Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • November 14, 2012 Upper Saddle River At press time, approximately 400 Upper Saddle River homes were still without power, heat, or running water following the Oct. 29 hurricane, and utility crews from Orange & Rockland were working to restore power. In a letter to residents, Mayor Joanne Minichetti and the council wrote, “O&R has had numerous crews dedicated to working in USR due to our dependence on septics and wells. Since (the week of Oct. 29), crews have been working 16-hour days, but the damage was so extensive and the repairs so time taking that it may seem like the work has been moving at a snail’s pace.” At press time, the utility company was working on Eagle Rim, Lilline, Fawn Hill, Stone Ledge, Stevenson, Northern Drive, and Hillcrest and had plans to continue with Applewood and Parker. Borough officials noted that the DPW, police department, building inspector, and borough administrator have been working with O&R. DPW cut trees, police provided traffic detail and temporarily closed roads to hasten restoration and ensure safety of the workers. Building Inspector Jim Dougherty, a former lineman, worked with the utility as they progressed through town. The ambulance followed the crews in case of any accidents. Chief Rotella, Administrator Preusch, and Mayor Minichetti have been holding daily conference calls with O&R and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to review progress and receive updates. They have also been working with Mahwah, Montvale, and Saddle River, which have damaged circuits that feed some Upper Saddle River residents. “These partnerships have been a critical factor in restoring power,” the letter states. “We continue working with O and R and will not let up on our efforts until 100% of our residents have power.” The borough has waived all building permit fees for Hurricane Sandy related damage and, as of last week, storm building permits/inspections were the priority. Borough officials provide storm recovery report Borough officials reminded residents that, if their service is damaged from the point of utility (the attachment on the house) Orange & Rockland may not reenergize their service. According to the letter, “You as the homeowner are responsible to have these repairs made by a licensed electrical contractor. This work requires a permit and a cut in card from the local building department. Orange and Rockland will need a cut in card before a connection is made. Since there are numerous homeowners in need of this type of permit to repair damages to their electrical service, the building department will allow for you to make the repairs immediately and apply for permits after the repairs have been completed. Please consult with your electrician for further guidance.” Those with storm damage are urged to register with FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or www.DisasterAssistance.gov. More information is available at borough hall. “The council and I would like to thank our residents for their patience, offers to help and good will toward those working to restore power and neighbors and friends,” the letter continues. “People have taken in elderly neighbors, provided shelter and meals for those without power, and helped clear friends’ properties of debris.” The mayor praised the borough’s emergency services, Chief Rotella and the police department, the fire department, the ambulance corps and the DPW, under Superintendent Bobby Fleshman. “We are fortunate that the three schools, the library, Bergen Highlands Church, Church of the Presentation, and Old Stone Church quickly regained power and became shelters or warming centers for our residents. Instrumental in the effort to get the schools powered was Congressman Scott Garrett who visited USR and worked to get Cavallini powered since it is our official shelter. His office was also helpful in getting the borough fuel for our emergency vehicles,” the letter states. The Youth Guidance Council stepped in to offer a free pizza dinner and a movie. The library, in addition to opening its doors to everyone throughout the outages, put together a game and movie day that was well attended. The borough secured a list of seniors who might need help and delivered cases of fresh drinking water donated by ShopRite of Ramsey, and the fire department responded to homes to fill bathtubs with water. The ambulance corps delivered daily meals to several seniors who had no power and could not be moved. These meals were provided by the SRVJCO. The Boy Scouts organized volunteers to assist with the Cavallini showers and shelter. Superintendent Dr. Monica Browne and the board of education opened their doors to the community, and the borough’s young First Responders worked tirelessly at any needed task. Check the borough website, www.usrtoday.org, for further updates. Joanne Carass, author of “The Holocaust Survivor Cookbook,” will address the Valley Chabad Women’s Circle and the Saddle River Valley Jewish Community Organization on Monday, Nov. 19. This 7 p.m. program will be held at the Upper Saddle River Library. This cookbook includes the recipes and stories Carass Cookbook author to speak at library and her family collected from Holocaust survivors around the globe. Recipe samples will be available and copies of the book will be for sale. The public is welcome. The library is located at 245 Lake Street in Upper Saddle River.