November 2019
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.
Congratulations - Oakland Police Department Promotions

The Borough of Oakland would like to congratulate the following Officers on their promotions:
  • Timothy Keenan promoted to the rank of Captain.
  • Michael O’Neill promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.
  • Mark Piercy promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
We are all proud of you and your promotions are well deserved. Thank you for keeping all of us safe!
Oakland Police Dept.
Captain Timothy Keenan
Sergeant Mark Piercy
Oakland Halloween Parade & Trick or Trunk - 2019

Thank you to the Public Events Committee and all the volunteers for another successful Halloween Parade and Trick or Trunk this past weekend!
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Check your account balances through the WIPP 1st if you have delinquent payments or interest due. The TAX Payment link will show the principal payment due for the current quarter only. The UTILITY payment link will show outstanding current balance plus any balance due within the next 30 days. 

            
(On your first visit you will need to establish an account using an  email address as a Login ID and your tax account I.D. If you use the same login ID Tax and Utility accounts can be linked)

(On your first visit you will need to establish an account using an email address as a Login ID and your utility account I.D. If you use the same login ID Tax and Utility accounts can be linked)


There is a $1.00 charge for checking on-line and a 2.5% fee for credit cards.  

Top Stories
Kim Marchese: 46 Years of Teaching, Coaching and Inspiring a Community
By Terri Casaleggio

Kim Marchese’s parents, Roger and Ruth, began married life in a converted chicken coup in Wyckoff in the early ‘50’s on property belonging to Roger’s father. It is there that Kim and his younger sister, Susan, were born and raised.
Kim Marchese
The family came to Oakland when Kim was a 2nd grader. His Dad was a school principal in the Cresskill Elementary School; his Mom taught in the Manito School. Both had distinguished careers in education and were highly respected and loved by their friends and students.

“Everything my parents did influence my sister and me in those early years, and influenced my children later on. The first day after the last day of the school year, our family was packed up and on our way to America’s national parks. We traveled for a month in the summer for eight summers. All the things we did on these trips we do to this day. It formed our decisions later on in life for where we live, our career paths, our passion for sport and recreation.”

The Marchese Family, shaped their lives around education, sport and extending the hand of friendship. Their interests helped create a legacy for Oakland which has lasted from 1964 to today.

Mayor Schwager's Message
I am very excited to announce progress for the projects that I have been leading for the past few years.

At the next council meeting we will be discussing the proposal by Burgess Associates for Downtown planning and rehabilitation in anticipation of sewers. As you are aware, I have been diligently working and negotiating with the State to bring sewers into Oakland that will lead to our downtown revitalization. The Oakland Planning Board sub-committee has been meeting to prepare for this exciting new venture. Downtown revitalization is coming!

After many years of  pursuing permission from the NJ State Historic Agency, we shall be dismantling the Stream House. Bids are being prepared. In the meantime, work is progressing on the historic Van Allen House.

Another exciting announcement concerns our sidewalks. We received a grant for sidewalks. Soon you will be able to walk on a sidewalk replacement/upgrade along Ramapo Valley Road from Navajo to Thunderbird AND...the sidewalks near Great Oak Park are progressing as well.

There are many more projects in the works such as the electric vehicle charging station, community garden, and bandshell in the Great Oak Park, just to name a few. 

We have a wonderful town. We have many volunteers who work tirelessly and make Oakland the special place it is. 

Thank you to all the Volunteers and contributors who  are collecting candy for families in the college section who are visited by high volumes of trick or treaters. 

Until next time,

Mayor Linda Schwager
Upcoming Public Meetings
Mayor and Council: November 13, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. (Council Chambers)
Planning Board: November 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. (Council Chambers)
Board of Adjustment: November 12, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. (Council Chambers)
Board of Health: November 19, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. (Borough Hall Conference Room)
Public Events: November 12, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. (Oakland Senior Center)
Shade Tree: November 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. (Borough Hall Conference Room)
Green Team: November 26, 2019 at 7:15 p.m. (Borough Hall Conference Room)
Recreation Commission: November 25, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. (Danny D Building, 24 Lawlor Drive)
Environmental Commission: November 5, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. (Borough Hall Conference Room)
Flood Commission: November 11, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.(Senior Center, 20 Lawlor Drive)
Communications Commission: November 4, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. (Council Chambers)

Your Monthly Garbage & Recycling Cheat Sheet
Yard Waste: This service ends on Monday December 9, 2019 or Tuesday December 10, 2019. Yard waste collection is every Monday or Tuesday depending on your side of town. If Monday is your garbage pickup, Tuesday is your yard waste collection. If Friday is your garbage collection, Monday is your yard waste collection.

