July 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 Carnival Returns to the Delight of Residents Eager to Socialize and Savor Scrumptious Zeppolis
The aroma of zeppolis and greasy cheeseburgers. The squeals of delighted children. The sight of revelers trying their luck at game booths.

This was the scene at Oakland’s annual carnival at the Alexander Potash Recreation Complex at the end of June, an event that ushers in the official start of summer.

Always a popular event, this year’s carnival was especially meaningful since the pandemic forced its cancellation last year.
Makenna, 2, enjoys her first carnival
The return of the carnival, noted Mayor Linda Schwager, was a welcome sign of life going back to normal after more than a year of restrictions, hundreds of thousands of lives lost to the coronavirus, anxiety, stress and limited exposure to others.

Oaklanders were so eager to get back to having fun and seeing town activities resume that this year’s carnival attendance was up a whopping 41 percent over the past three years it was held.

“We were there last night celebrating our daughter’s last day of kindergarten,” said Julie Powers Lurie about the carnival. “For us, it was the perfect way to end this roller coaster of a school year, though it was a very successful school year given the circumstances. Being at the carnival made it feel like the town was back, which is a success for Oakland in itself.”
Oakland TV Announces New Verizon FIOS HD Channel 2145; Channel 45 to be Discontinued on or about July 16, 2021
As of June 15, 2021, Oakland’s Local Access Television Channel is now available on Verizon FiOS Channel 2145 in full HD for residents who have an HD set top box. Oakland’s non-HD Verizon FiOS Channel 45 will be discontinued on or about July 16, 2021. 
Any resident with Verizon watching Oakland TV on Channel 45 that tunes to 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 you still has issues getting Channel 2145 after unplugging and plugging the set top box back in, you are advised to call 1-800-VERIZON. 
Mayor Schwager's Message
We have seen the proof this summer that we are turning the corner towards meeting and greeting everyone in person.

We were entertained with a beautiful event in June, the Bergen County Arts Amble. Thanks to Andrea Levy and Alison Fleeson for coordinating the great event. I am told that hopefully this will become an annual event. 

Congratulations to the Valley Middle School Graduates. Although it was very hot, together with the proud parents, I enjoyed watching the graduates receive their diplomas. Furthermore, both Ramapo and Indian Hills High Schools held in person graduations this year. Congratulations to all the students and good luck in your future endeavors.

Special thanks to the Oakland Public Events Committee and co-sponsor, Oakland Mothers Club. You brought us together for fun and games at the annual carnival. Our volunteer organizations fed the hungry crowds. It was a terrific event and it was great seeing everyone in person.

The Oakland Council Meetings will begin in person meetings in July at the Senior Center. I would love to see you there on July14, 2021 at 7:30 pm. All are welcomed.
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: July 7 & 21

Paper: July 14 & 28

Commingled: July 7 & 21

Household Appliances/Metal: July 8

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
Win a Free Ice Cream Coupon from the Oakland Police Department
The Oakland Police Department is once again teaming up with the Dairy Queen of Oakland at 186 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, N.J. 07436 to provide children with a “coupon” for free ice cream if you are spotted by an Oakland Police Officer doing a good deed or “doing something right”. So be on the lookout, be on your best behavior, do a good deed, or share a story about how you did a good deed with an Oakland Officer for a chance to receive a coupon for free ice cream. 
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.

The Senior Center had a wonderful BBQ on June 25th. Attendees enjoyed delicious grilled favorites and listened to music performed by The Kootz Band. It was a great way to celebrate summer and get together again with friends we haven’t seen in a while.

Pictures:
  • The Kootz Band
  • BBQ Attendees Kathy Heller and Trudy O’Connor

Please join us for some upcoming programs:

  • Monday, July 12 1:00PM- “Planting with a Purpose” sponsored by Brightview Senior Living Wayne
  • Thursday, July 15 1:00-3:00PM- “Bingo”

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, July 10, 2021
  • 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.
Living with Wildlife Seminar Available on YouTube
The Borough's Animal Control Officer hosted a virtual seminar on dealing with residential wildlife and proper property maintenance with wildlife. Watch the full presentation here from Tyco Animal Control.
Scoop the Coop: Backyard Chickens Seminar Available on YouTube
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team hosted a virtual seminar on owning backyard chickens. Watch the full presentation here from Camden County Chickens.
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.
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