December 2024

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.

This Month's Top Stories

Bush Plaza commemorates legacy of Oakland founder

Something wonderful is going on with that little plot of land on Ramapo Valley Road next to the railroad tracks, a patch that until recently was just blacktop. It’s now a beautiful pocket park called “Bush Plaza.” It features year-round plantings, landscaping and hardscaping, benches, lights, and you may have noticed, a tall four-sided clock. As we publish, contractors are putting on the finishing touches, such as connecting power. The site for Bush Plaza is the original footprint of the train station that was demolished in the 1960s, ending passenger rail service in Oakland.

Read More Here

Mayor's Monthly Message


Dear Oakland Residents,


As we enter the final month of 2024, I want to reflect on our community’s strength and resilience while sharing some exciting updates and seasonal highlights.


Wildfire Response and Teamwork

This year’s wildfire season has been unprecedented, but much-needed rain has finally arrived to provide relief. I know many of you were concerned about the Pompton Lakes fire and its potential spread to Oakland. From the moment the fire began, I was in constant contact with the Mayor of Pompton Lakes, working to ensure our community was informed and prepared.


Read More Here

DECEMBER 2024 HOLIDAY EVENTS

Your Monthly Garbage & Recycling Cheat Sheet

  • Electronics
  • December 4 & 18
  • Paper/Cardboard
  • December 11
  • Commingled
  • December 4 & 18
  • Household Appliances/Metal
  • December 12
  • Yard Waste Pick Up
  • North Side: Pick Up Every Monday - Ends December 9, 2024
  • South Side: Pick Up Every Tuesday - Ends December 10, 2024

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!

Learn More
2024 Borough Calendar (Garbage & Recycling Guide)

From the Borough Clerk

BOROUGH HALL HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSURE


All Borough Offices (except for emergency services) will be closed on the

following days in December in observance of:



Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25, 2024

New Years Day: Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Pet Licensing Starts On January 2, 2025


Information:

Proof of rabies must be submitted with each license application. All certificates received will be returned with the new license. Any rabies vaccine which expires before November 1st of the licensing year will require an updated vaccine prior to the issuance of a 2025 license. This is mandatory for both dogs and cats.

Proof of spaying or neutering is required for all new licenses (Dogs and Cats).



ALL RENEWALS SHOULD BE DONE BY MAIL AFTER JANUARY 1, 2025. 

Mail to: Borough of Oakland, One Municipal Plaza, Oakland, NJ 07436, Attention: Municipal Clerk. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Failure to purchase your license by February 18, 2025 will result in $5.00 late fee per animal.

If you no longer have your pet, please notify the Borough Clerk by 

emailing boroclerk@oakland-nj.org or calling (201) 337-8111 ext. 2001.


Application for Pet Licensing
Application for Jill Schwertfeger Memorial Dog Park

Free Video Production Course

Offered by Oakland TV

Hometown Hero Banner Program

The Borough of Oakland is pleased to announce the Hometown Hero Banner Program, which will honor your Oakland Veteran with a 30” X 60” banner displayed along Ramapo Valley Road from Armed Forces Day through Veterans Day for a minimum of 3 years. If the banner needs replacement in the first 3 years, the Borough will replace it at no cost to the applicant.

Click Here for More Information & to Apply for a Banner

December 2024 Meeting Schedule

December 2, 2024

Shade Tree Commission 7:30 PM


December 3, 2024

Environmental Commission 7:00 PM

Zoning Board 7:00 PM



December 4, 2024

Access For All 7:30 PM


December 9, 2024

Public Events 7:30 PM


December 10, 2024

Council Meeting 7:00 PM

December 12, 2024

Planning Board 7:00 PM


December 16, 2024

Arts Committee 7:00 PM

Recreation Committee 7:30 PM


December 17, 2024

Board of Health 6:30 PM


December 23, 2024

Council Meeting 7:00 PM

Oakland Seniors Meetings, Trips & Activities

Department of Public Works

First Responders' Flash Briefing

Police Department

911 for Emergencies | 201-337-6171 Non-Emergency

www.oakland-nj.org/police-department

295 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, NJ 07436

Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) is spotlighting customer safety by partnering with Utilities United Against Scams, joining 150+ energy and water companies across the U.S. and Canada. This campaign aims to help customers recognize and avoid utility-related scams.


Quick Tips to Protect Yourself:


Ignore urgent payment demands; O&R doesn’t threaten immediate shut-offs.


Avoid prepaid cards, mobile payment apps, or cryptocurrency for bills.


Verify employee identity by checking O&R ID or calling 1-833-460-7059.


