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Hello Wendi Seelin,
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.
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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.
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Bee Seen Bee Heard
Mental Health and Wellness Event
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I had the pleasure of meeting Anna at a recent Town Council meeting! Anna got up during the public session portion of the Council Meeting to speak about and invite everyone to her event, Bee Seen Bee Heard. I thought she did a fabulous job (I could tell she was nervous speaking in front of the Council) and was riveted by her story so I asked her if she would be interested in telling her story for the Newsletter! Here it is...... | |
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Dear Oakland Residents,
I am writing to update you on an important issue and share some exciting news.
For the past six months, I have been actively opposing the proposed dump in Oakland on behalf of our citizens. When I assumed the Mayor’s office, plans for this dump were already well underway. I was joined by every Member of the Oakland Council in stern opposition to this project. Our entire team has worked tirelessly to protect Oakland and maintain our quality of life.
I am pleased to report that our efforts have paid off. The Bergen County Utility Authority (BCUA) has denied the application for the dump. This decision was reached on May 23, 2024, and we were notified this week.
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Patriot's Way Bridge Update | |
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Dear Residents,
I am thrilled to announce that the replacement of the Patriot's Way Bridge super structure has officially started today, May 31, 2024!
This morning, I had the pleasure of welcoming Konkus Construction as they began unloading steel for the temporary utility support structure. It's an exciting time as we witness the start of this significant project that will enhance our community's infrastructure.
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The Borough of Oakland's Memorial Day Parade took place on
Sunday, May 26, 2024 to honor and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Country. We thank everyone who planned and
participated in the parade and ceremony.
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Your Monthly Garbage & Recycling Cheat Sheet | | |
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- Paper/Cardboard
- June 12 & 26
- Household Appliances/Metal
- June 13
- Yard Waste Pick Up
- North Side: Started April 8 - Pick Up Every Monday
- South Side: Started April 9 - Pick Up Every Tuesday
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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. | |
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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!
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VOTE ON
PRIMARY ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Polls open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Check your sample ballot for your polling location or visit www.vote.nj.gov.
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Dog and cat licensing was due on February 15, 2024!
If your pet is still unlicensed, animal control will be notified.
Unlicensed pets are subject to potential violations and fines.
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June 2024 Meeting Schedule | |
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June 3, 2024
Public Events 7:00 PM
Shade Tree 7:30 PM
June 4, 2024 7:00 PM
Environmental Commission
Zoning Board Meeting
June 5, 2024 7:30 PM
Access for All
June 10, 2024 7:30 PM
Flood Commission
June 11, 2024 7:00 PM
Council Meeting
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June 13, 2024 7:00 PM
Planning Board Meeting
June 17, 2024 7:00 PM
Arts Committee
June 18, 2024 6:30 PM
Board of Health
June 24, 2024 7:30 PM
Recreation Commission
June 25, 2024 7:00 PM
Council Meeting
June 27, 2024 7:00 PM
Green Team
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Oakland Seniors Meetings, Trips & Activities | |
Department of Public Works | |
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Using Water Wisely in the Garden
As our population and economy continue to expand, experts warn that even normal rainfall may be incapable of meeting water needs. Conserving water outside the home is as important as practicing conservation measures inside the home. Our water use typically doubles during the gardening season. Planning for and practicing water conservation in the landscape can actually increase plant success during times of drought.
Read More About Using Water Wisely in the Garden Here:
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First Responders' Flash Briefing | | |
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Fireworks Safety
Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks. The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home. They may be legal but they are not safe.
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911 for Emergencies | 201-337-5691 Non-Emergency
www.oaklandfd.org
295 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, NJ 07436
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911 for Emergencies | 201-337-7385 Non-Emergency
www.oaklandfas.org
285 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, NJ 07436
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🚑 If you are interested in volunteering and becoming an EMT, please stop by one evening on the 1st Monday of every month to learn more. | |
News & Announcements from
Boards, Committees & Commissions
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Arts in Oakland Committee | |
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Arts in Oakland is excited to introduce Intro to Improv classes! FREE to Oakland residents 16 and over!
Discover your creativity and unleash your inner performer with our introductory course in IMPROVISATION! You'll be amazed at how effortlessly you can dive into the world of improv and witness its transformative impact on you. Join us and unlock your full potential today! For more information email: Arts@Oakland-NJ.org
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Grand Opening of the Arts Pavilion is Here!
