September 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
Wendi Francis-Seelin
Meet Oakland's New Deputy Borough Clerk: Wendi Francis-Seelin
Oakland’s newest public servant is an amiable Ramsey native and municipal worker who was hired in May as the deputy borough clerk.

She also functions as secretary for Oakland’s Communication Commission.

“I have always liked knowing what is going on in my town, about town government and schools,” said Wendi Francis-Seelin. “I like the people who come into the municipal building to pay their bills and helping them to get information.”
Francis-Seelin is married and has two grown children--a son who runs his own business and a daughter who recently graduated from Ramapo College summa cum laude. Her husband works as director of quality in a large company.

“I applied for the position here in Oakland after attending Rutgers University’s courses in municipal clerking, the first step on the way to getting my certification as municipal clerk,” she said. “Next year, in 2023, I will complete my probationary period here in Oakland and my course work at Rutgers. Then I will study for my licensing exam.”
Mayor's Message
Our Oakland residents are well known for helping people in need. At this time, one of our residents needs help. His name is Paul Gourhan

Paul Gourhan, needs a kidney. He is on the list for a new kidney. His best option is a live donor and until then, Paul is on dialysis. If you can help or know someone who can help, contact Paul at pg@pmw.net.
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: September 7 & 21

Paper: September 7 & 21

Commingled: September 14 & 28

Household Appliances/Metal:
September 8

Trash: Mon & Thurs garbage collection on the South side of town. Tues & Fri garbage collection on the North side of town.
Due to the increasing demand on the Borough of Oakland’s water system during the summer months, and to maintain adequate water storage for emergency response and daily needs, the Borough has enacted odd/even water restrictions for outside watering, which go into effect on Thursday July 21, 2022. Odd numbered addresses are permitted to water on odd numbered dates, and even numbered addresses are permitted to water on even numbered dates. This regulation applies to residential and commercial properties. The restriction does not apply to watering newly planted grass, newly planted shrubbery, and horticultural businesses located within the Borough. This restriction is in place until September 15, 2022. Only emergency conditions will warrant additional restrictions and residents will be notified of any change. Should residents have any questions, please contact the Oakland Department of Public Works at (201) 337-8104. 
Oakland Senior Center
Senior Center
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.
Senior Center
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.
Senior Center
Join the Oakland Senior Center for Bingo Day on Thursday September 1, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. For more information, email seniorassist@oakland-nj.org.
Senior Center
Join the Oakland Senior Center for Podiatry Services with Dr. Eric Rosen on Friday September 2, 2022 between 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. To make an appointment, contact (201) 405-7731.
Senior Center
Join the Oakland Senior Center for Coffee with a Cop on September 27, 2022 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

To register, call the Oakland Senior Center at (201) 405-7731. 
First Responders Flash Briefing
Back to School Safety
As summer draws to a close and children start heading back to school, family life can get pretty hectic. It's important to remember – and share with your children – some key tips that will help keep them safe and healthy throughout the school year.


Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips:

  • Ensure your vehicle is always locked.
  • Never leave a window open.
  • Ensure all valuables are kept out of sight.
  • Never leave your vehicle running.
  • Never leave your keys in your vehicle.
  • When parking, turn the tires toward the curb. This will make it difficult to tow.
  • Always use your emergency brake.
  • Park your vehicle in a well-lighted area.
  • Try to park your vehicle in attended lots. Criminals DO NOT like witnesses.
  • When parking your vehicle in an attended lot, always use your valet key.
  • Never Leave the title or registration in your vehicle when it is unattended. A thief will use these documents to assist in selling your vehicle.
  • Disable your vehicle when leaving for extended periods of time, i.e., disconnect the battery.
  • Use locking screws on your license plate.
  • Whenever possible, use all available ant-theft devices to include:
  • Steering wheel locks
  • Window etching
  • Vehicle tracking devices, i.e., LoJack
  • Audible alarms
  • Armored collars around steering columns
  • Devices to disable the gas or brake pedal
  • Wheel locks
  • Gear shift locks
  • Hood locks
  • Fuel kill switches
  • Ignition kill switches
News and Announcements
Bergen County
Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival featuring Master Gardener and 4-H displays and exhibits, free hands-on activities for kids, arts and crafts vendors, farm vendors, local community organizations, food trucks, live entertainment, and a midway. Free parking and admission!  
Bergen County
Bergen County is hosting Paper Shredding, Tire Recycling, and Computer Electronics Recycling on Saturday August 6, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Bergen Community College. This collection is open to all residents.
Bergen County
Bergen County is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Collection on September 10, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Bergen County Campgaw Reservation, 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, N.J. This collection is open to all residents.
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 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.
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.
Environmental Commission
The Oakland Environmental Commission is seeking a volunteer to fill a vacancy on the Commission. If you are interested in learning more, please contact boroclerk@oakland-nj.org.
Sustainable Oakland Green Team
Join the Sustainable Oakland Green Team for a Park Cleanup on Saturday September 17, 2022 at Great Oak Park, off Ramapo Valley Road. Help us as we cleanup Oakland's parks and remove tubes from trees we planted in 2019 and 2021. To register, click here.
Sustainable Oakland Green Team
Get involved and help us with projects that promote a sustainable environment, economy and community right here in Oakland.

For more information, contact greenteam@oakland-nj.org.
Sustainable Oakland Green Team
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team is hosting A Styrofoam Collection Drive on September 24,2022 from 9:00am-12:00PM or until the truck is full. The first Hour is for Oakland residents only, The following two hours are open to all Bergen County Residents.
Oakland Green Team Seed Bank
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 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.

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