Visit oru.com to explore secure payment methods and stay informed. Protect yourself, and don’t let scammers win!

Fire Department

911 for Emergencies | 201-337-5691 Non-Emergency

www.oaklandfd.org

295 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, NJ 07436

First Aid Squad

911 for Emergencies | 201-337-7385 Non-Emergency

www.oaklandfas.org

285 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, NJ 07436

🚑 If you are interested in volunteering and becoming an EMT, please stop by one evening at 7:30 PM on the 1st Monday of every month to learn more.

Oakland Public Library

201-337-3742

www.oaklandnjlibrary.org

2 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, NJ 07436

Learn More About the Oakland Public Library

News & Announcements from

Boards, Committees & Commissions

Access for All Committee

The Access for All Committee was established to provide advice to the Mayor and Council on the concerns of disabled persons, barrier-free facilities, and compliance with the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act.


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

Learn More About Access for All

Arts in Oakland Committee

Volunteer With Us!


ARTS IN OAKLAND

MONTHLY MEETING


BE PART OF SOMETHING AMAZING IN OAKLAND!

Learn More about Arts in Oakland

Arts in Oakland -Be Part of Something Amazing in Oakland!

The Arts in Oakland committee has exploded in Oakland with vibrant creativity, awesome musical events and an amazing new Outdoor Market! The townwide contest winning mural installation, is currently in progress! (We can't wait to see it!!) We are looking for enthusiastic new volunteers! If you love the arts ( note: You don't have to be artistic!) and want to dive into awesome events and projects like music gigs at the new Arts Pavilion, the Digital Arts Zine, Outdoor Markets, Open Mic Nights, Holiday Tree Decorating, Art Exhibition & Sale, and so much more, come join the fun!

If you are an organizer in town, and have an event to collaborate with the Arts in Oakland team- reach out!  

Volunteers are needed for our events and Community service credit is offered to students and, its fun!! 

Our next meeting is Monday, December 16, 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! 

For more information email: 

Andrea Levy

Arts in Oakland - chair | arts@oakland-nj.org


OPEN MIC NIGHT


Join us the Thursday December 19th for a fun evening filled with music by YOU!

Join us for a fantastic evening of Open Mic at Real Brave! Sing, jam, or enjoy some karaoke fun. The event takes place at 7:30 PM. Come down and be a part of the excitement or just stick around and enjoy the vibe!

350 Ramapo Valley Road in the Coppertree Mall


🎭 Intro to Improv: Extended by Popular Demand! 🎭


Arts in Oakland is excited to extend the Intro to Improv classes by popular demand!

FREE to Oakland residents 16 and over!

Discover your creativity and unleash your inner performer with our introductory improvisation course and our new Next Level Improv to take you even further along! You'll be amazed at how easily you can dive into the world of improv and experience its transformative power. Join us to unlock your full potential!

🗓️ WHEN: Tuesdays, November 12 - December 17

  • Intro to Improv: 7:00 - 7:45 PM
  • NEW: Next Level Improv: 7:45 - 8:30 PM
  • WHERE: The Senior Center, 20 Lawlor Ave, Oakland, NJ

Stop by and check out this fun, interactive experience. We're accepting new participants!

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


ARTS IN OAKLAND ZINE


Get Creative Oakland- Enter your works in the "Arts in Oakland Zine"

We are thrilled to announce the Winter Edition of the Artist and Writers Showcase, presented in a Digital Zine format. Let your creativity shine this season by submitting your work for our next edition!


What is a “Zine,” you ask?


Zines are self-published collections of original content that cover various topics and formats. Ours focuses on the Arts, and this time, we’re embracing the beauty and inspiration of winter. Oakland residents are invited to submit their original Poetry, Short Fiction, Artwork, and Photography with an In Oakland- winter theme-and we can’t wait to see your contributions!


This project is open to all ages and levels of experience, and selected works will be shared across Oakland’s media outlets.


Submissions for the Winter Zine are due by January 31, 2024.


Please review the flyer for details and submission guidelines.


Board of Health

Learn More about the Board of Health

Communications Commission

There's A Place for You With Us!

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.

Email Us
Learn More about the Communications Commission

Television Committee

Watch and Subscribe To Us On YouTube!
Email the Television Committee

Oakland TV

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


STREAMING SOON TO MOST MAJOR STREAMING PLATFORMS!


Bulletin Board Committee

Contact the Bulletin Board Committee

Newsletter Committee

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!

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!


