July 2022
Hello!

Here's the latest information about things going on in the Borough of Oakland this month, assembled and produced in a collaboration between the volunteers on the Oakland Communications Commission's Newsletter Committee and the Municipal Clerk.
Top Story
Peter Festa
Oakland Man’s Journey to Becoming a Mariner
Tugboats, a New York City icon, were steam-driven in the 17th Century.

As the industrial revolution evolved, as many as 700 engine-driven tugs could be seen in the New York Harbor’s waters, moving millions of tons of freight, immigrants coming to America and GI servicemen serving in wars. 
With the advent of railroads, trucking, and airplanes, fewer tugboats are in use today. Nevertheless, tugboats are still a vital part of the movement of barges and ships filled with oil, grains and other important goods. 
Mayor's Message
A special thank you to the Oakland Public Events Committee for running a very successful carnival in June. Without the help of the wonderful DPW workers, Police officers and Fire Department and First Aid Squad volunteers the carnival could not have run as smoothly as it did.  

This year for the first time the carnival opened one hour earlier on Saturday for anyone with special needs and disabilities. The rides ran slower with less lights and less noise plus our town organizations opened early to give out free food for the participants. I am so proud and so appreciative of the volunteers who serve on the newly formed Borough Committee, Access For All, who helped organize.  

There was alot of talk as to why the Borough did not have fireworks at the annual carnival this year.  Please note that the members of Public Events made the difficult decision. There are plans that fireworks could occur at another event.  In the meantime, enjoy the many events Public Events Committee has planned for the coming months. 
Oakland Public Library
Oakland Public Library Announces 2022 Summer Reading Program
Join us at the Oakland Public Library this summer for reading programs geared for children, young adults and adults There will we activities at the library for all age groups, and participants can log their reading using the Read Squared app and win fun prizes along the way.
Adult Summer Reading Highlights
  • July 7, 7 PM Trivia Night (registration required)
  • July 12, 7 PM The Kootz live on the library stage(registration required)
  • July 19, 6:30 PM The Declaration of Independence (registration required)
  • July 21, 7 PM " The History of Dance" concert featuring Dr. David Podles, live on the library stage. (registration required)
  • July 28,7 PM The Riddlesbrood Theater Company presents "Houdini's Whodunit interactive theater production live on the library stage. (registration required)
  • DROP IN CRAFTS for adults on July 6, 20, August 3
  • Qi Gong with Tara Farley July 11,18,25 and August 1,8
Young Adult Summer Reading Highlights
  • July 13 2 PM Kahoot Challenge
  • Face off in Kahoot to win prizes and dunk your friends.
  • July 27 2 PM Chess Tournament
  • 8 Players face off, only one can win
  • August 10 2 PM Board Game Tournament
  • Choose from Scrabble, Monopoly or Risk and see who's the best of the best. There will be prizes for the winners of each game.
Children's Summer Reading Program
  • July 7 3:45 PM Caricature Art
  • July 14 3:45 PM "Pirates of the Lost Sea" Science Fun
  • July 21 3:45 PM Unique Creatures Animal Show
  • July 28 3:45 PM Scavenger Hunt
  • August 4 3:45 PM "Bubble Fun"
  • August 10 2:30 PM "The Magic of Sharks" Magic Show

Kids read all summer long, log their reading, win prizes and stay sharp for the school year ahead. We will also have regularly scheduled story times during the week as well as special musical programs on Fridays. For more information and to register for programs in advance check out website:
www.oaklandlibrary.org and click on the calendar icon.
Your Monthly Garbage & Recycling Cheat Sheet
Yard Waste: Yard Waste Collection ends on December 12, 2022 and December 13, 2022, depending on your garbage collection schedule. To view your collection date, click here.

Electronics: July 6 & July 20

Paper: July 13 & July 27
Commingled: July 6 & July 20

Household Appliances/Metal: July 14

Trash: Mon & Thurs garbage collection on the South side of town. Tues & Fri garbage collection on the North side of town.
Oakland Senior Center
Oakland Senior Center Transportation Program Schedule
The Borough of Oakland Senior Center Transportation Program is back up and running. For reservations, please call the Senior Center no later than 4:00 p.m. on the Monday before your requested trip at (201) 405-7731.
Oakland Senior Center 'Books to Go' Program
The Borough of Oakland Senior Center and the Oakland Public Library are offering 'Books to Go' Program, which began earlier this Fall. Contact the Library and see availability of books. Delivery and pick-ups will take place every Tuesday by the Senior Center Van. To reserve books, (201) 337-3742.
Oakland Senior Center July 2022 Activities
July 1, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Podiatrist Visit (Call the senior center for more information and schedule an appointment.

