August 2021
Hello!

Here's the latest information about things going on in the Borough of Oakland this month, assembled and produced in a collaboration between the volunteers on the Oakland Communications Commission's Newsletter Committee and the Assistant to the Borough Administrator.
Top Stories
Oakland Teen Receives National Recognition
Jake King, a 2021 graduate of Indian Hills High, is pursuing a career in the “trades.”

He decided to forego college and is heading to a trade school this September with the help of a national scholarship sponsored by the Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship Program.
“For me, it wasn’t the English classes in high school that appealed to me,” he explained. “I was more interested in math and science, so I’m going to use that in trade school to become an electrician.’

Jake did his research and found that there is a critical shortage of skilled blue-collar workers in the U.S.  His interest in math and science in high school will be of value in studying to become a commercial or residential electrician. He found that the average salary for electricians in N.J. is the second highest in the country, yet there is a shortage of young people coming out of high school who go into the trades.
Oakland to Unveil New Football Field This Fall
Anyone with a child who plays football in town, knows what their field looked like very early into their football season. Oakland’s natural grass fields take a pounding year in and year out from all their usage. Field 8, which is where the football field is located is used by recreation baseball, Indian Hills freshman baseball as well as by the Oakland Recreation Football program. That being said, everyone knew it was time to replace the surface on our football field.
New Football Field at Recreation Complex
After long discussions, many hours of research and healthy debates the Recreation Commission chose to remain with a natural grass field; if they could do it at Soldier’s Field and Lambeau Field, then why not at the Potash Recreation Complex. The major factors to stay with a natural grass surface were health, safety and cost; keeping the beauty of a natural grass field is just an added bonus.
Oakland TV Verizon FiOS Channel 45 Officially off the Air: HD Channel 2145 Takes It's Place
Please be advised that as of today, July 20, 2021, Verizon FiOS Channel 45 is now officially off the air, as our new HD channel 2145 takes its place. 
As a reminder, anyone with Verizon watching Oakland TV on Channel 2145 and does not see Oakland TV being broadcast is advised to unplug their set top box’s power cord, wait 30 seconds, and then plug it back in and see if the new channel then is available. If someone still has issues getting Channel 2145 after unplugging and plugging the set top box back in, they should call 1-800-VERIZON.  
Borough of Oakland Resumes COVID-19 Testing at Senior Center
The Borough of Oakland has announced resumed COVID-19 testing at the Borough's testing site beginning August 2, 2021. The site, located at the Oakland Senior Center, 20 Lawlor Drive, Oakland, N.J. 07436, will be open on Monday and Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Saturday's from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The site is open to all Northwest Bergen municipalities, including Allendale, Franklin Lakes, Glen Rock, Ho-Ho-Kus, Mahwah, Midland Park, Oakland, Pompton Lakes, Ramsey, Ridgewood, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Waldwick, Wanaque, Wayne, and Wyckoff residents.  

The testing will be overseen by the Borough in collaboration with the Board of Health with testing provided by Bio Vision Group. Residents must remain in their cars until a representative comes to you. Residents must bring form of identification/driver’s license, and an insurance card if applicable. There is no additional out of pocket cost.

Residents who wish to be tested can schedule an appointment online here.

Updates, as necessary, will be posted on Borough social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), and the Borough website, www.oakland-nj.org. 
Mayor Schwager's Message
Congratulations to our Oakland resident, Caron McCormick, whom we nominated as our Hometown Hero and chosen to receive the award from Congressman Josh Gottheimer.

The residents of Oakland are very lucky for all the work and support Caron has provided in Oakland. From her initiatives helping promote change with mental illness by co-founding "Let's Talk Oakland" to supporting our Youth by helping to organize and still continues to serve the Sports Association of Oakland, a non-profit group whose main objective is to support Oakland's youth activities, sports and recreation.

In addition, Caron keeps our residents informed as editor of the Oakland Journal, an online news site.

