April 2024
Hello!

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.
This Month's Top Stories
An Interview with Sam Goworek
I asked Samantha “Sam" Goworek if she would like to be interviewed for the Oakland Newsletter and happily, she agreed! We set up a time to speak and it just so happened that I wound up calling her on her 17th birthday to interview her! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAM!!
Easter Egg Fun!
On Sunday, March 25th, Public Events held its Easter Egg Hunt for all to enjoy! This was a fun (and cold) day for all!

Thank you Public Events for all the hard work that went into making this day a success!
Access for All enjoyed the fun too!
Monthly Mayor's Message
 The Borough of Oakland is proud to announce that two (2) new PFAS (“per- and polyfluoroalkylsubstances”) treatment facilities have been installed at Well 5 and Well 10 and are currently operational. Laboratory test results at these wells are returning as “not detected” for PFAS chemicals. In addition, a PFAS treatment system will be operational at Well 9 in the near future and there are also plans to install PFAS treatment at our other remaining wells
Your Monthly Garbage & Recycling
Cheat Sheet
  • Electronics
  • April 3 & 17

  • Paper/Cardboard
  • April 3 & 17

  • Commingled
  • April 10 & 24

  • Household Appliances/Metal
  • April 11

  • Yard Waste Pick Up
  • North Side: April 8
  • South Side, April 9
Trash: Mon & Thurs garbage collection on the South side of town. Tues & Fri garbage collection on the North side of town.
Recycle Coach App
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!
From The Desk of The Borough Clerk
Dog & Cat Licenses
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!
Voting Machine Demonstration
The Bergen County Superintendent of Elections will be hosting a Voting Machine Demonstration on Tuesday April 9, 2024 at 1 PM
at the Oakland Senior Center.

All are welcome to learn and practice voting on the new equipment.
NJ High School Voter Registration Week
Save the Date: April 14-20, 2024
April Borough Meeting Schedule
April 1, 2024 7:30PM
Shade Tree Meeting

April 2, 2024 7:00PM
Zoning Board Meeting
Environmental Commission

April 3, 2024 7:30PM
Access For All

April 8, 2024
Public Events Meeting 7:00PM
Flood Commission

April 9, 2024
Council Meeting 7:00 PM
Flood Commission 7:30PM
April 11, 2024 7:00PM
Planning Board Meeting

April 15, 2024 7:00PM
Arts Committee

April 16, 2024 6:30PM
Board of Health

April 25, 2024 7:00PM
Green Team

April 29, 2024 7:30PM
Recreation Commission Meeting

April 30, 2024 7:00PM
Council Meeting
Oakland Seniors
Billiards Club
Mondays 10:00am-12:00 Noon
Open Play, Equipment available or bring your own
Dominos Club
Tuesdays 12:00 Noon -1:00 PM
Open to beginners, all players welcome
First Responders' Flash Briefing
Police Department
Board of Health
April 3 is National Walking Day
With longer days and warmer weather approaching, it’s a perfect time to get outside and take a walk! Research shows that walking at a vigorous pace at least 150 minutes a week can help:

  • Reduce stress and chance of depression, improving overall mental health and sleep
  • Lower risk of serious diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers
  • Improve blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and increase circulation
  • Increase energy and stamina
  • Sharpen memory and reduce the risk of dementia
  • Help keep weight under control
  • Promote flexibility in joints, develop stronger muscles, and boost bone strength
Oakland Public Library
Recreation Commission
Jill Schwertfeger Memorial Dog Park
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 [email protected], or you can mail a copy to the Borough of Oakland, 1 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, NJ 07436, Attn: Oakland Dog Park.
Dog Park Banner Advertising
Oakland is now offering your business more exposure than ever! The Oakland Dog Park, located in Great Oak Park, is now accepting banner purchases, until all space is sold out.
Access for All Committee
UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE:
  • April 3, 2024
  • May 1, 2024       
  • June 5, 2024
  • July 3, 2024
  • August 7, 2024     
  • September 4, 2024
  • October 2, 2024      
  • November 6, 2024                        
  • December 4, 2024
Public Events Committee
UPCOMING EVENTS
  • Memorial Day Parade → May 26, 2024 at 1pm
  • Baseball Softball Parade/Fever Pitch → 6/8/24 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
Communications Commission
Volunteers Needed
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 [email protected].
Television Committee
Oakland TV Remembers
Fred C. Birks
The Oakland Television Committee, the Oakland Communications Commission, and the Borough of Oakland are sad to announce the passing of former Control Room Engineer, founding member of Oakland TV, and original Communications Commission Commissioner Fred C. Birks at the age of 74. A tribute video was created by the volunteers of the Commission featuring volunteers and Borough officials speaking about Fred's two decades of work for the Borough and his legacy.
Watch Oakland TV on Channel 77 on Cablevision &
Channel 2145 on Verizon FiOS
Welcome, Website & Social Media Committee
Bulletin Board Committee
Shade Tree Commission
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 7:30PM at the Oakland Senior Center 20 Lawlor Drive Oakland NJ 07436.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact [email protected].
Adopt a Tree Today and Plant for a Greener Tomorrow
The Borough of Oakland Shade Tree Commission invites residents to apply to have a free street tree planted along the public right-of-way on their property. The program is designed t improve the streetscape of our community through the planting of trees around the Borough.
Oakland Recognized as a Tree City USA Town
Oakland has once again been recognized as a Tree City USA town. Each year we celebrate the importance of trees with Arbor Day events.

