Oakland's Stream House Will Be Built Again With New Purpose |
When the news came that a plan submitted for the Stream House at last had gotten the green light, Mayor Linda Schwager was elated.
“When we finally got the plan approved, I was jumping for joy!” exclaimed the mayor.
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Edward Page Stream Office
(Photo by Jerri Angermueller)
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A solution to the dilemma of what to do with the decaying building that would satisfy the State Historical Society’s requirements had been found. The work would not jeopardize future grants available to the property. The structure above the Stream House could be taken down, but not the foundation.
From the beginning of her three terms in office, the mayor imagined the preserved property being restored and utilized to foster interest in the history of the Borough of Oakland.
“We had appealed to all the authorities about the problems with the Stream House without a good result," she said.
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Ryan Schwertfeger Named “Hometown Heroes” Honoree by Congressman Josh Gottheimer |
Congressman Josh Gottheimer named Oakland resident Ryan Schwertfeger as a recipient of the 5th District Hometown Heroes Award. Schwertfeger, an active community volunteer and the leader of the Borough Dog Park Project, was honored along with other community leaders from various Bergen County municipalities on December 15, 2020 via a virtual ceremony held by Congressman Gottheimer.
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Nominees were chosen by neighbors and community leaders for their outstanding contributions to the community by volunteering, serving or working to help others. The 5th District Hometown Heroes Awards are presented to business leaders, first responders, teachers, children, seniors, and community leaders to recognize their commitment to bettering the lives of other New Jersey residents and families.
Although only 26 years old, Ryan Schwertfeger has shown a commitment dating back to his childhood to public service and volunteerism for his community. He graduated in 2017 cum laude from Waynesburg University with a bachelor’s degree, with a major in electronic media and a minor in political science.
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Oakland Recreation Counts It's Blessings from 2020 |
Although it doesn’t need to be said, everyone knows what we all went through in 2020. One of the biggest sources of pride this year was that Oakland Recreation ran most of their programs, allowed our youth to leave the confines of their home, enjoy some outdoor activity and did so SAFELY. |
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In the spring, neighboring towns and recreation programs across New Jersey were cancelling their youth activities. Oakland did not act rash, rather delayed all their spring programs. By June Oakland Recreation began their baseball, softball and lacrosse sports. To the surprise of many, Oakland also started their summer camp program, and ran it for 5 weeks. The same for the fall programs; football, cheerleading and soccer all returned. This winter the roller hockey program has set new records for registration and we are all hoping the state allows for the return of indoor basketball and wrestling.
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The most important message I can write about at this time is to remind everyone to enjoy the holidays safely.
It is difficult to refrain from attending large family and friends gatherings and hugging and kissing your loved ones. However, if we are careful now, we will be able to enjoy each other's company, in person, sooner.
As a refresher, I am copying the daily message found in The Record Newspaper--"Stop the Spread"
- Avoid close contact with others
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- Wash your hands often
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Clean and disinfect often
- Monitor your health daily.
I wish everyone an enjoyable, happy and healthy holiday season and look forward to seeing you, in person, in 2021.
Happy New Year,
Mayor Linda H. Schwager
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Your Monthly Garbage & Recycling Cheat Sheet |
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Yard Waste: There is no yard waste collection during the winter months. Yard waste is never permitted in the household garbage collection. Do not put any yard waste in plastic bags.
Electronics: January 6 & 20
Paper: January 13 & 27
Commingled: January 6 & 20
Household Appliances/Metal: January 14
Trash: Mon & Thurs garbage collection on the South side of town. Tues & Fri garbage collection on the North side of town.
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First Responders Flash Briefing
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Oakland Police Department
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The members of the Oakland Police Department would like to thank the residents of Oakland for their kind gestures, PPE donations and resiliency during 2020. |
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For many, 2020 was the most difficult 12 month stretch in their lives. We would like to remember those that we have lost in 2020. We will strive to persevere through the COVID-19 pandemic and look forward to a successful and bright 2021.” |
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Oakland Police Department Welcomes New Officers |
The Oakland Police Department would like to introduce the newest members to the force: Officer Matthew Lopez, Officer Jacquelyn Jensen, and Jonathan Lyons. |
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Project Medicine Drop is still active at this time.
