December 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
Valley Middle School Administrator Gregg Desiderio
A Conversation with Gregg Desiderio, Valley Middle School Administrator
Gregg J. Desiderio’s title during his 28-year career at Valley Middle School has changed numerous times.

But one thing has remained the same—the joy the students bring as they strive and grow.

“It’s such a special time for kids where you can mentor them to become something,” says Desiderio, who has been the school administrator since 2012. “It’s a journey and I come to work every day to see what my day brings.”
Before becoming the school administrator, Desiderio was a science teacher, guidance counselor and assistant principal.

One day an epiphany hit.

“I realized this is my spot,” he said of the school and working with the children. “This is where my heart is. I was in my lane.”

Desiderio’s leadership has enriched his students, but in his mind, it is he who has been enriched. Watching his students strive and succeed in this particular part of their lives pleases him enormously.
New Jersey’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Closes December 15, 2021
New Jersey’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program and Eviction Protection Program application periods will both close on December 15th, 2021. There is still time to apply! 

To apply for both programs, visit njdca.onlinepha.com to get started. Landlords may apply for assistance on behalf of the tenant.  
In addition to the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program and Eviction Prevention Program, the State introduced critical eviction protections for renter households that have experienced economic hardships during the pandemic. To learn more about current eviction protections available and how to self-certify for these protections, visit covid19.nj.gov/renter.
Mayor Schwager's Message
December is a month filled with excitement and joy. Our town adds to the excitement with all the activities planned by our fantastic, hard working, energetic volunteers who serve on the public events committee.

During Thanksgiving weekend Oakland volunteers will participate in the holiday season kickoff activity. Bergen County is once again hosting Winter Wonderland in Van Saun Park in Paramus where our town is given a tree to decorate. When visiting the park, look for our Oakland Tree.
Your Monthly Garbage & Recycling Cheat Sheet
Yard Waste: Yard Waste Collection ends on December 13, 2021 and December 14, 2021, depending on your garbage collection schedule. To view your last collection date, click here.

Electronics: December 1 & 15

Paper: December 1 & 15 & 29

Commingled: December 8 & 22

Household Appliances/Metal: Dec. 9

Trash: Mon & Thurs garbage collection on the South side of town. Tues & Fri garbage collection on the North side of town.
Residents will be receiving the 2022 Mailed Borough Calendar by December 31, 2021. Extra copies will be made available in the Borough Hall, Oakland Senior Center, Oakland DPW Offices, and Oakland Public Library, as well as posted on the Borough Website.
First Responders Flash Briefing
Oakland Police Department

The Oakland Police Department, Fire Department and First Aid Squad would like to remind residents to properly display their house numbers. It is important to clearly display your house numbers so that first responders can quickly identify your home in case of an emergency. There have been instances in the past where emergency first responders have been delayed because of missing or obscured numbers. Here are 10 simple steps to follow:
Oakland Police Department
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 Hosting Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony
The Borough of Oakland is hosting the Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony this Sunday December 5, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in Veteran's Park. Join us in songs, visit from Santa, and refreshments following in Valley Middle School.
Toys for Tots Train Coming to Oakland
The Toys for Tots Train is coming to Oakland on Saturday December 11, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. noon at Bush Plaza in Downtown Oakland. In addition, there is a Drop Box at the Oakland Library for those that wish to drop off early.
Bergen County Announces Winter Wonderland for 2021
Bergen County is hosting a Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday December 4, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bergen County Winter Wonderland, Van Saun County Park, Paramus, N.J. For tickets, visit www.bergencountywinterwonderland.com.
Bergen County Hosting Children COVID-19 Vaccination Days
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is hosting Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccinations on 12/1 and 12/2 from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.bergencovidvaccine.org.
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.
Skip the Straw!
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team encourages residents to "Skip the Straw" as NJ law mandates that plastic straws can only be provided upon request starting November 4, 2021.
Sustainable Oakland Green Team Encourages Residents to Bag Up!
Starting next May 2022, NJ Law will ban grocery stores from providing plastic and paper bags to help reduce litter. Start using reusable bags in anticipation of this new law. For more information, visit www.bagupnj.com.
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