April 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
Meet Officer Jacquelyn Jensen: “This Is What I Was Meant To Do”
From the time Jacquelyn Jensen was a child, the thought of becoming a police officer appealed to her.

“From the earliest things I remember, the feeling was always there,” she said.

Officer Jensen, a lifelong borough resident, is the first female on the Oakland police force in 20 years. 
Officer Jacquelyn Jensen
What meaningful moments in her life propelled her to a career in law enforcement?

As she thought back before answering, Detective Sgt. Mark Piercy stopped by the station’s conference room to say hello. After he left, Jensen recalled that she had attended the DARE Program while she was a student in the Oakland Middle School and that Piercy had spoken to her class about careers in law enforcement.

“I remember that talk and….‘Otto.’ Detective Piercy was an influencer,” in her career choice, she said. (“Otto the Auto” is an interactive remote controlled police car.) 

After graduating from Indian Hills in 2013, she enrolled in William Paterson University and got a full-time job in sales with Harley-Davidson. 
Oakland’s Football Field to Get a New Sod Surface
In keeping with Oakland tradition, along with those of the LA Coliseum and Lambeau Field, our Edward Delmour Field will remain a natural grass surface. We all understand that due to the heavy use of the current field, an upgrade is very much needed. The Recreation Commission along with the DPW have come up with a solid plan to sod the field and follow an off-season maintenance program to keep the field looking and playing great.

There have been serious discussions about laying an artificial surface on the field, but due to the prohibitive initial cost, the cost for yearly conditioning, the cost to replace the turf in 10-15 years and the safety concerns, the commission chose to stay with a natural surface.
The biggest concern though was the release of toxic fumes when an artificial turf is heated. Although football only plays on the field for 4 months, the field is used 8-months during the year. There were serious concerns about having 400 summer camp children at the complex while an artificial surface bakes in the July-August sun, and it wouldn’t be neighborly to place such a surface next to those living adjacent to the park leaving them to breath the fumes from the turf all summer long.
Mayor Schwager's Message
As a reminder to Oakland residents, COVID-19 testing continues at the Oakland Senior Citizens Center Parking Lot each Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 to 6:00 pm; and Saturday and Sunday's from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. To register for an appointment go to www.test.oaklandnj.online, or go to link found on our borough website at www.oakland-nj.org, then drive to the Senior Center in your vehicle, remain in your vehicle wearing a mask, and the attendee will come to you. Please note that COVID-19 testing is open on Easter Sunday.

Oakland’s newest program, Vaccination Assistance Program, is very successful. Our senior citizen director, Arielle, is assisting our senior citizens, who are 75 years old, with scheduling an appointment for the vaccine. To register call (201) 405-7731 or email Arielle at seniors@oakland.nj.org. If you would like to volunteer, call Arielle.
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). This service begins Monday, April 6, 2020 or Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

Electronics: April 7 & 21

Paper: April 7 & 21

Commingled: April 14 & 28

Household Appliances/Metal: April 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
Oakland Police Department
Due to the recent increase of motor vehicle thefts and vehicle burglaries in Bergen County, the Oakland Police Department would like to remind all residents to lock their vehicles while they are parked in their driveways, keep valuables out of sight or bring them into your home, and bring your key fob, remote or keys into you home. Please take these steps to ensure you are not a victim of crime. Other tips to protect yourself, your family and your property are:
  • Install an interactive video doorbell;
  • Install a security system;
  • Install a camera surveillance system;
  • Install motion sensing lights;
  • If you warm up your vehicle during cold winter mornings, make sure your vehicle cannot be shifted into drive and stolen while idling (there have been instances in Bergen County where criminals have driven around in the early morning hours looking to steal a vehicle that is being warmed up), and;
  • Always contact the Oakland Police Department at (201) 337-6171 if you see anything suspicious

Residential burglaries are on the rise in Bergen County as well. Most recently, break-ins were reported in Franklin Lakes and Wyckoff. Criminals are smashing out rear windows and glass doors, kicking in doors, heading directly to master bedrooms and taking cash and jewelry. No burglaries were reported in Oakland; however, following the above tips will protect you and your property against vehicle thefts, vehicle burglaries and home burglaries.
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.
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
Driveway Newspapers and Circulars
Community newspapers and supermarket circulars are delivered to your driveway by two (2) distributors: 
North Jersey Media Group 
1 Garrett Mountain Plaza
Woodland Park, N.J. 07424 
(888) 473-2673

CBA Industries 
(Supermarket Circulars)
P.O. Box 1717
Elmwood Park, N.J. 07407 
(800) 376-6222

In an era of spam, telemarketing, and other forms of aggressive solicitation, an old-fashioned form of advertising is surprisingly — many say irritatingly — resilient: handbills and circulars. Newspapers and supermarket circulars placed on front steps, wedged in door jambs, or thrown on residents lawns and driveways, causing adverse effects on our environment and roadways. Until now, homeowners have had no recourse to block the unwanted paper, often called “lawn litter” because in neighborhoods with yards much of the paper ends up on the lawn. However, the Borough recently adopted Borough Ordinance 27-CODE-283, which prohibits and regulates the delivery of handbills and circulars. 

