It is with great disappointment that I must inform you that we have received word that tonight’s fireworks celebration cannot go forward due to weather concerns. While I know this is disappointing for many families who were looking forward to celebrating together, the safety of our residents, visitors, and everyone involved in the event must come first. The good news is that the fireworks have been rescheduled for Norwood Day on Saturday, September 26th. We look forward to putting on a spectacular show as we come together to celebrate our community and the birth of our nation at that time. Thank you for your understanding, and I wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July.

The decision to go forward with the fireworks celebration will be made at 6:30pm. Please check the Facebook pages, website and app for updates.

Mayor James Barsa’s Week in Review Week Ending: 7/4/26 Message from the Mayor This Saturday we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, I invite all of our residents and visitors to join us for one of Norwood’s favorite traditions, our annual 4th of July fireworks celebration. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., enjoy live music from Sister Anne, who will play until 9pm. Throughout the event, be sure to say hello to George Washington, Martha Washington, and Alexander Hamilton, who will be walking through the crowd, greeting families, and taking photos as we honor the history of our great nation. As darkness falls, we will proudly continue our annual tradition with our spectacular 4th of July fireworks display. As we commemorate America’s 250th birthday, this celebration serves as a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit that have united our nation for two and a half centuries. I wish everyone a safe, happy, and memorable Independence Day. Department of Public Works Grass and brush collection has begun. Please use paper yard waste bags or put your grass in plastic barrels. Collection will take place every Monday. Norwood Fire Department The Norwood Fire Department is in need of new members who would like to give back and serve their community. For more information, or to become a member, stop by the fire house on Tuesday nights at 7:30pm. Upcoming Events • Senior Club Meeting – 7/6//26 1pm-5pm at the Community Center • Chair Yoga – 7/8/26 11:15am-12:15pm at the Community Center • Mayor & Council Meeting – 7/8/26 7pm at Borough Hall Library Events Adult Programs: • Chair Yoga – Tuesdays 1pm • ESL Coffee & Conversation – Wednesdays 11am Children’s Programs: • Story Time with Miss Christine – Wednesdays 11am • Chess Club – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Crafternoon – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Kids Movie Afternoon – Thursdays 3:15pm • Saturday Story Time – Saturdays 11am Notices & Reminders Garbage pickup is every Tuesday and Friday Recycling pickup is every Wednesday Bulk pickup is every Friday, you do not need to schedule an appointment for pickup White Goods pick up – call or email the DPW to schedule an appointment (201-768-4152 Rtracy@norwoodboro.org) Did you Know? There are 54 American and 250th Anniversary flags displayed from the Triplex to Livingston Street.

Join us on July 4th as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America with our annual fireworks show and live music by Sister Anne from 6pm-9pm. George Washing and his wife Martha will also be here to take pictures with the crowd.

Mayor James Barsa’s Week in Review
Week Ending: 6/27/26

Message from the Mayor
As the school year comes to an end, I would like to thank all of our teachers at NPS for another wonderful year. We are extremely fortunate to have a group of teachers who care for our children and go above and beyond every day, while providing the highest level of education.

Congratulations to our NPS 8th grade graduates and the seniors at NVOT who will be moving on to their next chapters. To our 8th graders, NPS has prepared you well for high school and everything that comes next. I have no doubt that you will all navigate the halls of NVOT with confidence and positivity. To the graduating seniors, wherever life leads you always remember who you are and to follow your heart. Congratulations on this tremendous achievement.

Our annual fireworks celebration will take place on July 4th at Kennedy Field. This year, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country, we have added to the festivities with live music from Sister Ann, who will play from 6pm to 9pm. We will also have General George Washington, his wife Martha, and Alexander Hamilton walking through the crowd posing for pictures. The fireworks will begin once it is dark enough to enjoy the show.

Department of Public Works
Grass and brush collection has begun. Please use paper yard waste bags or put your grass in plastic barrels. Collection will take place every Monday.

Norwood Fire Department
The Norwood Fire Department is in need of new members who would like to give back and serve their community. For more information, or to become a member, stop by the fire house on Tuesday nights at 7:30pm.