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:
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Oakland Public Library Announces 'Tech Tuesday's' with Jessika |
Oakland Library patrons can ask questions related to their computer, tablet, Chromebook or smartphone. Our Reference Librarian Jessika will be able to answer your questions about video calling, apps, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Email, YouTube or any of the services OPL offers: RB Digital, Hoopla, Libby Over Drive, Rosetta Stone or Lynda. |
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Please email j essika.santulli@oakland.bccls.orgor call the Library 201-337-3742 ext. 7004 and leave your name and number and what you would like to review. Jessika will call you back and set up an appointment with you. Appointments will be no longer than 30 minutes. You may select either telephone or Zoom call appointments.
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What's New on the Shelves? What's on Display? |
Looking for a new Series Author to read, but don't know where to start? Start at the very beginning... We're Number One!
This display will feature the first book in series by such authors as Archer, Coulter, Gardner, Thomas, Moyes, Gabaldon, Carlon, Coben, Penny, Follett, Lewis, and more! You can find the display in the lobby, along with a listing of books in order of popular series.
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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.
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.
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Oakland Senior Center Announces Winter Hours |
The Borough of Oakland Senior Center has announced winter hours from November 2, 2020 to February 26, 2021. The hours will be Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Oakland Recreation Department, also located at 20 Lawlor Drive, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please leave any mail in the white drop box outside the front door. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Northside Garbage Collection is suspended on Friday January 1, 2021 due to the New Years Holiday, and will resume collection on Tuesday January 5, 2021. |
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The Borough of Oakland is hosting an Oath of Office meeting on Wednesday January 6, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Video Conferencing. Click here to register for the meeting. The meeting will also be broadcast on Oakland TV Optimum Channel 77 and FiOS 45 and on the Borough's YouTube Channel. |
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Oakland Holiday Decorating Contest Winners Announced |
The winners from the 2020 Oakland Holiday Decorating Contest have been chosen. The competition was tight and it was hard to choose a winner, but the following homes have been chosen: |
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Manito Section:
Heights Section:
Dogwood Section:
Grand Prize Winner:
Congratulations to everyone that participated and bringing pride to Oakland during the Holiday Season. Best wishes for a healthy and Happy Holidays.
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County of Bergen Announces January COVID-19 Testing |
The County of Bergen, in collaboration with Bergen New Bridge Medical Center announce January 2021 dates for drive-thru COVID-19 rapid testing at Bergen Community College, 400 Paramus Rd, Paramus, N.J.
The program will offer antigen nasal swab rapid COVID-19 tests on the following days below for the month of January:
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- Monday, January 4, 2021
- 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 6, 2021
- 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, January 7, 2021
- 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Saturday, January 9, 2021
- 9 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Monday, January 11, 2021
- 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 13, 2021
- 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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County of Bergen Announces Plan for COVID-19 Vaccinations for Healthcare Workers |
County Executive Jim Tedesco announces that the County of Bergen in partnership with Bergen New Bridge Medical Center have received 1000 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and will begin distribution to Bergen County category 1A healthcare workers on Monday, December 28.
Under CDC and State health guidelines, the Moderna doses will serve Bergen County category 1A healthcare workers who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 through their employer or the federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long Term Care (LTC) Program administered through CVS and Walgreens.
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Eligible category 1A healthcare workers must live in Bergen County or work in a Bergen County category 1A healthcare facility.
The County will administer the Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations at the Bergen New Bridge Medical Center campus, Annex Alternate Care Facility located at 230 East Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652. The Annex has the capacity to handle over 300 vaccinations per day, which qualifies as a “large” Point of Dispensing (POD) location for the State of New Jersey. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center recently received designation from the New Jersey State Department of Health as one of the first Moderna vaccine “initial distribution points.”
