The Latest Buzz

From Ellen Trotta Carmody

Franklin Lakes Addiction and Recovery Advisor

An mentioned in a recent Latest Buzz, the Borough of Franklin Lakes is working to keep the town safe from the opioid epidemic which is killing over 100,000 Americans per year. In 2022, Bergen County law enforcement deployed Narcan, which reversed the effects of an opioid overdose, 376 times, saving 256 lives. Unfortunately, 186 lives were lost. 

In September 2023, Bergen County announced an initiative to distribute Narcan (Nalaxone) to all 62 Bergen County facilities, at no cost to taxpayers. On June 6, 2024, the Borough passed a similar resolution (Resolution 227-24). I am happy to report that nine Narcan cabinets containing lifesaving Narcan have been installed throughout town, near existing AED (automated external defibrillator) boxes.

Narcan (Naloxone) Administration

On July 16, 2024, twenty (20) Borough employees and volunteers were trained on administering Narcan. They learned about opioids, addiction and fake “pressed pills” resembling real prescription medication, but actually containing deadly doses of fentanyl. This epidemic is killing 300 Americans a day and having Narcan readily available throughout our town, enables YOU to save a life! 

Signs/symptoms of an opioid overdose include: 

• Unresponsiveness
• Blue skin
• Slow/shallow breathing
• Pinpoint pupils
• Confusion

How to Administer Narcan:

Narcan is a very easy nasal spray to administer and rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. If you suspect an opioid overdose, administer the first nasal spray dose of Narcan and dial 911.

Some Questions & Answers (Q&A): 

Q:  If an overdose is suspected and Narcan is administered, will it hurt the person if he/she is not having an opioid overdose? 

A: No, if no opioids were involved, Narcan will not harm the person, it just won’t have any effect. 

Q: Is there liability if I administer Narcan? 

A:  No, we in NJ are protected by the Good Samaritan Law, which is designed to encourage individuals to seek medical assistance for drug overdoses without fear of legal repercussions. 

Q: What is the expiration dating for Narcan? 

A:  Typically a few years from date of manufacture. The initial doses of Narcan in Franklin Lakes Narcan cabinets’ dating is 11/26 and 12/26. The manufacturer of Narcan states it can by be administered one year past expiration and boxes will be monitored by town employees. 

Q:  What is Narcan’s temperature range? 

A: 36 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Q:  Must I call 911 if I encounter someone in need of help? 

A:  YES, you must administer the first nasal spray dose of Narcan, then dial 911. The effects of Narcan can wear off more quickly than the effects of opioids, so it’s important to call for medical assistance. 

REACH (REducing Addiction through Care and Help)

REACH’s Addiction and Recovery Advisor

As the Borough of Franklin Lakes REACH’s Addiction and Recovery Advisor, I am available, on a strictly confidential basis, to assist residents who are in crisis and need help navigating the many resources available to help.

Ellen Trotta Carmody

Cell: 201-466-1408   

reach@franklinlakes.org

From Ellen Trotta Carmody

Franklin Lakes Addiction and Recovery Advisor

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed every August 31st.  For the first time, following a tradition taking place in other parts of the US, many towns in Bergen County will be taking part in the occasion by setting up displays of purple flags. These flags represent lives lost to overdose/fentanyl poisoning to combat not only the stigma of overdose, but to acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.  

From August 23rd to September 1st, 153 flags are displayed at Veterans Plaza to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day. These153 flags represent the number of Bergen County residents lost to overdose/fentanyl poisoning last year. This year’s campaign is “Together We Can”, highlighting the power of our community when we all stand together to fight this horrible epidemic affecting our country.

In addition, a moment of silence will be held during Eats and Beats on August 24th.

Another beautiful recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day is being held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on August 31st. The Black Poster Project, founded by Bergen County resident, Dee Gillen, is a silent memorial of nearly 800 lives lost to addiction/fentanyl poisoning. A subset of the 800 posters was displayed during this year’s Living Lessons Day at FAMS in May. If you’re in NYC on August 31st, please stop by and visit The Black Poster Project from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM. It’s a moving, emotional memorial that you will never forget!

