Oakland Mayor Linda H. Schwager Continued on Page 5

Volume 16, Issue 1 Winter 2013

OAKLAND BOROUGH COUNCIL

Mayor Linda H. Schwager

Council Members

Council President— Chris Viscont

Sandra Coira, Timothy Jensen, Karen Marcalus NEWS FROM THE VALLEY OF “THE PONDS” Oakland Communications Commission Pat Pignatelli, Elizabeth Stagg SPONSORED BY THE BOROUGH OF OAKLAND & One Municipal Plaza THE OAKLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS OAKLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION Oakland, NJ 07436 Interim Superintendent—D. Jefrey Feifer, Ed.D. Winter Mayor's Message

Business Administrator—Joan Dunn Happy New Year to everyone. The year 2013 promises to Board of Educaton Members ************ECRWSS************* be extremely excitng here in our beautful town of Oak- President—John A. Scerbo land. I hope we can move forward by working together POSTAL PATRON for an even more productve year than we had in 2012. So Vice President—Russell Talamini OAKLAND, NEW JERSEY 07436 much was accomplished during the past year but so much Robert Akovity, James Gafney, Jennifer L. Mats more is hoped for in 2013. OAKLAND COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION SPECIAL POINTS OF “In the teachings of the past, we fnd knowledge to live a Chairman—Peter Foley INTEREST: beter future.” Vice Chair—Fred Birks Mayor’s Message Now that the library litgaton is setled, we can now act- Don Burns, PD Safety Tips vate plans to complete constructon of the Library. Peter J. Kikot Oakland Arts Our lease with the Ramapough Conservancy is already a THE CROSSROADS NEWSLETTER EDITOR Oakland Recreation Oakland Mayor positve move. Work has begun on the roof repair with Peter J. Kikot—[email protected] Building Department money obtained from grants and donatons; not at tax- Linda H. Schwager Spotlight— Oakland payer’s expense. Contnued on Page 5 Community of Com- merce Afer a successful freshman year, the Oakland Farmer’s Market is expanding.