Upcoming Events
· Chair Yoga – 7/1//26 11:15am-12:15pm at the Community Center
· E-bike Presentation by NPD – 7/1/26 5pm-6pm at the Community Center
· Planning Board Meeting – 7/1/26 7pm at Borough Hall
· July 4th Fire Works Celebration – 7/4/26 live music starting at 1pm followed by fireworks

Library Events
Adult Programs:
· Chair Yoga – Tuesdays 1pm
· ESL Coffee & Conversation – Wednesdays 11am

Children’s Programs:
· Story Time with Miss Christine – Wednesdays 11am
· Chess Club – Wednesdays 3:15pm
· Crafternoon – Wednesdays 3:15pm
· Kids Movie Afternoon – Thursdays 3:15pm
· Saturday Story Time – Saturdays 11am

Notices & Reminders
Garbage pickup is every Tuesday and Friday
Recycling pickup is every Wednesday
Bulk pickup is every Friday, you do not need to schedule an appointment for pickup
White Goods pick up – call or email the DPW to schedule an appointment (201-768-4152 Rtracy@norwoodboro.org)

Did you Know?
Do you need a certified copy of a birth certificate, death certificate, or marriage license? If so, contact the Board of Health secretary Debbie Whalen at 201-767-7200 ext. 4015 or Dwhalen@norwoodboro.org.

Mayor James Barsa’s Week in Review Week Ending: 6/20/26 Message from the Mayor Beginning on July 1st, the new laws and regulations that govern e-bikes, also known as motorized bikes, will take effect. Some of the many requirements will include age restrictions, drivers license requirements, helmets, and that all e-bikes must be registered. The Norwood Police Department will be giving a presentation on the new law, July 1st, from 5pm-6pm at the community center. This presentation is open to all residents. On June 17th, lifelong Norwood resident and former Borough Clerk, Richard Vogler, passed away at the age of 96. Richard served as our Borough Clerk for 25 years, a Norwood Councilman for 16, and was the Police Commissioner for 13 years. Richard was well respected by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Fathers play an important role in shaping the lives of their children. They provide guidance, instill values, and love unconditionally. I wish all fathers a happy Father’s Day filled with love and appreciation. Department of Public Works Grass and brush collection has begun. Please use paper yard waste bags or put your grass in plastic barrels. Collection will take place every Monday. Norwood Fire Department The Norwood Fire Department is in need of new members who would like to give back and serve their community. For more information, or to become a member, stop by the fire house on Tuesday nights at 7:30pm. Upcoming Events • Chair Yoga – 6/24/26 11:15am-12:15pm at the Community Center Library Events Adult Programs: • Chair Yoga – Tuesdays 1pm • ESL Coffee & Conversation – Wednesdays 11am Children’s Programs: • Story Time with Miss Christine – Wednesdays 11am • Chess Club – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Crafternoon – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Kids Movie Afternoon – Thursdays 3:15pm • Saturday Story Time – Saturdays 11am Notices & Reminders Garbage pickup is every Tuesday and Friday Recycling pickup is every Wednesday Bulk pickup is every Friday, you do not need to schedule an appointment for pickup White Goods pick up – call or email the DPW to schedule an appointment (201-768-4152 Rtracy@norwoodboro.org) Did you Know? The pickleball courts are open from 7am until dusk. To reserve a court visit the Recreation page on the Borough website, www.norwoodboro.org

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Gerry Fox and Gerry McGwyne for organizing the outstanding golf outing fundraiser and luncheon in support of Norwood Police Sgt. Tom Tobin and his family. As Mayor, this is exactly why I love serving our community. Our residents and employees demonstrate what it means to be a united, close-knit community. We come together in times of need to support one another. The compassion and generosity shown for Sgt. Tom Tobin and his family reflect the very best of Norwood and make us all proud to call this community home The turnout and generosity shown by those who took part in this event are a testament to the respect so many have for Tom. As he courageously battles pancreatic cancer, the support from friends, family, and neighbors serves as a powerful reminder that he is not facing this fight alone. A special thank you to everyone who participated or donated, to making this event such a success. Your kindness and compassion will help ease the burden on the Tobin family during this difficult time. For those who would like to contribute, donations can be made through the Tobin family’s GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-tom-tobins-cancer-battle