July 7, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.
Bingo

July 19, 2022 at 11:30 a.m.
Hearing Presentation and Bagel Breakfast with New Life Hearing

July 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Trip to the Brownstone to see Jersey Dreamers with lunch $52.00 PP, Register at the Senior Center

July 26, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.
Book Club pick up July's book at the Senior Center
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Bergen County
THE AMPITHEATER
OVERPECK COUNTY PARK
199 Challenger Rd Ridgefield PK
7PM Bring Chairs and Blankets
Thursday July 14- Robert Gordon All-Star Lineup
Thursday July 21- We' Ani McDonald
Thursday July 28- The Cider barn Bluegrass Band

MUSIC AT THE BARN
WORTENDYKE BARN MUSEUM
13 PASCACK RD PARK RIDGE
FREE SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES BRING CHAIRS AND BLANKETS

Sunday July 31 4PM- Eugene Chrysler
MOVIES IN THE PARK
MOVIES AFTER DARK
FREE: STARTS AT SUNSET (APPROX. 8:30 PM)
BRING BLANKETS AND CHAIRS
Van Saun County Park
216 Forest Ave Paramus
Friday July 15- Lady and the Tramp
Friday July 22- The Jungle Book
Friday July 30- Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Darlington County Park
600 Darlington Avenue Mahwah
Wednesday July 13- On the Waterfront
Wednesday July 20- Goldfinger

Riverside County Park
516 River Rd North Arlington
Wednesday July 27- Rocky
First Responders Flash Briefing
Fireworks Safety Tips: If You Choose to Use Legal Fireworks

If consumer fireworks are legal to buy where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips:

  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks
  • Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
  • Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
  • Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
  • Never light them indoors
  • Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person
  • Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
  • Never ignite devices in a container
  • Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
  • Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
  • Never use illegal fireworks

Better yet, grab a blanket and a patch of lawn, kick back and let the experts handle the fireworks show.
Surviving the Hot Weather
The human body is normally able to regulate its temperature through sweating, until it is exposed to more heat than it can handle. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate rapidly, leading to delirium, organ damage and even death. In 2019, 884 people died and 2,061 were injured in the U.S. from exposure to excessive heat, according to Injury Facts.
People most at risk include:
• Infants and young children, especially if left in hot cars
• People 65 and older
• People who are ill, have chronic health conditions or are on certain medications
• People who are overweight
If your job requires you to work outside in hot weather, you and your supervisors can take precautions to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends:
• Working shorter shifts until workers have adjusted to the heat
• Staying hydrated and drinking before you get thirsty
• Watch out for co-workers exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke
• Take time to rest and cool down
Knowing the symptoms and proper response to these illnesses can save a life. 
Heat Exhaustion
When the body loses excessive water and salt, usually due to sweating, heat exhaustion can occur. According to the free NSC First Aid Quick Reference app, signs and symptoms include:
• Pale, ashen or moist skin
• Muscle cramps (especially for those working or exercising outdoors in high temperatures)
• Fatigue, weakness or exhaustion
• Headache, dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
Uncontrolled heat exhaustion can evolve into heat stroke, so make sure to treat victims quickly:
• Move victims to a shaded or air-conditioned area
• Give water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages
• Apply wet towels, or have victims take a cool shower
Heat Stroke
Seek medical help immediately if someone is suffering from heat stroke. Signs include:
• Body temperature above 103 degrees
• Skin that is flushed, dry and hot to the touch; sweating has usually stopped
• Rapid breathing
• Headache, dizziness, confusion or other signs of altered mental status
• Irrational or belligerent behavior
• Convulsions or unresponsiveness
Immediately take action:
• Call 911
• Move the victim to a cool place
• Remove unnecessary clothing
• Immediately cool the victim, preferably by immersing up to the neck in cold water (with the help of a second rescuer)
• If immersion in cold water is not possible, place the victim in a cold shower or move to a cool area and cover as much of the body as possible with cold, wet towels
• Keep cooling until body temperature drops to 101 degrees
• Monitor the victim's breathing and be ready to give CPR if needed
DO NOT:
• Force the victim to drink liquids
• Apply rubbing alcohol to the skin
• Allow victims to take pain relievers or salt tablets
The best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit exposure outdoors during hot days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
• Air conditioning is the best way to cool off
• Drink fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol
• Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat
• Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks
• Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wear sunscreen; sunburn affects the body's ability to cool itself
• Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body
Keep Each Other Safe
In your community, please check in on neighbors who are elderly, house-bound or otherwise may be reluctant to ask for help. You can offer to host them in the air-conditioned comfort of your living room on hot days, drive them to a local cooling center, or call relatives or city services to arrange for them to stay cool.
SUMMER SAFETY FOR YOUR PET
We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger. To prevent your pet from overheating, take these simple precautions provided by ASPCA experts:
  • Visit the vet for a spring or early-summer checkup. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventative medication.
  • Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
  • Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
  • Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
  • Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, it is illegal in several states!
  • Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool—not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals.
  • Open unscreened windows pose a real danger to pets, who often fall out of them. Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed, and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.
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  • Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog: The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.
  • When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
  • Commonly used rodenticides and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. Keep citronella candles, tiki torch products and insect coils of out pets’ reach as well. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous substance.
  • Remember that food and drink commonly found at barbeques can be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas. Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol.
  • Please leave pets at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and even unused fireworks can contain hazardous materials. Many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared or disoriented, so it’s best to keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area of your home. 
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BICYCLE SAFETY
Cyclists, Check Your Equipment
Always inspect your bike prior to riding.
  • The seat should be adjusted to the proper height and locked in place
  • Make certain all parts are secure and working properly
  • Check that the tires are inflated properly
  • Make sure the bike is equipped with reflectors on the rear, front, pedals and spokes
  • A horn or bell, a rear-view mirror and a bright headlight also are recommended
Plan to Be Seen
Make certain drivers can see you.
  • Wear neon, fluorescent or other bright clothing
  • Whenever possible, ride during the day
  • If you must ride at night, wear reflective clothing and use flashing lights
Wear a Helmet
Helmets appropriate for bicycling should be worn by everyone – adults and children – on every bike ride regardless of length of the ride. Make certain the helmet is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Follow these guidelines from NHTSA to properly fit the helmet:
  • Adjust sizing pads or fit ring until the helmet is snug
  • Position the helmet level on your head, covering the forehead and not tipped backward or forward; this will be about one to two finger widths above the eyebrow
  • Adjust the side straps so they form a “V” shape under and slightly in front of your ears
  • Center the buckle on the chin strap under your chin
  • Buckle and tighten the chin strap until it is snug; no more than one to two fingers should be able to fit between the chin and strap
  • When fitted, the helmet should not rock more than 1 inch side to side or front to back on your head
  • Watch Fitting a Bicycle Helmet
Follow These Rules of the Road
  • Get acquainted with traffic laws; bicyclists must follow the same rules as motorists
  • Ride single-file in the direction of traffic
  • Remain alert, keep your head up and look around; watch for opening car doors and other hazards
  • Use hand signals when turning and use extra care at intersections
  • Never hitch onto cars
  • Before entering traffic, stop and look left, right, left again and over your shoulder
News and Announcements
Bergen County Recycling Events Ongoing
Bergen County is hosting Paper Shredding, Tire Recycling, and Computer Electronics Recycling on Saturday August 5, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Bergen Community College. This collection is open to all residents.
Bergen County Utilities Authority Announces 2022 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Dates
The Bergen County Utilities Authority has announced the 2022 dates for Household Hazardous Waste and Recycling Collections:

