June 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.
Summer Is Around the Corner, but the Oakland Community Garden is in Full Bloom!
Top Stories
Oakland Gets A Dog Park, And A Son Fulfills A Vow In Memory Of His Mother
At long last, Oakland got its very own dog park on Mother’s Day weekend, when it officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the site of the Great Oak Park.
The inscription on a plaque at Oakland's new dog park.
Watch the Opening Video Here
The ceremony drew more than 70 people, an impressive showing considering that it took place in a downpour. But what really compelled most to attend was the remarkable victory the park’s opening marked for one of Oakland’s most committed and active residents--Ryan Schwertfeger, who is 27 years old and spent more than decade (yes, he started this mission when he was just a kid) working diligently to make such an area for our four-legged loved ones a reality.
Sustainable Jersey Awards Carol Peterson 'Sustainability Hero' Recognition
For the past five years, Carol Peterson has led sustainability efforts in Oakland Borough, a silver-certified Sustainable Jersey community located in Bergen County. Smart and tenacious, Carol is relentless in her pursuit to create the sustainably-minded community that she wants to live in.
An active participant in environmental and social justice rallies, mushroom forager, monarch protector, tree hugger and electric car driver—Carol said she enjoys being a cog in the sustainability world. 

Carol served as the chair of the Sustainable Oakland Green Team in 2018 and 2019 and as the co-chair in 2020. She was a Commissioner on the Oakland Environmental Commission from 2017-2020, and was the chair in 2019. In 2019, Sustainable Jersey presented the Creativity and Innovation Award to eight municipalities in the Sustainable Bergen County Hub, of which Carol is a founding member. In 2020, Carol was a recipient of the 5th District Hometown Heroes Award in recognition of her municipal appointments and as a founding member of Oakland Pride. She received the Oakland Elks Lodge #2167 Distinguished Citizen’s Award in 2020.
Mayor Schwager's Message
Flag Day is held each year on June 14th to commemorate the adoption of the United States Flag.

The adoption of the flag of the United States happened on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The first American Flag was known as the “Stars and Stripes” or “Old Glory,” and replaced the British symbol of the Grand Union Flag with a new design featuring 13 white stars in a circle on a field of blue and 13 red and white stripes—one for each state.

The American fraternal order and social club, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, has celebrated the holiday since the early days of the organization. The Elks later prompted President Woodrow Wilson to recognize the order’s observance of Flag Day for its patriotic expression. President Wilson issued a proclamation calling for a nationwide observance event on June 14, 1916. However, Flag Day did not become official until August 3,1949, when President Harry Truman signed legislation and proclaimed June 14th as Flag Day. In 1966, the United States Congress requested that the President annually issue a proclamation designating the week in which June 14th occurs as National Flag Week at which time all United States citizens are urged to fly the American Flag for the duration of the week.

This year Oakland’s Flag Day Ceremony shall be held on Monday, June 14, 2021, 6:00 p.m., at the Oakland Elks Lodge #2167, located at 33 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, N.J. 07436. 
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: June 2 & 16

Paper: June 2, 16, 30

Commingled: June 9 & 23

Household Appliances/Metal: June 10

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

Law enforcement officers from the Oakland Police Department will join with police from around the country in cracking down on unbuckled motorists and passengers as part of the national “Click it or Ticket” campaign.

Beginning May 24 and running through June 6, the annual “Click It or Ticket” national mobilization utilizes high visibility seat belt checkpoints and saturation patrols, in combination with local and national publicity efforts, to reiterate the life-saving value of seat belts.

“Using a seat belt is the simplest way for motor vehicle occupants to protect themselves on the road,” said Eric Heitmann, Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. "Crash statistics show that in 2017 alone, seat belt use saved nearly 15,000 lives nationally.”

In New Jersey, a key focus of this year’s Click It or Ticket campaign is to promote seat belt usage by adults in all seating positions in the vehicle, both front AND rear seats. The front seat belt usage rate in New Jersey currently stands at 90.23%. However, adults riding in rear seats are buckling up at a significantly lower rate, only 48% according to the most recent surveys.

“For whatever reason there seems to be a disconnect with people feeling they don’t need to buckle up when riding as passengers in rear seats, and this is a concern,” Heitmann said. “By promoting back seat usage of seat belts during our Click It or Ticket campaign, we’re encouraging passenger habits that will save lives.”
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.

