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.

As I sit down to write this article, I honestly don’t know where to start. I guess I need to start at the beginning! The people in this town are always so helpful and always want to help with article ideas. I get people that reach out to me on a weekly basis, giving me ideas for articles. And I LOVE it! 



Last month someone reached out to me to tell me that have a great idea for an article. As always, I was intrigued by this gentleman’s story even though it has been 8 years since his passing.

Dear Residents,

I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates happening in our community.

Firstly, we're making great progress on the enhancements at Bush Plaza! From sidewalk brick inlays to the ordering of the flagpole and clock, these improvements will enhance the area's aesthetic appeal for all residents to enjoy.

Additionally, the completion of the PSEG gas main replacement in certain areas is excellent news for our community. Plans to repave affected roads are also underway, and once PSEG provides the paving dates, residents will be able to plan accordingly, ensuring smoother and safer travel throughout Oakland.

• Electronics
• May 1 & 15

• Paper/Cardboard
• May 1, May 15 & May 29

• Commingled
• May 8 & May 22

• Household Appliances/Metal
• May 9



• 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!

VOTE EARLY IN THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY TO AVOID THE CROWDS ON JUNE 4TH!

There are 9 Early Voting Locations throughout Bergen County, which will be open from Wednesday May 29, 2024 through Sunday, June 2, 2024.

Hours are:

Wed through Sat - 10 AM - 8 PM

Sun - 10 AM - 6 PM

Dog and cat licensing was due on February 15, 2024! Late registration is subject to a $5.00 late fee.

Unlicensed pets are subject to potential violations and fines!

Flooding can happen anywhere in the country, and it’s a year-round hazard that happens in all 50 states. As little as 6 inches of floodwater can cause vehicles to lose control and stall, the National Weather Service warns.

🚑 2024 is our 70th year of service serving the residents of Oakland on a purely volunteer basis.

🚑 The Oakland First Aid Squad has responded to 267 Calls in 2024.

🚑 Each active senior member has spent over 200 hours on duty so far in 2024.

🚑 The Annual Fund Drive is beginning so please keep an eye out for the donation letter in the next few weeks!

🚑 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.

Oakland Makers & Bakers Invited to participate too! 

ARTS IN OAKLAND along with the Great Oak Park Committee are excited to announce the Grand Opening of the Arts Pavilion at Great Oak Park, now scheduled for June 8, 2024, 12-5pm.

Not just a fun day featuring Oakland Performing Artists of all Kinds, including special appearances from local faves The Core and No Picnic (full schedule soon to be announced) we have also invited Oakland Makers & Bakers to participate too!! 

Oakland Makers & Bakers are invited to participate in the festivities of the day, featuring a full line of music and entertainment to celebrate the Grand opening of this much anticipated new outdoor venue in Oakland!

As a Maker/Baker, you are invited to apply to showcase and sell your Makes/Bakes at this amazing event. Deadline to Apply May 6, 2024.

See you on June 8th!

It’s May, and in New Jersey that means warm weather is finally here! Pool openings and booking family vacations down the shore are on many people’s to do lists, making this a perfect time to construct your water safety plan for the summer.

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.

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

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.

• Memorial Day Parade → May 26, 2024 at 1pm
• Baseball Softball Parade/Fever Pitch → 6/1/24 at 9:00 am
• Oakland Carnival → June 12-15, 2024
• 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

The Borough of Oakland's Annual Memorial Day Parade, followed by the American Legion Ceremony in Veterans Park, will be Sunday, May 26 starting at 1 P.M. This year's Grand Marshal is Vietnam-era Army Infantry Officer Jack Ackerman. After the Ceremony, the Legion will serve refreshments at its Post building on 65 Oak Street.

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.

The Sustainable Oakland Green Team is having their Pollinator Native Plant Sale!

Sale Ends 5/10/24

Pick Up 5/18/24

Join Rick Weiman in Great Oak Park for a spring bird-watching walk on Saturday, May 4, 2024 7:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. with a rain date of May 5th. We will be looking for resident birds that nest in the park and hopefully some recently arrived colorful migrants like warblers, orioles, and others. The trip is for all skill levels of birding and beginners are welcome. Bring binoculars, water, and wear boots as some trails may be muddy. Photographers are welcome to bring their cameras. Parking will be at the dog park.

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.

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.

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Click below, learn more, and learn how you can get involved!

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: Wendi Francis-Seelin

(c) 2024 Oakland Communications Commission

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