Less Noise and Less Burning Of Gas In Montclair New Jersey- Is It A Good Thing?

There are certain things we can all agree on. I would say, pizza being an amazing food and puppies being cute are two things.  Metallica being heavy and awesome is another. But at times we butt heads. And with the discussion of gas-powered leaf blowers in Montclair, that’s what has been happening for quite some time. But not anymore!

As reported by NorthJersey.com, it seems the debate has been settled when a majority of the council in Montclair approved an all-out ban on gas-powered leaf blowers.

Some residents are thrilled as this will cut back on the noise and of course, help the environment by not burning up fuel.  However, some residents and professional landscapers have been vocal about their disagreement about this being a good idea.

At Tuesday night’s council meeting, some spoke about the lack of consideration given to the dangers and pollution found in their electric alternatives.

Bob Fredette, a landscaper based in Montclair, told the council the lithium batteries he uses can power a leaf blower for about five minutes and need up to 30 minutes to recharge, requiring him to keep up to 20 of the purportedly unstable power supplies in his truck throughout the day.

“This is a potential fire hazard that you’re not even ready to face,” he warned. “You haven’t addressed any of that.”

Councillor Peter Yacobellis told the public that the township manager will explore financing a $10,000 buyback program for residents' gas-powered leaf blowers.

While helping cut back on noise levels and burning fuel in each blower especially running heavily in the autumn is great, I do see what the landscapers are saying.  Keeping so many batteries in a truck on a hot day isn’t safe, not to mention it’s not as simple as when one dies, you just pop a second one in.

Regardless, the law has passed, so we’ll have to wait and see how well it plays out for both residents and professional landscapers in the city of Montclair!

Summer is here, and with it comes the opportunity to enjoy America's beautiful lakes. One of my favorite summer activities is going to a pristine lake. Whether I just hang out on the beach or take a ride in a pontoon, it's always a summer highlight. So, what are some fun things to do at the lake this summer?

Before we get to that, did you know that there's actually a Lakes Appreciation Month? It's true. The North American Lakes Management Society (NALMS) has named July the official Lakes Appreciation Month. The designation is to "focus attention on the value of lakes and reservoirs to society and the threats they face." NALMS also states that their mission is to "forge partnerships among citizens, scientists, and professionals to foster the management and protection of lakes and reservoirs...for today and tomorrow."

One fun fact about lakes is that the lowest lake in the world is the Dead Sea, on the edge of Israel and Jordan. The surface level is 418 m below sea level. That's incredible. Also, the Great Lakes, which are shared between the U.S. and Canada, contain roughly 21% of the world's freshwater supply.

So, what are some engaging activities that you can do on the lake this year? Read on for a list of 10 fun things to do on the lake this summer.

I grew up a swimmer, but some lakes are just too cold for my taste. That said, many people love a refreshing dip into crisp, cold water at their local lake. Just check temperatures before you jump in, because if it's too early in the season, those temperatures could be dangerously cold.

Water often attracts special wildlife that you won't find anywhere else. That makes camping near a lake a very special experience and different from the typical campground. When you're camping, make sure you check out the nature that blossoms around the lakes and wetlands, too.

When I was a little kid, I wanted to go fishing. My dad was not a fisherman by any means and was pretty clueless about it. So, he had a friend of his take us fishing, and it was so fun, even though I didn't catch anything. That said, fishing is a great summer activity on the lake.

If you're looking for an activity to help keep you in shape, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are all great exercise. All of those activities are harder than they look, too, so they can be challenging. But, in the end, you'll have a good time and get in a real workout. Many lakes have places were you can rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe, too.

One of my cousins absolutely loves jet skiing. It's always fun to hear him talk about the experience. I'm not much of a water sports enthusiast, but I can appreciate those who do partake. You don't even have to have your own boat or jet skis, as they are often available for rent nearby.

It's always a charming activity to have a picnic by the lake. Invite some friends or family over and bring some delicious food to enjoy while looking at the water. Oh, and make sure to have ice cream. That's a must.

Hiking near a lake can be extra lovely, as the water can offer glorious scenery to really make your hike memorable. As aforementioned, lakes often attract nature that you don't find anywhere else, so hiking around the water can be a unique experience.

Parties by the lake are always fun. So, get out a grill and invite a bunch of friends down to the beach to enjoy a day or night of partying by the water. But, don't get wasted, because drinking and swimming can be a deadly combination.

Here's my top choice, even though you'll likely find me doing it in the shade: sunbathing. If the water is too cold of you're just not up to more challenging activities, you can get some sun and lay on the beach. But, remember the sunscreen.

Lakeside games are definitely a thing, and there are many quirky games that you can play by the lake. A few enjoyable lake games include water balloon fights, bean bag tosses, horseshoes and more. Pick a game and dig in.