The Arts in Oakland and Great Oak Park Committees, are excited to announce the much-anticipated Grand Opening of the Arts Pavilion at Great Oak Park on Saturday, June 8th, from 12-5pm! Join us for a fun-filled day fo4r all ages, featuring Oakland's finest performing artists, including special appearances by local favorites The Core and No Picnic, international award-winning fingerstyle guitarist Mark Sganga, the RIH teachers band Unprofessional Development featuring Mr. Clark, and the incredible Dance Theatre of New Jersey. Additionally, a selection of local Makers and Bakers will be showcasing their creations. So get your family and friends together, grab a blanket, some bug spray and dare we say, Sun Block - it's going to be a GREAT DAY in OAKLAND! See you on June 8th!
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Calling all Supporters of the Arts!!
We will soon be starting on the installation of the award-winning Mural at the Recreation field!!! This is your last chance to be recognized as a contributing donor of this wonderful community project!
For questions, email Andrea Levy: Arts@oakland-nj.org
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The Arts in Oakland Committee is compiling a comprehensive directory showcasing local artists, crafters, performers, musicians, makers, bakers/food, spaces, and businesses dedicated to promoting the arts in our community. This directory aims to foster a vibrant arts scene and serve as a valuable resource for residents seeking to hire and/or purchase artwork and goods or rent spaces etc... Be a part of the diverse talents within our community and support the Arts in Oakland! Start by registering today!
Questions? Email us at arts@oakland-nj.org
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ARTS IN OAKLAND SPRING ZINE
We are excited to launch our first ever community driven Artist and Writers Showcase presented in a Digital Zine format.
What is a "Zine" you ask? Zines are self-published collections of original content that cover various topics and formats. Ours is the Arts - Oakland residents were asked to submit their original Spring themed Poetry, Short Fiction, Artwork & Photography and, they did!!!
This project is open to all ages and levels of experience and Artist and Writer’s works will be shared on Oakland’s media outlets.
For more information about submissions or volunteer opportunities please email: Arts@Oakland-NJ.org
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LIVING SAFELY WITH WILDLIFE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD | |
Please join the Oakland Board of Health and the Oakland Sustainable Green Team in a joint sponsorship presentation entitled “Living Safely with Wildlife in your Neighborhood,” to be held on Tuesday, June 4th at 6:30pm at the Oakland Library, presented by Carol Tyler, NJ Certified Animal Control Officer at Tyco Animal Control. | |
Communications Commission | |
There's A Place for You With Us! | |
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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.
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OCC WINS AWARDS AT
JERSEY ACCESS GROUP AWARDS CEREMONY!
The Jersey Access Group is an organization that facilitates collaboration between communities that broadcast meetings and events to promote communications. Each year, the Jersey Access Group (JAG) invites its member communities to participate in an awards ceremony to recognize those who excel in promoting communications. The Oakland TV Committee, with the generous assistance of Bill Sisti, a volunteer officer of Oakland TV, submitted three recordings to be judged by JAG. All three of the entries were awarded recognition by JAG, each of which will be described below.
GOLD AWARD, AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
The February 28th, 2023 Council Meeting covered an especially heated discussion over restricting the preparation and/or sale of marijuana within the Borough of Oakland. The camera work was of special interest and was awarded the highest recognition of the Gold Award and Award of Excellence.
GOLD AWARD, AWARD OF DISTINCTION
The Oakland TV Committee taped the Christmas/Chanukah lighting ceremony, which was awarded both a Gold Award and an Award of Distinction. This taping featured specific participation from community members Chopper Russo and Jerri Angermueller.
GOLD AWARD, AWARD OF DISTINCTION
Lastly, Oakland was issued both a Gold Award and an Award of Distinction for the coverage of the Veterans Day Ceremony held on November, 2023.
The videos submitted for JAG awards were edited by Jim Barry, Chairman of the TV Committee, Ben Good, Junior Commission Member who we wish well as he prepares to go to college, and Mark Albala, Vice Chairman of the TV Committee and Chairman of the Bulletin Board.
Jim Barry, the Chairman of Oakland TV, was especially excited that all three entries for JAG awards received Gold or higher awards, illustrating the continued level of excellence delivered by Oakland TV.
The sentiment was shared by Ryan Schwertfeger, Oakland Communications Commission Chairperson, who stated “I am incredibly proud of the work that our Television Committee does day in and day out to bring transparency to government, to relay important information to the public and provide entertaining programming central to our community. Winning first place in one category and receiving Gold Awards in the other two submissions shows television and editing professionals and other local access channels across New Jersey what Oakland residents already know; that our volunteers are the backbone of our community and our efforts delivering what is embodied in Oakland TV represents the top-notch effort delivered continuously.”