Electronics: November 6 & 20

Paper: November 6 & 20

Commingled: November 13 & 27

Household Appliances/Metal: Nov. 7

Trash: Mon & Thurs garbage collection on the South side of town. Tues & Fri garbage collection on the North side of town.
Recycling Information

Garbage and Recycling barrels must be placed at the curb prior to 5:00am on the day of your scheduled collection. Please note that it is unlawful to place garbage, recyclables, or yard waste at curbside earlier than 4:00pm prior to the day of collection. All empty barrels need to be removed from the curb before 9:00pm on collection day. Please retrieve your empty cans from curbside as soon as possible.

Oakland residents have year round garbage collection twice per week based on your side of town. In the case of a holiday, pickup is skipped until the next regularly scheduled garbage collection day. Monday and Thursday garbage collection on the South side (see Streets) Tuesday and Friday garbage collection on the North side 

Both sides of town have a Recyclables collection every Wednesday. Paper/ Cardboard or Commingled (bottles, cans, containers) are collected on alternate weeks. Please check the enclosed dates for which material goes out on a particular day.  Residents must properly separate recyclables into two separate containers for collection or they cannot be picked up and will be left at the curb. 

Food and drink cartons can be recycled with commingled. Our hauler accepts clean food and beverage cartons. For best recycling results, do not flatten the cartons. 

Upcoming Deadlines
Borough Calendar Sponsorship Opportunity

The Borough of Oakland is seeking local business sponsors for the new 2020 Oakland Town Calendar & Information Guide. If interested, please download the application here and submit to [email protected] or via mail to Borough of Oakland, 1 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, NJ 07436 Attn: Michael Carelli. Deadline for artwork is November 13, 2019.
Board of Health
2019 Oakland Annual Rabies Clinic - Saturday, November 2nd, 1 PM to 3 PM, 24 Lawlor Drive (Recreation Storage Shed)
  • Dogs must be on leashes.
  • Cats must be in carriers.
  • Written proof of prior vaccination must be presented for your pet to receive a vaccination good for three years.
  • All other pets will receive a vaccination good for one year.
Recreation Commission
Oakland Recreation presents Boys and Girls Basketball Registration for 2019. Registration will begin on October 1, 2019 and run until November 15, 2019. After November 15, there will be a late fee of $30.00. Registration is online only click here
Recreation Commission
The Oakland Roller Hockey program is gearing up for a new season. Sign-ups begin September 1st and will end on November 1st.
Sign-ups are Online

Please note the program includes the following:
  • Learn to skate is a non-competitive program where the athletes learn the basics of skating, stick handling, and ball control. We accept all ages for this program but the typical participants are in grades K-2.
  • Clinic is an instructional program for the athlete who has the basic skating skills and is now ready to learn the ins and outs of hockey.
  • Midget Level- Grades 4-6, Junior Level - Grades 7-9, and Senior Level grades - 10-12 all compete in competitive leagues and travel to other towns for games.

Questions please contact Vivian King at [email protected].
Recreation Commission
Registration for grades K-8 will begin Oct 1St and end Oct 30th. A $30.00 late fee will be applied after Oct 30th.

The Oakland Rec Commission will hold Online Registrations for the 2019-20 Season.

Fees for the season will be $90.00
To register please log on to : https://register.capturepoint.com
This year we will have an additional uniform fee and every wrestler will be obligated to purchase a Custom Braves Singlet with their last name on the back. The uniform fee will be $40.00.
We will have a uniform fitting at the Danny D Building/Oakland Recreation Football Field, 80 Lawlor Dr. Oakland NJ. October 12th at 12:00 to 3:00. The season runs from Monday, December 2nd to early March. Practices will be held at NJ Sports House on Monday’s, Wednesday’s, and Thursday’s. Team meets are on Saturday’s and some tournaments on Sunday’s.

Recreation Commission
Please see the attached flyer for Lacrosse, Boys & Girls grades 3rd-8th with Franklin Lakes. Sign-ups are now through October 31st, after that, there will be a late fee. Please go to www.franklinlakes.org to register.

*Please note:  Oakland will be hosting our own Lacrosse Program for k-2nd grades in the Spring. Look for sign-up information to come out in January.