Bergen County Utilities Authority
(back gate only)
Foot of Empire Blvd., Moonachie
  • Saturday, November 19, 2022 
Bergen County Campgaw Reservation
200 Campgaw Rd., Mahwah

  • Saturday, July 16, 2022
  • Saturday, September 10, 2022

Due to the COVID-19 safety restrictions that will be implemented to ensure the safety of employees and residents attending the collection event, please be advised that wait times may be extensive. Please plan accordingly. We ask for your patience.

Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Rd., Paramus

Sunday, October 16, 2022
Recreation Commission
Registration will be open from April 28, 2022 through June 30th, 2022. However, you may sign up until July 15, any sign-ups after June 30th will be charged a $30.00 Late Fee.

Tackle Football: $225.00 per player (grades1-8)
Flag Football: $73.00 per player (grades K-1)

Registration is online- Please use this link to register:https://register.communitypass.net/OaklandBorough.
Recreation Commission
CALLING ALL CHEERLEADERS!!!
REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW THROUGH JULY 10TH
Stunt Practice- every Monday starting July11th
Regular Practice- starting August 15th
Location: Danny B Building (stunt only)
Time (stunt only) Grades K-4, 6-7 PM
Grades 5-8,7 -8pm
Register at: www.oaklandrec.org
Recreation Commission
Pickleball is now open at the Oakland Tennis Complex. There are two courts and anyone with a tennis court badge is permitted to play. We ask that everyone follow court etiquette which includes a 1-hour time limit if others are waiting to play. The courts are schedule to be completely resurfaced in the coming months which will include keeping two pickleball courts. For more information on the tennis court schedule please visit www.OaklandTennisCourts.com.
Communications Commission
The Borough of Oakland is seeking a PT Secretary to the Communications Commission. Attendance at all Commission meetings is required and regular meetings are scheduled to occur each January, March, May, July, September, and November. Compensation is $1,200 annual stipend. Instructions: Please submit letter of interest and resume to Borough Clerk Michael Carelli via email at boroclerk@oakland-nj.org by Friday July 15, 2022.
Shade Tree Commission
The Oakland Shade Tree Commission is seeking a volunteer to fill a vacancy on the Commission. If you are interested in learning more, please contact shadetree@oakland-nj.org.

Sustainable Oakland Green Team
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team has launched the new Library Seed Bank, featuring native and heirloom seeds. This program is available at the Oakland Public Library, 2 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, N.J. 07436, and is open to all Oakland Library card holders. 

Any questions, contact the Sustainable Oakland Green Team at greenteam@oakland-nj.org. 
Sustainable Oakland Green Team
Backyard Composter Bins are available for purchase at the Oakland Department of Public Works, 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.

Questions, email recycle@oakland-nj.or (201) 337-8104.

Sustainable Oakland Green Team
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team would like to remind residents to please not idle their car! It saves gas, it saves the planet, and it makes us healthier.
Communications Commission
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