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Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey |
Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 210. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020 through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, August 1, August 27, September 25, October 24, and November 21. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed. |
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Executive Order No. 210 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.
For the full text of Executive Order No. 210, click here.
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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, March 6th, 2021
Saturday, November 13, 2021
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Bergen County Campgaw Reservation
200 Campgaw Rd., Mahwah
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Saturday, July 10, 2021
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Rd., Paramus
Sunday, April 11, 2021
Sunday, June 13, 2021
Sunday, October 17, 2021
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Oakland Rec Softball will hold online only signups this year. Signups will begin on January 1, 2021. Please register on Community Pass by going to https://register.capturepoint.com/. E nter Borough of Oakland and follow registration Instructions. Boys & Girls T-Ball (Kindergarten) $68, Softball 1st-2nd $78, Softball 3rd-4th $93, Softball 5th-8th $113, High School Non-Seniors-16U $101 and High School Seniors-18U $30.
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All volunteer coaches must have completed the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y Course (1 time only), the Online Concussion Training Course (1 time only) and must have passed a Background Check (every 3 yrs) before the start of the season in order to be eligible to coach. Any questions regarding certification, please email recsec@oakland-nj.org.
Travel Softball Tryouts will be held at a later time.
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Communications Commission |
Oakland TV will be getting a much-needed equipment update over the next two months to replace equipment that mainly was between 15-20 years old and had started to fail. |
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During this period between now and the end of February, residents should be aware that there may be interruptions on the channel itself and also potentially the ability to broadcast council meetings on the Oakland TV channel (Channel 77 on Altice and Channel 45 on Verizon). The Oakland Television Committee and the Communications Commission would like residents to be aware of this and to know that we are aware of potential short-term issues in broadcasting the channel. We look forward to completing the upgrade as it will be a noticeable improvement to all and we thank all of the OTC/OCC volunteers for their hard work on this project, in addition to our Oakland DPW and other Borough professionals who have assisted greatly. |
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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 either oaklandcrossroads@gmail.com or assistadmin@oakland-nj.org. |
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Communications Commission |
The Oakland Communications Commission is seeking musicians in Oakland to submit original music to be played as the background music on the Borough’s local access television channel, Oakland TV. If you are a local musician seeking free publicity, this is a great opportunity! For more information about submitting works and music requirements, express your interest by contacting the Communications Commission at occ@oakland-nj.org or Councilman Grant Van Eck at vaneck@oakland-nj.org.
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Oakland Shade Tree Commission Seeking New Members for 2021 |
The Oakland Shade Tree Commission is seeking two (2) new Commission Members for 2021. To those that may be interested, contact the Shade Tree Commission at shadetree@oakland-nj.org to learn more about the Commissioner role and to be invited to the next Shade Tree Commission Meeting.
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Oakland Environmental Commission Seeking New Members for 2021 |
The Oakland Environmental Commission is seeking new Commission members to fill vacancies for 2021. To those that may be interested, please contact OEC Secretary Michael Carelli at assistadmin@oakland-nj.org and/or fill out a Citizen Leadership Form and return to the Borough Clerk's Office.
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Sustainable Bergen HUB Hosting Styrofoam Collection |
The Sustainable Bergen Hub is hosting a Styrofoam Collection on Saturday January 2, 2021 at the Fair Lawn Recycling Center, 20-05 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, N.J. 07410 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The first hour is dedicated to Fair Lawn Residents, and the remaining two hours are dedicated for Bergen County Residents.
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This collection is for EPS packing only (expanded polystyrene foam). No packing peanuts or food containers (XPS).
This is a contactless drop off. Must wear a mask in your car and social distancing must be practiced.
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Sustainable Oakland Green Team Announces 'Great Houseplant Exchange' Program |
The Great Houseplant Exchange of 2021 by the Sustainable Oakland Green Team.