REACH (REducing Addiction through Care and Help)

REACH’s Addiction and Recovery Advisor

As the Borough of Franklin Lakes REACH’s Addiction and Recovery Advisor, I am available, on a strictly confidential basis, to assist residents who are in crisis and need help navigating the many resources available to help.

Ellen Trotta Carmody

Cell: 201-466-1408   

reach@franklinlakes.org

Last year, an estimated 107,543 deaths in the United States were attributed to reported drug overdoses. That’s close to 300 Americans dying each day! Most of these deaths were due to fentanyl, either mixed into the illegal drug supply, or from counterfeit “pressed pills” that look exactly like prescription medications.

Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Overdoses from fentanyl are now the NUMBER ONE killer of Americans 18 to 45 years of age and the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Many of these deaths were not individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD). They were our youth experimenting with pills that they thought were legitimate prescription drugs, often purchased off the internet. Our New Jersey State labs report that 70% of these fake pressed pills contain a potentially fatal dose of fentanyl. Our labs also report 97% of cocaine contains fentanyl.

Please speak to your children about this horrible epidemic. A good elevator speech is “If you weren’t prescribed a medication from a doctor, and you didn’t pick it up from a pharmacy, DON’T TAKE IT!” Want to know what a potentially fatal dose of fentanyl is? Have this conversation with your kids when you’re with them at the beach this summer. Pick up 2 to 4 grains of sand and explain that this tiny amount of fentanyl will kill them.

If you want to learn more about this epidemic, Google “One Pill Can Kill”. This site reports that, in 2023, the DEA seized 78 million fentanyl-laced pills and 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. That’s enough powder to manufacture 388 million pills – there are only 340 million Americans! Educate your families on the dangers of experimenting. Take the time with your family and watch this 4 minute film – see link below. You don’t have to have a problem with substance use, all that it takes is one counterfeit pill to take your life.

Stay tuned for an update on how we are helping to keep our neighbors safe from the dangers of fentanyl and other opioids!

As Franklin Lakes REACH’s Addiction and Recovery Advisor, I am available, on a strictly confidential basis, to assist residents who are in crisis and need help navigating the many resources available to help.

Ellen Trotta Carmody, REACH (REducing Addiction through Care and Help)
Addiction and Recovery Advisor
Cell: (201) 466-1408   
Email: reach@franklinlakes.org

Water from rain and melting snow that flows over lawns, parking lots and streets is known as stormwater runoff. This water, which travels along gutters, into catch basins and through storm drain pipes and ditches, usually is not treated, but then flows or is discharged into local waterbodies. Along the way, the stormwater picks up trash (fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, styrofoam cups, etc.) and toxins and other pollutants (gas, motor oil, antifreeze, fertilizers, pesticides and pet droppings). This polluted stormwater can kill fish and other wildlife, destroy wildlife habitat, contaminate drinking water sources and force the closing of beaches because of health threats to swimmers. 

Human activity is largely responsible for the stormwater pollution. Everything that we put on the ground or into the storm drain can end up in our water. Each of us has a responsibility to make sure these contaminants stay out of our water. Whether we have clean water is up to you. 

Enlarge the image above.

Lauren Gibson with Mayor Charlie Kahwaty

Last year, Mayor Charlie Kahwaty had an idea to give more color and life to the blank walls in the Mayor’s office. He wanted to display artwork from local students on each of the walls of his office. Working with Lauren Gibson, Head Teacher in the Arts Department at Ramapo High School, Mayor Kahwaty was able to borrow pictures, representing several of the arts disciplines at Ramapo High School. He displayed these pictures and has now received new pictures to hang so that he can showcase local talented artists and give his office much more character.

This year, Digital Photography students were learning about depth of field and how adjusting the camera’s aperture will create a shallow or deep depth of field. Students were challenged to create beautiful photos with a shallow depth of field, or Bokeh background, using mini lights. Bokeh comes from the Japanese word boke (ボケ), which means "blur" or "haze", or boke-aji, the "blur quality." Bokeh is pronounced BOH-Kə or BOH-kay. Students create a series of creative images with beautiful colorful soft backgrounds. 

Digital Photography students were learning about Light Painting. Light painting is the technique of moving a light source while taking a long exposure photograph, either to illuminate a subject or space or to shine light at the camera to draw. Students experimented with flashlights, string lights, and phone lights to create exciting compositions.  

