August 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 Municipal Clerk.
Top Story
Kristine and Marilyn Morello
Oakland Parents Turn Loss Of Daughter Into Inspiration To Help Others
In 1995, at the age of 26, Kristine Morello was diagnosed with a form of cancer known as Ewing’s sarcoma.

In a matter of months her life was to be shortened by this cruel disease. Her legacy of kindness and caring would be secured in the ensuing years by her family’s commitment to lessen the burdens of others who would walk in their shoes.
Marilyn and Rick Morello, Kristine’s parents, moved to Oakland in 1971. The Morellos were a perfect fit for life in Oakland. Kristine and her brothers Brian and Rick, Jr. played lots of sports while attending Oakland schools. They went on to college and made their parents proud in every way.

Kristine studied marketing and became a pharmaceutical rep. Marilyn worked at Ramapo College and Rick ran an insurance business. They were among the earliest team tennis players in town. Marilyn was a past president of the tennis club and Rick coached the kids.
Mayor's Message
The Borough of Oakland has made national news! Last week we were on television. To be more exact, we were a question on the show, Jeopardy:

IT'S A COUNTY IN MICHIGAN, A BOROUGH IN JERSEY & A CITY IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA'S ALAMEDA COUNTY, and the answer was Oakland!

In addition to national recognition, we have so much to boast about our town. We have a great community for our families, great schools, a great recreation program, and great residents we can be proud of:

Two people stand out this month who received awards for their dedication and service to others.

Deb Guston, Esq., attorney with the firm Guston & Guston, LLP, grew up in Oakland. Her parents, Sheila and Herb Guston still reside in Oakland. Deb recently received the prestigious Saul Tischler Award, an award given to an exemplary attorney in the New Jersey State Bar Association Family Law Section for their lifetime contribution to family law throughout the State of New Jersey. Deb was honored at an award ceremony at the Liberty House in Jersey City on June 29, 2022.  

Congratulations to Deb Guston for her service to the legal community and her service for all people who need help. We are all very proud of you. Although you no longer reside here, Oakland is your hometown.

Edward Clark, ​Oakland resident, has been recognized by Congressman Josh Gottheimer as a 2022 Hometown Hero. Ed is a dedicated volunteer who serves in different capacities for the Borough of Oakland. Ed serves on the Bush Plaza Park Ad Hoc Committee, which is tasked with revitalizing Bush Plaza in center Downtown. Ed has donated his time and resources to create a beautiful landscape plan and cost estimate for the Park that was extremely important for submission of the Grant to help fund the project. 

At the same time, Ed led the effort with the Shade Tree Commission to rewrite the Borough's tree protection ordinance which is expected to preserve and protect our trees for years to come, helped create a tree inventory, institute tree planting programs and monitor hazardous trees.  

Ed has a full time job where he is an award winning Landscape Architect.

Ed received his Hometown Hero Award on July 22, 2022 with Congressman Josh Gottheimer. 
Oakland Public Library
Adult Summer Reading Highlights
  • Drop in Crafts for adults on August 3, 2022
  • Qi Gong with Tara Farley August 1, 2022 and August 8, 2022
Young Adult Summer Reading Highlights
  • Board Game Tournament on August 10, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

Choose from Scrabble, Monopoly or Risk and see who's the best of the best. There will be prizes for the winners of each game.
Children's Summer Reading Program
  • Bubble Fun on August 4 at 3:45 p.m.
  • Magic of Sharks Magic Show on August 10 at 2:30 p.m.

Kids read all summer long, log their reading, win prizes and stay sharp for the school year ahead. We will also have regularly scheduled story times during the week as well as special musical programs on Fridays. For more information and to register for programs in advance check out the Library website at
www.oaklandlibrary.org and click on the calendar icon.
Your Monthly Garbage & Recycling Cheat Sheet
Yard Waste: Yard Waste Collection ends on December 12, 2022 and December 13, 2022, depending on your garbage collection schedule. To view your collection date, click here.