BOROUGH OF OAKLAND This year we should move forward to make afordable housing for seniors a reality George Washington and his ofcers stayed at the Van Allen on the land we purchased last year. ONE MUNICIPAL PLAZA House on July 14, 1777, on their way north to join more of INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Weekly single stream recycling will contnue this year. OAKLAND, NJ 07436 their forces near West Point, when the troops and supply wagons got bogged down on the muddy trail that was the Oakland Public Library 3 In 2012, we broke ground for the much needed DPW building. This year we hope Ramapo Valley Road of those days. The troops camped (201) 337- 8111 to open its doors. River stabilizaton and food buy-outs are moving forward. down along the Valley Road. Washington wrote two leters addressed from the Van Allen House, of which we have Ramapo Conservancy 4 WWW.OAKLAND- NJ.ORG Proposal for a new recreaton copies at the House. History has recorded that General Oakland Public Schools park in the former Pleasureland 7 Washington led his troops up and down the 'Valley Road' on Updates area is no longer a dream. other occasions also, and stayed at other Old Dutch Houses in Mahwah, Wayne and Ho-Ho-Kus as well as Morristown. In Dogwood 8 During my frst year in ofce, honor of General Washington's visit in Oakland (The Ponds), open communicaton in govern- we make a point of celebratng his birthday here each year. Manito 9 ment was a priority. I pledge to contnue open communicaton in EXCERPT COURTESY OF THE OAKLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY government in Oakland. Heights 10 www.oaklandhistoricalsociety.org Town wide telephone communi- OAKLAND COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Valley Middle School 11 caton announced emergencies and important informaton. Page 2 Cross Roads Page 11 Volume 16, Issue 1 SAO and Oakland Arts Classes Kathleen’s Garden The Sports Associaton of Oakland and Oakland Arts will again sponsor classes at Valley Middle School Student Council The Oakland Public Library and Danny D’Elia Building this semester. The classes 2012- 2013 Holiday Food and Toy Drive ofered this semester are Photography, Mini Picassos, Creatve Writng, Drawing, This spring, Manito School will be to see how beautful and wonderful Drama and Zumba. Students age 4-18 are welcome. holding a special ceremony to for- our world could really be. In loving Every year, the Valley Middle School Student Council gives back and donates to charitable organizatons during the holiday mally dedicate Kathleen’s Garden. remembrance of Kathleen Pinck- season. This year was partcularly and uniquely challenging, given the ramifcatons of Hurricane Sandy and the widespread The Classes will run for 8 weeks beginning the week of February 4th running physical and emotonal toll this super-stormThe hadproject, on many which of has our been homes loving- and communites.ney, our friend Many forever…” of us had been lef with- through the frst week of April. Spaces are limited so sign up early. out supplies, food, or even shelter, and evenly supported more know by someonethe Pinckney who family experienced such hardships. The impact was wide- The garden, which incorporates spread, and the Student Council focusedand on theirgetng friends, our young is a ftng leaders tribute involved in helping one another during this most To fnd out more about or register for the classes please visit ThinkOakland.org. existng shrubs by the fagpole, will difcult situaton. This platorm providedto an Kathleen invaluable Pinckney opportunity who atended for our adolescents to engage and give back to their local and greater community. also include a variety of bulbs, new Manito untl losing a very brave shrubs, a lovely tree, and natural batle with cancer last year. The The Food and Toy stepping Drive, sponsored-stones. It is by designed the Valley as a Middle The Oakland Police Department centerpieceSchool of the Student garden Council,is a stone was a great success! During the months of No- Caption describing picture or graphic. beautful place that the community bench thatvember is inscribed and December, with the our students brought in non-perishable food The Oakland Police Depart- Clear Snow and Ice from Idling Law: can visit to celebrate all of the following words:items as “She well touchedas toys for our children of all ages in their homeroom classes. ment would like to remind the sidewalk and around Each of the Student Council Homeroomthings Kathleen Representatves loved about kept life a— running No person shall cause, lives in ways that always helped us residents regarding im- fre hydrants: her family, friends, school, animals, sufer, allow, or permit the record of the number of food and toys items brought in on a daily basis. portant laws and ordinanc- “Mom, I love school, The owner, tenant or occu- engine of a gasoline-fueled Not only was this a wonderful way for our students to give back and get es and some safe driving sports and art. When considering a site for Kathleen’s Garden, everyone agreed that Manito and I love Oakland!” pant of lands abutng on motor involved, but also to learn the value and importance of helping their tps for the upcoming win- any street, highway or road School would be the perfect place. Afer all, Kathleen’sneighbors mother, during Therese, the holiday recalls season. Kathleen To skip- culminate the efort, the home- ter months. within the limits of the vehicle to idle for more ping happily out of school one day in the second graderoom exclaiming, that had donated “Mom, I thelove greatest school, and number I of food and toy items than three consecutve Borough shall remove all love Oakland!” Details about the ceremony and photoswere given of the a completeevent will breakfastbe published for their in the hard work and caring eforts minutes if the vehicle is not on December 18th, 2012. It was certainly a very tght race among the homerooms, and we were so very proud of our chil- snow and ice from the next issue of the Cross Roads. sidewalk or walkway areas in moton. dren for all of the generous donatons that were made during this drive. in front of or bordering on The provisions of above said lands within twelve shall not apply to autobus- ton, especially on hills. (12) hours of daylight afer Our student populaton donated over 750 food items that were collected and provided to The Oakland Women’s es while discharging or Don't use cruise control or the same shall be formed picking up passengers, mo- Club. The goods gathered were used to provide holiday feasts for local families. To add to this tremendous accomplish- overdrive on icy roads. Crosswalks: or fall thereon. The owner tor vehicles stopped in a ment, the students and faculty of Valley Middle School donated over 1,056 toy items for the Christopher Croker Toy Drive. or owners of any real prop- line of trafc or emergency Be especially careful on Since 1996, this charitable organizaton has been providing many smiles to the faces of children at The Children’s Hospital The driver of a vehicle erty in the Borough upon motor vehicles in an emer- bridges, overpasses and in New Jersey. With all of these kind gestures, these gifs made the must stop and stay which any fre hydrant is gency situaton. infrequently traveled roads, holiday season a litle brighter for everyone. stopped for a pedestrian located shall maintain the which will freeze frst. Even crossing the roadway with- Driving safely on icy roads: area within a fve (5') foot at temperatures above in any marked crosswalk, radius of the perimeter of Decrease your speed and freezing, if the conditons The Valley Middle School community came together in the except at crosswalks when any such fre hydrant free leave yourself plenty of are wet, you might encoun- spirit of the holidays to help their community through kindness and the movement of trafc is of snow. The removal of room to stop. You should ter ice in shady areas or on compassion. These actons are priceless in the life lessons of giving being regulated by police snow and/or ice shall be allow at least three tmes exposed roadways like back to others. ofcers or trafc control completed within twelve more space than usual be- bridges. signals. (12) hours of daylight afer tween you and the car in Don't pass snow plows and the snow has formed or front of you. sanding trucks. The drivers fallen on or around any have limited visibility, and hydrant. Brake gently to avoid skid- ding. If your wheels start to you're likely to fnd the road lock up, ease of the brake. in front of them worse than “Kindness in words creates confdence. the road behind. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Turn on your lights to in- crease your visibility to Don't assume your vehicle Kindness in giving creates love.” other motorists. can handle all conditons. –Lao Tzu Even four-wheel and front- Keep your lights and wind- wheel drive vehicles can shield clean. encounter trouble on win- Use low gears to keep trac- ter roads. Page 10 Cross Roads Volume 16, Issue 1 Page 3

