Young Volunteers Get Mayor's Thanks

Mayor Linda Schwager recognized the teen volunteer program at a special city council meeting on Wednesday night, stressing how volunteers made an important contribution to the library and Oakland. 

“This is the third year of the summer teen program,” said Schwager. “This year, 21 teens participated and they contributed either by doing routine library tasks or being involved in staffing special programs for younger children.”

Some of the programs teens participated in included a dance party for elementary students, and the second annual carnival, where teens ran activities like ring toss, musical cushions, and duck-bobbing. 

The teens were presented with certificates for their hard work over the summer.

Afterwards, council proceeded with their regular meeting agenda and listened to a presentation by Barbara Davis, from The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, which is an advising service for open space programs for municipalities.

Much discussion centered around Oakland recently receiving $325,000 from the NJDEP Green Acres program for grants to acquire open space properties and a planning incentive program; as well as the Crystal Lake dredging proposal by Boswell Engineering, which was authorized for $25,000.

An upcoming meeting was scheduled for Friday, Sept. 21, to discuss further procedures for the flood gates on Crystal Lake and the Boswell Engineering application for another $45,000.  A special meeting was scheduled for Oct. 1 to move ahead with the roadway paving project application.

Schwager also mentioned two upcoming town events, including Sept. 22, when “Produce Pete” will make an appearance at the Oakland’s Farmer’s Market, route: {:controller=>"articles", :action=>"show", :id=>"fresh-from-the-farmers-market-892549d3"} -->.  On Sept. 23, an