Woodcliff Lake News

May 2025

Mayor's Message

With the arrival of the month of May, the Borough of Woodcliff Lake is filled with excitement—and we have reason to be. With much anticipation, we are delighted to finally announce the grand opening of our brand-new passive park, a breathtaking new addition to our community that will provide residents with a peaceful oasis where they can relax, mingle, and rejuvenate with nature.

We invite you to join us on Saturday, May 3rd at 1:30 PM for the Park's grand opening celebration. This is a milestone for the Borough, and we would like to share it with all of you.

Our celebration of the new park continues later in the month with one of our most anticipated events—SpringFest—on Saturday, May 17th from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Held at the new park, SpringFest will feature live music, food trucks, craft vendors, kids' activities, and plenty of fun for the whole family. It's the perfect way to spend a spring afternoon with friends and neighbors. We look forward to seeing you there!

With summer approaching, be sure to enroll in Camp Algonquin and the Old Mill Pool. They are excellent opportunities for children and families to stay active, engaged, and cool all summer. Registration details are available on the Borough website.

Let's make the most of this May by staying connected and involved in our community! We encourage you to keep informed about Borough news, come out to the park's opening and SpringFest, and continue to contribute your valuable insights. Wishing you a happy and active May – I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming town events!

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

May 3

Park Opening Celebration

1:30PM

May 17

SpringFest 25

New Park 11:30AM-4:30PM

May 21

Mayor & Council Meeting

Borough Hall 7PM

May 22

LEAD Movie Night in the Park

New Park 7pm

May 24

Old Mill Pool Opens

Old Mill Pool 11AM

May 26

Memorial Day Ceremony

New Park 9AM

May 26

Memorial Day Parade

Begins at Montvale Firehouse 10:30AM

WCL Viewing on Pascack Road From Gled Rd to Woodcliff Ave.

May 31

Reservoir Clean Up

Entrance via Train Station Lower Lot 10AM-1PM

Community Updates

Lights! Camera! Action! WCL wants to see you on the big screen!

In 2024 alone, production companies spent over 650 million dollars in New Jersey which is why Woodcliff Lake is almost done with our Film Ready New Jersey State Certification. Production of films in Woodcliff Lake will provide an opportunity for local businesses and residents to benefit financially and showcase the municipality.

Our proximity to the film industry in NYC makes us a prime location for all types of projects. Help us list as many locations and businesses that can support anything the production requires. We want to entice scouts and producers to choose us!

For any questions and to get uploaded, please contact jmargolis@wclnj.com.

Community Garden Cleanup Day

Local resident Evan Wiener led a successful Community Garden Cleanup Day on Sunday, April 27, joined by Councilwoman Julie Brodsky, and residents Debbie Uribe and Clay Bosch,. The cleanup received incredible support from local high school students, including members of two community-focused groups: SecurEats (based out of AHA) and From One Part to Another (BCA). These groups are working to grow and donate produce from the garden to food insecure families in the area.

📷 [See more photos from the event here.]

For more information about the Community Garden, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department.

Department of

Public Works

Memorial Day Holiday Collection Changes

Please note the following adjustments to garbage collection due to the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 26:

🗑 Zone A collection will take place on Tuesday, May 27
🗑 Zone B collection will take place on Wednesday, May 28

Weekly Garbage Pickup Schedule

Zone A: Monday
Zone B: Tuesday
Zone C: Thursday
Zone D: Friday

Garbage & Recycling Reminders

All garbage and recycling must be placed curbside by 6:00 AM on your designated collection day.
Do not flush any wipes—wipes belong in the trash, not the toilet.

Recycling Requirements

Business Owners: All business owners are required to recycle. Visit BCUA.org for guidelines on business recycling requirements.
Residents: Review the town’s recycling schedule to ensure compliance with our local recycling policies.

