February 2022
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
Boy Scout Troop 49
Local Boy Scout Troop 49 Making a Difference in the Community and Lives of its Members
The foundation for the person a child will become begins early in life.

Beyond the profound influence of family, Boy Scout Troop 49, the Pathfinders, established in 1960, has been building character, confidence and skill in local boys (and now potentially girls) for the past 62 years.
Long-time Oakland resident and Troop Committee Chair Tendai Richards says the Boy Scout experience offers lessons and skills that last a lifetime.

“Boy Scouts teaches our Scouts to be prepared,” he notes. “At a very young age these boys are imbued with the confidence that they can find a solution to any situation that comes their way.”

Troop 49 boasts impressive milestones, among them the number of members who have become Eagle Scouts, Scouting's highest rank.
Borough of Oakland Announces Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship
The New Jersey State League of Municipalities (NJSLOM) is proud to announce the Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition for high school Juniors and Seniors planning to continue their education after high school.
The purpose of this scholarship, now in its 29th year, is to advance the virtues of elected and volunteer positions in municipal government while raising awareness of municipal government in general. This scholarship competition has been named in honor of Louis Bay 2nd, Mayor Emeritus of Hawthorne and an active participant as a League Board Member and Past President for 60 years.
Arts in Oakland: Register by March 1, 2022
'Arts in Oakland' is excited to once again be participating in Creative Bergen’s Arts Amble, scheduled for June 10-12, 2022. The Borough, in a continuing effort to support the “Arts in Oakland”, has partnered with the Oakland Public Library to be a host venue for this special event.  
An entertaining weekend for all ages, last year, we showcased Oakland talent including singers, bands, and dancers along with some comedy and storytelling all performed outdoors, beautifully set at Veteran’s Park. 

The library halls were transformed into an awe-inspiring Artists Gallery featuring a fabulous array of visual arts including photography, oil and watercolor paintings, shadow boxes, sculpture, mixed media, crafts and more.

Creative Bergen's Arts Amble is an innovative and inspiring showcase of visual and performing artists held throughout Bergen County. The public will be welcomed at host sites to “amble along” to experience and support the artists and their works throughout Bergen County. 

As a local artist, you are invited to apply to showcase your talents for this amazing event. Artists of all kinds, both performing and visual, are encouraged to participate. 

*In addition, Oakland businesses are also invited to sponsor and or become an event venue and host music performance or featured artwork.  

Deadline to apply to participate in Oakland is March 1st.

To register please visit www.artsinoakland.com.
Questions, please email oaklandartscouncil@gmail.com.
Mayor Schwager's Message
I cannot begin my winter message without a shout out to the Oakland Department of Public Works for keeping our roads clear and doing your usual fantastic job!

Let us help our DPW by following the law--to keep our neighbors, sidewalks and roads safe. There are Borough Ordinances requiring the removal of snow from your sidewalks and walkways within 24 hours after snow fall ends. Furthermore, "It is unlawful to cast, throw or spill snow and ice on any Borough street or roads." Therefore, when plowing or shoveling your driveway pushing the snow into the street is a violation of the Ordinance. It is also a hazard in the road.

Another important ordinance to follow concerns fire hydrants. If you have a fire hydrant on your property, you are required to clear the snow within the 5 feet radius of the hydrant. 

Before we know it, spring will be here and the snow will melt.
Your Monthly Garbage & Recycling Cheat Sheet
Yard Waste: Yard Waste Collection begins on April 11, 2022 and April 12, 2022, depending on your garbage collection schedule. To view your collection date, click here.

Electronics: February 2 & 16

Paper: February 9 & 23

Commingled: February 2 & 16

Household Appliances/Metal: February 10

Trash: Mon & Thurs garbage collection on the South side of town. Tues & Fri garbage collection on the North side of town.
Extra Copies of the 2022 Borough Calendar in the Borough Hall/DPW Lobby.
First Responders Flash Briefing
Oakland Police Department

The NJ Civil Service Commission announced on January 3, 2022 that the Entry Level Law Enforcement registration has begun. The registration deadline is February 28, 2022 at 4:00 pm. Here is the link: https://www.state.nj.us/csc/ Our symbol is M0110D
Oakland Fire Department
The Oakland Fire Department would like to provide residents with safety tips for heating homes and staying warm this winter.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, heating is the second leading cause of home fires and more than 150 people in the U.S. die every year from accidental non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning associated with consumer products, including generators.
In order to keep residents warm and safe, the Oakland Fire Department wishes to share the following tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to help prevent heating-related home fires:

  • Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment,
  • like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
  • If you have children living in your home, have a 3-foot “kid-free zone”
  • around open fires and space heaters to ensure their safety.
  • Avoid using an oven to heat your home. Residents should have a licensed professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Avoid using space heaters as your primary heating source in your home.
  • Never leave portable heaters on when you leave a room or the house, or go to bed.
  • All heating equipment/chimneys should be cleaned and inspected every year by a licensed professional.
  • Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
  • If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.
  • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
  • All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Residents are also encouraged to check their smoke and CO alarms periodically to ensure they are working properly, as well as develop and practice a home escape plan with all members of the household. 
Oakland Senior Center
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
Sustainable Oakland Green Team Hosts Successful Styrofoam Collection Drive
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team successfully hosted a Styrofoam Collection Drive on January 8, 2022 at the Borough Hall Parking Lot. The collection, which is part of the Sustainable Bergen HUB Styrofoam Free Program, collected over 150 bags of block styrofoam from over 100 residents.
The collection was sponsored by Andrea Levy, Realtor.
Creative Bergen Arts Amble Accepting 2022 Applications
Creative Bergen is accepting registration applications for the Annual Arts Amble until February 18, 2022. If you are an artist, maker, host venue, or performer, register for our three-day county wide arts crawl from June 10, 2022 to June 12, 2022. 

Last year, over 150 participants spanning 17 municipalities participated. All artists and venues will receive digital media kits, lawn signs, and post cards. Register at www.artsamble.org. 

For additional questions, contact creativebergennj@gmail.com.
Bergen County Utilities Authority Announces 2022 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Dates
The Bergen County Utilities Authority has announced the 2022 dates for Household Hazardous Waste and Recycling Collections:

Bergen County Utilities Authority
(back gate only)
Foot of Empire Blvd., Moonachie
  • Saturday, March 12th, 2022
  • Saturday, November 19, 2022 
Bergen County Campgaw Reservation
200 Campgaw Rd., Mahwah

  • Saturday, May 14, 2022
  • Saturday, July 16, 2022
  • Saturday, September 10, 2022

Due to the COVID-19 safety restrictions that will be implemented to ensure the safety of employees and residents attending the collection event, please be advised that wait times may be extensive. Please plan accordingly. We ask for your patience.

Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Rd., Paramus

  • Sunday, April 3, 2022
  • Sunday, June 12, 2022
  • Sunday, October 16, 2022
Oakland Recreation Softball Registration Ongoing
Oakland Recreation Softball Registration is ongoing through March 31, 2022. Registration is online only for 2022. Register online here. 

Eligibility to play Recreation Softball is based on your child's current grade at the time of signup.

Any questions, contact Dan Logatto at danlogatto@verizon.net. 

Any questions about registration, contact Rosa Kilpatrick at recsec@oakland-nj.org.
$325 Million Program for Struggling Homeowners to Launch Feb. 8
On Feb. 8, 2022, the State of New Jersey will launch the Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance Program (ERMA), a federally financed program for homeowners who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible homeowners may receive up to $35,000, plus free housing counseling services, to cover mortgage arrearages, delinquent property taxes and other housing cost delinquencies.
This lifeline makes loss mitigation options, such as refinancing, a viable option.

ERMA, which is being administered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), utilizes $325.9 million of federal Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) money under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
2022 Scholarships Available for Environmental Students
Are you a college undergraduate or graduate student in environmental science or a related environmental field? Know someone who is? The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is looking to support future environmental leaders pursuing degrees in environmental science, natural resource management, conservation, park administration, and related fields.
Communications Commission
The Oakland Communications Commission is seeking a volunteer to serve as a Commissioner for 2022. If you are interesting in writing, TV production, or social media, please email occ@oakland-nj.org for more information.
Shade Tree Commission
The Oakland Shade Tree Commission is seeking a volunteer to fill a vacancy on the Commission. If you are interested in learning more, please contact shadetree@oakland-nj.org.
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.
Skip the Straw Law Now in Effect in New Jersey
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team encourages residents to "Skip the Straw" as NJ law mandates that plastic straws can only be provided upon request starting November 4, 2021.
Plastic Bag Ban Information Session Open to Residents and Businesses
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team invites you to a Public Information Session on the upcoming Plastic Bag Ban effective May 4, 2022. Come learn about the new changes as a resident and/or business owner.
Sustainable Oakland Green Team Encourages Residents to Bag Up!
Starting next May 2022, NJ Law will ban grocery stores from providing plastic and paper bags to help reduce litter. Start using reusable bags in anticipation of this new law. For more information, visit www.bagupnj.com.
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