  • Our Outdoor Socially distanced BBQ will be held on Tuesday, June 22nd. Food and live entertainment by “The Kootz” Band will be provided. Flyer with additional information is available online and at the Senior Center. Registration opens June 1st, first come first serve. Space will be limited. Register by calling the Oakland Senior Center at (201) 405-7731.
  • June’s book club is scheduled Thursday 6/24. We will be reading “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah. If anyone is interested in participating, we have books available to borrow at the Senior Center. This program is offered as a hybrid both in person and on zoom.
  • Additional classes will now be offered in person on the patio. Please see the calendar for details.

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
Borough Announces Revised COVID-19 Testing Hours
The Borough of Oakland has announced new and revised hours for the COVID-19 Testing Center:

Wednesday's - 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Located at the Oakland Senior Center, 20 Lawlor Drive, Oakland, N.J. 07436.
NJEDA Announces Reopening of Pre-Registration for Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced that it reopened pre-registration for Phase 4 of its Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program this morning, at 9:00 a.m. Small business owners and non-profits that have not previously applied for Phase 4 grants may pre-register as a preliminary step toward applying for grants of up to $20,000.
The $200 million in additional funds will continue to support the most adversely affected businesses in New Jersey, including $20 million for bars and restaurants, $120 million for micro-businesses, $10 million for child care providers, as well as $50 million for other small businesses and non-profits with up to 50 full-time equivalent employees. Since the initial launch of the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program back in April of 2020, the NJEDA has distributed more than $259 million in aid to some 55,000 businesses across the state.
Governor Murphy Lifts Major COVID-19 Restrictions, Moves Forward with Most Significant Reopening Steps to Date
Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 242, lifting major COVID-19 restrictions and moving forward with the state’s most significant reopening steps to date.
Effective on Friday, May 28, the indoor mask mandate in public spaces will be lifted, as well as the six-foot social distancing requirement in both indoor and outdoor spaces, the prohibition on dance floors at bars and restaurants, and the prohibition on ordering and eating/drinking while standing at bars and restaurants. Additionally, effective Friday, June 4, indoor gathering and capacity limits will be lifted. 

The following changes will go into effect on Friday, May 28:
  • Lifting the mask mandate in indoor public spaces. 
  • Businesses and entities overseeing indoor spaces will continue to have the ability to require masking for employees, customers, and/or guests. 
  • Per CDC guidance, masks will continue to be required in health care settings, including long-term care facilities and office-based settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation, as well as transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
  • Additionally, also per CDC guidance, child care centers and facilities, youth summer camps, and public, private, and parochial preschool program premises and elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools, are not affected by this announcement and continue to be governed by existing requirements. 
  • Indoor worksites that are not open to the public remain governed by existing health and safety protocols that employers must follow.
  • Masks will continue to be required in public-facing state offices, such as Motor Vehicle Commission agencies.
  • Lifting the six-foot social distancing requirement. 
  • The requirement will be lifted in businesses, including retail stores, personal care services, gyms, recreational and entertainment businesses, and casinos, and indoor gatherings, including religious services, political activities, weddings, funerals, memorial services, commercial gatherings, catered events, sports competitions, and performances.
  • Businesses and entities overseeing indoor spaces can continue to require social distancing should they choose.
  • Lifting prohibition on dance floors at bars and restaurants. The prohibition on ordering and eating/drinking while standing at bars and restaurants will also be lifted.
  • The following changes will go into effect Friday, June 4:
  • Removing the general indoor gathering limit, which is currently at 50 people.
  • Removing the indoor gathering limit for political gatherings, weddings, funerals, memorial services, performances, and other catered and commercial events, which is currently at 250 people.
  • Removing 30 percent capacity limitation for indoor large venues with a fixed-seating capacity over 1,000. 

For the full text of Executive Order No. 242, click here.
Children Age 12+ Now Eligible for Vaccines at Bergen County Vaccination Center
The County of Bergen and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center announce that children age 12 and up are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations at the Bergen County Vaccination Center. The news comes after the Federal government granted the Pfizer emergency use authorization for ages 12 to 15 yesterday.
To accommodate this age group, the Bergen County Vaccination Center, which is jointly operated by the County of Bergen and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, will now offer the Pfizer vaccine in addition to Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen. Pfizer vaccinations will be reserved for those ages 12 to 17. The Center began issuing Pfizer vaccines to the age group early this morning.
To schedule an appointment please visit www.BergenCovidVaccine.com.

