October 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
Dan Logatto
Dan Logatto, A Towering Figure in Oakland's Youth Recreational Sports
Dan Logatto, Oakland's softball and wrestling commissioner, knows first-hand the benefits that children derive from sports.

He wasn’t the first parent in Oakland who coached their own young kids in the backyard, but he is certainly one of the few who dedicated 25 years of quality time to help create a youth sports program in our borough that is recognized as one of the best in New Jersey.
Oakland Recreation Commission Chair Mike Guadagnino says: "Dan has been an integral part of recreation for over 15 years. Without Dan, Oakland Recreation would have been without an important rudder."

Logatto, who graduated from Villanova University, has run his own business since 1991 and has lived in Oakland since 1995. He and his wife Cheryl have a son and two daughters who are products of their nurturing home, Oakland’s good schools and involvement with sports in a town that offers an exceptional recreation program.
Oakland TV Now Offered Through Free Innovative Streaming Platform
The Borough of Oakland is excited to announce that Oakland TV, a long-standing public access television channel made available to Oakland’s Altice (Channel 77) and Verizon (HD Channel 2145) customers, has now collaborated with technology company Didja to offer access to view Oakland TV through their mobile, tablet, and smart TV applications.
At no cost to the Borough and at no cost to anyone wishing to utilize its basic service, Didja, through its LocalBTV platform, is providing anyone living in the entire New York City Metro area the ability to tune in and watch Oakland TV wherever they are. Their service for this area, NYCBTV, is described by Didja as "antenna TV for the mobile age”.

To Watch Oakland TV online:

  • Visit www.localbtv.com
  • Download LocalBTV app on Android or Apple Smartphone
  • Download LocalBTV app on Roku Device, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire devices

NYCBTV is available to New York City area residents only, so Oakland TV cannot be seen by anyone outside of the New York City television market.
Borough of Oakland Continues Expanded COVID-19 Testing Hours at Oakland Senior Center
The Borough of Oakland has announced expanded hours for COVID-19 testing at the Borough's testing site beginning August 30, 2021. The site, located at the Oakland Senior Center, 20 Lawlor Drive, Oakland, N.J. 07436, will be open on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 12:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The site is closed on Labor Day.
The site is open to all Northwest Bergen municipalities, including Allendale, Franklin Lakes, Glen Rock, Ho-Ho-Kus, Mahwah, Midland Park, Oakland, Pompton Lakes, Ramsey, Ridgewood, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Waldwick, Wanaque, Wayne, and Wyckoff residents.  

The testing will be overseen by the Borough in collaboration with the Board of Health with testing provided by Bio Vision Group. Residents must remain in their cars until a representative comes to you. Residents must bring form of identification/driver’s license, and an insurance card if applicable. There is no additional out of pocket cost.

Residents who wish to be tested can schedule an appointment online here.

Updates, as necessary, will be posted on Borough social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), and the Borough website, www.oakland-nj.org. 
Mayor Schwager's Message
There are so many exciting activities for our children this month in Oakland. Check the Borough’s website and social media pages. Also, follow the Borough calendar. 

I look forward to seeing all of you around town. 
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: October 6 & 20

Paper: October 6 & 20

Commingled: October 13 & 27

Household Appliances/Metal: October 14

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
Mayor Linda H. Schwager and Traffic Officer Bryan Rowin
Borough of Oakland Receives Safe Routes to Schools Bronze Award
The Borough of Oakland has been recognized for taking the first steps in the Safe Routes to Schools Program. 

The New Jersey Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) is a State wide initiative to enable and encourage students to safely walk and bicycle to school. According to their website, SRTS' mission is to empower and assist communities with identifying issues, creating partnerships, and implementing projects and programs to encourage walking and biking to and from school as a safe, daily activity. 
Municipalities and schools (Public, Private, or Charter) are recognized for their commitment and support of the Safe Routes to Schools Program. Recipients are presented with a certificate or award depending on the level of recognition as well as listing and promoting on the NJ SRTS website. 

The Borough of Oakland was recognized for our work with the youth of Oakland, including various public outreach programs such as 'Safety Town' and the 'Junior Police Academy'. Being a part of the Safe Routes to Schools Program and providing related public outreach activities demonstrates the Borough's commitment to providing safer routes to and from schools to help to try to decrease pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular accidents and injuries. 
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
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 Free Rabies Clinic Registration Now Open
The Borough of Oakland is hosting a Free Rabies Clinic on Saturday November 6, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (by appointment only). 

Pre-registration is required by calling the Board of Health at (201) 337-9254 for an appointment. For the 3 year vaccine, please be prepared to email or text a picture of your pets previous rabies vaccination certificate during the pre registration. All other pet's will receive the 1 year vaccination.
Instructions for parking and location will be provided upon registration.

At your appointment, dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in a carrier. Face masks are required.
Borough Clerk's Office Open Late on October 12, 2021 for Late Night Voter Registration
The General Election is scheduled for Nov. 2 in 2021, but there's another important date for voters fast approaching.

A deadline for voter registration is set for Tuesday, Oct. 12, meaning that for those who aren't yet registered, they'll need to do it by then to participate in this year's election cycle.
In Oakland, the Municipal Clerk's Office has again set out to make that task easier.

The office will be open late on Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., to allow residents longer hours to register.
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 Community College
400 Paramus Rd., Paramus
  • Sunday, October 17, 2021
2022 Borough Calendar Advertising Opportunities for Local Businesses
The Borough of Oakland has announced the 2022 Borough Calendar and Information Guide. An Oakland Business can purchase a 1/5" x 5" advertising space to be displayed in the Borough Calendar. Your business can purchase a maximum of 6 months and can select which months you would like to advertise in. The Borough Calendar will be mailed to every residence and business in Oakland in late December 2021. The Borough Calendar features Recycling, Garbage, Meetings, Events, and other important information. 
If interested, please fill out the Sponsorship Application and return to the Oakland Borough Hall, 1 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, N.J. 07436, or email a PDF copy to assistadmin@oakland-nj.org. Checks are made payable to the Borough of Oakland. Businesses may email your high resolution artwork to assistadmin@oakland-nj.org. This is a first come, first serve basis. If the months you selected are already filled, you will be contacted promptly. 
Bergen County Vaccination Center Now Offering COVID-19 Booster Shots
The County of Bergen in partnership with Bergen New Bridge Medical Center announces that starting Monday, September 27, the Bergen County Vaccination Center will begin offering booster shots of the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine to the following:
  • Those over 65
  • Long term care facility residents at least six months after they were fully vaccinated
  • Healthcare workers, teachers, and other workers at risk
  • Those age 50-64 with underlying medical conditions according to the eligibility guidance provided by the ACIP and CDC.

The Bergen County Vaccination Center also continues to offer all three COVID-19 vaccines to those who have yet to receive a first dose. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone age 12 or older and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccines are available to anyone age 18 or older. Bergen County health officials strongly urge all who are eligible to receive their vaccines as the more contagious Delta variant is responsible for 99% of COVID cases.
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.
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!
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