May 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
Oakland Community Garden
Everything’s Coming Up Roses (Or Mums or Veggies) at the Oakland Community Garden
The Oakland Community Garden just marked its first birthday.
 
The flourishing garden truly emphasizes the word community. Gardeners range from elementary students, Girl and Boy Scouts, to whole families and members of the Borough Senior Center.
The garden was built in conjunction with the Senior Center to make sure it was compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and could accommodate individuals with all kinds of mobility restrictions. Members are able to reserve designated plots where they can grow fruit, vegetables, or herbs in a safe, controlled space.

The Community Garden, which opened last April, sits behind the municipal building by Valley Middle School. 

There are 27 plots measuring 8’x4’ including five ADA, accessible and raised (barrier-free) plots. 
Oakland Public Library Opens the Door to More Than Just Books
The Oakland Public Library is excited to introduce the 'Library of Things', which is available starting Tuesday March 15, 2022. This new collection of useful items will allow Oakland Public Library card holders to borrow things they might otherwise have to purchase but only need intermittently, or to try out a product before they decide to buy one.
This collection includes, but is not limited to, a 17' outdoor projection screen, an indoor/outdoor projector, a GoPro camera, a metal detector, a thermal camera, a sewing machine, video game consoles, a VCR, and more. Items will continue to be added to the collection, and we invite all residents of Oakland to take advantage of what we have to offer? Don't have a library card? Stop by the library today and start borrowing. A link to the Library of Things will be on the library's homepage, http://www.oaklandnjlibrary.org.
Mayor Schwager's Message
On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, Oakland Board of Education held its annual School Board Election. Oakland residents had the opportunity to vote on the school budget at which time the majority of residents voted against the school budget. Now it goes to the Governing Body, the Oakland Borough Council. To understand what happens next, please read the brief summary of the procedure which must now be followed.
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: May 4 & 18

Paper: May 4 & 18

Commingled: May 11 & 25

Household Appliances/Metal: May 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
Beginning on April 25, 2022, Oakland Police Officers will be equipped with body worn cameras. The body worn cameras will be worn by patrol officers during their shifts and worn by other members of the Police Department in accordance with the law, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Directive, guidance provided by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Oakland Police Department’s policy that covers the use of body worn cameras.
The body worn cameras are required for all New Jersey Law Enforcement Agencies and will be in addition to the in-car cameras that have been utilized by the Oakland Police Department for over a decade. The goals and objectives in deploying body worn cameras are the accurate documentation of interactions between the public, arrests and other critical incidents.

The picture illustrates the body worn camera that is being utilized by Oakland Police Officers and where it will be mounted on their uniform. The body worn camera faces away from the officer and will record video footage in the camera’s field of view. Officers are required to activate it while interacting with members of the public and in a number of other situations.
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
Borough of Oakland Announces Annual Paper Shredding Collection
The Borough of Oakland has announced its annual residential shredding collection day for Saturday May 14, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or until the truck is full. The event will take place at the Oakland Borough Hall, 1 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, N.J. 07436 in the front parking lot.

This collection is free for Oakland residents, and commercial businesses are not accepted. 

A full list of accepted and non-accepted items is found here.
This is a contactless drive-thru event, residents are asked to remain in your vehicle and an attendant will offload.

For more information, contact the Oakland Department of Public Works at (201) 337-8104.
State's Single Use Plastic Bag Ban to Begin May 4, 2022
Starting May 4, 2022, New Jersey retail stores, grocery stores and food service businesses may not provide or sell single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food service products. 

Single-use paper carryout bags are allowed to be provided or sold, except by grocery stores equal to or larger than 2500 square feet, which may only provide or sell reusable carryout bags. 
After November 4, 2021, plastic straws may be provided only upon the request of the customer.

“Plastics pollution has become one of the world’s most pressing environmental problems,” said NJ DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. 
“Americans alone use some 100 billion plastic bags each year. While some of these bags are recycled, many end up in landfills and many more wind up as litter that is harmful to our communities, ecosystems, and wildlife. Sadly, these plastic bags get into our marine environments, killing fish, dolphins, whales, and other types of marine life.

For more information, visit the state DEP's Get Past Plastic page and NJ Clean Communities BagUpNJ campaign.

For more information in regards to business compliance, please contact Bag Up NJ partner New Jersey Business Action Center.
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, 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, June 12, 2022
  • Sunday, October 16, 2022
Oakland Recreation Softball Registration Ongoing
A pet food bank for Bergen County residents begins May 8, the county SPCA announced.

The "No Empty Bowls" pet food bank is a collaboration between the county animal shelter and local SPCA.
Free pet food and necessary supplies are available for Bergen County residents in need at the animal shelter, 100 United Lane, Teterboro, NJ 07608. The "No Empty Bowls" program will run Sundays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., excluding holidays.

Identification is required and the supplies are reserved for Bergen County residents. No appointment is needed.
Communications Commission
The Oakland TV Committee is seeking additional members for 2022. If you are interesting TV production, please email occ@oakland-nj.org for more information and a tour of the Borough TV Studio.
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.
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