any of these items, please bring them to Borough Hall between now and the end of February. There will be a container in the main foyer where you can leave any of these items. A donation receipt, is available at www.families4families.com. Thank you in anticipation of your generosity.
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From Board of Health
February Is Heart Health Awareness Month
The best way to survive a heart attack is to never have one. How can you prevent becoming one of the millions of Americans who suffer a heart attack? There is actually a lot you can do to protect your heart. Knowing the risks and symptoms of heart disease is a good start.
Key risk factors for heart disease are: high cholesterol; hypertension; smoking; diabetes; unhealthy body weight; too much alcohol; and lack of physical activity.
Age is also a risk factor. Your risk for heart disease goes up as you age. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in people 65 and older. There are lifestyle choices and changes you can make to lower your risk. When you control your risk factors, you help protect your heart. It’s easy to get started. Here are a few ideas: Eat healthy meals. Add exercise to your life. If you smoke, quit.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack. While some heart attacks are sudden and intense, others can start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Often people aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help.
Pay attention to any of the following warnings of a possible heart attack: Chest pain or discomfort; Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back; Feeling weak, light-headed or faint; Pain in arms or shoulder; Shortness of breath; and Nausea (an extra symptom in women).
Talk with your health care provider. Ask about lifestyle, exercise and dietary changes you can make to cut your risks. Follow your doctor's advice and take your medicines as directed. if you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 right away. Quick action helps save lives.
Additional information on preventing heart disease is available on the CDC website.
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From the Borough Clerk
Attention Pet Owners - Check Your Pet’s Rabies Expiration Date
When the Clerk’s office begins annual pet license renewals on March 1, you will need to present a rabies Vaccination Certificate valid through January 1, 2026 to receive a 2025 license. Animals whose vaccination expires before January 1, 2026 must receive a booster vaccination prior to licensure. Please check your pet’s rabies expiration date now, and if necessary, plan a booster vaccination in order to renew in a timely manner.
Free Rabies Clinics are available locally. Select the links below for more information.
All dogs and cats are required to be licensed annually. Failure to have obtained a 2025 license by
March 31 will result in late fees and possible fines. The Clerk’s office will begin processing renewals on March 1. Newly acquired dogs must be licensed within 10 days of acquisition or within 10 days of reaching the licensing age of 7 months. Cats brought into the Borough must be licensed within 90 days or upon reaching the licensing age of 5 months.
For more information, please visit franklinlakes.org/pets or contact the Borough Clerk’s Office at 201-891-4000 x1200 or by email to boroughclerk@franklinlakes.org.
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From Tax Collector
1st Quarter 2025 Taxes Due
1st Quarter 2025 taxes are due February 1, 2025. The last day of the grace period for 1st Quarter 2025 taxes is Monday, February 10, 2025. Payments received after February 10, 2025 will have interest charged back to February 1, 2025 as mandated by the State of New Jersey. We do not honor postmarks.
Tax payments can be made by using any of these options:
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Pay taxes online. Recommended option.
- Use Drop-box at Borough Hall - place tax payments (checks only) in a sealed envelope, in the secure drop box by the front door of Borough Hall. If you need a receipt, please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. The drop-box is available 24/7.
- Mail payments to the Tax Collector's Office at 480 DeKorte Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417. If you need a receipt, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Please allow sufficient mail time as it is taking longer to get postal deliveries during this time. We do not honor postmarks.
For additional information call 201-891-4000, ext. 1216 or e-mail TaxCollector@franklinlakes.org.
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From Police Department
Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk
Make a Game Plan for Super Bowl LIX
and Commit to Sober Driving
For Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, February 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Franklin Lakes Police Department are teaming up to remind drivers: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. Get ahead of the game and create your plan now. If you’re going out to a Super Bowl party and you plan to drink alcohol, make sure you plan for a designated driver to get you home safely at the end of the night. If you’re hosting a party, prepare plenty of food and non-alcoholic drink options for your guests, especially for the designated drivers. If you’re a designated driver, be the night’s MVP and keep that commitment front and center. Full Article.
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Help Wanted
Fire Prevention Secretary - Part-time - 12 hrs per week. Fire Prevention Secretary to assist Fire Prevention Bureau. Must be a self-starter with good people skills & organized. Computer skills including MS Office required. Experience preferred. Hourly rate based on qualifications and experience. Email resume and cover letter to Fire Official at BComitto@franklinlakes.org, by February 17. The Borough of Franklin Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Administrative Assistant to the Construction Official - Full-time - Must be able to communicate effectively, be organized, multitask, & positive attitude to work with experienced, helpful staff in a busy office. Computer skills including MS Word and Excel required. Knowledge of SDL software a plus. Two years’ experience as Technical Assistant preferred. Mail resume to Construction Official at 480 DeKorte Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, or email GGoodman@franklinlakes.org, by February 14. 35 hrs per week, full benefits, salary commensurate with experience. The Borough of Franklin Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Upcoming Meetings at Borough Hall
- Monday, February 10 at 6:30 PM, Recreation and Parks Meeting, Conference Room
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Ramadan Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, February 27, 6:00 PM
Borough Hall – Council Chambers (480 DeKorte Drive)
Please join the American Muslims of Franklin Lakes, Moutaz Charaf - Muslim Chaplain and the Imam of El-Zahra Islamic Center, the Mayor and Council for our fifth Annual Ramadan Lighting Ceremony.
