JANUARY 2024
Hello!

Here's the latest information about things 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
TOP STORY
Pay It Forward
There are so many ways to bring a community together to assist those in need. This can be in the form of fundraising, volunteering and in today’s world… online community forums. I decided to interview a handful of women in our community who came together to start a Facebook group called “Pay It Forward FLOW Community”. This group of women embarked on a journey to create a platform that made a positive impact on other’s lives fueled by generosity.
MAYORS' MESSAGE
Mayor Eric Kulmala

Dear Oakland Citizen:

We live in one of the most beautiful areas in America. Our neighborhoods, streams, lakes, mountains, and parks are second to none. And, I am very proud to say we are the home of the Pee Wee Football Super Bowl champions the Oakland Braves!
We are very fortunate to live in a community filled with strong families and good people. I am extremely excited to be your new Mayor and look forward to a season of meaningful change that will improve our quality of life.

BOROUGH HALL IS CLOSED FOR THE NEW YEARS HOLIDAY
JANUARY 1, 2023
Your Monthly Garbage & Recycling Cheat Sheet
Electronics: January 3 & 17

Paper/Cardboard: January 13 & 27
Commingled: January 10 & 24

Household Appliances/Metal:
January 11

Yard Waste Pick Up
January None
January None

Trash: Mon & Thurs garbage collection on the South side of town. Tues & Fri garbage collection on the North side of town.
RECYCLING 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 and Cat Licensing starts January 1, 2024.
Registration is due by January 31, 2024.
License Renewal Emails will be sent to all pet owners that supplied an email or mailed to those that do not have an email on file.
January Borough Meeting Schedule
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE THE 2ND AND 4TH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
January 2, 2024 7:00PM
Zoning Board Meeting

January 7, 2024 12:00PM
Oath of Office Ceremony

January 8, 2024
Public Events Meeting 7:30PM
Shade Tree Commission 7:30PM
January 9, 2024 7:00PM
Reorganization & Council Meeting

January 11, 2024 7:00PM
Planning Board Meeting
January 16, 2024
Board of Health Meeting 6:30 PM
Environmental Commission 7:00PM
Arts Council 7:00PM

January 22, 2024, 2023 7:00PM
Communications Commission

January 23, 2023 7:00PM
Council Meeting

January 25, 2024 7:00PM
Green Team

January 29, 2024 7:30PM
Recreation Commission Meeting
OAKLAND SENIOR CENTER
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
The Oakland Police Department would like to congratulate Hank Anderson and Kyle Delahanty on their graduation from the Bergen County Police Academy today. Kyle Delahanty earned the academic award which is presented to the recruit with the highest grade point average. Please join us in welcoming Hank and Kyle to the Oakland Police Department!
Prepare Your Car for Winter
In addition to annual maintenance, here are some tips to winterize your car:
● Test your battery; battery power drops as the temperature drops
● Make sure the cooling system is in good working order
● Have winter tires with a deeper, more flexible tread put on your car
BOARD OF HEALTH UPDATE
CHEERS TO A HEALTHY 2024!

With every new year comes new hope to create a better version of ourselves. People make endless lists of resolutions they struggle to keep usually due to the highly restrictive, unrealistic, and unsustainable goals they set. 

OAKLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY PRESENTS
OAKLAND RECREATION COMMISSION
At the December 20th Council meeting the Recreation Commission presented outgoing Mayor Linda Schwager with a commemorative plaque and flowers. The Mayor has always been a huge supporter of recreation and kept its leadership as grassroot volunteers. Good Luck Mayor in your future endeavors!
2024 IHHS BRAVES NEW FOOTBALL COACH
Oakland 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.
The dog park is located next to the Oakland Arts Pavilion.