To permanently suspend free deliveries, the recipient and the provider must abide by Borough Code 21-CODE-283. In accordance with section 3-1.8E, the recipient of unwanted printed matter must notify the distributor by certified mail. After the owner has provided notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the address indicated, the delivery shall cease or be suspended for a stated period of time.

In the event the distributor does not heed your request, please contact the Borough of Oakland Property Maintenance Office at (201) 337-8111, ext. 2025 or by email at fireassist@oakland-nj.org.  

Upon proof of mailing and evidence of non-compliance, the Borough will issue a notice of violation or summons as may be required and the violator may face a fine of up to $500.00.

For additional clarification, please click here to refer to Borough Ordinance 21-CODE-283.
Borough of Oakland Announces Additional COVID-19 Testing Hours
The Borough of Oakland has announced additional COVID-19 testing hours at the Borough's testing site beginning this Saturday April 3, 2021.
The site, located at the Oakland Senior Center, 20 Lawlor Drive, Oakland, N.J. 07436, will be open on Monday and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and Sunday's from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 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. In addition, the site will be open on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.

“It is critical that we continue to provide residents with easy access to COVID-19 testing,” said Oakland Mayor Linda H. Schwager. “Increasing our testing options within the Borough allows us to stay ahead of the game and keep all of our residents safe and healthy.”

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. 

To view a PDF of the release, click here. 
Governor Murphy Expands Eligibility for New Jersey’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program
Governor Murphy today announced the expansion of eligibility for more frontline essential workers and high-risk groups in New Jersey’s COVID-19 vaccination program.
Eligible groups include individuals ages 55-64, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, higher education educators and staff, and communications and utility infrastructure workers among others.

Beginning Monday, April 5, the following groups are eligible for vaccination:

  • Individuals ages 55-64;
  • Individuals ages 16 and up with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
  • Educators, including support staff, in higher education settings;
  • Communications infrastructure support, including engineers, and technicians, and members of the press;
  • Real estate, building, and home service workers, including construction workers, code officials, plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, property management, and maintenance workers;
  • Retail financial institution workers, including bank tellers, lending services, public accounting, and check-cashing workers;
  • Sanitation workers providing disinfection and janitorial services, city sanitation workers; residential, commercial, and industrial solid and hazardous waste removal workers;
  • Laundry service workers, including those working in laundromats, laundry services, and dry cleaners;
  • Utility workers including, electrical generation and supply system, natural gas delivery, nuclear power plant, water supply, telephone, cable/fiber/optical/broadband/cellular service workers; and,
  • Librarians and support staff at municipal, county, and state libraries.

For more information about eligibility, statewide vaccination site locations, and to preregister for a vaccination, visit https://covid19.nj.gov/vaccine.

For more information on CDC criteria for eligibility, please click here. 
Vaccination Help Line Set to Open for Bergen County Vaccination Center
Bergen County residents age 75 years and older now have the option to schedule vaccination appointments at the Bergen County vaccination site, located at the Alternate Care Facility Annex on the campus of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, by phone thanks to a new incoming vaccination help line.
Earlier this month, the County of Bergen and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center launched a call center to schedule remaining residents who pre-registered for the vaccine on the BergenCovidVaccine.com website in December and January. The call center team diligently processed those outstanding on the list and the operation will now transition to take incoming registration calls for Bergen County residents age 75 and older from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency Declaration
Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 231. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020 through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended in 2020 on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, August 1, August 27, September 25, October 24, November 22, and December 21, and again in 2021 on January 19 and February 17. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.
“As we move rapidly to vaccinate New Jerseyans, the need for additional resources and support remains,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Extending the public health emergency allows us to continue COVID-19 mitigation efforts and is critical to our efforts to expand our vaccination program.”

Executive Order No. 231 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. 231, click here.
NJEDA Announces PPE Access Program Extension for Local Businesses
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced plans to bring back discounts of nearly 70 percent off the price of personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased through the Authority’s New Jersey Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program.
The expanded discounts will be available to New Jersey-based businesses with 100 or fewer employees beginning Tuesday, February 16th at 9:00 a.m. Small businesses and organizations interested in receiving these discounts must apply at https://ppe.covid19.nj.gov. Businesses that were approved prior to December 17, 2020 do not need to reapply.

The NJEDA also collaborated with the New Jersey Department of Health to create an online PPE Planning Tool that helps businesses understand PPE product requirements and estimate their organizational PPE needs. Links to the Designated Vendor microsites and the PPE Planning Tool are available at https://covid19.nj.gov/ppeaccess.
Borough of Oakland to Host 'Roots for Rivers' and 'Team Up to Clean Up' Events
As part of the Borough’s ‘Roots for Rivers Reforestation’ Grant Project, the Borough will host various events upcoming this spring, as well as the Annual Environmental Commission Team Up to Clean Up.