New Friends Heights— Something New is in the Air… of The Oakland Public Library In an increasingly technological world, the integraton of technology based learning tools is becoming an essental component in the classroom. While many school districts are strug- gling to fnd the formula for the right amount of technology in the classroom, the Oakland The New Friends of the Oakland Public Library helps the library fulfll its mission as an intellectual and cultural center for the Public School District has created its own iPad Initatve to help ease this difcult dilemma. community. We fund the popular Summer Reading Program for children and high-demand books for adults. While the district sees a clear role for the iPad in the classroom, it has chosen to provide a limited amount of We additonally support the New York Museum Pass program and the library's free concert series for families. In the past the devices to specially trained teachers in each of its year, the New Friends have conducted a book sale, hosted a play and sponsored an art show featuring the work of local District schools. artsts. The New Friends are in the midst of their annual membership drive. To join the New Friends or to The role for these specialist teachers is to research, ex- fnd out more about our actvites, please see our webpage on the library's website: plore, and integrate the iPads into the classroom with www.oaklandnjlibrary.org/friends. district and curricular goals in mind. The efectve strategies and applicatons that these teachers discover and employ are then carefully recorded for future use as the 2013 New Friends Concert Series district makes calculated decisions about the efectveness of the devices in its The concert, featuring "The Canorous Quintet" will highlight the talents of the fve member marim- schools. ba group. It will be held on Sunday, February 24th at 4:00 P.M. at the Korean Presbyterian Church of New Jersey on Ramapo Valley Road. The concert, which is free and open to all, will feature both At Heights School, this process is being lead by the Library Media Specialist, Stacy classical and non-classical works. Contreras and Grade 5 Teacher, Ryan Gilligan. These two iPad initatve specialists have volunteered to lead the integraton of iPads into the school’s instructonal pro- The New Friends of the Oakland Public Library are busily working on preparatons for their annual gram. From the beginning of the school year they have been given specialized train- Spring Used Book Sale. Donatons of gently used books, DVD's, and CD's are currently being ac- ing through William Paterson University, and have been independently exploring the cepted at the library. Regretably, textbooks, magazines, encyclopedias cannot be accepted. Watch potental and best educatonal applicaton of the devices. The knowledge and experience gained by these two teachers for further informaton regarding date and tme. will gradually be spread to fellow teachers as the iPads are shared throughout the school. Oakland Recreation Turns the Calendar to 2013 Aside from the essental real world familiarity with technology, the children at Heights School have been given an opportunity to learn through the use of the iPad about grammar, story genres, elements of a story, and several scientfc topics The weather is getng colder but Oak- his assistants, the partcipants are en- play in future years. in a hands-on manner. As the iPad initatve at Heights School develops and more is learned about the use of iPads in the land’s winter sports are heatng up. joying themselves and learning the classroom, our teachers will contnue their exploraton of the various forms of technology that will enhance instructon Our recreaton wrestlers are well into skills necessary to ensure the success Both “Midget Teams”, the Natonal and make learning more meaningful for the children. their season. They are partcipatng in of our program for years to come. team led by coach Rick Weiman and wrestling meets that showcase our the American Team coached by Andy

We thank our PTO and our Board of Educaton for their consideraton of this project. We are delighted that this oppor- boys’ hard work and commitment. Haas are both taking on some tough tunity has been aforded to our children and have great expectatons for success! Wrestling’s new head coach is Todd competton and have winning records. Schlenker, who along with his assistant The oldest and most experienced

coaches, are volunteering their tme to group of players that we feld, the teach and prepare our wrestlers with “Junior Natonal team” under the di- patence and dedicaton. Likewise our recton of Jimmy Stoddard, is also en-

basketball program is in mid-season countering quite a bit of success. Each form. Those cheers you hear coming of these head coaches wish to thank from the elementary and middle their assistant coaches and welcome

school gyms are the boys and girls daz- anyone wishing to watch some fast pace roller hockey to come down to zling the crowd with their great basketball moves and shootng skills. the roller rink on any given night and