ACCESS FOR ALL COMMITTEE
Access For All had its 2nd annual Santa On a Fire Truck event last Sunday 12/17/23. This event was a huge success with over 40 people in attendance. Santa made an appearance, riding in on a decked-out firetruck, lit up with Christmas lights! There were crafts for all to enjoy, as well as hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and water. Santa sat and listened to what everyone wanted for Christmas and each person was given a giftbag and a fire hat.  
A heartfelt thank you to everyone that volunteered that day! The Oakland Fire Department for loaning us their firetruck and Santa (played by Frank DiPentima), the Public Events Committee who donated the giftbags, Mame and Danny D for volunteering their time, APL Contracting for donating the tree, the Oakland Mother's Club for donating coffee, hot chocolate and cookies, and Tony from the Oakland Elks for donating cookies. You all made this event a huge success and the Access For All Committee is truly thankful for everyone's help and generosity! 
PUBLIC EVENTS
TOYS FOR TOTS 2023
2023 CHRISTMAS TREE AND MENORAH LIGHTING
HOLIDAY LIGHTS CONTEST WINNERS
Townwide Winner 32 Lehigh Way
Dogwood Section Winner
47 W. Sheffield Street
Dogwood Section Runner-Up
19 Lakeview Terrace
Heights Section Winner
35 Princeton Terrace
Heights Section Runner-Up
78 Hiawatha Boulevard
Manito Section Winner
60 Oneida Avenue
Manito Section Runner-Up
6 Kiowa Terrace
Interested in Participating in 2024 Holiday Lights Contest. Contact the Public Events Committee for details.
OAKLAND 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].
- WANTED - 
"OAKLAND PHOTOS"
Your submissions may appear in a future newsletter, website and/or online social media posts! 
Oakland Residents, Your Attention, Please!
The "Website, Social Media, and Welcome Committee" is on the lookout for captivating photos to feature in upcoming posts. We welcome a wide range of photos, whether it's a nostalgic glimpse into Oakland's past with historical or vintage family pictures, or capturing memorable moments from Oakland events throughout the years, including recent ones too! Don't hesitate to share your photographic treasures with us.
Send your pictures in JPEG format to: [email protected]
*VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! If you are interested in getting involved with Oakland's Website, Social Media and Welcome Committee, please reach out to: 
Andrea Levy- [email protected] 
Congratulation's to the Oakland Television Committee on 500 YouTube followers.
Congratulations to the Chairman of the Bulletin Board, Mark Albala on being elected to the Jersey Access Group Board.
Borough of Oakand's Local Access Television Stations
Channel 77 on Cablevision, Channel 2145 on FiOS
YouTube Link: Watch Here:
OAKLAND TV SPONSOR OPPORTUNITY
We have a wide range of programs on our channel, including governmental, educational, cultural, and community content. Our programs attract a diverse audience, with viewers from all age groups and backgrounds. Your sponsorship will help fund improvements, attract new volunteers, and raise citizen awareness of community affairs - all vital components of our TV Committee’s mission.
Please visit our website at https://www.oakland-nj.org/television-sponsorships to learn more about sponsorships and how you can benefit.
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. 

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 TEAMM
FIRST SUNDAY HIKES 2024
First Day Hike:
Join The Sustainable Oakland Green Team for 
FIRST DAY HIKE
JANUARY 1, 11AM
First Sundays of the Month February-December
EXPLORE OAKLAND'S
WALKING AND HIKING TRAILS
Ramapo Lake, Castle Loop, Great Oak Park and More!
DIFFICULTY: EASY TO MODERATE
  • DOGS WELCOME - MUST BE LEASHED
  • WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR
  • STURDY BOOTS WITH TRACTION FOR SLIPPERY TERRAIN & ICE/SNOW IN COLDER MONTHS
  • BRING SNACKS, WATER, BUG SPRAY AND EXTRA LAYERS.
  • WEATHER PERMITTING - *PLEASE CHECK EVENTBRITE TO CONFIRM TIME AND LOCATION
More information and Registration
Limited Parking Available. To carpool please contact Andrea Levy 201-739-8278.
Oakland Styrofoam Drive
Sat Jan 13th 9am-Noon
Or Until the Containers are Full
Rain Date Sun Jan 14th
1 Municipal Plaza
(Oakland Public Library Parking Lot) 
Bring your CLEAN & DRY block styrofoam to the drive.
Please REMOVE any TAPE & LABELS. Clear bags only. 
Styrofoam NOT accepted:
Packing Peanuts, Egg Cartons, To-Go Food Containers.
Questions? email [email protected]
Volunteers Needed for the Styrofoam drive! To sign up to volunteer go to https://SustainableOaklandGreenTeam.eventbrite.com
Backyard Compost Bins
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 [email protected] (201) 337-8104.
ARTS IN OAKLAND
🎨 Exciting News!
🌟 The Arts in Oakland council has announced the Mural contest winner: Anastasia Serdukova! 🏆 Kudos also to runners-up Gabriella Talamini and Antoinette Cinderella D'Allesandro. The winning artist will be recognized on social media, local press, and have signature rights on the mural. We look forward to its installation, to be completed with volunteers of the artists choice this Spring.

We extend a huge thanks and applaud all participants for their tremendous creativity! 🙌

If you'd like to support the winning mural with a donation or join the Arts in Oakland Council, email Andrea Levy [email protected].

#ArtsinOakland #CommunitySupport #CreativityMatters #MuralContest
OAKLAND'S DECORATED VAN SAUN CHRISTMAS TREE
The Arts in Oakland council brought festive charm to Winter Wonderland at Van Saun, adorning the Oakland holiday tree beautifully for their annual decorating contest. Our tree featured donated ornaments and ribbons and a specially crafted poem. While the grand prize eluded us this year, our sights are set on victory for the next. Join us for this and an assortment of artful projects throughout the year; contact Andrea Levy
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. 
December 28, January 25, February 29, 
🎤 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 arts@oakland-nj.com
Let's make these OPEN MIC NIGHTS in Oakland unforgettable – your talent awaits its moment in the spotlight! 🌟
COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS
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