Honors Studio Art developed a figure drawing composition from life by taking multiple observation drawings of their classmates and layering them using different colored pencils. 

Painting students learned new painting techniques such as pallet knives and fan brushings, along with atmospheric perspective using their previous knowledge of creating value ranges in their pieces. Their landscapes were inspired by Bob Ross who painted, typically mountains, lakes, snow, and log cabin scenes, which were inspired by his years in Alaska, where he was stationed for the majority of his Air Force career.

We would like to also give credit to the wonderful teachers who inspire the Art students at Ramapo High School:

Rich Burton - Subject Supervisor

Lauren Gibson - District Head Teacher, 2D and 3D Teacher

Sean Quirk - AP Art/Honors Art Teacher

Lisa Higbie - Digital Photo Teacher

Casey Holms - 2D Teacher

Traci Maturo - 2D and 3D Teacher

John Mungiello - Digital Teacher 

The Ramapo High School students that are currently displaying their work in the Mayor’s office are as follows:

Bridget Cannon & Kyra Magerko – “Landscape Studies”

Jaya John & Mackenzie Giampietro – “Layered Values”

Caroline Hartgers & Sandra Vitolo – “Color Theory Mandala”

Jane Hourihan – “Figures”

George Zahka – “Bokeh”

Connor Signore & Kaila Romero – “Vector Animal”

Leia Corbisiero – “Light Painting”

From the Franklin Lakes Addiction and Recovery Advisor

My son, Frank passed away 18 months ago due to an accidental overdose and fentanyl poisoning. If the individuals who were with Frank were aware of NJ’s Good Samaritan Law, Frank would be alive today. NJ’s Good Samaritan Law exempts from arrest and prosecution and limits liability for any victim or “Good Samaritan” who renders aid in an alcohol or drug related emergency. The individual will not face any criminal consequences if medical assistance is sought. This protection applies to all “Good Samaritans,” including under age individuals. Each US state, with the exception of Kansas and Wyoming, have some type of Good Samaritan Law in place.

Please watch and encourage your kids to view this 5 minute video, BREATHE, illustrating the importance of the Good Samaritan Law. Many of our children are heading to their new lives in college soon and they need to understand that they are doing the right thing by calling for help. Enforce the simple phrase, “Don’t Run, Call 911”. They can save a life.

As Franklin Lakes’ Addiction and Recovery Advisor, I am available, on a strictly confidential basis, to assist residents who are in crisis and need help navigating the many resources available to help. Please view the article which was recently sent out regarding my position as Addiction and Recovery Advisor.

Ellen Trotta Carmody, Franklin Lakes Addiction and Recovery Advisor

Cell: (201) 466-1408  Email: reach@franklinlakes.org

Franklin Lakes was named a 2023 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. 

Franklin Lakes achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: 

• forming a tree board or department – the Borough’s Shade Tree Commission;
• creating a tree-care ordinance;
• having an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita; and
• an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like [City] make smart investments in urban forests,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.” 

Trees are assets to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits. 

Michael Tulp, Chairman of the Shade Tree Commission, explained what the Tree City USA award means to the Borough, “This year we again celebrate the Borough’s qualification for the prestigious Tree City USA award. The Shade Tree Commission is dedicated to the preservation of the Borough’s precious tree inventory. Trees play an enormous role in the well-being of our local environment, and, in fact, they also have a positive economic impact on our community. This year marks the 16th consecutive year that our Borough has qualified for the award. Of note is that Franklin Lakes is only one of 154 municipalities (out of a total of 565 municipalities) in New Jersey that has been awarded this designation. The achievement has been made through the dedication of our volunteer Shade Tree Commissioners: Marion Mahn, Donna Robinson, Mary McBride and Michael Kolenut. The Shade Tree Commission also would like to acknowledge the enthusiastic support from Mayor Charles Kahwaty as well as the Borough Council. In 2023, the Mayor and Council approved a new tree ordinance which aims at conserving the Borough’s tree inventory for future generations of residents. I remind Borough residents that our new revised ordinance provides stricter rules and property owners are advised to apply for approval for a tree cutting permit before removing any trees larger than seven inches in diameter. The ordinance does require tree replacement for any live tree removed. The Borough is also enforcing a much strong penalty schedule for violations. The Shade Tree Commission appreciates the support of our residents, and we welcome members of the community interested in volunteering along with us.”