  • Invasive Species Removals:
  • Saturday April 10, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Great Oak Park, 23 Doty Road, Oakland, N.J. 07436
  • Sunday April 11, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Roosevelt Riverfront, 84 Roosevelt Boulevard, Oakland, N.J. 07436
  • Tree and Underbrush Plantings:
  • Saturday April 24, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Great Oak Park, 23 Doty Road, Oakland, N.J. 07436
  • Sunday April 25, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Great Oak Park, 23 Doty Road, Oakland, N.J. 07436
  • Saturday May 1, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Roosevelt Riverfront, 84 Roosevelt Boulevard, Oakland, N.J. 07436
  • Sunday May 2, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Roosevelt Riverfront, 84 Roosevelt Boulevard, Oakland, N.J. 07436
  • Team Up to Clean Up:
  • Saturday April 24, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
  • Danny D’Elia Building, 24 Lawlor Drive, Oakland, N.J. 07436

Volunteers are needed to help with all events. To register for the invasive species removals, visit www.r4rinvasive.eventbrite.com. To register for the tree planting events, visit www.r4rplanting.eventbrite.com. To register for the Team Up to Clean Up event, email assistadmin@oakland-nj.org. For more information, contact the Sustainable Oakland Green Team at greenteam@oakland-nj.org. 
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 
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
Oakland Recreation Announces Registration Open for Oakland Braves Flag and Tackle Football
Oakland Recreation Braves Flag and Tackle Football Registration is now open. Registration will be open from March 31st, 2021 through June 11th, 2021. However, you may sign up until June 30th, but any sign-ups after June 11th will be charged a $30.00 Late Fee.
Required Materials:

Registration form plus (for 1st year tackle football):

  • Tackle: 2 wallet sized photos, copy of birth certificate (These will be collected by the Head Coach’s once registration has commenced).
  • Flag: no additional materials necessary

2021 season: Practices will begin on August 16th, 2021 Details of the practice schedule, game schedule, equipment distribution will be communicated prior to the end of the school year.

 
For more information, contact Football Commissioner Brian Hagerman at brian.hagerman@gmail.com. 
Oakland Recreation Announces Spring TGA Golf Camp
Oakland Recreation has announced a TGA Spring Golf Clinic at the Oakland Recreation Complex. The clinic will run on Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. starting on April 15, 2021. 

  • Golf is on Thursdays for 1 hour. 
  • All skill levels welcomed. 
  • Class meets behind Field #9. 
  • We will do our best to make up any missed days due to weather, but it is not guaranteed. 
All equipment is provided. All ages and levels are welcomed. 

TGA of Bergen County follows all recommended guidelines and protocols put forth by the CDC, local, and state officials for running safe youth sports programs. 

For more information, contact Kevin Rooney at krooney@playtga.com or call (201) 375-7406. 
Oakland Recreation Announces Spring TGA Cheer Camp
Oakland Recreation has announced a Spring TGA Cheer Clinic at the Oakland Recreation Complex. The clinic will run for 6 weeks starting on April 19, 2021.

  • Cheer is on Monday's for 1 hour.
  • All experience levels welcomed.
  • Classes meet on field 1.
  • We will do our best to make up any missed days due to weather, but it is not guaranteed.
All equipment is provided. All ages and levels are welcomed. 

TGA of Bergen County follows all recommended guidelines and protocols put forth by the CDC, local, and state officials for running safe youth sports programs. 

For more information, contact Kevin Rooney at krooney@playtga.com or call (201) 375-7406. 
Oakland Recreation Announces Summer Softball Camp
Summer Softball Camp Registration is now open. June 28, 2021 – July 2, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  Rain or Shine (indoor batting cages & machines). Held at Indian Hills High School – Lower Gym and Softball Field.

Popular for 22 years – Lots of learning and fun! Open to All Girls Entering 4th – 9th Grade in September – Beginner to Advance Softball Athletes. This camp is instructional in nature. The goal is to teach the fundamentals of softball through age appropriate activities and to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to play.
Please Register through the following link: https://register.communitypass.net/OaklandBorough
Cost: $125 – checks can be made out to Borough of Oakland or pay online. Mail checks to: One Municipal Plaza, Oakland, NJ 07436 Attn: Recreation. 
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.
Sustainable Oakland Green Team Announces Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Oakland Community Garden
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Saturday April 17, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. for the new Oakland Community Garden.
Join us for the start of the growing season. Light refreshments will be served. The Ceremony will be live streamed on the Borough YouTube Channel and posted at a later date on Oakland TV Optimum 77 and FiOS 45.
Sustainable Oakland Green Team Announces 'Great Houseplant Exchange' Program
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team is hosting the 'Great Houseplant Exchange' on Sunday April 11, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in Veteran's Park, 2 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, N.J. 07436. Masks and social distancing is required. If you bring 7 plants, you go home with 7 plants, for example.
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.
Oakland Community Garden: Limited Plots Still Available for 2021 Growing Season
The Borough of Oakland Community Garden still has open spots for the upcoming 2021 growing season.

Residents may either register via Community Pass or submit a paper application and check found here.

Registrants must submit a paper application and rules acknowledgement form, even if paying on Community Pass.
Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Upon registering, you will then be contacted with your assigned plot number and further information for the upcoming season.

To learn more about the Community Garden click here.
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. 
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.
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.
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.