Oakland Building Department IPads Help Make Learning “Click” at Manito As residents recover from the recent All repairs to your house must be done The Fire Preventon Bureau reminds Thanks to a coordinated efort between the Manito Parent Teacher Organizaton and storm the Building Department re- by a licensed home improvement con- you to only use kerosene heaters the Board of Educaton, teachers and students are beginning to use iPads to enhance the learn- minds property owner with pools tractor. All contractors must be li- with adequate ventlaton. Space ing process and carry it further into the 21st century. Supported by third grade “teacher leader,” that fencing is a required barrier for censed with the State of New Jersey. heaters should only be used if directly Ms. Holly Arisman, teachers are beginning to explore the various ways these amazing devices can pool enclosures. If your pool fence The only excepton to this is if the plugged into an outlet and are not be used to help students learn and reinforce just about any academic subject in the curriculum. has been damaged the potental of work is solely electrical or solely near furniture or curtains. Residents Best of all, the children are thoroughly engaged and are clearly having fun as they learn. Knowing an unprotected pool can lead to a plumbing. Electrical and Plumbing that have fre hydrants on their prop- that many of our students have access to an iPad at home, Ms. Arisman and her Grade 3 col- tragic event. Any pool fence dam- contractors are licensed with the State erty are reminded to keep these hy- leagues have compiled a list of apps that would help support the work the aged must be repaired to insure its for this work. drants clear afer snow. Keeping the children are completng in school. safety. If you observe an unprotect- hydrant clear can save tme and lives ed fence, please contact the build- in the event of a fre. Sidewalks The frst recommendaton is Splash Math. This app is a great resource for reviewing ing department at 201-337-1644. should be kept clear of ice and snow mathematcs concepts. For example, afer completng our place value unit, the children used so pedestrians don’t fall or have to Splash Math to keep their skills sharp. For spelling, we recommend using the Spelling City app. Fuel for all gas powered equipment walk in the roadway and into trafc. There are a lot of fun games to help students practce the weekly spelling lists. Do you like the should be stored safely outside of game Boggle? Then you should try the Chicktonary app where students scramble leters to the home in a detached garage or Have a safe and fre free winter sea- make words. Our third grade authors have enjoyed letng their imaginatons go wild with the shed. Residents should dispose of son. Toontastc app. This app helps our authors produce cartoon stories. Finally, we recommend unused gasoline or kerosene as the Brainpop app. This app helps us develop our non-fcton comprehension skills with a “There are a lot of fun these fuels will not remain stable for slew of interestng videos on a wide range of topics. games to help students long periods of tme. Additonally, practce “ flled propane tanks should not be All underground tank removals must stored in a basement or atached be done by licensed tank removal con- Manito Cares: Students “Rock” to Help Rebuild Lives After garage. Portable generators should tractors. Super Storm Sandy also be run untl empty or drained before being placed in storage. Per- Please be aware that during the cold During the past several years, Manito students have made a traditon of helping those in need. Thousands of weather season residents have been The Building Department would like manent generators should be run on to thank the Oakland residents for dollars were raised through a variety of coordinated fundraising eforts to help those impacted by natural disasters in a periodic maintenance schedule to contacted by contractors and advised Hait and Japan. This year, when our socially conscious students realized the extent to which Hurricane Sandy uprooted that their chimney needs to be relined their help in having a safe and healthy insure that they remain operatonal. holiday and happy New Year. the lives of their school age counterparts right here in New Jersey, they were once again compelled to act. All permanent generators must have or is dangerous. If a contractor con- Directed by student council advisors, Jennifer Grella and Heather Meyers, Manito’s newly elected student permits and inspectons by this tacts you but you have not requested council decided to “adopt” the Litle Egg Harbor Public School District, as many of its students lost most, if not all of ofce. an estmate for any work; ask for their license and call the building depart- their personal possessions to the devastatng storm. In a creatve twist on past Walk-a-Thons, the children decided to ment. This has occurred to several stage a Dance-a-Thon to raise money for this worthy cause. On December 14, 2012, “Rockin’ to Rebuild” became a real- elderly residents in the area. Don’t ity. Students in Grades K-5 performed a diferent choreographed dance to twenty songs, each lastng only one minute. allow work to be done at your house Each tme a child completed a dance, teachers and other members of the Manito staf frenetcally punched “because you have to”. If you have a holes in the children’s pledge cards to ensure they received credit queston about the work, get an an- for the pledges they amassed prior to the event. swer. Call a family member or get another estmate. Reliable contractors Once all of the donatons were counted, Manito students will not pressure you or tell you “the had danced their way to the tune of almost $8,000; which will be price is today only”. used to help ofset the cost of purchasing new school supplies, toys and necessites for the children of the Litle Egg Harbor Public “fuels should be stored Schools. No mater the circumstances, the Manito community in outside sheds.“ never fails to demonstrate its overwhelming generosity, outstanding character, and its resolute spirit, especially in tmes of crisis. Way to go, Manito!

