Ramsey August 22, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 The Ramsey Office of Emergency Management recently received reimbursement for the Borough of Ramsey from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management for costs associated with Hurricane Irene and the October snowstorm. The Ramsey OEM Coordinator Ralph Venturini reported that the borough received a total of $289,616, including $59,393 for Hurricane Irene and $230,223 for the snowstorm. This represents a 75 percent reimbursement for actual costs, the maximum amount allowed by law, he explained. “This is an excellent example of the cooperation of all of the borough’s departments working together during a major emergency,” Venturini said. He acknowledged and thanked those at FEMA, the NJOEM, Bergen County OEM, and all of the Ramsey’s emergency services, the Ramsey Department of Public Works, the borough engineer, the borough administrator, the Shade Tree and Environmental Commission, and the mayor and council. OEM secures $289,616 for borough from FEMA, state Some of the costs reimbursed for both storms included police personnel overtime, protective measures, Ramsey Rescue Squad time and equipment used, DPW equipment use, debris removal, and repair of an inundated sanitary sewer lift station. “The performance of Ramsey’s emergency services during the two storms was exemplary for which I am very thankful,” Ramsey Public Safety Chair Deirdre Dillon stated. “Ramsey continues to benefit financially from the wonderful work of the OEM. The OEM gathers, organizes, and submits the data so that Ramsey can receive reimbursement from FEMA for our storm-related expenses. These reimbursements positively affect the borough’s bottom line.” Glen Karpovich, deputy coordinator of the Ramsey OEM, added, “This effort is also a tribute to Mike Adams, the late Ramsey OEM coordinator. Over the years, Mike has been instrumental in securing reimbursement for the borough. He started this recovery before he took ill, and because of his leadership and guidance, Ramsey OEM was able to continue the process after his passing.” Seniors to celebrate 10 years, set picnic The Ramsey Seniors group, which will celebrate its Tenth Anniversary next month, has announced plans for a “Picnic at the Pool” on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at noon. This annual event features food, fun, and special contests. Sign up at the borough hall, 33 North Central Avenue, during business hours. The cost is $5 per person, and checks should be made payable to Ramsey Seniors. All borough residents over age 60 are invited to attend. Initially located in the Ramsey Knights of Columbus Hall, the Ramsey Seniors program offered activities and lunch gatherings for residents over the age of 60. By 2003, it became apparent that the active residents who were volunteering to advance the senior agenda needed a better location. With the borough council’s help, the group moved to Finch Park in 2005. An enormous amount of effort by volunteers has been expended to realize this new senior center. Ramsey’s senior citizens now enjoy a place of their own for camaraderie and a host of activities, including exercise, art, bingo, card playing, knitting, woodcarving, ping-pong, shuffleboard, pool, Wii, yoga, Tai Chi, and Sunday movies. A monthly calendar of events is available at the center. In addition to the center’s activities, a trip committee plans many daytime excursions throughout the year. Anyone who wishes to participate in planning the events may attend a committee meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m.