Ho-Ho-Kus October 7, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 9 Engineer works on North Field project, bids sought by Jennifer Crusco The Ho-Ho-Kus Council recently authorized Borough Clerk Laura Borchers to advertise for bids for the North Field improvement project. As of late last week, Ho-HoKus Borough Engineer David Hals was at work on the final details for the project. The North Field, located along Route 17, is the main feature of a community flood mitigation plan, which will allow the field to be used as a retention area for storm water until that water can drain into the Saddle River. The plans, which are currently in the engineer’s hands, address the construction phases, soil erosion, and sediment control. A gravel walking path that will be added to the area will allow water to percolate into the ground. Wearimus Road resident Leo Strauss has questioned the elimination of the tennis courts, and the installation of the gravel walking path. Strauss registered his opposition to the project at two recent council sessions, including the most recent meeting. Plans call for crews to clear and grade the property, which is owned by the board of education and maintained by the borough. The site will be leveled and the raised tennis courts will be removed. A multi-purpose field and a new softball field will be created on the property. According to the engineer’s plans submitted earlier this year, the project will take approximately 160 days. The construction will include the installation of filter barriers and stabilized construction access. The next step will be to clear, strip, and stockpile topsoil for the construction areas. Crews will then rough grade the field area and will continue by constructing the ball fields, including topsoil and seed to stabilize any disturbed areas. The final stage of the construction project will be the removal of temporary filter barriers. (continued on page 19) The Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Fire Department will host its 2009 Open House on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. as part of National Fire Prevention Week. The annual Open House will feature activities for children, including tours of the fire trucks and the chance to test target skills with a live fire hose. As in past years, the Open House will take place at the Ho-Ho-Kus Fire House at 52 Sheridan Avenue, adjacent to Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Hall. Fire safety activities, will include a child safety trail featuring instructions on what to do in a fire emergency. Children who complete the various steps of the funoriented safety course will receive a junior firefighter badge, ribbon, and certificate. Adults will learn how to douse a stovetop fire and how to use a fire extinguisher. The day will also feature a demonstration of the “jaws of life” and a rooftop rescue. “We’re proud of our firefighters, equipment, and training, so this gives us the chance to demonstrate our capabilities to the community, while hosting a fun event Volunteer fire department to host 2009 Open House Visitors enjoying last year’s Open House. as a thank you to the town’s residents who support us so generously,” said Ho-Ho-Kus Fire Chief Donald Seltmann. “It’s also an opportunity to provide important fire safety instruction to residents, such as establishing family evacuation routes, testing smoke detectors, and implementing ways to prevent fires in the first place.” Firefighting coloring books and toy fire helmets will be distributed, and there will be contests to win smoke detectors and portable fire extinguishers. The first 200 children will receive a door prize and have the chance to meet Sparky, the Ho-Ho-Kus Fire Department’s mascot. Cider, doughnuts, popcorn, balloons and rub-on tattoos also will be available. The Ho-Ho-Kus Ladies Auxiliary will host a food collection for the Mahwah-based Center for Food Action throughout the day. Since 1911, the Ho-Ho-Kus Fire Department has been fully staffed by volunteers, protecting lives and property. The department will celebrate its 100th anniversary throughout 2011. ������������������������������ ������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������� ������������������������� ����������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������ Fall specials available now for a limited time only. Call Robin at 973-636-7000 ��������������������������� ����������� ���������������������� 9-9-09 karen/janine