The Center is also accepting walk-ins upon availability Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 1:30pm. All vaccine recipients must show proof of age (birth certificate, passport, or a school ID that include date of birth), and those ages 12-17 should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Vaccine recipients must live, work or go to school in New Jersey.

Adults 18 and older who live, work, or go to school in Bergen County can also receive a vaccination at three upcoming mobile sites which will be held throughout the County. For more information please visit www.BergenCovidVaccine.com.
Creative Bergen to Host Inaugural Arts Amble: Oakland Set to Host as a Venue
Founded in 2020, Creative Bergen emerged as a non-profit task force with the goals of providing regular community art events, securing profitable opportunities for artists, makers, and performers, and providing opportunities for individual community members and businesses to engage with and support the arts in Bergen County. A registered 501(c)3, Creative Bergen is making their first major push towards achieving these goals with the Arts Amble.
Inspired by art crawls around the country, the Arts Amble is a three day countywide event, taking place in multiple municipalities throughout Bergen County. Arts Amble will provide the opportunity for artists, makers, and performers to showcase their talent and generate income. Our community will benefit from the Arts Amble through increased tourism, improved community status, social capital, and new business opportunities. Restaurants supporting the Arts Amble will be featured on www.ArtsAmble.org and recommended as locations to dine at during the event.
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, July 10, 2021
  • Saturday, September 11, 2021

Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Rd., Paramus
  • Sunday, June 13, 2021
  • Sunday, October 17, 2021
Oakland Recreation Soccer Registrations Now Open
Oakland Rec Soccer Registration is open for K-12th grade. To register click here. Registration will be open until July 31, 2021. The fee for K-4th grade is $65, and the fee for 5th-12th grade is $80.
Oakland Recreation Announces Summer Softball Camp
Summer Softball Camp Registration is now open. June 28, 2021 – July 2, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  Rain or Shine (indoor batting cages & machines). Held at Indian Hills High School – Lower Gym and Softball Field.

Popular for 22 years – Lots of learning and fun! Open to All Girls Entering 4th – 9th Grade in September – Beginner to Advance Softball Athletes. This camp is instructional in nature. The goal is to teach the fundamentals of softball through age appropriate activities and to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to play.
Please Register through the following link: https://register.communitypass.net/OaklandBorough
Cost: $125 – checks can be made out to Borough of Oakland or pay online. Mail checks to: One Municipal Plaza, Oakland, NJ 07436 Attn: Recreation. 
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.
Eighth Annual FLOW Green Film Festival
Oakland, Franklin Lakes, and Wyckoff are excited to announce that a free movie "WALL-E" will take place on Saturday June 19, 2021 at 8:30 p.m. at Parsons Pond Park, 700 Parsons Pond Drive, Franklin Lakes, N.J. This is a socially distanced outdoor event for family fun and kids. Advanced registration is required at https://forms.gle/TT27NeFHyKvrVW286.
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!
Valley Health System Offering Healthy Heart Screening
The Oakland Mayor's Wellness Campaign in partnership with Valley Health System is offering a Heart Screening free of charge for Oakland residents. To register and for more information, visit www.valleyhealth.com/heartscreening.
Bergen County 'Get Fit' Hosting Tai Chi Classes
Bergen County is hosting free Tai Chi Classes every Monday until June 21, 2021 from 5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. at Saddle River County Park, Ridgewood Duck Pond Pavilion, 1133 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, N.J. Register at www.bergen2021tc.eventbrite.com.
Bergen County 'Get Fit' Hosting Spring Workout Classes
Bergen County is hosting Free Spring Workout Fitness Classes each Wednesday until June 2, 2021 from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at the J. A. McFaul Environmental Center Pavilion, 150 Crescent Avenue, Wyckoff, N.J. Register at www.bergenworkout2021.eventbrite.com.
Borough of Oakland Selling COVID-19 Face Masks
The Borough of Oakland is selling COVID-19 cloth polyester face masks to the public. Masks are $6 each (exact change or check) and are available in the Borough Clerk's Office, 1 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, N.J. 07436 during normal business hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Masks come in sizes SM/M and L/XL.
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