Hello Wendi Seelin,

Here's the latest information about what's going on in the Borough of Oakland this month, assembled and produced by the volunteers on the Oakland Communications Commission's Newsletter Committee and the staff of the Borough of Oakland.

Please note that you may not be seeing the entire newsletter if there is a button at the end of the email saying "Message Clipped".

In order to see the rest, you will need to click that button in order for the rest of the email to load. 

To know you've reached the end of the newsletter, look for the Borough seal and below it, the names of everyone serving on the Borough Council.

When we move to a new place, one of the biggest challenges we can face is achieving a sense of community and connection in our new home.

As newcomers to a new town, we often struggle to find our place and sense of belonging. This is the exact challenge I faced after moving to Oakland, New Jersey with my husband in 2021.

As we finished furnishing our home, slipping into our daily routines, and getting used to life in Oakland, I began to notice that I was missing out on a feeling of purpose within the community I lived in......

Dear Oakland Residents,

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the summer season. I'm excited to share the latest updates and events happening in our vibrant community.

Oakland Outdoor Market

Every Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM, the Oakland Outdoor Market takes place by the Oakland Library. This is a fantastic opportunity to support artists and crafters. The Outdoor Market will run through November 16th, so be sure to stop by and explore the unique creations from talented makers, bakers, and crafters.

Concerts in the Park

The Oakland Arts Committee has successfully held three concerts in the park, bringing music and joy to our residents. The next free concert with a performance by Till We Can’t will be on Saturday August 10, 2024 from 4:30-7:30 at Great Oak Park. We look forward to more such events that celebrate the arts and foster a sense of community.

Fabrication of the new bridge has begun in Ohio.

• Electronics
• August 7 & 21

• Paper/Cardboard
• August 7 & 21

• Commingled
• August 14 & 28

• Household Appliances/Metal
• August 8 & 28



• Yard Waste Pick Up
• North Side: Started April 8 - Pick Up Every Monday
• South Side: Started April 9 - Pick Up Every Tuesday

Trash: Mon & Thurs garbage collection on the South side of town. Tues & Fri garbage collection on the North side of town.

Did you know that there's an app for your recycling?



 The Recycle Coach app lets you know when your recycling day is, tells you what types of materials are accepted at the curb, and has tips for responsible recycling!

The Borough of Oakland has announced sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 Borough Calendar Information and Reference Guide! Oakland-based businesses can purchase a 1.5” x 5.0” ad to be displayed in the Borough Calendar, which will be mailed to every residence and business in Oakland by the end of this year.

In The Garden

Your everyday activities can affect water quality. Help reduce the amount of pollution that flows into our waterways by following the tips below.

• Conserve water. Do not over water your lawn. Adjust sprinklers if water runs into the gutter. Water during cooler times of the day.
• Identify pests before spraying pesticides. Ask a specialist at your garden center for advice on how to treat for that specific pest. Use integrated pest management (IPM) methods to minimize chemical use in your garden. Many IPM methods do not even require the use of chemical pesticides.
• Reduce the amount of grass by planting ground cover. This reduces the need for fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.
• Use natural pesticides such as milky spore and nematodes wherever possible. If you must use chemical pesticides, use them sparingly and in targeted areas.
• Have your lawn tested at the county Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension office to determine if you need to fertilize. If so, use natural and slow-release nitrogen fertilizers and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions. Never apply to your lawn or garden if the weather calls for rain.
• Use a mulching mower instead of bagging grass clippings to reduce lawn wastes and to reduce the need for fertilizer. Do not put loose leaves or grass clippings in the street. Use them in a compost pile as a source for enriched soil. If you do need to dispose of leaves or grass clippings, contact your municipality to determine the appropriate method to dispose these wastes.
• If you must use herbicides, apply them directly to the weeds rather than broadcasting if possible. A healthy lawn will reduce weed growth.
• Use mulch on flower beds and gardens to prevent weeds from growing and to help absorb water.
• Use drought-resistant native plants in gardens and beds. These plants require less fertilizer and less water, thereby reducing the amount of potential polluted runoff.

The Safety Town program is designed to introduce kids to many types of safety conditions, teaching safe behavior through their own involvement. Kids participating in Safety Town role-play in simulated and actual life situations under the guidance of teachers, police officers, and student volunteers. 

