The Villadom Times Weekly Newspaper Online

Wyckoff March 10, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 9 Township meets challenge of recent power outage by John Koster The recent two-day snowstorm led to a power failure in a large quadrant of Wyckoff, and the township’s government and administration rose to the occasion to help people whose homes were without electricity and heat. Wyckoff Mayor Rudy Boonstra, Wyckoff Township Committee Members David Connolly, Christopher De Phillips, Kevin Rooney, and Brian Scanlan, and Township Administrator Robert Shannon all turned out at the Wyckoff Memorial Library, which extended its hours so residents whose houses had lost power and heat during the emergency could keep warm and feel safe until friends or family from outside the affected area could arrive to pick them up and take them to their own homes. About 20 residents were accommodated at the library, and township officials remained on hand until all of those who had been deprived of heat and electricity could take shelter elsewhere. “I don’t think that we were heroes,” Rooney said the day after power had been restored. “We did have a lot of homes to take care of that had no heat and we did what we could. I think that Police Chief Ben Fox and Fire Chief Dave Murphy also came through magnificently, as they always do.” Most of the failures occurred in the section of Wyckoff served by Rockland Electric, although Shannon said that some Public Service Electric & Gas customers also sustained power losses. “A significant number of homes were without electrical power starting about 8 p.m. Thursday,” Chief Ben Fox said. “The majority of these homes are located in the Russell Avenue and Sicomac Avenue sections of town, and in the business center of town. Both are serviced by Rockland Electric. Residents without heat reported temperatures in their homes of about 50 degrees. Rockland Electric advised that that they have two main substations out of power, which affected many customers.” Chief Fox said that one or more transformers in Wyckoff also appeared to have failed, and that trees and tree branches knocked down power lines. The police department offered to transport residents who had lost power to the library if they could not use their own cars or were reluctant to drive through the heavy snow on the roadways. Shannon and Rooney said that power was restored to most homes by Saturday, two days after the failure, but that some homes had no power until Sunday. The Wyckoff Township Committee reported last week that 39 trees and 29 power lines were knocked down in the protracted storm, and there were five vehicular accidents. Columbia Bank recently donated copies of “Don’t Let the Lipstick Fool You,” which deals with the life of basketball player Lisa Leslie, to the libraries in Wyckoff and Midland Park. Columbia’s Regional Branch Manager Paul Vicente and Midland Park Branch Manager Maria Vazquez were on hand to make the presentations in honor of Black History Month. Bank augments libraries’ collections Income Tax Preparation Personal Taxes � Business Taxes Competitive Rates � Quality Returns Ofﬁces in Mahwah and Ramsey, NJ 201-512-0300 n_buonﬁglio@smallbizpros.com • • • • Tax Consulting and Preparation Monthly Financial Reporting Business Advice & Growth Complete Payroll Services �� But STILL can’t lose that Tummy or Cellulite? Call me about VelaShapeTM A NEW Nonsurgical method of Fat reduction and body contouring • Non-invasive • No Anesthesia • No Downtime Beverly Dunn, MD Waldwick, NJ • 201-445-0032 Dieting? Working Out? $25 Off Your Income Tax Return! Just Mention This Ad (Offer Expires 03/31/10) �� 2-24-10 Joan/Janine VanderSterre2x2(2-24-10) 2 x 2” The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce congratulates Discover the world’s best loudspeakers at Talk of the Town A legend reborn. This is a special event to celebrate the launch of the new 800 Series Diamond from Bowers & Wilkins. Enjoy great food, drinks, music and movie demos, giveaways and advice from B&W’s expert, Chris Smith. Chris will be on hand all day on Friday to answer questions and give demonstrations. Musicangle.com’s editor and reviewer, Michael Fremer, will also be present. Van Dyk Manor of Ridgewood, for being named one of America’s Best Nursing Homes by U.S. News & World Report ' See the complete list at www.usnews.com/nursinghomes Friday March 19th 10AM - 9PM Saturday March 20th 10AM - 7PM On Display: 800 Diamond, 802 Diamond, 804 Diamond, 805 Diamond Van Dyk Manor ' 304 S. Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-8200 ' www.vandykhealthcare.com Family caring for family, since 1953 For further details about this event, or to pre-register for a private demo please contact Sergio Rodrigues. tel: (201) 236-1006 / email: sergio@talkofthetownvideo.com 319 Franklin Turnpike | Allendale, NJ | (201) 236-1006