Ramsey October 31, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 9 On Oct. 17, the Ramsey Office of Emergency Management participated in a Bergen County-wide exercise. The scenario involved a blizzard that hit the northeast with strong winds, blinding whiteout conditions, and over two feet of snow with more on the way. The exercise was launched at 10 a.m. by the Bergen County Office of Emergency Management, which sent out messages concerning different emergency situations. Some of the events that Ramsey OEM faced were a water main break, a missing senior citizen, and numerous stranded motorists on Route 17. As the different emergency cases were received, they were prioritized and acted upon. The newly-dedicated Michael F. Adams Emergency Operations Center was activated and staffed by members of OEM. Joining them were Ramsey Borough Administrator Bruce Vozeh, Public Safety Commissioner Deirdre Dillon, and DPW Director Jack D’Agostaro. Representing the emergency services were Ramsey Rescue Squad Chief Chris Hoffman and Ramsey Police Sergeant/OEM Deputy Coordinator Angelo LaManna. Borough’s OEM participates in blizzard exercise OEM amateur radio operators also participated in the exercise, as “ham” radios are one means of communication that never seems to fail. “This controlled exercise gives us an excellent opportunity to check our systems and response before an actual event,” Ramsey OEM Coordinator Ralph Venturini said. “The lessons learned here today are applicable to all emergencies, not just a snowstorm.” The exercise was also conducted at 7 p.m. to simulate an ongoing event and to accommodate the volunteer members of Ramsey OEM who were working during the day. During the day, OEM Deputy Coordinator Glen Karpovich was able to remotely participate in the exercise by using the E-Team system. “This is an example of using the latest technology to help manage the situation,” Venturini explained. “E-Team is a Web-based system that allows us to monitor an emergency and transmit information to the Bergen and NJ OEM in real time.” During the evening session, Bergen County RACES Coordinator Ron Bosco and Ramsey OEM member and Bergen County Deputy RACES Coordinator Lou Janicek operated from Ramsey’s EOC. Ramsey OEM is required to participate in these exercises in order to be eligible to receive FEMA/NJ State OEM funding grants. Bonnie Fitzpatrick, a floral designer with 18 years of experience, will share floral arranging techniques at the Nov. 13 meeting of the Ramsey Area Garden Club. The 6:45 p.m. meeting will be held at the Lutheran Church of Floral designer to address gardeners the Redeemer at 55 Wyckoff Avenue, Ramsey. The public is invited to attend the first portion of the meeting, which will feature the speaker. For more information, contact Marianne Ansari at (201) 513-1292.