Ramadan is a holiday observed by Muslims in the US and around the world every year. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by practicing Muslims as a month of fasting, reflection, and prayer. During this month, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn till dusk, practice compassion with charity, pray and celebrate with festivities. Come join as we light in front of Borough Hall with green and white lights to commemorate Ramadan.
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Street Banner Sponsorship 2025
Deadline March 1, 2025
The Borough of Franklin Lakes is selling Street Banner Sponsorships for 2025. All Franklin Lakes businesses will have the opportunity to advertise on our lamp posts either on Franklin Avenue or Franklin Lake Road (FLR has 6 lamp posts, first come first serve). Please consider showing your support by purchasing up to two banners. Banners will be displayed from April 2025 through October 30th. (November 1st our Hometown Hero banners will be going up). The banners are double-sided and will have your business logo on the lower portion of the banner.
For more information on how to order please see attached letter and lamp banner sponsorship application form. All applications and artwork (high resolution PDF or JPEG 16’ x 8”) must be submitted by email to drobinson@franklinlakes.org by March 1st.
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Rally 4 HOPE - Pickleball Tournament
Saturday, April 5, 2025 - Save the Date
Rally 4 Hope, Pickleball tournament hosted by the Franklin Lakes Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC). The MWC organizes programs to promote healthy activities and well-being in our community. The MWCs goal is to encourage our residents and surrounding towns to participate in these activities while supporting local families in our community. This year’s tournament is being held to raise funds for The Ponds Food Pantry in Oakland (a community food pantry available to anyone with an urgent nutritional needs) with the help of Arman Ghavami, Junior at Indian Hill High School, Varsity Captain of the tennis team and member of the Interact Club which focuses on community service. Through Arman’s passion for tennis/pickleball and helping the community he has worked hard to put together Rally 4 Hope and donate to Ponds Food Pantry, Oakland, NJ. Rain date: April 6. Registration details to follow at www.franklinlakes.org/rally.
To volunteer or sponsor, email the Community Director at drobinson@franklinlakes.org.
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Baskets 4 HOPE
Saturday, June 7, 2025 - Save the Date
The Mayors Wellness Campaign will host the annual Baskets 4 Hope, 3 v 3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday, June 7th on the outdoor basketball courts at Pulis Ave Recreation Field.
It’s time to start putting together your teams and come up with creative team names. Teams of 4 are recommended, as you are guaranteed 3 games. Every registered player will receive a reversible basketball jersey. Flyer. Registration will open March 1st at www.franklinlakes.org/baskets.
To volunteer or sponsor, email the Community Director at drobinson@franklinlakes.org.
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From Recycling Coordinator | |
Recycle Right
Terrible Tanglers & Propane Tanks
Remember to keep hoses, cords and clothes out of your curbside recycling bin. These terrible tanglers jam recycling machinery grinding operations to a halt. Never put potentially explosive items like propane tanks in your recycling bin. They are a prime cause of truck and recycling facility fires. www.franklinlakes.org/recycleright
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Schedule a Curbside Collection for Bulk Waste, and Metal/Appliance Recycling
Details on curbside collections that need to be scheduled, visit Metal/Large Appliance and Bulk Waste. Residents must schedule a collection by completing a request form for bulk waste and metal and large appliance pick-up no later than10:00 AM the day before the scheduled date of collection.
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Donate Bulk Waste Items
Before you place any bulk waste items out for curbside collection, consider donating any furniture or household items. A list of local organizations is available at www.franklinlakes.org/donations.
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Upcoming Community Events
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The Old Stone Music and Coffee House - Friday, February 7th. Tim Gysin (our favorite “Piano Man”) will be performing from 8-10 pm. Doors open at 7:30. $10 cover charge, which includes entry and unlimited coffee, tea, a cold drink and some yummy baked goodies. BYOBOW is allowed. Bring a donation for the CUMAC food pantry, and you'll be entered in a drawing to get your cover charge back. Event flyer.
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Library Car and 50/50 Raffle - The Franklin Lakes Library Foundation is selling 4,000 raffle tickets at $100 per ticket. To purchase a ticket mail a check made out to Franklin Lakes Library Foundation, 470 DeKorte Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417. Flyer.
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Franklin Lakes Library - Find out what's happening at the Franklin Lakes Library, view our weekly newsletter. A full list of programs and services is available at franklinlakeslibrary.org.
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Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce - Monthly Networking Meetings, 7:00 AM, second Friday of the month at the OEM Building.
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Stay Connected with Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education
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Help Keep Franklin Lakes Safe! | |
The Latest Buzz
"The Latest Buzz" will give updated status reports on those issues that seem to generate the most buzz throughout town, that may be under-reported in other news outlets. We will keep this information fresh and up-to-date, with the "Last Updated" date noted at the end of each article.
For more information on the following topics visit: www.franklinlakes.org/buzz.
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