Clean Water Awareness

Clean water is essential for everyone. For information on stormwater and how you can help keep our waters clean, visit www.cleanwaternj.org

Ecology Center Hours

Wednesdays: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturdays & Sundays: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Closed on Holidays

Click here to view the Schedule;

Contact Information:

For any issues related to garbage or recycling, please email sanitation@wclnj.com

Woodcliff Lake NJ - Public Works

Police Department

Residential Safety Tips

Burglaries: Keep lights on when away or use timers to make your home appear occupied.
Vehicle Safety: Always lock your car, take your keys/key fob with you, and avoid leaving valuables inside.

School Safety

Please respect their directions to keep our children safe. Crossing guards are vital for student safety—let’s work together to ensure a secure school zone.

Community Policing Sector Program

Each officer is assigned to a Community Policing Sector and has been visiting residents door-to-door. Find your sector officer at wclpd.com

Special Needs Outreach Program

Officer Matthew Sabbagh is leading an outreach initiative for individuals with special needs to build personal connections for better emergency and non-emergency care. Contact Officer Sabbagh at msabbagh@wclpd.com or 201-391-4977 ext. 440 for more information.

Click It or Ticket

Seat belts save lives. Whether you're driving around the corner or across town — Click it. Don’t risk it.

Distracted Driving

Please keep your eyes and attention on the road. Talking, texting, eating, or any other distractions can wait. Stay focused and help keep everyone safe.

Pedestrian Safety Reminder

Be aware of pedestrians in and around crosswalks. Yield to those crossing and approach intersections with caution.

Emergency Information Cards Available

Our department now offers wallet-sized emergency information cards where you can write down your vital details in case of an emergency. Pick one up at the Police Department to carry with you or provide to a loved one.

Stay updated with us at www.wclpd.com. For emergencies, call 201-391-8222 or 911.

Shade Tree Committee

🌳 Arbor Day Celebration 🌳

The Shade Tree Committee marked Arbor Day with Woodcliff Lake Middle School on Friday, April 25. The event featured student performances, a tree planting ceremony, and a variety of engaging, interactive activities.

In a special moment, Mayor Rendo officially proclaimed April 25, 2025 as “Clay Bosch Day,” honoring Clay’s 25 years of dedicated leadership as Committee Chairman.

🌿 [Additional highlights from the day can be viewed here.]

🌱 Want a Free Tree?

The Borough is offering free street tree plantings for residents in 2025! If you’re interested, submit a Shade Tree Request Form to Borough Hall. A Shade Tree Committee member will contact you to discuss the type and location of the tree before planting. Saplings are typically 5-6 feet tall.

📸 Pictured: Woodcliff Lake resident Josephine Higgins, who received three new trees last fall!

Let’s work together to keep Woodcliff Lake green and thriving! 🌿 🌳

Senior Association

Tice Senior Community Center Schedule:

Monday

💪 Aerobics: 9:30–10:30 AM
🃏 Beginner’s Bridge Lessons: 1 PM

Wednesday

💪 Aerobics: 9:30–10:30 AM

Thursday

📋 Executive Meeting (First Thursday of each month): 11 AM
📋 Business Meeting (First Thursday of each month): 12:30–1 PM
🎲 Mah Jongg Lessons: 1:30 PM
📚 WLSA Book Club (Last Thursday of every month): 1 PM

Friday

💪 Aerobics: 9:30–10:30 AM
🎴 Duplicate Bridge: 1 PM

Additional:

💻 Computer Classes: Contact Dan McGlynn at 201-573-0677
🏥 Visiting Nurse: Available during gatherings

WLSA Woodcliff Lake Senior Association Newsletter

For more information or to join, please contact:

wclsenior@gmail.com

Woodcliff Lake NJ - Senior Association

Fire Department

🙌 WE NEED YOUR HELP! BECOME A VOLUNTEER 🙌

Are you ready to make a difference? The Woodcliff Lake Fire Department is looking for dedicated individuals, ages 16 and older, to join us as volunteer firefighters.

👨‍🚒 No experience? No problem!

🕖 Stop by the Firehouse on any Thursday night after 7 PM to learn more.

🔥 Your community needs you! Join the team and become a local hero!

⚠️ Important Safety Reminder ⚠️

🚨 Smoke Detectors Save Lives! 🚨

🕒 Check your smoke detectors twice a year (when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time in spring and fall).
🔋 If the battery is dead, replace it immediately—it could save your family’s life!

