November 2023
Hello!
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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
Newest Member Of The Oakland Fire Department
This month I sat down with the youngest person that I have interviewed to date for the Oakland Newsletter, Nicholas Mutterer! I am always excited to interview the younger people in town and learn about all the exciting things that they are doing. They bring an excitement and energy that I forgot I had at their age (and wish I could get back)! I asked Nick to tell me a little about himself and this is how he began. 
Mayor's Message
Important updates affecting all Oakland Residents
 
1. Our Oakland Water System purification system is actively in progress to filter out the PFOAs and PFAS. The system is scheduled to be completed and fully operational by February.

2.  The proposed Class B Recycling Facility at 342 W. Oakland Avenue, a short distance from residential homes, Potash Lake and the Ramapo River. The facility would process up to 900 tons of concrete, brick, asphalt, wood waste and top soil daily delivered by tandem axle dump trucks. Hours of operation 6 am to 6 pm Monday-Friday and starting 7 am on Saturdays.  
 
Our quality of life shall be impacted due to noise, dust, odors and truck traffic, as well as pollution, including ground water contamination. To obtain a better understanding of the proposal, you can still watch the public hearing on YouTube or watch Channel 77 Optimum and Channel 2145 Fios.
 
I prepared petitions opposing this facility and need as many residents and nearby neighbors to sign. Additionally, I encourage all residents to send me a letter of opposition to send to the BCUA and Bergen County Board of Commissioners. Petitions can be found online on our Borough website or on Change.org. You can also sign a hard copy petition in my office. I also need any photos of protected species seen at or around the property. I just received a call from DEP that they are investigating and working with us.
Public comment/opposition has been extended to December 28, 2023.
 
Additional "No Dumping Signs" were ordered and will be available on Friday, November 3, 2023.


Bush Plaza Park Update:

ο»ΏI am very excited to provide you with an update of Oakland's newest park, Bush Plaza Park, beautiful gateway to our downtown
Bush Plaza Park, located at the
intersection of Ramapo Valley Road
and West Oakland Avenue, will have a 4-sided clock, a new, larger flagpole, benches and period street lights all upon a field of curated
grass. Much work has already been
accomplished and bidding will
occur in the near future.

BOROUGH HALL IS CLOSED FOR VETERAN'S DAY
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023 AND
CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD & 24TH
Halloween Fun!
Oakland Public Events once again hosted the fantastic annual Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat. The weather was ideal, allowing both kids and adults to savor candy treats, delightful donuts from Shoprite, hot beverages from Coffee Roasters, and even a pumpkin to take home! The creatively decorated cars and corn maze were a-Mazing and brought loads of fun, with Real Brave's music as the cherry on top. Big congratulations to the Cub Scouts for their winning car entry! Special thanks to Access for All for the quieter pre-parade celebration and the fruit and fun. We also extend our gratitude to our dedicated police officers, DPW, OFD, EMS and the numerous volunteers who made this day extraordinary.
From the Desk of the Municipal Clerk
Voter Instruction Video
Official Mail-In Ballots for the 2023 General Election have been mailed to the voters with Active Vote by Mail Requests on September 21, 2023. Only voters with active vote by mail requests will receive their ballot within 3 days. Voters with active requests who do not receive their ballot within a week should call 201-336-7020 to request a duplicate. The Deadline for Vote by Mail Applications for this Election is 10/31/23.
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.
Your Monthly Garbage & Recycling Cheat Sheet
Electronics: November 1 & 15

Paper/Cardboard: November 1 & 15
Commingled: November 8 & 22

Household Appliances/Metal:
November 9

Yard Waste Pick Up
November 6,13,20,27 North Side
November 7,14,21,28 South Side
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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?
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 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!

November Borough Meeting Schedule
November 1, 2023 7:30PM
Communications Commission
Access for All
November 6, 2023 7:30PM
Shade Tree Commission
November 8, 2023 7:00PM
Council Meeting
November 9, 2023 7:30PM
Planning Board Meeting
Library Trustees
November 13, 2023 7:00PM
Flood Commission
Public Events Meeting
November 14, 2023
Zoning Board Meeting 7:00PM
Environmental Commission 7:30PM
November 20, 2023 7:00PM
Oakland Arts Committee Meeting
November 21, 2023
Board of Health Meeting 6:30 PM
Council Meeting 7:00 PM
November 27, 2023 7:00PM
Recreation Commission Meeting
November 28, 2023 8:00PM
Green Team 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
BINGO
Thursday November 16, 2023
Doors Open 12 Noon
Games Start 1 PM
Refreshments Sponsored by Oakland Chamber of Commerce

Pilgrims & The Mayflower
With Joel Farkas
Thursday November 30, 2023
12 NOON
RSVP: 201-405-7732
First Responders Flash Briefing
Drive Safely as it gets Darker

Daylight Saving Time ends every year on the first Sunday in November. This means it starts to get darker earlier. As we set our clocks backward by one hour in most areas of the country, here are some tips for driving at night.

Vehicle Emergency Kits
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Every vehicle should have an emergency supply kit in the trunk. Kits should be checked every six months, and expired items should be replaced regularly.

Board of Health Update
Tips For a Healthier Cold & Flu Season
With the beautiful colors of autumn upon us, so too, unfortunately, is the cold and flu season. But there are actions, in addition to the recommended vaccines, you can take to protect yourself and others from experiencing serious outcomes of especially the flu infection.

Oakland Public Library Presents
Oakland Recreation Commission
Kindergarten Basketball
Registration is Open till November 4, 2023 for the 2023-2024 Season

Oakland Roller Hockey
Roller Hockey Signups are Open Now through November 14, 2023. Co-Ed NON-Checking. Available from Kindergarten through High School

TENNIS and PICKLEBALL REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Tennis & Pickleball Badges are available for sale - Residents $25, Non-Residents $50 and Seniors $20.

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.

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" HOLIDAY & WINTER THEMES! 
Deadline 11/15/23
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] 
Here's a Playful Puzzler For You:

Can you take a guess at identifying these mysterious ruins and their location right here in Oakland?
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].
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
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team will again host a hike in our local trails on the first Sunday of the month, November 5th at 9:00am.
For more info and to register visit: FirstSundayHikesOakland.Eventbrite.com

Limited Parking Available. To carpool please contact Andrea Levy 201-739-8278.

Sustainable Oakland Green Team
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
Mural Contest Voting - 
The Arts in Oakland Council is excited to present the amazing final Mural Contest submissions for Oakland residents to vote on. Help us choose which mural to beautify the Potash Recreation Field structures! Pick your Top Three Designs! 
The voting will begin 10/19/23-11/7/23 with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place selections to be presented to the Mayor and Council for their final vote.  Cast your vote here today: https://forms.gle/edb5BZYisjsSUCDg7

To Get involved with the Arts in Oakland Council email chairwoman, Andrea Levy: [email protected]

Join the excitement with ARTS IN OAKLAND as we kick off our series of OPEN MIC NIGHTS, welcoming all Oakland residents of every age to showcase their talents! πŸ“… Mark your calendars for November 30, at 7:30 PM at Real Brave in 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! πŸŽΆ If singing is more your style, we've got you covered with a fantastic selection of Karaoke tracks to choose from! πŸ“ Advance registration is required, πŸš¨ Deadline to register for performing is the day prior to the event, so act fast! πŸ€” Have questions or need more info? Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] 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 is thrilled to start our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Last year we fed 250 residents! We also wanted 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! [email protected]
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