Recreation Commission
 
*PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE 2 TRYOUT SESSIONS PER GRADE, PLEASE ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS.
ALSO, PLEASE NOTE: TRYOUTS ARE EITHER AT VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL OR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME.
Communications Commission
The Oakland TV Committee is seeking volunteers to help with the filming of Council Meetings and other events in town. To those interested, please contact [email protected] for more information and to receive a tour of the TV Studio/Control Room.
Dog Park Fundraising Subcommittee
The Jill Schwertfeger Memorial Dog Park Fundraising Subcommittee is hosting a SUPER 50/50 Raffle with a grand prize of up to $10,000. Tickets are $100 each. Grand prize is 50% of proceeds, up to $10,000. Only 200 tickets will be sold. Drawing will be held at Oakland Borough Hall, 1 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, NJ 07457 on December 2, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. You do not need to be present to win. Tickets are cash only.

To purchase tickets:
  • Pet Supplies Plus - 350 Ramapo Valley Road
  • Re-Max Traditions Real Estate - 383 Ramapo Valley Road

Last day to purchase tickets is November 30, 2019.

First Responders Flash Briefing

Buckle Up! Do It For You and Them!
Hopefully everyone had a safe and fun Halloween. Speaking of safety, a major safety initiative for November is making sure everyone is seat belted in your vehicle for every trip, every time. Attention parents: this message is for you. You as the driver are responsible for making sure your child is properly belted and in the appropriate restraint system depending on their height and age. And no matter how short the trip is, everyone by law is required to be properly belted or restrained in a child seat or booster seat. Here are a few common excuses/challenges for trying to get your child to buckle up:

  1. Non-Compliant Drivers- When parents and caregivers fail to buckle up, children are far less likely to wear their seat belts.
  2. Distraction- Kids who are focused on electronic devices, eating, reading or doing other things after getting into a car are preoccupied with something other than seat belt safety. Habits can easily be forgotten or neglected when kids are focused on something else.
  3. Discomfort- Sometimes kids will put their seat belts behind their backs or under their arms, complaining that the seat belt is uncomfortable. This could be because they’ve been prematurely moved from a booster to a seat belt and the belt doesn’t fit properly. Make sure your child is correctly fitted in his/her seat belt and consider the possibility that your child may still need to use a booster. Find out when your child is ready for a seat belt.
  4. Short Trips and Slower Speeds- Kids will sometimes refuse to wear seat belts when they associate short trips or slower speeds with a reduced risk to their safety—a common misconception. Routine trips can be deceptively dangerous. In fact, most fatal crashes happen within 25 miles of home and at speeds of less than 40 miles per hour.
  5. Nighttime- Nighttime gives children a sense of anonymity in the back seat; after all, it’s harder for drivers to see whether their children are buckled up. On long trips, especially, kids may unbuckle their seat belts or put them behind their backs if they want to sleep. (NHTSA.com)

Here are a few statements to say to your child if they refuse to buckle up:

  • “After you buckle up, you can use your electronic device.”
  • “Not buckling up means not going to [that super-fun place]. It’s your choice—buckle up, or we stay home.”
  • “I know we take this short trip every day, but most deadly crashes happen near people’s homes.”
  • “We may be driving slowly, but most deadly crashes happen at speeds of less than 40 miles an hour.”(NHTSA.com)

Project Medicine Drop
Project Medicine Drop is an initiative involving the installation of "prescription drug drop boxes" at participating New Jersey police departments.

The Oakland Police Department keeps the locked metal box inside our lobby with the “Project Medicine Drop” logo clearly visible and recognizable.
Project Medicine Drop allows the public to dispose of unused and expired prescription medications safely, securely, and anonymously. The opportunity is available seven days a week, 365 days a year.

If you are disposing of medication we ask that you follow this procedure:

  • We do not accept loose medication and request it be placed in a Ziploc bag.
  • Deposit the sealed Ziploc bag into our drop box

We CANNOT and DO NOT accept:

  • medical waste
  • syringes

Oakland Fire Department
Become a Member!
The Oakland Fire Department is always looking for additional volunteer firefighters to protect the lives and property of our neighbors in Oakland.  Our department has been serving the residents of Oakland for over 100 years (1909). The Oakland Fire Department is all volunteer. We operate from two firehouses, Company 1 at the Yawpo Ave firehouse and Company.