Mayor James Barsa’s Week in Review Week Ending: 6/13/26 Message from the Mayor This morning I was honored to be a part of Chief for Day with Emmeline Krcmaric. Emmeline came to work in her Chief’s uniform, sat in on the morning brief, and handed officers their assignments for the day. After her morning tasks were complete, she took a trip to the Bergen County Courthouse for a ceremony honoring participants throughout the county. The event ended with a luncheon in Englewood. Mayor & Council Meeting On Wednesday night the governing body approved an Eagle Scout project for a bike rack and repair station at Kennedy Field. An ordinance was introduced for parking changes on Chestnut and Maple Streets, with the public hearing scheduled for July 8, 2026. A representative from the United Way gave an informative presentation on local projects they have completed and will work with the Borough Planner and Engineer to develop a proposed plan to help us meet our mandated affordable housing numbers. Mr. Bob Ghia, along with representatives from Habitat for Humanity, gave a presentation on how their organization could help fulfill the Borough’s affordable housing requirement. They presented a concept plan, including a drawing of the affordable housing aspect, for developing 14 affordable units on a piece of property located on Brook Street that would be donated by Mr. Ghia. The proposal also included another 24 market value units to be built in that area. Both presenters will continue to work on their proposals, and we will meet with them again for more discussion. Members of the governing body submitted their recommendations for the tree ordinance. Those recommendations were reviewed by our Borough Attorney who gave his comments at the meeting. This discussion was tabled until the July meeting to allow time for council members and the Borough Attorney to review new suggestions from other council members. Environmental Commission Meeting On Thursday, June 18th, the Environmental Commission will begin their weekly harvest nights at the garden. This is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about the garden and the community plots. Harvest nights will continue throughout the summer at 7pm every Thursday. Mocktail nights at the garden are back. The first event will be held on July 9th at 6pm. Bring the whole family and enjoy some pizza and good company. Department of Public Works Grass and brush collection has begun. Please use paper yard waste bags or put your grass in plastic barrels. Collection will take place every Monday. Recreation Registration for the Northern Valley Jr. Knights football and cheer program is now open. The registration link is below and can also be found on the Borough website and official Facebook pages. https://nveaglesfootball.com/ There will be a free basketball clinic for the month of May for children in grades 2 through 8. The clinic will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The schedule will be grades 2nd - 5th: 5:30 - 6:45pm and grades 6th - 8th: 7:00 - 8:30pm. Registration for the summer basketball league is now open. Please use the below link to register for both programs. https://NorwoodBasketballLeague.demosphere-secure.com/_registration Blue and Gold Football Camp will take place at the NVOT the week of July 20th to the 24th from 9am to 2pm. The camp is open to children entering 1st through 9th grade. To register please use this link: https://forms.gle/xeCM4gcJVbxT4SpK6 The Golden Knights Basketball Camp will be held at NVOT July 6th to the 10th from 9am to 1pm. Boys entering 2nd through 9th grade can sign up using this link: https://sites.google.com/nvnet.org/goldenknightsbasketballcamp/home Norwood Fire Department The Norwood Fire Department is in need of new members who would like to give back and serve their community. For more information, or to become a member, stop by the fire house on Tuesday nights at 7:30pm. Upcoming Events • Senior Club Meeting – 6/15/26 1pm-5pm at the Community Center • Chair Yoga – 6/17/26 11:15am-12:15pm at the Community Center • Recreation Committee Meeting – 6/17/26 7pm at Borough Hall • Harvest Night at the Garden – 6/18/26 7pm at the Community Garden Library Events Adult Programs: • Chair Yoga – Tuesdays 1pm • ESL Coffee & Conversation – Wednesdays 11am Children’s Programs: • Story Time with Miss Christine – Wednesdays 11am • Chess Club – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Crafternoon – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Kids Movie Afternoon – Thursdays 3:15pm • Saturday Story Time – Saturdays 11am Notices & Reminders Garbage pickup is every Tuesday and Friday Recycling pickup is every Wednesday Bulk pickup is every Friday, you do not need to schedule an appointment for pickup White Goods pick up – call or email the DPW to schedule an appointment (201-768-4152 Rtracy@norwoodboro.org) Did you Know? The Norwood Swim Club is now accepting new members. For more information visit their website: https://nnjsc.org/index.html

Over the past few weeks, several residents have contacted me regarding increased aircraft activity and noise over the Borough. I share the community’s concerns and understand the impact that frequent air traffic can have on our residents’ quality of life, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.