On Sunday, April 21 from 10 am - 2 pm, the Shade Tree Commission will be outside the Oakland Public Library giving away a variety of shade tree samplings. The New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign provided the saplings.
Over the years, we have heard many stories about saplings given to a child at school, then planted at home, and the amazement of how much it has grown over the years!  On Arbor Day this year, we will resume our visit to one of our elementary schools each year to teach the importance of planting and protecting trees. Each child from grades K-2 will be given a sapling so another generation can watch their tree grow.   

Also, for more information about adopting a 10-foot shade tree to be planted along the street front of your property please get in touch with us at [email protected].
Environmental Commission
Volunteers Needed
The Oakland Environmental Commission is seeking a volunteer to fill a vacancy on the Commission. If you are interested in learning more, please contact [email protected].
Sustainable Oakland Green Team
Community Solar Program
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team is excited to share information about New Jersey's newest clean energy program, Community Solar.

Residents who have previously been unable to go solar, due to a variety of factors including cost, unsuitable roof, or lack of roof control, can now access this renewable energy. 

Community solar projects enable greater access to solar energy to everyone and will also enable low- & moderate- income households and the environmental justice community greater access to clean energy and savings on their electricity bills.
Community solar encourages local clean energy development that is tied to the communities without compromising the preservation of open space or protected lands in New Jersey.
Join Rick Weiman in Great Oak Park for a spring bird-watching walk on Sat. 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 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.

Rain Barrels are also available for purchase to town residents at a discounted price of $75.

If you have any questions, email [email protected] or call (201) 337-8104.
Arts in Oakland Committee
Open Mic Nights
Join the excitement with ARTS IN OAKLAND with our series of OPEN MIC NIGHTS, welcoming all Oakland residents of every age to showcase their talents! Mark your calendars for the last Thursdays of the month at 7:30 PM at Real Brave in the Coppertree Mall.

🎤 Calling all local Oakland musicians, singers, bands, poets, and performers of all kinds! This is your chance to shine on stage and share your creativity. Material should be suitable for an all-ages audience, so let's keep it fun and family-friendly!

🎶 If singing is more your style, we've got you covered with a fantastic selection of Karaoke tracks to choose from!

📝 Advance registration is required, 🚨 Deadline to register for performing is the day prior to the event, so act fast!

🤔 Have questions or need more info? Feel free to reach out: Andrea Levy at [email protected].

Let's make these OPEN MIC NIGHTS in Oakland unforgettable – your talent awaits its moment in the spotlight! 🌟
Community News & Announcements
A Message from FLOW Follies
The FLOW Follies show at Ramapo High School this year was a success again, as in the 37 past years of the show. March 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shows all had appreciative audiences, with our Sunday matinee, with lunch for the Senior Citizens, always being the most popular show. The jokes from the Time travelers of Bill and Ted, Marty and Doc, along with Dr. Who, were appreciated as they traveled from Cavemen's time into a futuristic time-space catastrophe, singing and dancing all the way.

New cast members and stage hands are always welcomed. Check out the FLOWFollies.org website.

Even Mayor Eric Kulmala got into the fun right from the start, and brought Councilman Russ Talamini along for one show to help out. Eric's daughter graduated from Indian Hill HS this year, so his help was especially appreciated. But we're hoping that he and his wife Brenda will continue to help out with this great scholarship fund-raising program for RIH senior students in the future as well. In 2025 it's scheduled to be at Indian Hills High School, and Mayor Kulmala's flare for comedic delivery is always a favorite part of the show.
 
The Mothers' Club of Oakland wants to remind residents that they provide assistance to Oakland residents with cancer - contact us if you know someone who needs help. All information remains confidential. Mothers' Club Membership is open to all Oakland women, and we welcome new members. Reach out for event details!
Bergen County
News & Announcements
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