Page 8 Cross Roads Volume 16, Issue 1 Page 5 Dogwood Hill school — “Season of Service” Oakland Community of Commerce The students at Dogwood Hill School will have the opportunity to School are celebratng the holiday create holiday cards or write leters As the newest business development and advocacy organizaton for businesses season by sending messages of of goodwill to the service men and in Oakland, we are commited to creatng a healthy and vibrant economy while holiday cheer and goodwill to women presently deployed over- protectng and advancing the interest of our members and the community as a others. Under the guidance of seas. Over the past years, the Gov- whole. We are dedicated to working with Oakland residents, businesses and Ms. Miggels, the Library/Media ernor’s ofce reports, these cards educatonal and governmental partners to provide a positve business environ- Specialist at Dogwood Hill School, and messages have proven to be ment and to improve the quality of life in Oakland. the students are partcipatng in, incredibly meaningful to the service We will encourage all residents to shop in Oakland to help make Oakland more “Season of Service.” This project members. is coordinated by the New Jersey prosperous. The new executve board is available to the community in whatever Department of Educaton, in con- The Dogwood Hill School communi- capacity we are needed; to protect, encourage, and to preserve our life-style juncton with Operaton Jersey ty is proud to add another one hun- and the environment. “It is our goal to “Promote, Cares. dred holiday messages to this very Support & Advocate for worthy cause! Our by-laws, as adopted by our new membership, encourages everyone to be- Through the frst few weeks of Oakland Businesses!” come a member; whether as a business owner or as a resident of Oakland, if December, the fourth and ffh you care about Oakland we want to hear how together we can make it an even beter place to live, work and play. grade students at Dogwood Hill Everyone is invited to atend our next group networking and strategizing event being held on February 4, 2013 at Cenzino’s Restaurant beginning at 5:30 pm. The cost is $25.00 PP. If you have any questons, ideas or suggestons or need assistance, DOGWOOD KIDS BRING BOOKS TO THE NEEEDY please contact Chairman Peter J. Kikot via e-mail at [email protected].

During the months of November and December, Ms. Bosgra’s fourth grade class at Dogwood Hill School partcipated in We also encourage you to visit our website www.thinkoakland.org to view our by-laws or to receive more informaton on Scholastc Book Club’s Classrooms Care program called, “Paws for Reading.” The goal was to motvate students to read at upcoming events and sales or to download a membership form. home every day—and get books into the hands of kids in need. Thank you to our newly elected leadership! For every 20 minutes the students read each night one book would be donated to charity. The students chose a team, cats Peter J. Kikot—Chair or dogs, and read each night and logged their minutes on the Scholastc website. Each morning the students were excited Len Scully—Vice Chair to see which team was in the lead and which classmate was reading the most minutes. On December 14, 2012 the pro- A. Robert LaNeve—Treasurer gram ended and in our classroom the Cats were the winners! Cynthia A. Myer—Secretary

The students from both teams read 37, 490 minutes combined and helped donate 1, 874 books to children in need. Over- all, with students from all over the country, Scholastc and its reading partners donated 1 million books. Mayor’s Message Continued From Page 1

If you have not already done so, please go to the Bor- ough’s website to register your contact informaton to receive the reverse 911 calls.

I remind all residents that I have ofce hours at Bor- ough Hall startng at 5:30 p.m. before council meetngs on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. In additon, I have an “open door” policy in my law ofce located at 195 Ramapo Valley Road. I invite you to call me with any problems or you can contact me by email mayorschwager@oakland- nj.org.

Untl next tme, “On December 14, 2012 the program ended and in our classroom the Cats Mayor Linda H. Schwager were the winners! “ Page 6 Cross Roads Volume 16, Issue 1 Page 7

From The Interim Superintendent of the Ramapough Conservancy What’s up with the house on the corner? Schools Dr. Jeffrey Feifer