More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA. 

ABOUT THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION: The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org. 

"Spotlight On Volunteers" is a new Buzz feature which will help residents get to know some of the many volunteers that spend countless hours providing services to the Franklin Lakes community.  

As Chief of the Fire Department, Charles “Chuck” Bohny is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the Fire Department. Chuck joined the Fire Department in August of 1992 as a Probationary Member. He became the Fire Department Engineer in 1995. The Fire Department Engineer is the member of the Department that assists with maintenance of Fire Department equipment. 29 years later, Chuck still holds that position and, in 2007, he became the Chief Engineer. He has been a “Firematic” officer (officers in charge of firefighting operations) since 1998, including serving as Chief of the Fire Department from 2008 to 2010, and then, after a ten year break, he was again elected as Chief of the Fire Department in 2020, and has continued to service as Chief to the current day.

Chuck has held every Fire Department Officer position including Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief and Chief of the Fire Department. Chuck has also been the President of the Franklin Lakes Fire Department Exempt Association since 2011. In 2012, Chuck received the Northwest Bergen Mutual Aid Association Medal of Valor Award. In addition to this award, he has received several other citations, commendations and lifesaving awards throughout his time in the Franklin Lakes Fire Department.

Chuck grew up in Oakland, New Jersey and has lived in Franklin Lakes since 2006. He has been with his fiancé Jessica since 2009. Chuck loves to play the guitar and loves any and all things music. He also enjoys tending to his fresh and saltwater aquariums in his free time, along with fixing anything mechanical. He is also very fond of classic cars and trucks and has a love of trains.

Among the Chief’s duties, he develops yearly goals and objectives for the Department that fit the needs of the community and best utilize the Borough’s assets. Chuck is responsible for ensuring that the members of the Fire Department follow all of the best practices and procedures. The development and implementation of new policies and ensuring compliance with those already in effect is an important responsibility of the Chief. He works with the Borough Administrator, the Chief Financial Officer and the Mayor and Council every year to develop a budget that is cost effective and serves the needs of the community.

Chief Bohny explains, “Safety and outreach to the residents and guests of the Borough are our priority. As an agency, we are always searching for ways to better serve the town whether it be through expanding our interaction in the schools or attending community events.” 

If you ever wish to know more about the Fire Department, or become a member, please visit the Fire Department’s website which is full of helpful information. “Residents can always contact us with any concerns you may have, it is our pleasure to serve such a wonderful community,” says Chief Chuck Bohny. 

The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute announced that seventeen municipalities have been designated as a “2023 Healthy Town,” including Franklin Lakes, as part of its Mayors Wellness Campaign (“MWC”), a program of the Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. These cities and towns go above and beyond to improve health and wellness in their communities through innovative programs in areas such as exercise, healthy eating, and mental health education and awareness. 

Each year, communities participating in the MWC complete a comprehensive Healthy Town application outlining the research they’ve done to identify their community health needs and explaining how they have organized their local MWC program. The application also highlights the actions they’ve taken to make their communities healthier places to live, work, and play.

“The League of Municipalities is excited to see the growth of the MWC Healthy Town designations. It shows what we already know: that community leaders across the state are focused on the health of residents and want to continue to provide these important wellness opportunities at the local level,” said Mike Cerra, Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities. 

This is not the first time that Franklin Lakes has been recognized for its comprehensive and innovative Mayor’s Wellness Campaign. In 2015, Franklin Lakes was recognized as a “New Jersey Healthy Town” and, again, in 2020, Franklin Lakes was recognized as a “New Jersey Health Town to Watch.”

The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute issued a press release which explains the reasons Franklin Lakes was chosen: “In 2023 the Borough of Franklin Lakes received its first gold level designation and was awarded as a Healthy Town. Through comprehensive recreational activities and an increased focus on using data to inform programming, the program has continued to grow and provide a culture of health and wellness for residents.”

