We kicked off the holiday season right, in our Borough, with help from the Memorial Middle School Student Council who helped collect food and prepare baskets, along with Fairway Markets who, again this year, generously donated turkeys for families in need in Woodland Park.
Thanksgiving weekend also hosted “Small Business Saturday” – a day when we encourage area residents to patronize small businesses in our town. I myself, crossed off plenty from my shopping list by hitting eight local shops and restaurants last Saturday. That day we also played host to our first West Paterson and Totowa Fire Departments’ Holiday Lights Parade. I haven't seen such excitement and enthusiasm about an event in town in a very long time! It was nothing short of spectacular, and the Council and I thank the firefighters and all who were involved in making it happen!
On Saturday, December 7th, the Recreation & Community Relations Committee will hold their annual Holiday Movie at the AMC Wayne 14 movie theater. Doors open at 8:30 am; you must be pre-registered. This year’s movie is Frozen II and is sure to be a hit with the kids. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for our annual toy drive!
The annual Tree Lighting Festival needed to be postponed due to the recent snow storm and will now be held at Dowling Gardens in Sunday, December 8th at 6:00 pm. Come and listen to our local schools play holiday music, help light our Borough Christmas Tree and meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, Rudolph and Dominick the Donkey. Refreshments will be served. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for our annual toy drive! It's always a fun night!
The Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library will be hosting a Holiday Concert on Sunday, December 15th at the Municipal Building, featuring students from Passaic Valley High School and Memorial Middle School. We look forward to our students’ musical talents being on full display!
On Monday, December 23rd, we will host our 2nd annual Chanukah Celebration with the Menorah Lighting in Dowling Gardens at 6:00 pm. Join us as we kick-off the Festival of Lights in conjunction with Rabbi Mayer Gurkov from Chabad of Passaic County in Wayne!
As we head into the New Year, and the turn of another decade, we will swear in our re-elected Council Members, Joseph Spinelli, Gary W. Holloway and Rita Pascrell, on Saturday, January 4th at 1:00 pm in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. We will also hold our annual Re-Organization meeting of the Mayor and Council on Wednesday, January 8th at 7:00 pm. All are welcome to attend both events as we roll up our sleeves and get to work in governing our fine Borough.
As you can see, the holiday season is a special time in Woodland Park with no shortage of celebrations, events and things to do. On behalf of the Council, we wish every resident a Merry Christmas, a Happy Chanukah and a very Happy & Healthy 2020! Enjoy this time with family and friends and take in all the holidays’ have to offer.
Best regards, your Mayor,
Keith Kazmark