At the intersecton of Franklin Avenue and Ramapo Valley Road in Oakland, you may or may not have notced an older house sitng just a few yards away from the confuence of two of the busiest roads in Bergen County. If you take the tme to stop and inspect the building, you’d fnd that it is more than just an old residence, it is an essental part of Oakland’s history. This is Oakland’s Van Allen House. According to Jerri Angermueller, President of the Oakland Historical Society, the Van Allen House was constructed by the Van Allen Family in 1748, making it the oldest currently standing structure in town. The signifcance of the house dates back to July 14, 1777 when General George Washington passed through “The Ponds”, the area now more commonly known as Oakland. As he and his troops were on their way north into New York, Washington slept over at the Van Allen House and then contnued to follow Ramapo Valley Road the following day. As evidence of his stay, the Library of Congress is in possession of a Dear Parents/Guardians and Community Members, leter Washington wrote saying he was “8 miles from Pompton Plains” and listed the Van Allen House as his headquarters. Over tme however, the Van Allen House and surrounding property was passed onto diferent generatons and difer- Afer working for thirty-three years in Closter (nine as Elementary Princi- ent families, the most notable family being that of Edward Day Page. Page, a wealthy New York businessman, decided that living in or near the city was not for him. pal and twenty-four as Superintendent of Schools); two years in Northern “Edward Page is interestng because he was one of many New York City industrials who decided to move out of the Valley Regional High School District as a Special Educaton Consultant; two city into the countryside and start a gentleman farmer's life,” explained Mrs. Angermueller. “He helped to bring Oakland into years in Norwood as Interim Superintendent; and nine months in Oradell the 20th Century by helping Oakland to become an established Borough which could have its own schools, its own fre depart- as Interim Superintendent and Administratve Consultant, I'm very pleased ment, and its own local government.” to have the opportunity to serve as your Interim Superintendent of Being a farmer, Edward Page also owned many cows, which produced much milk. While he expanded the Van Allen Schools. House considerably to make room for his family (and then later built a mansion on Hiawatha Blvd which burned down due to a fre), Page stll did not have a suitable place where he could store his dairy products. To keep the dairy from spoiling, Mr. Page As an educatonal leader in Bergen County I have always heard positve built the other building on the property, which is located a few yards away from the Van Allen House, called the Stream House . comments about the excellent school system in Oakland. Success has Afer several years under the ownership of the Pages and a few other families, the Van Allen House was at risk of be- been achieved through the eforts of a dedicated staf, the support of an ing destroyed in 1963, according to the picture-based history book called Images of America: Oakland writen by Kevin Hefer- outstanding Board of Educaton, the involvement and cooperaton of par- nan and John Madden. It was then that the Borough took possession of the property and the Oakland Historical Society was formed in 1966. ents/guardians and the community, and the devoted leadership and coor- Since then, the Van Allen House has started to fall into disrepair, which has many local citzens worried. Several dinaton of Dr. Hefich and the Administratve Team. atempts were made to restore, preserve, and save the Van Allen House over the past few decades, including the demolishing of the expansions Mr. Page added on, but tme had caught up to the historical society members and the Borough, promptng New Interim Superintendent of I am grateful to the Board of Educaton for entrustng me with the respon- new acton to be taken. Schools. sibility of leading our district during this critcal period that begins now Oakland had come up with several ideas and solutons to fx the Van Allen House’s problems, with the most immedi- and will lead to the appointment of a long-term Superintendent of Welcome Dr. Jefrey Feifer. ate problem being a small hole in the house’s roof, but there was a concern among Oakland residents if taxes would go up in Schools. My objectves during this tme of transiton are to (1) maintain order to pay for repairs. “The Borough of Oakland performed an extensive study to assess and determine the history and cur- the very positve and supportve district culture that everyone has worked rent state of the property two years ago,” said Councilman Tim Jensen. “Then, the Ramapo Conservancy formed as an ofshoot so hard to establish together; (2) review school safety and security procedures; (3) develop a 2013-2014 budget to of the Morris County Land Conservancy to protect and rehabilitate defned propertes and assets important to the Ramapo river area. They approached Oakland with a plan to rehabilitate the property without having to use taxpayer funds and that support district operatons and our program of curriculum and instructon; (4) assist in the process of fnding a caught our atenton.” new Superintendent and a new Business Administrator; (5) meet State mandates governing educators’ evalua- Over the past year, the Borough has worked with the Ramapo Conservancy and has allowed the group to lease the tons, student assessments, curriculum alignment with the Common Core State Standards, and professional devel- Van Allen House property from Oakland. By doing this, the Conservancy can seek private fnding from citzens and grants to opment; and (6) keep the district focused on our mission to promote high academic achievement in a supportve help repair and restore the historic house to its former glory. and challenging environment and to equip students with the academic and technological skills necessary for suc- As of the writng of this artcle, the Ramapo Conservancy has successfully raised over $8,000 from Oakland residents cess in future educatonal pursuits and professional careers. via mailings. The group has also received a matching grant from the Brotherton Foundaton, a group that according to their website was “established to help fulfll the missions of "charitable organizatons"… [with] main areas of interest [in] educaton, I look forward to working closely with you in the months ahead. religion, historic preservaton, and medical programs and/or scientfc research.” “I am very excited about the partnership between the Borough and the Ramapo Conservancy so improvements can be Sincerely, made without our taxpayers dipping into their pockets,” said Mayor Linda Schwager. “A sign has recently been erected and with the Brotherton Foundaton’s matching grant in place, the roof repairs should be started shortly, meaning Oakland residents will see changes very very soon.” Jeffrey Feifer, Ed. D. While one could say progress is slow in the process of restoring Oakland’s Van Allen House, it is of shared importance throughout the community that all work is done correctly, in order for future generatons to contnue to appreciate its value and historical signifcance to the Borough. Interim Superintendent of Schools Page 6 Cross Roads Volume 16, Issue 1 Page 7