In response to these concerns, I have taken action by formally contacting and filing complaints with all appropriate agencies and authorities responsible for air traffic management and aircraft noise oversight. These efforts include submissions through the FAA’s Aviation Noise Complaint and Inquiry Portal, Port Authority’s Aircraft Noise Office, and to the Noise Abatement Offices serving both Newark Liberty International Airport and Teterboro Airport.

I have also contacted Holly Schepisi, the State Senator for our district, the county Ombudsman Joy Shea, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer making them aware of the situation and asking for their support and any help they can provide.

I am actively seeking answers regarding the recent flight patterns affecting our community and advocating to reduce unnecessary noise impacts on Norwood residents. While municipalities have limited authority over federal airspace regulations, we remain committed to ensuring that the concerns of our residents are heard by the agencies responsible for managing air traffic operations.

I encourage residents who experience excessive aircraft noise to continue documenting and reporting incidents through the appropriate complaint channels which are listed below. I will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

FAA Complaint Portal: https://www.faa.gov/ancir
Port Authority Noise Complaint Hotline for Newark Airport: 1-800-225-1071
Port Authority Noise Complaint Form: https://www.planenoise.com/panynj/daPRAbr9/qs114wbt.php
Teterboro Airport Noise Abatement Office: 201- 393-0399 or noiseoffice@teb.com

Mayor James Barsa’s Week in Review Week Ending: 5/30/26 Message from the Mayor In the past few weeks, the Borough has lost three longtime employees to retirement – Ptl. Julie White, DPW employee Tim Quinn, and a member of the Borough Hall staff Joann Vocola. I extend my sincere thanks to all three employees for their many years of service and dedication to the Borough and our residents. I wish you all luck in your future endeavors. On May 13th the NJ MVC Mobile Unit had another successful event with a large turnout. We are trying to schedule another event in the fall and the date will be shared once it is confirmed. Our annual shredding event with the county is scheduled for this Saturday, May 30th, from 9am-1pm in the DPW parking lot. The Primary Elections will be held Tuesday, June 2nd from 6am to 8pm. Polling places will be at the community center and Borough Hall. If you have any questions about where you are supposed to vote, please contact the Borough Clerk. Department of Public Works Grass and brush collection has begun. Please use paper yard waste bags or put your grass in plastic barrels. Collection will take place every Monday. Recreation Registration for the Northern Valley Jr. Knights football and cheer program is now open. The registration link is below and can also be found on the Borough website and official Facebook pages. https://nveaglesfootball.com/ There will be a free basketball clinic for the month of May for children in grades 2 through 8. The clinic will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The schedule will be grades 2nd - 5th: 5:30 - 6:45pm and grades 6th - 8th: 7:00 - 8:30pm. Registration for the summer basketball league is now open. Please use the below link to register for both programs. https://NorwoodBasketballLeague.demosphere-secure.com/_registration Blue and Gold Football Camp will take place at the NVOT the week of July 20th to the 24th from 9am to 2pm. The camp is open to children entering 1st through 9th grade. To register please use this link: https://forms.gle/xeCM4gcJVbxT4SpK6 The Golden Knights Basketball Camp will be held at NVOT July 6th to the 10th from 9am to 1pm. Boys entering 2nd through 9th grade can sign up using this link: https://sites.google.com/nvnet.org/goldenknightsbasketballcamp/home Norwood Fire Department The Norwood Fire Department is in need of new members who would like to give back and serve their community. For more information, or to become a member, stop by the fire house on Tuesday nights at 7:30pm. Upcoming Events • Shred Event– 5/30/26 9am-1pm at the DPW Lot • Senior Club Meeting – 6/1/26 1pm-5pm at the Community Center • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 6/1/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 6/1/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • Primary Election Day – 6am-8pm Borough Hall and Community Center • Chair Yoga – 6/3/26 11:15am-12:15am at Community Center • Womens Club – 6/3/26 6pm-9pm at Community Center • Planning Board Meeting – 6/3/26 7pm at Borough Hall • Narcan Training – 6/4/26 6pm at Community Center • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 6/4/26 6pm at Kennedy Field Library Events Adult Programs: • Chair Yoga – Tuesdays 1pm • ESL Coffee & Conversation – Wednesdays 11am Children’s Programs: • Story Time with Miss Christine – Wednesdays 11am • Chess Club – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Crafternoon – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Kids Movie Afternoon – Thursdays 3:15pm • Saturday Story Time – Saturdays 11am Notices & Reminders Garbage pickup is every Tuesday and Friday Recycling pickup is every Wednesday Bulk pickup is every Friday, you do not need to schedule an appointment for pickup White Goods pick up – call or email the DPW to schedule an appointment (201-768-4152 Rtracy@norwoodboro.org) Did you Know? Norwood Fire Co. No. 1 was established in 1911