To learn more email: occ@oakland-nj.org

Contact the Newsletter Committee

Welcome, Website & Social Media Committee

Contact the Welcome, Website & Social Media Committee

Environmental Commission

Volunteers Needed

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.

Learn More About the Environmental Commission

Public Events Committee

Upcoming Events

  • Tree and Menorah Lighting/Holiday Lights Parade → Dec 8, 2024 at 5pm
  • Holiday Lights Contest → December 16-17
Learn More About the Public Events Committee

Recreation Commission

Learn More About the Recreation Commission

Current Open Signups & Opportunities

The Coolest Game On Skates

By Mike Guadagnino

Recreation Chairman


Have you ever driven down Lawlor Drive in the middle of winter and noticed the only thing lit in the distance was the roller rink? That’s our one and only prized roller hockey program. Regardless of temperature, they are out there in force. Our hockey players skate on the finest rink in New Jersey and are coached by some of the most incredible people. While many local roller hockey programs have struggled to survive, Oakland’s program continues to thrive.

 

Oakland Recreation has a phenomenal program led by Commissioner Michael Bleeker. Roller Hockey starts with its clinic program, which teaches kids how to skate and play the game. As they matriculate through the program, they compete against teams throughout Bergen County, playing on our rink or at our away opponents’ rink. Roller Hockey continues through high school. Many ice hockey players get their start in the roller program and participate in both for years.

 

Over the years, our teams have won multiple championships, and last year, they hosted the entire league playoffs. The roller hockey season has just begun, and we are looking for another great year. We would be remiss if we didn’t shout out to all the parents who stand in the cold of January/February cheering on their athletes. GO Braves!

 

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 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.

Learn More About the 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.

Click Here for Application

Shade Tree Commission

Join and Volunteer With Us!

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.

Learn More About the Shade Tree Commission

What Deer Are Doing to Our Forests



Looking out the window what do I see? A doe with her two yearlings or maybe a buck with a rack of antlers. Our neighborhoods create an abundance of edge habitat that the deer prefer. While their beauty is undeniable, so is their mark on the landscape. They nibble away at our native and many non-native plants, wreaking havoc on our shrubs and flowers, but what they consume in our forests has an even greater cost.


Deer are herbivores that eat all types of vegetation, nuts, fruit, twigs, and grasses. Due to their high population density, they can very quickly clear a forest floor of all new growth and low shrubs. This creates several other problems including creating habitat for thriving invasive species, native forest impaired regeneration, and less habitat for other species like birds, invertebrates, reptiles, and other mammals.

Sustainable Oakland Green Team

Join the Green Team!

Learn More About Sustainable Oakland Green Team

First Day Hike 

Join us on January 1st, and start the year off with an invigorating walk through Oakland's beautiful trails.


When: Wednesday, January 1st at 11am in the lower parking lot on Skyline Drive.

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

We recommend wearing appropriate hiking shoes -there could be ice and waterproof is always a plus, and 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. 

*Registration is required

Happy Trails!!


Click to Register

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.

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.

Borough Job Postings

DPW SNOW PLOW OPERATOR - Seasonal

The Borough of Oakland is accepting applications along with a copy of current Driver’s License for seasonal Snow Plow Operators. Rate of Pay is $31 per hour. Applications can be obtained at Borough Hall or by going to www.oakland-nj.org and clicking the “employment & bids box” then scrolling to the Employment Application Form. Direct questions to: Superintendent Anthony Marcucilli at 201-337-8104 or dpwsec@oakland-nj.org. Apply to Kathy Gurney, 1 Municipal Plaza, Oakland NJ 07436 or adminsec@oakland-nj.org.  

COMMISSION SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION - P/T

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. EOE

COMMISSION SECRETARY FOR

SUSTAINABLE OAKLAND GREEN TEAM - P/T


This P/T position supports the activities of the Oakland Green Team. Job responsibilities include advertising meetings according to law, preparing agendas and meeting materials, attending monthly meetings, creating and distributing meeting minutes, assisting with vendor quotes and creating purchase requisitions as needed, and helping with event and program execution.


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. The Green Team meets the 4th Thursday of every month.


Compensation is $1,200 annually. Please submit an application or resume to Kathy Gurney at adminsec@oakland-nj.org. EOE

Ramapo Indian Hills High Schools

A Message from the Superintendent


We're extending the Student District Logo Design contest deadline to January 15. Let your creativity shine and design the future face of our district! More details are included in this newsletter.

Click Here to Read More & View the RIH Newsletter

Community News & Announcements

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.

Bergen County News & Announcements

LINK TO VAN SAUN EVENTS

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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

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