To become a member of the Oakland Fire Department you must be at least 16 years old, be a US Citizen, be in good physical condition, be a legal resident of Oakland for a minimum of six months and have not been convicted of a felony. Once accepted, you will need to complete an 18 week Basic Firefighters course, Firefighter I, at the Bergen County Fire Academy in Mahwah. 
For more information and a membership application, come to the Yawpo Ave firehouse any Monday night at 7:00 PM and ask to speak to one of the our Chiefs.
at the Hiawatha Blvd firehouse. 
Oakland First Aid Squad celebrates 65 years!
The Oakland First Aid Squad is in its 65th year of service providing emergency medical care to the residents of Oakland! We have been able to provide this crucial service with the men and women who chose to volunteer their time and skills to help someone in need. We are beginning our fall membership drive and urge YOU to consider becoming a member of this critical organization. Training is free and will last a lifetime. Below is a list of some topics you will learn:
  • situational awareness
  • airway management
  • bleeding control
  • CPR
  • emergency wound care/splinting
  • shock treatment
  • stroke signs and treatments
  • pediatric emergencies
  • bio-terrorism awareness
Please visit our website for further information www.oaklandfas.org
Community Announcements
Oakland Public Library
So You Got an Instant Pot, Now What?
Pressure Cooking with Arlene Ward
Monday, November 18 at 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Arlene Ward comes to the Oakland Library to teach a class on the Instant Pot and Pressure Cooking. Owner and Instructor of Adventures in Cooking in Wayne NJ for 33 years, she played a major part in cooking school development.  As Director of AIC Arlene has taken students on guided tours to cooking schools in Italy and France. She has appeared with Al Roker on his TV show " Roker on the Road" and has worked with professionals including Guilano Bugialli, Sarah Molton, Guiliano Hazen, Rick Rodgers, Rick Moonen, and several local restaurateurs. She is co-author of "Pressure Cooking for Everyone" 
Oakland Public Library
Outsmart the Scammers!

Saturday November 2, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.
 
Join us for this presentation and learn important strategies to help protect you and the ones you love. Walter Janeczek of Edward Jones will share:
  • How to spot certain red flags that may indicate a fraudulent encounter
  • Resources you can turn to in the event you or a loved one is targeted
  • Steps you can take NOW to help protect yourself and your loved ones
A representative from the OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT will be available to answer questions. Light refreshments will be served. Register HERE
Oakland Public Library   
Truck Day 2019
November 2, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Oakland's own DPW, Fire Dept., First Aid Squad, and Police Dept. will bring vehicles to the Library's Municipal Parking Lot. This is an opportunity for an up-close-and-personal look at vehicles seen around the community. There will be ample opportunity for children to touch and explore each vehicle, including sitting behind the wheel! Truck Day is a family event, and children of all ages are invited to attend. The celebration will take place RAIN or SHINE! Refreshments will be offered by the Oakland Public Events Committee. Registration is not required.  
Oakland Public Library
Lynda is a leading online learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. Oakland Public Library cardholders  
now have access to the lynda.com video library of engaging, top-quality courses taught by recognized industry experts. With tutorials in five languages, lynda.com is a global platform for success.  Sign in with your  OAKLAND library card and 4-digit pin at:  https://www.lynda.com/portal/sip?org=oakland.bccls.org
The link is also available on the Library's website.                                        
Oakland Public Library
CHESS on the Mezzanine at the Oakland Library 

Expand Your Gaming Universe
Every Tuesday from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 

Players of all ages and skill levels are
welcome. Beginner lessons are offered to anyone who is interested in learning how to play chess. Five  sets and one clock will be available. Players are encouraged to bring their own equipment.
Feel free to bring other board games you enjoy to play. There will also be both XiangQi (Chinese chess) & WeiQi (Go) sets for those partial to chess variants or those curious. 

This weekly program is free, registration is not required. 
New Friends of the Library
Friends Sunday Afternoon Concert Series - Black Marble
Sunday, November 24 at 4:00 PM
Presbyterian Church of NJ 

Black Marble will perform "The French-Italian Connection"   Works by Leclair, Guignon, Barbella, Boccherini & Mozart    The violinists of Black Marble are the co-directors of the internationally acclaimed baroque ensemble, REBEL, with whom they record and concertize extensively in the U.S. and abroad.
The name Black Marble’ derives from the English translation of their last names: Schwarz (German, for black) and Marmer (Dutch, for marble). The duo, founded in 2012, has performed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Kendal-on-Hudson Concert Series, Greenburgh Library, Downtown Music at Grace (White Plains), Harvard Business School Concert Series, Cape Cod Early Music Festival, 1731 Concert Series in Jamesport, NY, King Manor in Jamaica, Queens, Suite Concerts in Peekskill and Midtown Concerts in New York City.
  