Year 7 of the Oakland Junior Police Academy is in the books!

Class #7 graduated on July 26, 2024 after a week of exciting and challenging experiences. The Junior Police Academy is a program designed for Oakland students entering 7th, 8th or 9th grade to experience law enforcement firsthand through an array demonstrations and team bonding activities. Not only did the recruits participate in daily military drills and physical training, but they visited several different law enforcement agencies as well. Those agencies included the Bergen County Police Academy, United States Military Academy West Point, New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, Bergen County Sheriff’s Department, North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue Squad, Oakland Volunteer Fire Department and Oakland First Aid Squad. The recruits also participated in team bonding events at TacOps Laser Tag and TreEscapes Aerial Park.

If you have a child that may be interested in participating in this program, please look out for Class 8’s registration in 2025!

🚑 If you are interested in volunteering and becoming an EMT, please stop by one evening on the 1st Monday of every month to learn more.

REMINDER FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE

REGARDING ESTIMATED TAX BILLS

The estimated tax bills have been mailed and taxes for the 3rd quarter of 2024 are due 8/1/2024. The last day to pay without interest and penalties is 08/12/2024. The Borough of Oakland does not recognize postmark dates. If your property taxes are paid by your mortgage company, they will receive the estimated bill and you will receive an advice copy. Payments may be made by cash, check, and online through our website here.

The Arts in Oakland committee is looking for enthusiastic new volunteers! If you love the arts and want to dive into awesome events like music gigs at the new arts pavilion, the Digital Arts Zine, outdoor markets, open mic nights, holiday tree decorating, art exhibitions, and so much more, come join the fun.

For more information, email: arts@oakland-nj.org

🎸 Free Outdoor Concert! 🎸

Date: Saturday, August 10, 2024

Time: 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM 

Location: Arts Pavilion at Great Oak Park

Rock out with "Till We Can't" and their "classic rock everyone loves"!

🪑 What to Bring: Blanket/Chair, Bug Spray, & Snacks 

🅿️ Parking: Great Oak Park & Doty Road lots. Additional parking & snacks at Holiday Bowl.

Join the fun with Arts in Oakland! Sign up to volunteer at our events and be part of the action!  

ARTS IN OAKLAND MONTHLY MEETING

BE PART OF SOMETHING AMAZING IN OAKLAND

Our next meeting is Monday, August 19th at 7 PM at the senior center. Don't miss out—join us and be a part of the magic in Oakland's arts scene!

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Join us the last Thursday of the month for a fun evening!

Join us for a fantastic evening of open mic at Real Brave! Sing, jam, or enjoy some karaoke fun. The event takes place on the last Thursday of every month at 7:30 PM. Come down and be a part of the excitement!



350 Ramapo Valley Road in the Coppertree Mall 

INTRO TO IMPROV

By popular demand Arts in Oakland is excited to extend the Intro to Improv classes! FREE to Oakland residents 16 and over!

Discover your creativity and unleash your inner performer with our introductory course in IMPROVISATION! You'll be amazed at how effortlessly you can dive into the world of improv and witness its transformative impact on you. Join us and unlock your full potential today!

WHEN: TUESDAYS @ 7 PM

WHERE: The Senior Center - 20 Lawlor Ave, Oakland, NJ

Please drop by to check out this fun, interactive offering. Accepting new participants!

For more information, email Arts@Oakland-NJ.org

ARTS IN OAKLAND ZINE

We are excited to launch our first ever community driven Artist and Writers Showcase presented in a Digital Zine format. 

What is a "Zine" you ask? Zines are self-published collections of original content that cover various topics and formats. Ours is the Arts - Oakland residents were asked to submit their original Spring themed Poetry, Short Fiction, Artwork & Photography and they did!!!  

This project is open to all ages and levels of experience and Artist and Writer’s works will be shared on Oakland’s media outlets.

**Entries for The Summer Zine are now being accepted. Review the flyer for details. 

Please help support Arts in Oakland!! Donate Today!

JURIED ART EXHIBITION & SALE

OCTOBER 17 TO NOVEMBER 16, 2024

Calling all Oakland and area artists! Submit your original:

Paintings, Pastels, Watercolors, Drawings, Art-Prints, Photography, Fabric Art, Sculpture for a captivating juried art exhibition and sale at the Oakland Public Library from October 17th to November 16th, 2024. Don't miss this chance to showcase your talent and captivate our community! Deadline for submissions is September 23rd.

