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.

Mayor's Message

January 2026

Fellow Oaklanders:

This has been a fantastic year for Oakland! We have made tremendous progress for our Borough and our future looks very bright. I am very pleased to see the commitment to progress and the dedicated action to fulfill these commitments without delay.

We have been able to complete many important projects that will improve our quality of life. I am so pleased to see our progress and wish to thank the dedicated Members of Council and employees of the Borough for their dedication, hard work, and commitment.

Read the full message here.

FEATURED ARTICLE OF THE MONTH

The 2026 Borough Calendar is on its way!



Calendars were placed in the mail on December 30th and should arrive any day now.

A digital copy will be uploaded to the website shortly. Stay tuned!

HOLIDAYS AND BOROUGH OFFICE CLOSURES

The Borough of Oakland is sending this friendly reminder that your pet’s license must be renewed no later than February 15th, 2026.

All dogs and cats must be licensed when they reach the age of 7 months or older or have a permanent set of teeth. Per State requirements, pets must have a current rabies vaccination which shall not expire prior to November 1st, 2026 in order to be licensed.

You can access the dog and cat license application here.

A separate application is needed for each animal.

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 2026 license. This is mandatory for both dogs and cats.

Proof of spaying or neutering is required for all new licenses (Dogs and Cats) for which the owner is paying the spayed/neutered rate.

Enclose a check with the correct amount and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Please send a separate check for dogs and cats. Refer to the chart on the application form for a list of fees.

ALL RENEWALS SHOULD BE DONE BY MAIL AFTER JANUARY 1, 2026.

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, 2026 will result in a $15.00 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.

Licensed dogs are eligible for membership at Oakland's dog park. You can access the dog park membership application here.

• Electronics
• January 7 & 21

• Paper/Cardboard
• January 7 & 21

• Commingled
• January 14 & 28

• Appliances and Metal
• January 8

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!

Don't Have a New Year's Resolution?

As we welcome the New Year, the Oakland Police Department would like to wish all residents a happy, healthy, and safe January. While many people set New Year’s resolutions, safety on our roadways is a commitment we should all make every day!

Please consider making these simple choices that help keep you, your family, and our community safe:

• Drive the posted speed limit: Speeding increases crash risk and severity.
• Wear your seatbelt: Seatbelts save lives on every trip, no matter how short.
• Do not use your cell phone while driving: Distracted driving puts everyone at risk.
• Do not drink and drive: Always plan a safe ride if you will be consuming alcohol.

The Oakland Police Department remains committed to protecting our residents and keeping our roadways safe. We appreciate your cooperation and encourage everyone to look out for one another throughout the year.

🚑 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.

BE PART OF SOMETHING AMAZING IN OAKLAND!

ARTS IN OAKLAND: VOLUNTEERS WANTED! 🎶🎨

OAKLAND IS THE PLACE TO BE!

The Arts in Oakland movement is taking over with electrifying creativity, unforgettable music events, and the incredible Outdoor Market! 🎭🎸 Our town just got even more vibrant—check out the gorgeous new mural near the Tots Playground!

🔥 WE NEED YOU! 🔥 Love the arts? (You don’t have to be artistic!) Want to be part of something amazing? Help bring incredible events to life:

✨ Live music at the new Arts Pavilion- Battle of the bands Coming Soon!!

✨ The Digital Arts Zine

✨ Outdoor Markets

✨ Open Mic Nights, Improv classes, Murder Mystery Production!

✨ Holiday Tree Decorating

✨ Art Exhibitions & Sales, Murals …AND SO MUCH MORE!

🎤 EVENT ORGANIZERS: Want to collaborate? Let’s team up!

💥 Students—get community service credit while having fun!

📅 NEXT MEETING: Monday, December 15, 7pm at the Senior Center. Don’t miss out—come be part of the magic!

For more info, email: Andrea Levy -  Arts in Oakland - chair | email: arts@oakland-nj.org

The Arts in Oakland Committee invites the community to experience Mostly Jersey, a vibrant art exhibition and sale celebrating the people, places, and personality of the Garden State. Featuring original paintings by Karen J. Waller and photography by Matt McKim, the exhibit runs from January 10 through February 15 at the Oakland Public Library. The public is warmly welcomed to attend the Opening Reception on Saturday, January 10, from 2:00 to 4:30 PM.