The annual shredding event with the county will take place this Saturday, May 30th, from 9am to 1pm in the DPW lot.

American Legion Post 272 invites everyone to join them at the Memorial Day parade to honor the fallen men and women of our armed forces.

I would like to recognize and thank our Emergency Medical Services professionals for their courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to protecting our community. Day and night, EMS personnel answer the call providing lifesaving care when it matters most. On behalf of our entire community, thank you for your service, sacrifice, and commitment to keeping us safe.

During National Public Works Week, we proudly recognize and thank our DPW employees for the hard work they perform every day to keep our borough running safely and smoothly. From maintaining our roads and parks to responding during storms and emergencies, their dedication often happens behind the scenes but never goes unnoticed. On behalf of the entire community, thank you for your professionalism, commitment, and service to our residents.

Registrations for the following sports and camps are now open!!!
Please use these links to register:

Northern Valley Jr. Knights Football & Cheer- https://nveaglesfootball.com/

Blue and Gold Football Camp - https://forms.gle/xeCM4gcJVbxT4SpK6

Recreation Summer Basketball- https://norwoodbasketballleague.demosphere-secure.com/_registration

Golden Knights Basketball Camp - https://sites.google.com/nvnet.org/goldenknightsbasketballcamp/home

Mayor James Barsa’s Week in Review Week Ending: 5/9/26 Message from the Mayor I am thrilled to share some wonderful news that showcases the beauty of our community. Livingston Street has been honored with the 2025 Rooted Recognition Photo Contest Award for our beautiful flowers. I would like to extend a special thank you to Irish Landscape Designs for entering us into the contest and supplying the flowers. This award is a testament to the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of our downtown area. This Sunday we celebrate the heart of our family and community – our mothers. Motherhood represents unconditional love and devotion and their impact is everlasting. To all who take on the roll of mother, I wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day. Planning Board Meeting On Wednesday evening the Planning Board approved a variance to allow the residents of 7 Frasco to temporally live in their existing home while their new home is being constructed behind it. The residents will demolish the existing home within a reasonable time frame of moving into the new home. The Planning Board also reviewed the proposed tree ordinance that will replace our existing ordinance which was created and adopted during my tenure as Mayor. Prior to that time, no such ordinance existed. Establishing this ordinance was a deliberate and proactive step to ensure our community had clear standards for tree protection and management. Comments were given by the Board members and will be discussed at the May 13th Mayor and Council meeting. Our Borough Planner presented the Amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, to be incorporated into our Master Plan, as well as proposed zoning ordinances implementing the provisions of the Amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan. These will both be discussed during our next Mayor and Council meeting on May 13th. Department of Public Works Grass and brush collection has begun. Please use paper yard waste bags or put your grass in plastic barrels. Collection will take place every Monday. Recreation Registration for the Northern Valley Jr. Knights football and cheer program is now open. The registration link is below and can also be found on the Borough website and official Facebook pages. https://nveaglesfootball.com/ There will be a free basketball clinic for the month of May for children in grades 2 through 8. The clinic will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The schedule will be grades 2nd - 5th: 5:30 - 6:45pm and grades 6th - 8th: 7:00 - 8:30pm. Registration for the summer basketball league is now open. Please use the below link to register for both programs. https://NorwoodBasketballLeague.demosphere-secure.com/_registration Blue and Gold Football Camp will take place at the NVOT the week of July 20th to the 24th from 9am to 2pm. The camp is open to children entering 1st through 9th grade. To register please use this link: https://forms.gle/xeCM4gcJVbxT4SpK6 The Golden Knights Basketball Camp will be held at NVOT July 6th to the 10th from 9am to 1pm. Boys entering 2nd through 9th grade can sign up using this link: https://sites.google.com/nvnet.org/goldenknightsbasketballcamp/home Norwood Fire Department The Norwood Fire Department is in need of new members who would like to give back and serve their community. For more information, or to become a member, stop by the fire house on Tuesday nights at 7:30pm. Upcoming Events • Chair Yoga – 5/13/26 11:15am-12:15pm at the community center • Mayor & Council Meeting – 5/13/26 7pm at Borough Hall • 3rd/4th Softball Game – 5/10/26 1pm at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Softball Game – 5/11/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 5/11/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 5/11/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 5th/6th Baseball Game – 5/12/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 3rd/4th Softball Game – 5/12/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 3rd/4th Baseball Game – 5/13/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 5/16/26 10am at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 5/16/26 10am at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Softball Game – 5/17/26 2:30pm at Kennedy Field Library Events Adult Programs: • Chair Yoga – Tuesdays 1pm • ESL Coffee & Conversation – Wednesdays 11am Children’s Programs: • Story Time with Miss Christine – Wednesdays 11am • Chess Club – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Crafternoon – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Kids Movie Afternoon – Thursdays 3:15pm • Saturday Story Time – Saturdays 11am Notices & Reminders Garbage pickup is every Tuesday and Friday Recycling pickup is every Wednesday Bulk pickup is every Friday, you do not need to schedule an appointment for pickup White Goods pick up – call or email the DPW to schedule an appointment (201-768-4152 Rtracy@norwoodboro.org) Did you Know? Trivia – What year was the first full time officer of the Norwood Police Department appointed? Answer - 1918

