PUBLISHED BY THE OAKLAND COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION FALL, 2006 SPONSORED BY THE BOROUGH OF OAKLAND AND THE OAKLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS VOL. 10, NO. 2 Spotlight On Our Community OAKLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY TH E MAY O R’S ME S S A G E ... OA K L A N D’S BU S Y FA L L n 1998, as part of the Library uch has happened since the last this community for the Borough to call in the Referendum, the Library Growth Crossroads edition. The Flood bond to complete this project according to IFoundation was established and MControl Project is finally reaching specifications and on budget. We could not charged with the task of raising completion and we anticipate that the flood a fford to continue on the path the project $250,000 in private donations that would control gates will be operational within the had taken, which was marred by cost over- be used for non-capital expenses next few weeks. The major unresolved runs and questionable construction quality. incurred in connection with the issue remaining is that we still lack a Although the ultimate completion of the proj- expansion and renovation of the signed agreement between the NJDEP ect will be delayed as a result, in the end we Oakland Public Library. To date, over and the North Jersey Water District Supply will gain the project that we expected for the $170,000 has been raised. To help raise the additional funds, the Library Growth over the operations and maintenance of price we were willing to pay. Foundation sponsors two on-going the gates. This remains a major concern The Oak Street paper street has fundraisers that offer something for for the Borough, as responsibility for the opened. To a large extent, this will enable everyone in the Borough. operations and maintenance of the gates vehicles to safely circulate within our down- The first on-going fundraiser is the is paramount to its success as a flood mit- town area and has helped eliminate the “ Tree of Remembrance,” which gives igation measure. I will continue to press t r a ffic hazard of left turns occurring at the people an opportunity to honor the both agencies to bring this issue to a satis- Bank of New York and Rt. 202. The larger memory of the most cherished people in factory conclusion. issue of even safer traffic patterns will be their lives by purchasing a personalized The library is open for public use and addressed with the Downtown leaf on the Tree. For a donation of $100 enjoyment. The renovation of the old library Improvement Plan. per name, people can have the name of wing is still held up pending the satisfactory Speaking of which, the Downtown the person they choose to remember, as conclusion to the litigation we instituted Improvement Plan is complete. T h e r e well as their own name, inscribed on a against the builder. As I have stated many have been numerous meetings and pre- plaque that hangs in the lobby of the times before, it was vital to the interests of sentations of the plan and I thank all of you new library. who have offered comments and sugges- The second fundraiser, “The Pathway tions. The Plan will be presented one final of Stars,” gives everyone a chance to time in October for public hearing and celebrate the special children in their adoption by the Planning Board as a mas- lives. Whether it is your child, ter plan element of the Borough’s master grandchild, niece, nephew or neighbor, plan. Upon adoption, the Borough will pro- the stars are a perfect way to delight all ceed to adopt ordinances amending our your favorite youngsters, and help the zoning ordinance to implement the plan library at the same time. For $50 per and the Borough will aggressively seek s t a r, you can have any young person’s name inscribed on a beautiful 5-inch grants to begin the process of improving gold star that is prominently displayed in the downtown. A critical element to the the Children’s Library. downtown improvement project will be Applications for both fundraisers can securing sewers that will foster the rede- be obtained at the Library. For more info: velopment we are seeking and then finding Gerri Schrier, 201-337-3472. (Continued on page 3) Mayor John Szabo CROSSROADS Jack Tauber Retires as Chair of Municipal Alliance; Tina Albrecht Steps In ack Ta u b e r recently retired as Chairperson of the Oakland Municipal a Bachelor’s Degree from Lehigh Chairperson of the Oakland Alliance with over eight years of public University as well as a Graduate Degree JMunicipal Alliance after serving for service experience, including assistant to from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She more than six years. The Oakland the Bergen County Executive handling has been an adjunct professor with Municipal Alliance is a volunteer organi- Constituent Relations and Special Fairleigh Dickinson since 2002, and con- zation that provides funding for pro- Projects. During her tenure in that posi- tinues to provide consultation to local grams to increase awareness and pre- tion, Ms. Albrecht contributed to the devel- municipalities with respect to managing vention of alcohol and drug abuse. opment of numerous social and communi- and organizing community programs. At the September 27th Mayor and ty programs. Ms. Albrecht is a graduate of She and her husband live in town with Council meeting, Councilman Don Ramapo Regional High School and holds their two young sons. Burns presented Mr. Tauber with a plaque of appreciation to extend the gratitude of the Community and to rec- ognize Mr. Ta u b e r’s many contributions. Helmet Safety: Do You Know What You Are Risking? To commemorate Mr. Tauber's work with our son has been involved in a longer hold down a job. My aunt and the Alliance, Mr Burns read from the bike accident and is in a coma in her three children forever lost the hus- plaque and stated that the “Community Ythe hospital. I felt like the floor band and father they once knew and has no greater riches than the service of had just dropped out from under me loved. its people.” when I heard those words 10 years The inside of Michael’s helmet was M r. Burns then went on to list some of ago. I had been vacationing in Florida cracked in half from the impact. I shud- M r. Tauber's accomplishments including: with my 10-year-old son during winter dered imagining what could have hap- serving on the Council for four years; break. I had just put Michael on a plane pened to his head had it not been pro- establishing Oakland’s first community- the day before to return home a few tected by a helmet. Michael remained wide recycling program; member and days before returning myself. “This in a coma for four long days. We could Chair of the Environmental Commission; can’t be happening,” I said to myself! I only wait and pray. Much to every- organizing member and Senior VP o f felt like I was in a dream…a nightmare. o n e ’s surprise, he was back in school VOCCAL; and member and chair of the “I have to get home.” “Will he wake five weeks later. T h a n k f u l l y, today, Flood Commission. Mr. Tauber will con- up?” “Will he be the same child when Michael is doing well, attending his jun- tinue his public service career in he wakes up?” “Will he be OK?” I ior year in college. Oakland as he was recently installed as kept thanking God that I had taught My name is Karin Kennedy the President of the Oakland Seniors Michael to wear a helmet. D u b o w i c k, Secretary to the Oakland Club. While accepting the plaque, Mr. Severe brain injuries can require Board of Health. Unfortunately, it’s an Ta u b e r, in the true spirit of volunteerism, learning how to sit up, eat, walk, talk all too common occurrence to see chil- thanked the Council and stated that he and control bodily functions all over dren riding bicycles throughout “…couldn’t do this job without the sup- again, sometimes taking months or Oakland with no head protection. port of the Council and of the other vol- even years of rehabilitation. Complete Accidents happen. Do your children unteers who supported me.” recovery isn’t guaranteed. Major, per- wear properly fitted helmets? Are you Tina A l b r e c h t takes over as the manent personality changes can occur, willing to risk such serious conse- Long-time Oakland resident Jack Tauber such as experiencing uncontrollable quences when wearing a helmet is hands over the reins of the Municipal and even violent outbursts. This hap- such a simple thing to do? I’m so glad Alliance to Tina Albrecht. pened to my uncle as a result of an I didn’t. Insist your children wear their accident. His outbursts eventually helmets or don’t let them skate, ride became so violent that he had to live their bikes or skateboard. Better yet, separately from his family and could no teach them by setting an example. D P W IS Ready For Wi n t e r he new salt storage building Tlocated near the DPW is up and running. The building, under construction since the spring, can store 1200 tons of road salt. It also keeps the Borough in compli- ance with the recently enacted State of New Jersey Stormwater Management Regulations.