Through bold paintings and compelling photography, Mostly Jersey captures New Jersey’s changing landscapes and unforgettable moments. Matt McKim, owner of Lone Wolf Photography LLC, brings over 15 years of professional experience photographing everything from military operations and airshows to wildlife and classic cars. His images are honest, powerful, and deeply human. Follow his work on Instagram at @lonewolfphotographyllc.

Karen J. Waller, a fine art painter and retired award-winning art educator, preserves New Jersey’s rapidly disappearing roadside architecture. Her work is inspired by post–World War II Americana—neon signs, mom-and-pop shops, and the joy of the open road—serving as a poignant reflection on memory, time, and change. Learn more at karenwallerfineartanddesign.com.

Artwork from both artists will be available for purchase through the Oakland Public Library reception desk. A portion of all sales benefits the Oakland Public Library and the Arts in Oakland Committee. Purchased artwork may be picked up at the conclusion of the exhibit on February 15, from 2:00–4:30 PM.

About the Arts in Oakland Committee

The Arts in Oakland Committee was established to encourage and engage cultural and artistic exhibitions, events, and all related activities including, but not limited to: sculpture, painting, drawing, architectural design, photography, motion pictures, television, writing, performing arts, music, dance, and other creative endeavors that advance the arts and culture in the Borough of Oakland. 

For more information Contact: Andrea Levy, Arts in Oakland – Chair | Arts@oakland-nj.og

Interested in submitting artwork for the Verse & Visual? Read the full press release here.

🎶 "Keep the Music Playing: Support Live Shows at Great Oak Park in 2026!"

We had a few amazing shows this year, and have much BIGGER plans for 2026 for more, free, family-friendly live music events at the new Arts Pavilion in beautiful Great Oak Park — and we need your help to make it happen!  

Sponsorship opportunities for 2026 will soon be announced for local businesses and community supporters. Sponsorships help to keep these events free and accessible for Oakland's enthusiastic crowds all season long.

Join us in bringing music and community together! 

👉 Contact us to become a sponsor today! Or, if fundraising is your thing, join us and help bring even more life to our community!

Andrea Levy | Chair

Arts@Oakland-nj.org

https://www.oakland-nj.org/arts-committee

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.

Channel 77 on Altice's Optimum

Channel 2145 on Verizon's Fios

Also available on Apple and Android devices, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV - just search for "Oakland Television"

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.

Schedule of Community Events

• Holiday Stroll, Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting → December 7, 2025

The Access for All Subcommittee plans, coordinates, and executes various inclusive events and celebrations open to the general public, as well as events tailored to meet the needs of the disabled community.

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

The Recreation Committee will meet on December 22nd at 8:00pm, NOT on December 15th as previously advertied.

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 avacancies 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.

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 $75.00.

If you have any questions, email recycle@oakland-nj.org or call (201) 337-8104.

November 21, 2025

A Message from the Superintendent

Dear Ramapo Indian Hills Families,

This newsletter comes at a time when we would do well to pause to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together. From academic achievements to athletic victories and creative performances, our schools have had a truly memorable year. These milestones remind us of the dedication and spirit that define our district.  

As the conclusion of 2025 draws closer every day and the new year approaches, I look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to celebrate the successes of our students and staff.  

Warmly,  

Shauna DeMarco  

Superintendent, Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District

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.

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Oakland Governing Body

Mayor Eric Kulmala

Council Members

Council President, Kevin Slasinski

John McCann, Pat Pignatelli, Carol Ann Rose, Steven Saliani, Russell Talamini

Oakland Communications Commission

Chairman Ryan Schwertfeger

Vice Chairman Mark Albala

Jim Barry, Amy Eilert, Andrea Levy, Kerri Sirinides, William Sisti

Michelle Raybeck (Alt. 1), Benjamin Good (Alt. 2)

Junior Member: Eric Darcy

Commission Secretary: Ch

(c) 2025 Oakland Communications Commission

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