MARCH 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
ART IS A CHILD’S FIRST LANGUAGE
The Arts In Oakland sponsored a mural project contest in mid 2024. This contest set the stage for Oakland‘s creative and talented residents to vie for a prestigious spot reserved at the Potash Recreation Complex. The theme would highlight the natural beauty of Oakland and its sports programs
MAYORS' MESSAGE
Dear Oakland Citizen:

The Borough of Oakland is proud to announce that two (2) new PFAS (“per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances”) treatment facilities have been installed at Well 5 and Well 10 and are currently operational. Initial laboratory test results returned as “not detected” for PFAS chemicals. PFAS chemicals do not occur naturally but have been found in the underground aquifer from which the Borough draws its water, possibly from past industrial discharges. This project was completed in accordance with the Borough’s agreement with the NJDEP. Additional information regarding PFAS may be found on the Borough’s website.

Bush Plaza Park construction update. With the winter coming to an end and spring around the corner, I am happy to announce that construction at Bush Plaza Park will commence in the first week of March. The anticipated completion of the project will be at the end of April minus the clock due supply chain delays. We expect the clock to be delivered and installed by the end of June followed by a park dedication ceremony.
Your Monthly Garbage & Recycling Cheat Sheet
Electronics: March 6 & 20

Paper/Cardboard: March 6 & 20
Commingled: March 13 & 27

Household Appliances/Metal:
March 14

Yard Waste Pick Up
March None
March 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 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
March Borough Meeting Schedule
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE THE 2ND AND 4TH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
March 4, 2024
Budget Meeting 6:30PM
Shade Tree Meeting 7:30PM

March 5, 2024 7:00PM
Zoning Board Meeting
Environmental Commission

March 6, 2024 6:30PM
Budget Meeting

March 7, 2024 7:30PM
Access For All

March 11, 2024
Communications Meeting 7PM NEW DATE
Public Events Meeting 7PM
Flood Commission 7:30PM

March 12, 2024 7PM
Council Meeting
March 14, 2024 7:00PM
Planning Board Meeting

March 18, 2024 7:00PM
Arts Council

March 19, 2024 6:30PM
Board of Health

March 25, 2024 7:30PM
Recreation Commission Meeting

March 26, 2024 7:00PM
Council Meeting

March 28, 2024 7:00PM
Green Team
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
BOARD OF HEALTH UPDATE
Poison Help Hotline 800-222-1222

Each year thousands of people living in New Jersey are exposed to hazards where they live, work and play. The third week in March has been dedicated to National Poison Prevention, in an effort to educate people on the potentially harmful substances encountered in their everyday lives. There are 55 national poison control centers dedicated to promoting the importance of recognizing poisoning risks, preventing poisoning exposures, and raising awareness about life-saving services.
OAKLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY PRESENTS
OAKLAND RECREATION COMMISSION
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
UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE:
March 7, 2024
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
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Easter Egg Hunt → 3/23/24 at 10am (Rain Date 3/24/24)
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
This is your opportunity to get involved with the FUN committee!!!!
OAKLAND COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
In Memory of
Frederick C. Birks
1950 - 2024
The Oakland Television Committee, the Oakland Communications Commission, and the Borough of Oakland are sad to announce that we have learned of 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.
 
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].
Borough of Oakand's Local Access Television Stations
Channel 77 on Cablevision, Channel 2145 on FiOS
YouTube Link: Watch Here:
Junior Member Christian Bakreska operating the robotic cameras for the February 27, 2024 Mayor & Council Meeting
TV Control Room in action for the February 27, 2024 Mayor & Council Meeting
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 TEAM
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. To sign up go to www.Neighborhoodsun.Solar/OaklandNJ   
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
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 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
The Mothers' Club of Oakland wants to remind you that we 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! 
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