With summer fully underway, it’s important to remember and maintain safe food handling techniques especially during these warm days when grilling outdoors is optimal. Follow these suggestions and reduce the risk of foodborne illness:

1. Wash Your Hands - Always wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. If soap and water are unavailable, the CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol. 

2. Marinating Mandate - Only marinate food in the refrigerator. Don’t use sauce used to marinate raw meat or poultry on cooked food.

3. Heat Up the Grill - Always preheat the coals on your grill for 20 to 30 minutes or until the coals are lightly coated with ash.

4. Temperature Gauge - Use a food thermometer to ensure that the food is at a safe internal temperature. Refer to this food temperature guide for details.

5. Use a Clean Plate - When taking food off the grill, always use a new or newly cleaned plate and utensils. In hot weather (above 90°F), foods should never sit out for more than one hour before being refrigerated.

6. Cooler Protocol - A full cooler will maintain its cold temperatures longer than a partially filled one. Pack plenty of extra ice or freezer packs to ensure a constant cold temperature. Keep the cooler out of the direct sun. Keep drinks in a separate cooler from food, as the beverage cooler will be opened frequently while the food cooler stays cold.

The Communications Commission is seeking new volunteers for its various subcommittees. Are you interested in television production? Do you have writing skills? Are you computer savvy? Are you interested in social media? Then any one of the Subcommittees would be a great fit for you.

Volunteer for a position today and have an impact on your community. For more information, email occ@oakland-nj.org.

OCC TV EQUIPMENT UPGRADES

Implementation of new Oakland TV equipment is still ongoing, so the channel could periodically be offline or programming may not air at its usual times.

Original programming and council meetings will be available for viewing on the Borough's YouTube account at any time: www.youtube.com/OaklandBorough.

Channel 77 on Altice's Optimum & Channel 2145 on Verizon's Fios

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Do you have a great idea for a news article?

Do you love to write or edit?

Do you want to learn more about Oakland and the people of Oakland?

If you have answered YES to any of these questions, the Newsletter Committee could use you!

The Oakland Environmental Commission is seeking a volunteer to fill a vacancy on the Commission. Join us in our duty to advise on all environmental matters including pollution control, solid waste, open space, developmental impact, and habitat creation for endangered species and those of special concern and protection of flora and fauna in Oakland.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact boroclerk@oakland-nj.org.

OAKLAND BUSH PLAZA

Once empty and barren, Oakland Bush Plaza now looks lush, green, and gorgeous. The newly planted trees, bushes, and flowers are making our town look refreshed and alive. Bush Plaza has been transformed into a vibrant and thriving environment. Fresh plants and trees enhance the aesthetic appeal, improve air quality, and provide a habitat for wildlife. This addition not only brings beauty but also promotes a sense of tranquility and well-being. By fostering a culture of greenery and implementing these strategies, our community can enjoy numerous benefits that come with a greener, healthier environment. Walk by and tag us using #oaklandbushplaza on our X account. 

Some historical facts: "Bush" Plaza is named after David Bush, who lived in that vicinity near the old Oakland train station and used to sell train tickets at his local store there. Old records tell the story that a suggestion was made, when Oakland was being founded around 1900, to call the town Bushville in his honor and his centrally-located store. 

• Halloween Parade/Trick or Trunk → 10/26/24 at 10:00 am
• Tree and Menorah Lighting/Holiday Lights Parade → Dec 8, 2024 at 5pm
• Holiday Lights Contest → December 16-17

Proof of dog being licensed in your home municipality is required to complete your registration and receive a code for the gate. Please email a copy of your current dog license to the Recreation Department at recsec@oakland-nj.org, or you can mail a copy to the Borough of Oakland, 1 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, NJ 07436, Attn: Oakland Dog Park.

The Oakland Shade Tree Commission is seeking 2 volunteers to fill a vacancies on the Commission.

If you have a passion for trees and are looking to give back to the community this committee could be for you!

The meetings are the first Monday of the month 7:30 PM at the Oakland Senior Center 20 Lawlor Drive Oakland NJ 07436.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact shadetree@oakland-nj.org.

Looking for some shade?

