In these trying times, as the Coronavirus Pandemic has changed life for everyone, heartwarming actions by Pompton Lakes residents and first responders have brought much needed feelings of support and uplifting moments.
Pompton Lakes’ Police Department stepped up, with Chief Clark delivering baby formula to a mother in town who had no means of obtaining it for her child. The Pompton Lakes Police Department has implemented a program where residents may call if they need dire assistance with essential items. Not to mention the brave first responders of the Pompton Lakes Police & Fire Department and Volunteer First Aid Squad, who are courageously responding to calls amid this crisis.
Pompton Lakes residents have been showing their support to health care workers who are on the frontlines of treating those hit by the virus. Many workers around the country have themselves fallen ill, are working long hours, and often must quarantine themselves from those in their own homes, unable to hug their spouses or children. Residents have done such things as provide food to healthcare workers and first responders, to painting and drawing symbols on their driveways and front doors. One of many examples, the Cardinal Cafe’ graciously provided hot meals to healthcare workers at Chilton Hospital who are on the front line fighting the Coronavirus outbreak.
Oakland resident Jackie Thomas has started a ribbon program to support our healthcare workers and first responders. "When Pompton Lakes residents drive the streets and see the ribbons, it will remind us to stay home, because others can’t", Thomas said in a Facebook post.
Valerie Coll and the Pompton Lakes Business Improvement District created a poster identifying which local restaurants are open for take out and/or delivery.
Many of the towns children are drawing rainbows –a sign of hope—and putting them on their windows. Some also have sent messages of thanks to first responders and health care workers. Artastic of 222 Wanaque Avenue painted "the comeback is always stronger than the setback" on their storefront window, providing positivity and hope to the community. "This community has shown a tremendous amount of support for each other. Whether it be by their outpouring of support and willingness to help via social media posts, the collecting of things for people in need or simply painting kind and positive messages on sidewalks and windows to bring happiness to all who see", Councilwoman Jenn Polidori said.
The Mayor, Borough Council, and Borough Administrator, Borough Clerk, OEM, Police, Fire, and many other town officials and departments confer daily to ensure the town meets the needs of residents under the unprecedented, challenging circumstances. The Borough has been providing daily updates on the Borough’s social media accounts. "Throughout this time of adversity, I’ve heard residents reach out to me with various ideas to show our support for our first responders, I’ve seen folks sew masks to help with the lack of PPE, children and adults use sidewalk chalk to create works of art to help lift the spirits of friends and strangers. Pompton Lakes has always come together in good times. But through bad times, it seems like we make an extra effort to comfort those around us", said Council President Ek Venin.
Mayor Michael Serra and the entire Pompton Lakes Borough staff have been working day in and day out to keep residents informed in various ways, including social media posts and letters giving the newest data on the cases in Pompton Lakes.
Finally, from all of your neighbors, we thank our town’s health care workers, first responders, and employees who continue to go to work at their jobs at restaurants, supermarkets, pet stores, and all other businesses classified as essential.
We are Pompton Lakes Strong!!