Thank you, Caron McCormick, for all that you do in Oakland. You are our Hometown Hero.

Furthermore, and not to be forgotten, on June 5, 2021, Caron was inducted into the Sports Association Hall of Fame.
Your Monthly Garbage & Recycling Cheat Sheet
Yard Waste: Yard waste is collected every Monday or Tuesday depending on your side of town. If Monday is your garbage collection, Tuesday is your yard waste pickup. If Friday is your garbage collection, Monday is your yard waste pickup. If your yard waste pickup falls on Memorial Day or Labor Day holiday, there is a makeup collection the next day (Tuesday).

Electronics: August 4 & 18

Paper: August 11 & 25

Commingled: August 4 & 18

Household Appliances/Metal: August 12

Trash: Mon & Thurs garbage collection on the South side of town. Tues & Fri garbage collection on the North side of town.
First Responders Flash Briefing
Oakland Police Department Warns Residents About New Scams

All Oakland residents should be aware that a group of individuals are going around Bergen County towns in an attempt to scam residents. The scammers typically target senior citizens and look for homes that need a new roof, a new driveway or other high cost repair. Once a low price is verbally agreed upon, the scammers will apply a sub-standard coating on the roof or driveway and then demand payment of an amount that far exceeds the original quote. They often threaten the resident and intimidate them into writing a check or paying cash for the exorbitant amount. Please be aware of this scam, share this information with senior citizens and as always, if you think someone is trying to scam you or a loved one, do not hesitate to call the Oakland Police Department at (201) 337-6171.
Oakland Police Department Joins "Neighbors by Ring"

The Oakland Police Department is excited to be joining 'Neighbors by Ring' in their efforts to connect with residents and improve the safety of our community. Neighbors allows you, the user, to share photos, videos, and information related to local crime and safety incidents so fellow residents can stay informed.

Neighbors by Ring app can be downloaded for free on the App Store or Google Play. Remember, you do not have to have a Ring doorbell/device to be able to use and/or contribute to this app. For more information visit www.ring.com/neighbors.
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 Senior Center
Update from the Oakland Senior Center:

We have a mix of in person, zoom only, and hybrid programs available. This is indicated on the calendar. If anyone would like to attend an in person class, they are asked to call or email the senior center to register in advance. If they would like to be added to our email list to receive the Zoom links for online classes they can reach out to us as well at (201) 405-7731 or seniors@oakland-nj.org.

Upcoming Programs:

  • Thursday, August 5: 1:00pm Tax Reassessment Presentation
  • Monday, August 16: 1:00pm Classical Music Concert, Light Refreshments Served
  • Thursday, August 19: 1:00PM Bingo
  • Thursday, August 26: 1:00 Senior Center Book Club, Book: “Safekeeping” by Jessamyn Hope

To participate, please RSVP with the Senior Center office by calling (201) 405-7731

The Bergen County Health Consultations will return July 13th. Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday from 10:00-12:00, visit with a Bergen County Nurse for the following:

  • Confidential consult with a Public Health Nurse
  • Health history evaluation
  • Cardiac assessment
  • Height and weight
  • Podiatry
  • Balance evaluation
  • Memory assessment

Appointments are made in person, same day. Please stop by the Senior Center for a visit.

In cooperation with the Oakland Library, we now offer Books 2 Go to homebound Oakland Seniors and members of the community with disabilities. Books 2 Go is a book and media delivery program where we will drop off your rentals right to your home weekly and pick up your returns. Book delivery and returns will be conducted weekly on Tuesdays using the Senior Center Bus. Those interested are asked to call the library at (201) 337-3742 to reserve your books. If you don’t have a specific book in mind, no problem! The fantastic staff at the library will put together book bundles based on your preferences. A flyer is available on the Oakland website.