Let’s work together to keep Woodcliff Lake safe. Thank you for your support! 💪💙

Woodcliff Lake Fire Department - Bergen County, NJ

Parks and Recreation Department

Leave Your Mark on Our New Park—Benches and Trees Available for Sponsorship!

Time is running out to be part of something truly special in Woodcliff Lake! We’re offering two unique ways to make a lasting impact on our beautiful new park.

Only Three benches remain available for sponsorship. Each bench comes with a customized plaque bearing your personal inscription, and you’ll have the option to renew every 10 years or keep the plaque as a cherished keepsake. Don’t miss this chance to contribute to a lasting legacy in our community—act now before they’re gone!

In addition, Woodcliff Lake is offering an opportunity to sponsor a tree in the park, helping to enhance its beauty and sustainability. Each tree sponsorship includes a personalized plaque near your tree with your chosen inscription—perfect for honoring a loved one or showing your support for our community and environment.

🌿 Sponsorship Details: ✅ $1,000 per tree, $6,000 per bench

✅ Your contribution helps maintain and beautify our parks for years to come!

To learn more or begin the sponsorship process, please contact parkandrec@wclnj.com. We’ll provide further details and guide you through the next steps.

Thank you for helping us grow a greener future for Woodcliff Lake! 🌳💚

🌞 Old Mill Pool Season is Back – Registration Now Open! 🏊‍♂️

We’re excited to announce that the Old Mill Pool is returning for the 2025 season! Registration is now open, and we can’t wait to welcome all of our valued members for another fantastic summer of swimming, relaxation, and community fun. 🎉

🏖️ Old Mill Pool 2025 Season Details

Here’s everything you need to know:

📅 Season Dates:

Opens: Saturday, May 24
Closes: Monday, September 1
Weekend & Holiday Hours (Before June 22)
Open Daily starting June 23 (weather permitting)

⏰ Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

💳 Payment Options:

Credit card or check only (cash payments will not be accepted)
Sign up online via WCL Community Pass or in person at Borough Hall during business hours.

📝 How to Register:

Visit the registration portal: Click Here to Register
For full details, visit: www.wclnj.com

Don’t wait – early registration is encouraged! We look forward to seeing you at the Old Mill Pool for a fun and relaxing season ahead. 🌊☀️

🌞 Camp Algonquin is Back – Registration Now Open! 🏕️

We are excited to announce that Camp Algonquin is returning and we can’t wait to welcome campers for another summer filled with adventure, activities, and unforgettable memories. 🌟

We look forward to an amazing summer at Camp Algonquin! 🎉

📅 Camp Dates:

Monday, June 30 – Friday, August 8

🧒 Ages:

4 through 12

⏰ Camp Hours:

Full Day: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Half Day: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

🏕️ Camp Activities Include:

Sports & Games
Arts & Crafts
Swimming at The Old Mill Pool 🏊‍♀️
Dance & Singing 🎶
Playground Fun
Performances
Shows
Programs and Activities and so much more!

🌧️ New for 2025:

In the event of inclement weather, campers will have an indoor location to continue their activities. 🌈

📝 How to Register:

To sign up, visit the registration portal: Click Here to Register

For additional details, visit the Borough website: www.wclnj.com

Early registration is recommended as spots are limited. Don't miss out on this exciting summer opportunity! 😎🌞

🌳 Official Opening of the New Park – Join Us for the Park Opening Celebration! 🌳

The Borough is excited to announce the official opening of our new park! After extensive planning and development, we are proud to present this beautiful new community space to the public.

Residents are invited to join the Mayor and Council for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the official unveiling of the park’s name. Several public officials will be in attendance to celebrate this momentous occasion.

📅 Saturday, May 3rd

🕒 1:30 PM

📍 223 Woodcliff Avenue, at the intersection of Woodcliff Avenue and Werimus Road

Come be a part of this historic moment and enjoy an afternoon filled with community spirit and celebration! 🎉

We look forward to seeing you there! 🌳🌞

🌸 SpringFest 2025: A Fun-Filled Day for the Whole Family! 🌸

Get ready for a day of celebration at SpringFest 2025! This year, we're excited to bring the festival to a brand-new location at the Passive Park — located at the intersection of Werimus Road & Woodcliff Avenue.