“The Borough of Franklin Lakes is honored to be recognized by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute as a 2023 Healthy Town. Dina Robinson, the Borough’s Community Director, coordinates Mayors Wellness Campaign programs throughout the year to promote healthy activities and well-being in our community,” said Mayor Charles Kahwaty. “In 2023 we also became part of the City Health Dashboard where we can gain access to local health data and use it to impact our community’s overall health and wellness.”

Community Director Dina Robinson emphasized the significance of promoting healthy living in Franklin Lakes, “The focus on well-being is integral to all events and programs organized by the MWC, as reflected in the campaign logo – ‘Franklin Lakes Living Healthy.’ By prioritizing opportunities for residents to enhance their health and overall quality of life, the MWC demonstrates a commitment to fostering a healthier community. Recognition from the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute further validates the effectiveness of these initiatives in making a positive impact on health in our community.”

Community Events 2024

• April - Living Healthy Challenge 
• May 4 - Clean Up Day – 3 parks (rain date May 11)  
• May 15 -19 - Franklin Lakes and Lions Club Carnival at Parsons Pond Park - Parsons Pond Commuter Lot
• May 17 - Beer Garden at Lions Club Carnival (Parsons Pond Park)
• May 18 - Franklin Lakes Day at Carnival (vendor booths, music, beer garden)
• May 19 - Rain date for Franklin Lakes Day 
• May 27 - Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Plaza 
• June 1 - National Trails Day – Walk with the Mayor at Parsons Pond Park
• June 3 - Football Camp with AMPT (Athletes Making Progress Together) at Pulis Field
• June 22 - Baskets 4 Hope – Pulis Field outdoor courts  
• June 12 - Movies in the Park – McBride Field
• July 17 - Movies in the Park – location to be determined
• August 14 - Movies in the Park – location to be determined 
• August 24 - Eats N’ Beats at Veterans Plaza (food trucks, music, rides, beer garden) – rain date August 25 
• September 11 - 9/11 Ceremony at Memorial Garden behind Borough Hall 
• October 27 - (tentative) Trunk or Treat - Borough Hall
• November 11 - 11:00 AM Veterans Day Ceremony at Veterans Plaza
• December 3 - Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Gazebo in Veterans Plaza
• December - Menorah Lighting Ceremony date to be determined

Driven by concerns over the debris that has been left on Borough ballfields and in its parks and public areas, the Mayor and Council, Environmental Commission and Recreation Department of the Borough of Franklin Lakes are launching an Anti-Littering Campaign. Its major theme is “Pride in Franklin Lakes is Picking Up.” The central message of the Anti-Littering Campaign, as is featured on the Anti-Littering Campaign flyers (see attached), is as follows:

“The Franklin Lakes community can work together to clean up our parks, fields and public areas. Clean up after yourself and make sure that others do as well. The beauty that is Franklin Lakes should be free of litter. Be responsible to your community, your neighbors, the environment and yourself, by always picking up. Pride in Franklin Lakes is Picking Up!” 

Community Director Dina Robinson stresses the importance of working together to end littering. Dina states, “Keeping our parks, ball fields, and trails litter free shows pride in our community. We have added water bottle stations to many of our sports facilities and encourage our athletes to come together as a team to pick up waste left in our parks. The Recreation and Parks Department does not tolerate littering in our parks, fields, courts, walking paths and trails.”

We have also put together fun community events and programs to promote, “Pride in Franklin Lakes is Picking Up,” and maintain a beautiful and healthy environment. Consider joining us for Clean-Up Day, and Adopt a Park/Trail program. For additional information, email drobinson@frankinlake.org, or visit www.frankinlakes.org/mwc.

The Anti-Littering Campaign flyers will be provided to schools to send home to parents and will be displayed in the Franklin Lakes Public Library. Anti-Littering Campaign signs will be installed on ballfields and in parks.

Carole Holden, the chair of the Franklin Lakes Environmental Commission, believes that the Anti-Littering Campaign fits in with the goals of the Commission. She states, “Franklin Lakes is a beautiful town. Individuals and families come here because of that and our residents are proud of and feel responsible for maintaining its natural beauty. As a community we also know that the absence of litter is an important sign that we know it is vital that we reduce waste and recycle all our used materials as an additional way to maintain and to make it sustainable for the future. Please do your part to keep Franklin Lakes the beautiful town we all love.”