From The Interim Superintendent of the Ramapough Conservancy What’s up with the house on the corner? Schools Dr. Jeffrey Feifer

others. Under the guidance of seas. Over the past years, the Gov- whole. We are dedicated to working with Oakland residents, businesses and Ms. Miggels, the Library/Media ernor’s ofce reports, these cards educatonal and governmental partners to provide a positve business environ- Specialist at Dogwood Hill School, and messages have proven to be ment and to improve the quality of life in Oakland. the students are partcipatng in, incredibly meaningful to the service We will encourage all residents to shop in Oakland to help make Oakland more “Season of Service.” This project members. is coordinated by the New Jersey prosperous. The new executve board is available to the community in whatever Department of Educaton, in con- The Dogwood Hill School communi- capacity we are needed; to protect, encourage, and to preserve our life-style juncton with Operaton Jersey ty is proud to add another one hun- and the environment. “It is our goal to “Promote, Cares. dred holiday messages to this very Support & Advocate for worthy cause! Our by-laws, as adopted by our new membership, encourages everyone to be- Through the frst few weeks of Oakland Businesses!” come a member; whether as a business owner or as a resident of Oakland, if December, the fourth and ffh you care about Oakland we want to hear how together we can make it an even beter place to live, work and play. grade students at Dogwood Hill Everyone is invited to atend our next group networking and strategizing event being held on February 4, 2013 at Cenzino’s Restaurant beginning at 5:30 pm. The cost is $25.00 PP. If you have any questons, ideas or suggestons or need assistance, DOGWOOD KIDS BRING BOOKS TO THE NEEEDY please contact Chairman Peter J. Kikot via e-mail at [email protected].

If you have not already done so, please go to the Bor- ough’s website to register your contact informaton to receive the reverse 911 calls.

Untl next tme, “On December 14, 2012 the program ended and in our classroom the Cats Mayor Linda H. Schwager were the winners! “ Page 4 Cross Roads Volume 16, Issue 1 Page 9