Electronics: August 3 & 17

Paper: August 10 & 24

Commingled: August 3, 17, 31

Household Appliances/Metal: August 11

Trash: Mon & Thurs garbage collection on the South side of town. Tues & Fri garbage collection on the North side of town.
Due to the increasing demand on the Borough of Oakland’s water system during the summer months, and to maintain adequate water storage for emergency response and daily needs, the Borough has enacted odd/even water restrictions for outside watering, which go into effect on Thursday July 21, 2022. Odd numbered addresses are permitted to water on odd numbered dates, and even numbered addresses are permitted to water on even numbered dates. This regulation applies to residential and commercial properties. The restriction does not apply to watering newly planted grass, newly planted shrubbery, and horticultural businesses located within the Borough. This restriction is in place until September 15, 2022. Only emergency conditions will warrant additional restrictions and residents will be notified of any change. Should residents have any questions, please contact the Oakland Department of Public Works at (201) 337-8104. 
Oakland Senior Center
Senior Center
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.
Senior Center
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.
Senior Center
The Oakland Senior Center is hosting their Annual Summer BBQ on August 18, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. To register, call (201) 405-7731.
First Responders Flash Briefing
The Oakland Police Department kicked off the summer with the Junior Police Academy (JPA). The JPA began on Friday, June 24th and continued until Friday, July 1st. The recruits were taught and experienced what it was like to be an actual Police Officer Recruit at the Police Academy. The recruits were put through rigorous workouts and given an understanding of why it’s important to stay physically fit in law enforcement. Although the recruits were pushed to their limits, they also were able to interact with other law enforcement agencies on the Federal, State and Local levels. The recruits enjoyed presentations such as K-9, S.W.A.T., Bomb Squad, Mounted unit (horses), Motorcycle unit and the Aviation unit. If your children would like to experience what it is like to be a Police Officer and would enjoy these activities, keep an eye on the Borough of Oakland Police Department Facebook page and the Borough of Oakland website in order to sign up for the 2023 JPA. 
  • Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes.
  • The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.
  • Limit exercise on hot days. Exercise in the early morning or evening hours.
  • Walk your pet in the grass if possible, to avoid hot surfaces burning their paws.
  • If your pet is outside, make sure they have access to shade and plenty of cool water.
  • Water safety is important for your furry friends. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool—they aren’t all good swimmers.
  • Watch your pets at a backyard barbecue. Keep them away from the grill and know that some food can be poisonous to them. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with artificial sweeteners.
  • Heat stroke is a common problem for pets in the warmer weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets, those with extremely thick fur coat or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.
  • Some of the signs of heat stroke in your pet are: Heavy panting and unable to calm down, even when lying down, Brick red gum color, Fast pulse rate, Unable to get up.
  • If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 105 degrees, cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees. Bring your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.
  • Open windows or doors are a temptation for pets to try to get outside. Keep all doors and unscreened windows closed, and make sure screens are tightly secured.
  • Some plants in your garden can be hazardous to animals. Visit the Animal Poison Control Center to find out which plants and flowers are poisonous to animals.
Cyclists, Check Your Equipment
Always inspect your bike prior to riding.
  • The seat should be adjusted to the proper height and locked in place
  • Make certain all parts are secure and working properly
  • Check that the tires are inflated properly
  • Make sure the bike is equipped with reflectors on the rear, front, pedals and spokes
  • A horn or bell, a rear-view mirror and a bright headlight also are recommended
Plan to Be Seen
Make certain drivers can see you.
  • Wear neon, fluorescent or other bright clothing
  • Whenever possible, ride during the day
  • If you must ride at night, wear reflective clothing and use flashing lights
Wear a Helmet
Helmets appropriate for bicycling should be worn by everyone – adults and children – on every bike ride regardless of length of the ride. Make certain the helmet is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Follow these guidelines from NHTSA to properly fit the helmet:
  • Adjust sizing pads or fit ring until the helmet is snug
  • Position the helmet level on your head, covering the forehead and not tipped backward or forward; this will be about one to two finger widths above the eyebrow
  • Adjust the side straps so they form a “V” shape under and slightly in front of your ears
  • Center the buckle on the chin strap under your chin
  • Buckle and tighten the chin strap until it is snug; no more than one to two fingers should be able to fit between the chin and strap
  • When fitted, the helmet should not rock more than 1 inch side to side or front to back on your head
  • Watch Fitting a Bicycle Helmet
Follow These Rules of the Road
  • Get acquainted with traffic laws; bicyclists must follow the same rules as motorists
  • Ride single-file in the direction of traffic
  • Remain alert, keep your head up and look around; watch for opening car doors and other hazards
  • Use hand signals when turning and use extra care at intersections
  • Never hitch onto cars
  • Before entering traffic, stop and look left, right, left again and over your shoulder
News and Announcements
Bergen County
The Bergen County Job Center is visiting the Borough of Oakland on Wednesday August 3, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Borough Hall Parking Lot, One Municipal Plaza, Oakland, N.J. 07436. 

The Bergen Job Center offers free career counseling, training, job searches, resume writing, and hiring. 

There will be a free resume and LinkedIn Workshop at 11:00 a.m. 

No registration is required. This is open to all Bergen County residents. 

For more information, click here.
Bergen County
Bergen County is hosting Paper Shredding, Tire Recycling, and Computer Electronics Recycling on Saturday August 6, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Bergen Community College. This collection is open to all residents.
Bergen County
Bergen County is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Collection on September 10, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Bergen County Campgaw Reservation, 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, N.J. This collection is open to all residents.
Recreation Commission
Pickleball is now open at the Oakland Tennis Complex. There are two courts and anyone with a tennis court badge is permitted to play. We ask that everyone follow court etiquette which includes a 1-hour time limit if others are waiting to play. The courts are schedule to be completely resurfaced in the coming months which will include keeping two pickleball courts. For more information on the tennis court schedule please visit www.OaklandTennisCourts.com.
Communications Commission
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.
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.
Environmental Commission
The Oakland Environmental Commission is seeking a volunteer to fill a vacancy on the Commission. If you are interested in learning more, please contact boroclerk@oakland-nj.org.
Sustainable Oakland Green Team
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team held a Bag Up Oakland Art Contest, to choose a logo designed by local students to be placed on the Borough reusable bags. The winner Rosemary Yang- Indian Hills High School artwork is on the new Ditch the Plastic Reusable Shopping Bag.
Ms. Yang is the recipient of a $100 Gift Card.
Congratulations to the runner up participants, all received a $50.00 gift card. Ben Fixler -Heights Elementary School, Camryn Morgan- Manito Elementary School, Daisy Troop 98286- Dogwood Elementary and Kendall Cox- Valley Middle School

Honorable Mention- Matthew Mazur - Valley Middle School

All students were honored by the Mayor and Borough Council at the July 20, 2022 Borough Council Meeting.
Oakland Green Team Seed Bank
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. 
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 recycle@oakland-nj.or (201) 337-8104.

Sustainable Oakland Green Team
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.
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