Tenafly Mayor's Message, March 21, 2025

Hello. This is Mayor Mark Zinna with a Friday news update.

A gentle reminder for everyone that the Geissinger field track is closed when in use by school athletic programs. And, a big thank you to our High School student led Green Team/Key Club for their work cleaning up the Tenakill Brook this week. Thank you!

The High School Marching Tigers are holding their first annual mattress fundraiser this Saturday, March 22 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the High School. For details, and to learn about special rates for faculty, staff, Police/Fire/EMS and the military visit: https://bandmattress.my.canva.site/

Tenafly Public Schools: Referendum work is underway and is being actively planned and scheduled at each school with many projects set to begin this spring and summer. Visit: www.tenaflyschools.org/referendum for more information.

This weekend and early next week, join us at the Nature Center for a series of exciting outdoor programs! This Saturday, March 22 at 4:00 pm, explore the ponds and streams during the Salamander Search to spot the elusive Spotted Salamanders emerging from their burrows. This free, members-only event is open to all ages, but registration is required. Later in the evening, at 6:00 pm, celebrate the changing season with a Spring Equinox Campfire & Night Hike, perfect for adults and families with children 4 and up. After a refreshing night hike, enjoy a cozy campfire with s’mores!

Sunday, March 23 at 10:00 am, volunteer for the Forest Defenders program to help remove invasive plants threatening the TNC Preserve. Beginning March 24, children ages 3.5 to 7 can immerse themselves in nature with our Forest School Afternoons on Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesdays/Thursdays, from 3:30 pm to 5:25 pm. Forest School gives kids the chance to explore the outdoors, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of nature. Don't miss out on these wonderful opportunities to connect with the natural world! Register at tenaflynaturecenter.org

This month, the Tenafly Police Department is subject to an on-site assessment from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. A team of assessors will examine all aspects of the Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. As part of this on-site assessment, members of the public are invited to provide comments about these subjects to the assessment team. The public may call (201) 408-3606 on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 between the hours of 9:00 am and 10:00 am. Email comments can be sent to Capt. Michael deMoncada at: mdemoncada@tenaflypd.org .

ACEing Autism returns this spring to the JCC for families with autism and volunteers alike. It is a wonderful way for high school teen volunteers to give back and engage in activity while providing hands-on basic skills, structure, socialization and most importantly, fun for participants. Sessions begin Sunday, March 23 and run through the end of May. For more information and questions email: kaplenjcc@aceingautism.org

Experience a Jason Hart piano concert this Sunday, March 23 at 4:30 pm, at the Presbyterian Church. Come and hear Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin and 3 works by American composers in the genres of ragtime, spiritual, and boogie-woogie. All are welcome, free of charge.

The Presbyterian Church is opening their doors to the world with an invitation to take part in a community choir and orchestra project this spring. Rehearsals will be Tuesday evenings starting April 1, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. If you are a singer age 14 and up, please contact the director of music, Jim Millar, to register or for any questions email: dirmusic@tenaflypresby.org The repertoire includes Handel’s Zadok the Priest and Schubert’s Mass in G. Concert date is June 1.

Looking to learn Spanish? Join the Beginning Spanish Class at the Senior Center starting Friday, May 2, at 11:00 am. It is a twelve week course. Sign up early, space is limited. For details call 201-569-2159.

It’s time to sign up for the Tenafly Spring Fling! This year’s community wide festival will be held Sunday, May 4 from Noon to 5:00 pm. Vendor, sponsor and volunteer opportunities now open. Sign up today: https://www.tenaflychamber.org/spring-fling

Enjoy your weekend,

Mayor Mark Zinna