This past spring the Oakland Shade Tree Commission planted 35 trees around town. The locations include the Great Lawn in Great Oak Park, the park along Park Drive and Riverside Drive, and the site of the retired sewer treatment plant along East Oak St. The other trees all went to residents who requested a shade tree to be planted along their street front. There is no time like the present to be planning for a shade tree. If you would like to sign up for a tree please email the commission at shadetree@oakland-nj.org. These trees can only be planted within 10 feet of the curb. 

Reminder, all tree removals require a permit and removal of live trees requires replacement trees. Permits are available at the DPW or online at https://www.oakland-nj.org/shade-tree-commission

Yours treely,

The Oakland Shade Tree Commission

Join us the First Sunday of the Month Hike, for a walk through Oakland's beautiful trails.

Get ready to walk the Ramapo Lake, considered an moderate 4 mile well marked trail, featuring flowing streams, small waterfalls, some manageable rocky terrain and the beautiful Ramapo Lake along with the budding flora and fauna of the season!

We recommend wearing appropriate hiking shoes (waterproof always a plus!), layers, hat, sunglasses, bug spray, water and snack.

**Please note that finding a parking can be an issue and it is suggested that you get there early to find a spot. In advance, arrangements can be made to carpool in town.

Please text Andrea 201-739-8278 no later than Friday prior to the hike to coordinate carpool. This event is weather permitting. Please register on eventbrite to be notified of any changes or cancellations.

Happy Trails!!

BACKYARD COMPOST BINS & RAIN BARRELS

Backyard composter bins are available for purchase at the Oakland Department of Public Workers, 63 Oak Street, Oakland, NJ 07436 during normal business hours Monday - Friday, 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

The composter is available at a discounted price to Oakland residents at $60.00.

Rain barrels are also available for purchase to town residents at a discounted price of $75.00.

If you have any questions, email recycle@oakland-nj.org or call (201) 337-8104.

Seeking for immediate employment a responsible, professional individual to support the collection and processing of water and sewer fees for the Borough operated water & sewer utilities. Position includes, but is not limited to, quarterly billing, payment collection & processing, rate change & delinquent notice to users and coordinating meter reads and water shut offs with the water department. Individual will also support Tax Collection, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable activities as required. Position requires strong interpersonal, customer service & communication skills (face to face, email & telephone). Position requires attention to detail, organization & planning skills and time management focus. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ability to utilize technology & software applications, strong working knowledge of Edmunds and municipal government experience preferred. Email resume to David Young at cfo@oaklandnj.org by Friday, August 16, 2024. EOE

This P/T position provides basic administrative support to the Environmental Commission.

Job responsibilities include advertising meetings according to law, preparing agendas and meeting materials, attending monthly meetings, carrying out the direction of the Commission as required, preparing meeting minutes for approval by the Commission membership, and receiving and distributing correspondence, including plan review documents, in a timely manner.

The successful applicant will be organized and knowledgeable in MS Office. A positive attitude, ability to work cooperatively and meet deadlines are essential. Attendance at monthly night meetings of the Commission is required.

Compensation is $1,200 annually. Please submit an application or resume to Kathy Gurney at adminsec@oakland-nj.org by 4:30pm, Friday, August 16, 2024. EOE

Fliers/information are listed in order of when the event is occurring from soonest to latest from the first of month. Events or announcements with no set date are at the bottom of this section.

If you would like to submit your organization's announcement or event for inclusion in the newsletter, click here and follow the instructions listed.

August Nature Programs at Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park Nature Center

275 Freedom Way

Jersey City, NJ 07305

LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov

Like us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/LibertyStateParkOfficial

Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/libertystatepark/

Congratulations Imperial Waste; 2024 Champions!

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Oakland Governing Body

Mayor Eric Kulmala

Council Members

Council President Steven Saliani

Jodi Goffredo, John McCann, Pat Pignatelli, Kevin Slasinski, Russell Talamini

Oakland Communications Commission

Chairman Ryan Schwertfeger

Vice Chairman Jim Barry

Mark Albala, Amy Eilert, Andrea Levy, Kerri Sirinides, William Sisti

Patricia Carrera (Alt. 1), Steve Panosian (Alt. 2)

Junior Member: Benjamin Good

Commission Secretary: Gina S. Kim

(c) 2024 Oakland Communications Commission

1 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, NJ 07436 | (201) 337-8111