I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Norwood Police Department for putting together a fantastic Touch-a-Truck event for our community. Our DPW, Volunteer Fire Department and EMS also took part in the event brining vehicles and equipment related to their departments. It was truly a great day with an incredible turnout, and it was wonderful to see so many families come together and enjoy everything the event had to offer. I would also like to personally thank the Plescia, Portannese, and Westphal families for taking time out of their day to be a part of the event and for providing vehicles. This is just one of the many ways our Norwood families give back to their town. Your involvement is what makes Norwood such a special place. Events like this are a perfect reminder that Norwood is all about unity and I am very proud to serve as Mayor of such a wonderful town.

Mayor James Barsa’s Week in Review Week Ending: 5/2/26 Message from the Mayor The Borough now has an app that will put all our town information at your fingertips. It is a user friend mobile version of our website. There is also a push notification feature that can be turned on to receive important updates and alerts. The app is available for download on both iOS and android platforms. You can find the app under Borough of Norwood, NJ. On Sunday, May 3rd, from 12pm to 3pm, the Police Department will be hosting its 2nd annual touch-a-truck event. This family-friendly event will feature vehicles from our Police Department, Fire Department, DPW and local businesses. Department of Public Works Grass and brush collection has begun. Please use paper yard waste bags or put your grass in plastic barrels. Collection will take place every Monday. Recreation Registration for the Northern Valley Jr. Knights football and cheer program is now open. The registration link is below and can also be found on the Borough website and official Facebook pages. https://nveaglesfootball.com/ Blue and Gold Football Camp will take place at the NVOT the week of July 20th to the 24th from 9am to 2pm. The camp is open to children entering 1st through 9th grade. To register please use this link: https://forms.gle/xeCM4gcJVbxT4SpK6 The Golden Knights Basketball Camp will be held at NVOT July 6th to the 10th from 9am to 1pm. Boys entering 2nd through 9th grade can sign up using this link: https://sites.google.com/nvnet.org/goldenknightsbasketballcamp/home Norwood Fire Department The Norwood Fire Department is in need of new members who would like to give back and serve their community. For more information, or to become a member, stop by the fire house on Tuesday nights at 7:30pm. Upcoming Events • Touch a Truck – 5/3/26 12pm-3pm in the Borough Hall parking lot • Seniors Club Meeting – 5/4/26 1pm-5pm at the community center • Chair Yoga – 5/6/26 11:15am-12:15pm at the community center • Women’s Club Meeting – 5/6/26 6pm-9pm at the community center • 3rd/4th Softball Game – 5/2/26 9am at Kennedy Field • 3rd/4th Softball Game – 5/3/26 1pm at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 5/4/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 5/4/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • Environmental Commission Meeting – 5/5/26 7pm on Zoom • Planning Board Meeting – 5/6/26 7pm in Borough Hall council chambers • 5th/6th Baseball Game – 5/8/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 3rd/4th Baseball Game – 5/9/26 1pm at Kennedy Field Library Events Adult Programs: • Chair Yoga – Tuesdays 1pm • ESL Coffee & Conversation – Wednesdays 11am Children’s Programs: • Story Time with Miss Christine – Wednesdays 11am • Chess Club – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Crafternoon – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Kids Movie Afternoon – Thursdays 3:15pm • Saturday Story Time – Saturdays 11am Notices & Reminders Garbage pickup is every Tuesday and Friday Recycling pickup is every Wednesday Bulk pickup is every Friday, you do not need to schedule an appointment for pickup White Goods pick up – call or email the DPW to schedule an appointment (201-768-4152 Rtracy@norwoodboro.org) Did you Know? Trivia – What year was the first full time officer of the Norwood Police Department appointed? Answer next week!

I am excited to announce that our borough now has a new mobile app, available for both Apple iPhones and Android devices! This app puts our entire borough website right at your fingertips—making it easier than ever to stay informed, access important information, and connect with everything happening in our community. We will also have push notifications on the app where we can send out important announcements fast. When downloading the app I encourage you all to enable to push notifications. Whether you’re looking for updates, events, services, or announcements, it’s all just a tap away. I encourage all residents to download the app and take advantage of this convenient new tool as we continue working to keep our community informed and engaged.

I want to take a moment to recognize something we can all agree on: trees are an important and valued part of our community. They provide beauty, shade, environmental benefits, and help define the character of our neighborhoods.

That said, I recently saw a post from a councilwoman that I believe was misleading, and it’s important to provide some context and clarity.
Everyone in our community cares about trees—but people can have different perspectives on how to balance preservation with responsible development. The reality is that much of our town, including neighborhoods many of us call home, was once woods. In fact, if you walk outside your home, there’s a strong chance that trees once stood where your house now sits. That is simply the history of how communities evolve.

The name “Norwood” comes from “north woods,” a reminder of what this area once was. Over time, as families settled here, those woods gradually made way for homes, schools, the parks and athletic fields, and our downtown area. Change is not always easy, and not everyone welcomes it, but it has always been a part of our town’s story.

In 2005 the Borough donated 125 acres of land to the Meadowlands Conservation Trust. These woods can never be built upon. They are preserved forever. The land is owned is by the Borough and the Meadowlands Conservation Trust has an easement on the property. This easement offers even more protection to the land. I invite everyone to visit www.meadowlandsconservationtrust.org.

Importantly, over the last 20 years, there have been very few subdivisions in our community. We continue to maintain a significant amount of wooded areas throughout town, and the limited number of trees removed for development does not come close to diminishing the overall number of trees we are fortunate to have.

It’s also worth noting that the recent applications involving tree removal that have come before the governing body have been unanimously approved. These decisions are not made lightly, but with careful consideration of both property rights and good of the community.

I respect that some residents would choose never to remove a tree from their property. In fact, when I built my own home, I made the personal decision to preserve every tree. But that was my choice as a property owner and others may make different, equally valid decisions about their own property.

Places we cherish today, like our recreation fields, the community garden, our school and the downtown area were once wooded as well. Thoughtful development has allowed us to create the amenities and neighborhoods we enjoy.

I will be providing a follow-up with additional facts regarding recent development discussions to ensure residents have accurate information.

Whether we like it or not, change will continue, and none of us can predict exactly what our community will look like in 20 or 40 years. What we can do is continue to guide that change responsibly, with respect for both our environment and our residents.

I will also continue to call out divisiveness when I see it. We can have honest discussions without misrepresenting facts, and our community is stronger when we focus on that shared respect.