Join us on Saturday, May 17th, from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM for a vibrant community event featuring:

Live Music from:
Jennifer Quinn: Check out her website
Kings and Constables: Visit their site
Hawk Redemption Band: Find them on Facebook
A Beer/Seltzer Garden, provided by 805 Hospitality
Check them out on Instagram
Delicious Food Trucks, including:
Cousins Maine Lobster: Follow them on Instagram
The Empanada Lady: Visit Instagram
Ice Cream Creations: Check out their Instagram
Culto Italiano Pizza Truck: Visit Instagram
1950 Originals: Follow them on Instagram
Fun Kids’ Activities to keep the little ones entertained
Craft Vendors showcasing unique handmade goods

It’s the perfect way to kick off the season, connect with neighbors, and make lasting memories. Don’t miss out on this exciting day in the heart of Woodcliff Lake! 🌟

🌳 Veolia Watershed Recreation Program at The Woodcliff Lake Reservoir Send in your Application and Join Today! 🌊

We’re excited to share the details of Veolia's Watershed Recreation Program, which offers a chance to enjoy outdoor activities at The Woodcliff Lake Reservoir. Here’s everything you need to know:

📅 When does the program start and end?

The program is seasonal. For exact dates, visit Veolia’s website.

📝 How do I apply?

Apply online or visit Veolia’s office.

🎟️ What will I receive?

You’ll get a badge, permit, and key for access.

💲 What’s the cost?

Cost depends on your residency status. Contact Veolia for details.

⏳ How long does it take to get my materials?

It typically takes a few weeks. Apply early!

🌊 What reservoirs are part of the program?

Woodcliff Lake Reservoir

🚶‍♀️ What activities are offered?

Fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and more!

👫 How many guest passes can I buy?

You can purchase a limited number of guest passes.

🔑 What if I lose my key?

Contact Veolia to get a replacement.

🚨 How do I report suspicious behavior?

Call 201-599-6021 or 845-620-3328 (Veolia security) or contact the local police.

🎣 Do I need a fishing license?

Yes, you’ll need a valid fishing license to fish in the reservoirs.

For more information and to sign up Veolia Watershed Recreation Program | Veolia Water

🚑 Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps – Fund Drive Now Underway! 💙

The Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps is currently holding their annual Fund Drive. Your generous support helps them continue providing free emergency medical services to the community, and every donation makes a difference!

Why Your Donation Matters:

Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps is a 100% volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We rely mainly on contributions from individuals like you and the generous support of our local municipalities. Our services are completely free of charge, and all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

💐 Memorial Contributions:

If you would like to make a donation in memory of a loved one, we will gladly notify their family of your generous gift.

How to Donate:

You can choose one of the following donation options:

Make checks payable to: Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Donate via PayPal

Other Ways to Contribute:

Memorial Donations: Often made in lieu of flowers or requested by the family.
Miscellaneous Donations: From patients, their families, or community members.
Corporate Donations: Including employee-matching programs.

Your support is essential – thank you for helping!

🥣 Recipe of the Month: Classic Buttermilk Biscuits

Makes 10 biscuits

Warm, flaky, and made from scratch — these buttermilk biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting side.

🛒 You’ll Need:

2 cups all-purpose flour
4 Tbsp cold butter
4 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup low-fat buttermilk

👨‍🍳 How to Make It:

Preheat oven to 425°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Use your fingers to break up the butter into the flour until small pebbles form.
Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk.
Use a fork to gently mix the dough until combined.
On a floured surface, pat the dough into a square, then fold it onto itself 4–5 times (this helps create those tall, flaky layers).
Roll into a 1" thick circle and cut out biscuits using a round cookie cutter or glass (you’ll get about 6).
Re-roll the dough and cut again to make about 10 biscuits total.
Place biscuits on a baking sheet coated with nonstick spray.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown.