January 2026

Mayor's Message

I hope the holiday season brought you and your loved ones joy, warmth, and special moments together. As we welcome the New Year, I would like to wish all our residents a happy, healthy, and prosperous January.

The start of a new year is a time for reflection and renewal, and it gives us an opportunity to look ahead with optimism. Woodcliff Lake continues to thrive because of the strong sense of community we share—neighbors supporting neighbors, local businesses contributing to our economy, and volunteers giving their time and energy to make our Borough a wonderful place to live.

As we move through the winter months, please remember to stay safe, especially during inclement weather. The Borough will continue to work diligently to keep our roads, parks, and public spaces safe and accessible. Updates and important information will always be shared through our website and Borough communications.

January also marks the beginning of planning for the year ahead. Our boards, departments, and community partners are already working on programs and events for 2026, and we look forward to another year filled with opportunities to come together as a community.

Thank you for your continued support, civic pride, and commitment to Woodcliff Lake. I wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and successful New Year.

Warm regards,

Carlos A. Rendo

Mayor, Borough of Woodcliff Lake

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

January 19

Borough Hall Closed for Martin Luther King Day

January 26

Mayor & Council Meeting

Borough Hall 7PM

January 27

Land Use Board Reorganization Meeting

Borough Hall 7PM

Community Updates

Train Station Update:

The Borough of Woodcliff Lake is pleased to share that the train station construction work has been completed and the station is now fully open and operational, including parking availability.

Parking permits are still available for purchase at the Woodcliff Lake Police Department.

As the project moves forward, the Borough will provide updates and announce details regarding the next phase of construction once additional information becomes available.

Thank you to residents for your patience and cooperation throughout this process.

Redevelopment News & Updates

Woodcliff Lake NJ - Redevelopment

🦊🐺 Wildlife Sightings in Woodcliff Lake – What Residents Should Know

The Borough has received reports of increased fox and coyote sightings around Woodcliff Lake. This activity is normal, especially during the winter months, as wildlife searches for food, water, and shelter. While these animals generally avoid people, residents should remain aware and take simple precautions to coexist safely.

Fox Sightings

Foxes are shy, non-aggressive, and typically harmless to people and pets. Winter conditions make them more visible as they forage.

Foxes are most active at dawn, dusk, and nighttime
Commonly seen in backyards, parks, streets, and undeveloped areas
Healthy foxes avoid humans and help control pests such as mice, rats, and insects

Safety Tips:

Keep cats and small dogs indoors at night
Remove attractants: pet food, fallen fruit, unsecured trash
Never feed or chase foxes
Block access under decks, sheds, and crawl spaces
Report foxes that appear sick, injured, or unusually bold to animal control

Coyote Sightings

Coyotes may appear intimidating, but attacks on humans are rare. Increased activity often occurs when they are caring for pups.

Important Precautions:

Never leave pets or children unattended, especially at dawn or dusk
Secure trash and never feed wildlife
Remove bird feeders, fallen fruit, and uncovered compost
Clear brush and dense vegetation; consider motion-activated lighting
If you encounter a coyote:
Make loud noises, wave your arms, spray water if available — do not run or turn your back

Report Sightings or Aggressive Behavior Immediately

Woodcliff Lake Police: (201) 391-8222
NJ Fish & Wildlife: 908-735-8793 (business hours)
DEP Hotline: 877-WARN-DEP (after hours)

🐾 Remember: More wildlife sightings do not mean increased danger—just survival. Foxes and coyotes play an important role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem, and with awareness and simple precautions, we can safely coexist as a community.

Department of

Public Works

🚛 2026 Sanitation & Recycling Updates

Beginning February 1, 2026, Sterling Carting will expand its services and will now be collecting the Borough’s weekly garbage in addition to the weekly recycling.

🗑️ Garbage Collection Reminders

Limit of 5 cans/items per weekly garbage collection with a 50lb weight limit per can
Containers must be 40 gallons or less and not designed for automated trucks
Non-trash items must weigh less than 50 pounds per item and can include items such as lamps, rugs, chairs, and other household items.
It cannot include recyclables or white metal items, such as appliances, or items greater than 50 pounds.
All materials must be placed curbside by 6:00 AM on collection days
Empty containers must be removed from the curb by 8:00 PM
Curbside Collection Required -All garbage must now be placed curbside. Drive-up service is permanently discontinued.

♻️ Recycling Guidelines

Recycling must be placed in a container — plastic bags are not permitted
Curbside recycling may be co-mingled according to the published schedule
At the Ecology Center, recycling must be separated
Vehicles are required to have visible for entry
No scavenging, no trailers, no commercial vehicles, and no walk-ins

📄 The full 2026 Sanitation & Recycling Calendar is available online.

♻️ Ecology Center —

📍 Located at the DPW Yard

New Weekend Expanded Hours:

Saturdays & Sundays: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Wednesdays: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (unchanged)

🎄 Christmas Tree Pick-Up Information

Effective January 2, 2026

The Department of Public Works will collect Christmas trees curbside through January 31, 2026.

Please note the following guidelines:

Christmas trees must be placed at the curb for collection.
January 31, 2026 is the final day for curbside pickup.
Trees placed at the curb after January 31 will not be collected and must be brought to the Recycling Center for disposal.
A valid ecology tag is required.
No commercial vehicles are permitted at the Recycling Center.

💧 Clean Water Awareness

Clean water is essential for all of us. Learn how you can help protect our stormwater and local environment:

🌐 Visit www.cleanwaternj.org

📅Click here to view the Schedule;

📬 Contact Us

For any issues related to garbage or recycling, please email:

📩sanitation@wclnj.com

Woodcliff Lake NJ - Public Works

Police Department

🚔 The Woodcliff Lake Police Department is proud to congratulate several members of our department on recent achievements and promotions.

Officer Promotions

This past Wednesday evening, five officers were formally promoted:

Detective Sergeant Keith Kalmbach to Lieutenant
Patrol Sergeant Michael Charnesky to Lieutenant
Detective Michael Matovski to Detective Sergeant
Police Officer Eric Ingoglia to Patrol Sergeant
Police Officer Simon Sherfer to Patrol Sergeant

Each officer was surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues — past and present — during the ceremony. We wish them all the best in their new roles as our department continues to look forward to a bright future.

Police Academy Graduations

We also proudly congratulate our three newest officers on graduating from the police academy this past Friday:

P.O. Mirkovic #44 – Squad Leader of the graduating class
P.O. Savino #45 – Recipient of the Role Model Award
P.O. English #46 – Recipient of the Academic Award for highest GPA

All three officers made our department extremely proud. We look forward to their continued success as they begin their field training this upcoming week and officially start their careers serving the residents of Woodcliff Lake.

🚨 Resident Alert: No Parking During Winter Storms

Residents are reminded to keep vehicles off the street during snowfall to allow the Department of Public Works to safely and efficiently clear roadways. Overnight parking is suspended during winter storms.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.

Facebook

🌐 Stay Updated: www.wclpd.com

📞 For emergencies: Call 911 or 201-391-8222

Senior Association

Calling all Woodcliff Lake residents 55 years of age or older

You are invited to a Pizza Luncheon and White Elephant Exchange (an item that you have, in good condition and gift wrapped, in exchange for another item) on Thursday, January 15th at 12:30 at the Woodcliff Lake Senior Association (located in the Tice Shopping Mall). If you are not a member, information about the Senior Association and membership applications will be available. Please call Marilyn at 201-391-4720 no later than Tuesday, January 13th to rsvp so we can plan the number of pizzas needed.

Thursday, February 5th at 12:30 at the Woodcliff Lake Senior Center –Pat Schuber will speak about The Last days of U. S. Grant and his relationship with Mark Twain. No registration required, for members and non-members.

WLSA Woodcliff Lake Senior Association Newsletter

For more information or to join, please contact:

wclsenior@gmail.com

Woodcliff Lake NJ - Senior Association

Fire Department

Our Volunteer Fire Department continues to serve our community with unwavering dedication. With nearly 50 trained and motivated members, they stand ready 24/7 to respond to fires, rescue operations, and technical service calls.

If you’re looking to volunteer, the Fire Department covers all training and equipment costs—you’ll just need the commitment to make a difference. Stop by the station at 180 Pascack Rd any Thursday evening after 7:30 pm to learn more.

Thank you to each firefighter for your service and to all our residents for being vigilant and safe.