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Oakland TV Schedule for This Month | |
Channel 77 on Altice's Optimum & Channel 2145 on Verizon's Fios | |
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Do you have a great idea for a news article?
Do you love to write or edit?
Do you want to learn more about Oakland and the people of Oakland?
If you have answered YES to any of these questions, the Newsletter Committee could use you!
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Do you have a great idea for a news article?
Do you love to write or edit?
Do you want to learn more about Oakland and the people of Oakland?
If you have answered YES to any of these questions, the Newsletter Committee could use you!
To learn more email: Oaklandnjnewsletter@gmail.com
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Welcome, Website & Social Media Committee | | |
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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.
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- Baseball Softball Parade/Fever Pitch → 6/1/24 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
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Current Open Signups & Opportunities | |
Jill Schwertfeger Memorial 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 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. | |
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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.
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Join and Volunteer With Us! | | |
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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 7:30 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.
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Sustainable Oakland Green Team | |
Community Solar Program
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.
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BACKYARD COMPOST BINS & RAIN BARRELS
Backyard composter bins are available for purchase at the Oakland Department of Public Workers, 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.
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HIRING ANNOUNCEMENT:
COMMISSION SECRETARY FOR
SUSTAINABLE OAKLAND GREEN TEAM
This P/T position supports the activities of the Oakland Green Team. Job responsibilities include advertising meetings according to law, preparing agendas and meeting materials, attending monthly meetings, creating and distributing meeting minutes, assisting with vendor quotes and creating purchase requisitions as needed, and helping with event and program execution.
The successful applicant will be organized and knowledgeable in MS Office. A positive attitude, ability to work cooperatively and meet deadlines are essential. Attendance at monthly night meetings of the Commission is required.
The Green Team meets the 4th Thursday of every month. Compensation is $1,200 annually. Please submit an application or resume to Kathy Gurney at adminsec@oakland-nj.org by 4:30pm, Friday, June 14, 2024.
Oakland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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HIRING ANNOUNCEMENT:
SEASONAL CLERICAL ASSISTANT -
ARCHIVING PROJECT
Summer Clerical Assistant to work in the Code Enforcement Department digitizing archived records. The successful candidate will be organized, productive, have knowledge of MS Office and the ability to learn specialized digital archive software. The position is available 6/24/24 and will last through August. Hours are full time (8am – 4pm, M-F). Compensation is $16/hr. Applicants should complete a Borough job application here and submit it to Kathy Gurney, Secretary to the Borough Administrator, at adminsec@oakland-nj.org. The application deadline is 4:30pm on Monday, June 10, 2024.
Oakland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Community News & Announcements | |
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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.
If you would like to submit your organization's announcement or event for inclusion in the newsletter, click here and follow the instructions listed.
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Mothers' Club of Oakland
The Mothers' Club of Oakland wants to thank everyone (members, sponsors, donors and attendees) who supported the Annual Comedy Night for Cancer Tricky Tray fundraiser which was a tremendous success!! We'd like to remind you that we provide assistance to Oakland residents with cancer - please 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 details! MothersClubofOakland@gmail.com
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On Friday, June 14, 2024 at 6:00 PM, the Oakland B.P.O. Elks Lodge will hold a Flag Day Ceremony in Veterans Park. This event is open to the public and all are invited to attend. | |
Bergen County News & Announcements | |
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Are you interested in submitting content to the newsletter?
Want to join the Newsletter Committee?
Learn more about the Oakland Communications Commission?
Provide feedback on how we're doing and what you want to ?
Click below, learn more, and learn how you can get involved!
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Oakland Governing Body
Mayor Eric Kulmala
Council Members
Council President Steven Saliani
Jodi Goffredo, John McCann, Pat Pignatelli, Kevin Slasinski, Russell Talamini
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Oakland Communications Commission
Chairman Ryan Schwertfeger
Vice Chairman Jim Barry
Mark Albala, Amy Eilert, Andrea Levy, Kerri Sirinides, William Sisti
Patricia Carrera (Alt. 1), Steve Panosian (Alt. 2)
Junior Member: Benjamin Good
Commission Secretary: Wendi Francis-Seelin
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(c) 2024 Oakland Communications Commission
1 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, NJ 07436 | (201) 337-8111
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