Plants are awesome but free plants are even better! Sign up now for the Sustainable Oakland Green Team’s Great Houseplant Exchange that will take place in March 2021. No experience in propagating plants is necessary, because it's easy to do.
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Cost/Commitment: There is NO cost to participate. Also, if you sign-up and change your mind, that's ok too! Signing up will allow you to stay on the emails so you know what's happening.
Preparing: If you do not already have a plant at home that you can propagate, you'll need to get one. To get a plant for free, try posting in local Facebook groups asking if anyone is giving away a plant. Alternatively you can buy a plant online or at a store. Google "Easy Plants to Propagate" for a GREAT list of options.
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Sustainable Oakland Green Team Gathering Community Input on Electric Vehicles; Take the Survey! |
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team and the Borough of Oakland is collecting information from residents of Oakland and surrounding towns to make a determination on the Electric Vehicle Charger needs of the community. Please complete this survey if you are a current owner of an electric vehicle or intend on purchasing an EV in the next 24 months and live in Oakland or a surrounding town.
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Creative Bergen Wants to Hear From Local Artists in Oakland & Bergen County |
Calling all of Bergen County. The Bergen County Sustainable Jersey HUB and the Sustainable Oakland Green Team are seeking local artists (visual, performing, musical, etc.) to be one of our creative assets and take the survey here.
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Sustainable Oakland Green Team Announces Library 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.
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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.
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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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Environmental Commission Battery Recycling Program |
The Oakland Environmental Commission presents "Battery Recycling" at the Borough Hall, 1 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, NJ 07436.
Place in Plastic Box:
- Single Use Batteries
- AA, AAA, C, D, Watch, and Hearing Aid Batteries.
Place in Cardboard Box:
- Rechargeable Batteries
- AA, AAA, C, D, 9 Volt, Tool Batteries, Cell Phones.
Collection is for Oakland NJ Residents ONLY. No commercial businesses.
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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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Mayor's Wellness Campaign |
The Oakland and Franklin Lakes Mayors Wellness Campaigns hosted a 'Coping with Coronavirus' Seminar in early October. The seminar is available for viewing on the Borough's YouTube Channel by clicking the link to the left.
This webinar will provide information on how to better manage the stress so many have experienced as a result of the coronavirus. Learn ways to overcome the challenges of 2020.
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Mayor's Wellness Campaign |
The Oakland and Franklin Lakes Mayors Wellness Campaigns hosted a Breast Health and Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar last week. The full seminar is available on the Borough's YouTube Page by clicking the link to the right.
Topics include breast cancer screening, early stages, and how to perform a thorough self breast exam.
This seminar is presented by Dr. Amanda Podolski, MD, of Valley Health System, Mt. Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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Residents should start receiving the 2021 Borough Calendar in the mail starting on Saturday January 2, 2021 through January 4, 2021. Please be advised that the Calendar and Recycling Newsletter have been combined into one (1) publication for 2021. Extra copies will be made available in the Borough Clerk’s Office starting next week. The Borough Calendar will also be made available on the Borough Website as a PDF document for viewing.
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Are you interested in submitting content to the newsletter?
Want to join the Newsletter Committee?
Learn more about the Oakland Communications Commission? Provide feedback?
Click below and learn more about what we do and how you can be involved.
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Mayor Linda H. Schwager
Council Members
Russell Talamini - Council President
John Biale, Robert Knapp, Eric Kulmala, Pat Pignatelli, Grant Van Eck
Chairman Ryan Schwertfeger
Vice Chairwoman Elizabeth Llorente
Jim Barry, Andrea Levy, Alex McVeigh
Junior Member: Benjamin Good
Borough Administrator Designee Michael Carelli
Patricia Carrera (Alt.), Salma Shamy (Alt. 2)
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(c) 2021 Oakland Communications Commission |
Borough of Oakland, New Jersey
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