Page 10 Cross Roads Volume 16, Issue 1 Page 3

see our boys skate. The coolest game in town is the ever For the next youngest and experi- expanding roller hockey program. By As always the Recreaton Commission enced group, the “Clinic Level” partci- all measures this program is experienc- asks everyone to keep a contnuous pants are expanding on the skills they ing its most successful season ever. eye on our website at were taught last year and getng pre- The youngest and least experienced www.OaklandRec.org as all sign-up pared for their forthcoming scrimmage players are working hard on their informaton, feld closures and other games with other towns. This group "through the use of an iPad, the children at Heights School have been skatng and stck handling skills in the important informaton is posted. En- always learns a lot and has fun while “Learn to Skate” program. With the joy the rest of your winter Oakland! given an opportunity to learn in a hands-on manner" preparing for compettve, league level enthusiastc instructon of Ed King and Page 2 Cross Roads Page 11 Volume 16, Issue 1 SAO and Oakland Arts Classes Kathleen’s Garden The Sports Associaton of Oakland and Oakland Arts will again sponsor classes at Valley Middle School Student Council The Oakland Public Library and Danny D’Elia Building this semester. The classes 2012- 2013 Holiday Food and Toy Drive ofered this semester are Photography, Mini Picassos, Creatve Writng, Drawing, This spring, Manito School will be to see how beautful and wonderful Drama and Zumba. Students age 4-18 are welcome. holding a special ceremony to for- our world could really be. In loving Every year, the Valley Middle School Student Council gives back and donates to charitable organizatons during the holiday mally dedicate Kathleen’s Garden. remembrance of Kathleen Pinck- season. This year was partcularly and uniquely challenging, given the ramifcatons of Hurricane Sandy and the widespread The Classes will run for 8 weeks beginning the week of February 4th running physical and emotonal toll this super-stormThe hadproject, on many which of has our been homes loving- and communites.ney, our friend Many forever…” of us had been lef with- through the frst week of April. Spaces are limited so sign up early. out supplies, food, or even shelter, and evenly supported more know by someonethe Pinckney who family experienced such hardships. The impact was wide- The garden, which incorporates spread, and the Student Council focusedand on theirgetng friends, our young is a ftng leaders tribute involved in helping one another during this most To fnd out more about or register for the classes please visit ThinkOakland.org. existng shrubs by the fagpole, will difcult situaton. This platorm providedto an Kathleen invaluable Pinckney opportunity who atended for our adolescents to engage and give back to their local and greater community. also include a variety of bulbs, new Manito untl losing a very brave shrubs, a lovely tree, and natural batle with cancer last year. The The Food and Toy stepping Drive, sponsored-stones. It is by designed the Valley as a Middle The Oakland Police Department centerpieceSchool of the Student garden Council,is a stone was a great success! During the months of No- Caption describing picture or graphic. beautful place that the community bench thatvember is inscribed and December, with the our students brought in non-perishable food The Oakland Police Depart- Clear Snow and Ice from Idling Law: can visit to celebrate all of the following words:items as “She well touchedas toys for our children of all ages in their homeroom classes. ment would like to remind the sidewalk and around Each of the Student Council Homeroomthings Kathleen Representatves loved about kept life a— running No person shall cause, lives in ways that always helped us residents regarding im- fre hydrants: her family, friends, school, animals, sufer, allow, or permit the record of the number of food and toys items brought in on a daily basis. portant laws and ordinanc- “Mom, I love school, The owner, tenant or occu- engine of a gasoline-fueled Not only was this a wonderful way for our students to give back and get es and some safe driving sports and art. When considering a site for Kathleen’s Garden, everyone agreed that Manito and I love Oakland!” pant of lands abutng on motor involved, but also to learn the value and importance of helping their tps for the upcoming win- any street, highway or road School would be the perfect place. Afer all, Kathleen’sneighbors mother, during Therese, the holiday recalls season. Kathleen To skip- culminate the efort, the home- ter months. within the limits of the vehicle to idle for more ping happily out of school one day in the second graderoom exclaiming, that had donated “Mom, I thelove greatest school, and number I of food and toy items than three consecutve Borough shall remove all love Oakland!” Details about the ceremony and photoswere given of the a completeevent will breakfastbe published for their in the hard work and caring eforts minutes if the vehicle is not on December 18th, 2012. It was certainly a very tght race among the homerooms, and we were so very proud of our chil- snow and ice from the next issue of the Cross Roads. sidewalk or walkway areas in moton. dren for all of the generous donatons that were made during this drive. in front of or bordering on The provisions of above said lands within twelve shall not apply to autobus- ton, especially on hills. (12) hours of daylight afer Our student populaton donated over 750 food items that were collected and provided to The Oakland Women’s es while discharging or Don't use cruise control or the same shall be formed picking up passengers, mo- Club. The goods gathered were used to provide holiday feasts for local families. To add to this tremendous accomplish- overdrive on icy roads. Crosswalks: or fall thereon. The owner tor vehicles stopped in a ment, the students and faculty of Valley Middle School donated over 1,056 toy items for the Christopher Croker Toy Drive. or owners of any real prop- line of trafc or emergency Be especially careful on Since 1996, this charitable organizaton has been providing many smiles to the faces of children at The Children’s Hospital The driver of a vehicle erty in the Borough upon motor vehicles in an emer- bridges, overpasses and in New Jersey. With all of these kind gestures, these gifs made the must stop and stay which any fre hydrant is gency situaton. infrequently traveled roads, holiday season a litle brighter for everyone. stopped for a pedestrian located shall maintain the which will freeze frst. Even crossing the roadway with- Driving safely on icy roads: area within a fve (5') foot at temperatures above in any marked crosswalk, radius of the perimeter of Decrease your speed and freezing, if the conditons The Valley Middle School community came together in the except at crosswalks when any such fre hydrant free leave yourself plenty of are wet, you might encoun- spirit of the holidays to help their community through kindness and the movement of trafc is of snow. The removal of room to stop. You should ter ice in shady areas or on compassion. These actons are priceless in the life lessons of giving being regulated by police snow and/or ice shall be allow at least three tmes exposed roadways like back to others. ofcers or trafc control completed within twelve more space than usual be- bridges. signals. (12) hours of daylight afer tween you and the car in Don't pass snow plows and the snow has formed or front of you. sanding trucks. The drivers fallen on or around any have limited visibility, and hydrant. Brake gently to avoid skid- ding. If your wheels start to you're likely to fnd the road lock up, ease of the brake. in front of them worse than “Kindness in words creates confdence. the road behind. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Turn on your lights to in- crease your visibility to Don't assume your vehicle Kindness in giving creates love.” other motorists. can handle all conditons. –Lao Tzu Even four-wheel and front- Keep your lights and wind- wheel drive vehicles can shield clean. encounter trouble on win- Use low gears to keep trac- ter roads. Volume 16, Issue 1 Winter 2013

OAKLAND BOROUGH COUNCIL

Mayor Linda H. Schwager

Council Members

Council President— Chris Viscont

addressed from the Van Allen House, of which we have Ramapo Conservancy 4 WWW.OAKLAND- NJ.ORG Proposal for a new recreaton copies at the House. History has recorded that General Oakland Public Schools park in the former Pleasureland 7 Washington led his troops up and down the 'Valley Road' on Updates area is no longer a dream. other occasions also, and stayed at other Old Dutch Houses in Mahwah, Wayne and Ho-Ho-Kus as well as Morristown. In Dogwood 8 During my frst year in ofce, honor of General Washington's visit in Oakland (The Ponds), open communicaton in govern- we make a point of celebratng his birthday here each year. Manito 9 ment was a priority. I pledge to contnue open communicaton in EXCERPT COURTESY OF THE OAKLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY government in Oakland. Heights 10 www.oaklandhistoricalsociety.org Town wide telephone communi- OAKLAND COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Valley Middle School 11 caton announced emergencies and important informaton.