Facebook

Woodcliff Lake Fire Department - Bergen County, NJ

Parks and Recreation Department

🌟 Leave Your Mark – Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available in Woodcliff Lake! 🌟

Looking for a meaningful way to support your community while creating a lasting legacy? The Borough of Woodcliff Lake is proud to offer several sponsorship opportunities for individuals, families, and local businesses who want to invest in the beauty, vitality, and future of our town.

🌳 Woodcliff Park Tree & Bench Sponsorships

Support the continued growth and beauty of our newest community space by sponsoring a commemorative tree or bench at Woodcliff Park.

Each sponsorship includes a personalized plaque and offers a unique way to honor a loved one, celebrate a milestone, or show your support for the community and environment. Limited bench sponsorships remain, so don’t miss this special opportunity to leave your mark in a meaningful way.

🎉 Event Sponsorships

Want to support our fun-filled community events like Woodcliff Wednesdays, Movie Nights, or Oktoberfest? We offer sponsorship opportunities that include brand visibility, on-site signage, shout-outs, and more!

🏆 Scoreboard Sponsorship

Support local youth and adult athletics by sponsoring one of our scoreboards.

Great exposure for businesses looking to connect with active families and sports enthusiasts.

🚩 "Welcome to Woodcliff Lake" Sign Sponsorship

Sponsor one of our entrance signs and showcase your support for our hometown pride.

A unique advertising and civic engagement opportunity for local businesses.

📩 Interested in Sponsoring or Want to Learn More?

Let us help you find the perfect way to give back to your community!

🌿 Thank you for helping us grow a stronger, more vibrant Woodcliff Lake.

Your support makes a real difference!

Now Accepting Submissions: Hometown Heroes Banner Program

The Borough of Woodcliff Lake is proud to introduce our Hometown Heroes Banner Program, created to honor and recognize local veterans and active-duty service members.

Beginning this Veterans Day, full-color banners featuring each honoree’s name, photo, branch of service, and rank will be displayed throughout town.

How to Participate:

Eligibility: Current or former Woodcliff Lake residents who served in any branch of the U.S. military
Sponsorship Fee: $150 (covers banner production and display)
What’s Needed: Completed application form, military photo, and (if available) a copy of the DD-214

Applications can be submitted:

In person at Borough Hall
By mail
Digitally via email to: parkandrec@wclnj.com

A submission form can be found:

On the Borough website at Woodcliff Lake NJ - Woodcliff Lake Hometown Heroes Banner Program
Inside the August Newsletter
Shared via our social media channels

If you or someone you know would like to be honored, we encourage you to apply and help us highlight the courageous individuals who have served our nation. This is a meaningful way to visually celebrate the service and sacrifice of our community's heroes.

For questions or assistance, please contact:

Email: parkandrec@wclnj.com

Phone: (201) 391-4977 x219"

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

The Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps is holding its annual Fund Drive to support free emergency medical services in our community.

As a 100% volunteer, non-profit organization, Tri-Boro relies on donations from residents and local municipalities to continue serving Woodcliff Lake and neighboring towns. Every contribution makes a difference — and all donations are tax-deductible.

💙 Ways to Give:

Mail a check payable to: Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Donate online via PayPal
Make a memorial donation in honor of a loved one

Thank you for supporting our local volunteers and the lifesaving work they do!

🍞 Recipe of the Month: Hawaiian Sweet Bread

Perfect for winter gatherings and cozy January weekends

Soft, slightly sweet, and wonderfully comforting, this Hawaiian Sweet Bread is a great addition to your January table. With hints of pineapple and vanilla, it’s delicious on its own, toasted with butter, or served alongside your favorite meals.

🛒 Ingredients

2 packages (¼ oz each) active dry yeast
½ cup warm water (110°–115°)
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup 2% milk
7½–8 cups all-purpose flour, divided
¾ cup mashed potato flakes
⅔ cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger
3 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Directions

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand about 5 minutes until bubbly.
In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add pineapple juice and milk; heat gently until mixture reaches 110°–115°.
In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, potato flakes, sugar, salt, and ginger. Add yeast mixture and warm butter mixture; beat until just moistened.
Add eggs and vanilla; beat until smooth. Gradually stir in remaining flour to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1¼ hours.
Punch dough down and divide into thirds. Shape each into a ball and place in three greased 9-inch round pans lined with parchment.
Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 200°. Cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes if needed.
Remove from pans and cool on wire racks.