This concert is free, donations are gladly accepted. The NFOPL is a 501c3 organization. 
Oakland Senior Center
Did you know that the Senior Center is open to Oakland Residents 55+ years? That means all of these programs are available to you:

  • Zumba
  • Tai Chi
  • Yoga
  • Art Classes
  • Trips
  • Clubs
  • Billiards
  • Card Games
  • Presentations
  • Parties/Events & More!
 
And for those of you who need a ride, we offer a weekly shopping bus to Oakland Shoprite every Tuesday!

For questions or comments call Arielle Preciado, Director for Senior Services at (201) 405-7731.

Upcoming Senior Programs:
 
11/7 Bus Leaves Senior Center 11:00am: Shopping trip to Target, Walmart & Joann’s Fabric on Rt. 23
11/13 at 1:30pm: History Comes Alive Presentation on WW1
11/19 at 1:00pm: Men’s club Cooking Class- Chicken Pot Pie
11/21 Bus Leave Senior Center at 11:30: Trip for High Tea at High Societea
 
**Registration is now open for Trip to Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, PA on December 17 th . Residents can sign up in the Senior Center Office.
 
Please see the Senior Center Calendar (available online & at the Senior Center) for more information.
Shade Tree Commission
The Oakland Shade Tree Commission has announced a logo contest for all residents of Oakland, NJ. The winning Shade Tree Commission logo will be used on all correspondence, signage and printed materials, as well as the borough website.

Bergen County Utilities Authority Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Please see below the upcoming dates for the Bergen County Utilities Authority Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event.

The next event will take place on November 16, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Bergen County Utilities Authority, Foot of Empire Boulevard. Free of charge for Bergen County residents only - ID is required.

Oakland in cooperation with Fair Lawn: Plastic Toy Collection
The Borough of Oakland in cooperation with Fair Lawn is excited to announce a "Plastic Toy Collection".

In cooperation with Second Chance Toys, Fair Lawn Recycling Division is now accepting plastic toys at the Recycling Center for donation. Chance Toys will donate the toys to children in need.

The drop-off is open Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Saturday's from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and Sunday's from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please see attendant or leave by the metal office at the center.

Requirements:
Toys must be clean!
Plastic ONLY.
Must be in working condition.
Include fully working batteries if required.

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.

Sustainable Oakland Green Team
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team is collecting your used, old, and broken crayons and markers! Please drop off at the Oakland Public Library, 2 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, NJ 07436.
Sustainable Oakland Green Team
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team would like to remind residents to be "Idle Free" and stop car idling!

Sustainable Oakland Green Team
The Borough of Oakland is collecting the following items at the Oakland Public Library. Look for the white "Plastic Bags" Box just inside the Library Entrance and help us recycle your clean, empty bags and help us earn a FREE community bench. 

  • Produce and Bread Bags
  • Grocery Bags
  • Cereal Box Liners
  • Ice Bags
  • Ziploc and other reclosable bags
  • Case overlap
  • Newspaper sleeves
  • Dry cleaning bags
  • Plastic shopping bags
  • Bubble wrap
Sustainable Oakland Green Team
Thank you to everyone who has been recycling razors at Shop Rite for Sustainable Oakland Green Team’s collection. The bin is currently full and the Green Team is awaiting a new bin. We will post when the bin is available to the public. Thank you for making our program a success!
Sustainable Oakland Green Team
Thank you to everyone who has been recycling plastic cups at Shop Rite for Sustainable Oakland Green Team's collection. The collection is currently unavailable. Please check back for updates. Thank you.
Sustainable Oakland Green Team
Sustainable Oakland Green Team is currently looking for new members. We have exciting projects underway including a Community Garden, Arts Council, Forest Restoration, Innovative Recycling & Waste Reduction and Community Events. A small commitment can have a huge impact.
If interested, please contact Carol Peterson at [email protected].

Bergen County
Bergen County
Bergen County Winter Wonderland is almost here! Get your tickets now at a special pre-sale price. Tickets at this price are limited, so don't miss out! www.bergencountywinterwonderland.com
Bergen County
Bergen County offers a Free Lead Screening. Call for a free screening at (201) 634-2648.

Garfield Health Department
90 Elizabeth Street
Mondays from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Hackensack Civic Center
215 State Street
7/16, 8/13, 9/17
Bergen County

The Bergen County Zoo has released the Family Fall & Spring Programs 2019-2020. Please fill out the form and send to the attention of the education department at the zoo if you wish to enroll your child(ren) in any of the programs.
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