The Senior Center’s weekly shopping bus has resumed service and is open to Oakland residents 55+. We offer door to door transportation to Shoprite and alternate locations within Oakland by appointment. A flyer with more information is available on the Oakland Website and at the Senior Center to pick up.
Oakland Senior Center Transportation Program Schedule
The Borough of Oakland Senior Center Transportation Program is back up and running. For reservations, please call the Senior Center no later than 4:00 p.m. on the Monday before your requested trip at (201) 405-7731.
Oakland Senior Center 'Books to Go' Program
The Borough of Oakland Senior Center and the Oakland Public Library are offering 'Books to Go' Program, which began earlier this Fall. Contact the Library and see availability of books. Delivery and pick-ups will take place every Tuesday by the Senior Center Van. To reserve books, (201) 337-3742.
Recent News
Darlington County Park Now Open Daily for Swimming
Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco announces that the swimming area at Darlington County Park located in Mahwah is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This includes the Wibit Splash Zone water obstacle course, which is available to individuals above 39 inches tall, for an additional fee.

Darlington County Park and the Wibit Splash Zone obstacle course accept cash payment as well as all major credit cards. Operation of the swimming area is weather permitting and for the latest updates visit www.co.bergen.nj.us.

Darlington County Park will continue to follow COVID-19 protocols set forth by the NJ Department of Health and the CDC.
Admission pricing for Darlington County Park:

  • Weekend Admission Pricing:
  • $10 – Bergen County residents (ages 18-61)
  • $6 – Children (ages 5-17)
  • $15 – Out of county adults (ages 18-61)
  • $6 – Out of county senior citizens (ages 62 and up)
  • $2 – Bergen County senior citizens (ages 62 and up)
  • Weekday Admission Pricing (starting Monday, June 28th):
  • $8 – Bergen County residents (ages 18-61)
  • $6 – Children (ages 5-17)
  • $10 – Out of county adults (ages 18-61)
  • $3 – Out of county senior citizens (ages 62 and up)
  • $2 – Bergen County senior citizens (ages 62 and up)
  • Wibit Splash Zone pricing is listed as follows:
  • $10 ­– Bergen County residents (single session)
  • $15 – Out of county (single session)
Bergen County Utilities Authority Announces 2021 Dates for Household Hazardous Waste Collections
The Bergen County Utilities Authority has announced the 2021 collection dates for both household hazardous waste and electronics/tire/shredding recycling events. The dates and times are as follows:

Bergen County Utilities Authority
(back gate only)
Foot of Empire Blvd., Moonachie
Saturday, November 13, 2021 
Bergen County Campgaw Reservation
200 Campgaw Rd., Mahwah
  • Saturday, September 11, 2021

Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Rd., Paramus
  • Sunday, October 17, 2021
Communications Commission
The Oakland Television Committee is always seeking volunteers to assist with TV production and event filming. If interested, contact the Communications Commission at occ@oakland-nj.org.
Communications Commission
The Oakland Communications Commission and Oakland Newsletter Committee is seeking volunteers to help write stories and articles for the Borough Newsletter. Experience in journalism and writing is a plus. Community service hours for high school and college are accepted. To those interested, contact assistadmin@oakland-nj.org.
Register for the Oakland Dog Park
Registration is open for the new Oakland Dog Park, located within Great Oak Park off Ramapo Valley Road. Register online here.
Sustainable Oakland Green Team Seed Bank Open for Residents
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team has launched the new Library Seed Bank, featuring native and heirloom seeds. This program is available at the Oakland Public Library, 2 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, N.J. 07436, and is open to all Oakland Library card holders. 

Any questions, contact the Sustainable Oakland Green Team at greenteam@oakland-nj.org. 
Borough of Oakland Selling Backyard Composters
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 recycle@oakland-nj.or (201) 337-8104.

Sustainable Oakland Green Team Reminds You To Eliminate Idling
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team would like to remind residents to please not idle their car! It saves gas, it saves the planet, and it makes us healthier.
Buy Fresh, Buy Local Directory
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team has put together a local directory of farmers markets, CSA's, and fresh produce stands. Get your produce on and visit our list!
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