An update on the Coronavirus in Upper Saddle River: According to state and county statistics, Upper Saddle River had a total of 52 confirmed cases of COVID-19 for over 45 days. On July 3rd, our number went up to 53. Most recently, we are at 56. This essentially shows we are at a very low number – the original 52 are either well on their way or have fully recovered. This is very good news for our community; however, the sudden few new cases, after having stayed static for so long, show us we do need to continue to be careful and not let anything head us towards an upward trend. A few towns in Bergen County did see a recent, small spike. This is to be expected as people return to work and leisure activities. Wearing a mask indoors in public places, and outdoors, when social distancing cannot be maintained, are required by Governor Murphy’s Executive Order. In addition, outdoor activities are recommended along with staying home if feeling ill and frequent hand washing. The Governor has also required anyone returning from a total of 36 states to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Residents are encouraged to visit www.covid19.nj.gov or the Borough website, www.usrtoday.org, for information regarding current re-openings and restrictions, a complete list of the states included in the quarantine upon return as well as up to date information on State and County statistics. Www.covid19.nj.gov is NJ’s information hub on COVID-19.
USRA Coalition: The USRA Coalition, founded in 2017 with a grant, is a partnership between Upper Saddle River and Allendale. In December 2019 the Coalition was awarded a Drug Free Community grant in the amount of $125,000 annually for 5 years. At the beginning of the quarantine, the Coalition launched a social media initiative addressing well-being and mental health including depression and anxiety. Reaching middle schoolers, teens and young adults on Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram and their parents via Facebook and Instagram, the campaign also provided a link from the popular social media platforms directly to the USRA website resource page. A newsletter was also mailed to each home in Allendale and Upper Saddle River with information on dealing with a crisis, substance and alcohol abuse, ways to recognize someone needing help and also a full page of resources. The Coalition also sponsored a community wide suicide prevention webinar which was well attended by the three schools’ nurses, guidance counselors, administrators as well as police, various community organizations and coalition members. The USRA Coalition is currently developing a podcast called, “Let’s Talk About It.” More information will be coming on the podcast soon.
In addition to the podcast, the USRA is launching a student video contest focusing on positivity. Students in grades 6 through 12 are invited to upload a video to TikTok, Snapchat or Instagram from October 1st thru November 1st at 6 pm. All videos MUST tag @USRACoalition and include #USRApositivity to be considered for a prize. There will be 3 honorable mention prizes of Apple EarPods. Brookside, Cavallini and Northern Highlands will each have one honorable mention winner. The grand prize winner will receive an Apple Watch Series 5. The contest is open to all middle school and high school students in the quad towns. Thank you to Melissa Reifman, Lucas Santiago and Isabella Estevez for appearing in a video that will promote the contest.
Melissa is the student member on the USRA Coalition, and a student at No. Highlands from USR. Lucas is from Allendale and also attends No. Highlands. Isabella lives in USR and attends IHA.
For questions or more information, please email admin@usracoalition.org. Also follow the USRA on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at USRA Coalition and visit our website at www.usracoalition.org.
Thank you to the Wright Family and Englewood Dental for the generous donations towards the prizes.
USR Cares: USR Cares will host Upper Saddle River’s Got Talent in place of Oktoberfest planned for Saturday 10.10.20 at Lions Park from 1pm – 5pm. The event will be filmed live and residents can watch via a link. We are looking for acts to perform. “Commercials” will be presented between acts and we are looking for sponsors. If possible, there may be social distancing lawn seating. More details to follow. Contact us at usrcares@gmail.com, or call Sharon at (201) 707-0200. USR Police Department Message:
Criminals continue to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Incidents of unemployment fraud, small business grant fraud, and identity theft have risen over the last ninety days. Please monitor mail, email, and personal bank account activity regularly. Do your homework before giving to any charity that purports to benefit victims of COVID-19. Be wary of charity solicitations that occur over the phone and email.
Unfortunately, Upper Saddle River experienced another rash of motor vehicle thefts. The thefts occurred in the late overnight hours and involved vehicles with the key fobs inside the cars. It is important to know that the theft of the vehicle is only the beginning of the crime spree. These stolen vehicles are then utilized in the commission of future car thefts and violent crimes such as shootings and armed robberies. Please bring your key fobs inside.
Finally, all the members of the police department truly appreciate the overwhelming support from the residents of our great town. The endless signs of gratitude, like last weekend’s resident drive-by, and the countless thank you calls, mean so much to the men and women of our department. We are proud of our profession and proud to be in the position to serve the residents of Upper Saddle River.
4th Annual Town-Wide Garage Sale: The Woman’s Club of Upper Saddle River will be hosting its 4th Annual Town Wide Garage sale on Sat, Sept 12th from 9am-4pm (rain date Sun, Sept 13th). Application and more details can be found on our website www.usrwomansclub.org
USR 5K Run Cancelled:
The Upper Saddle River 5K Run Committee in conjunction with the Borough of Upper Saddle River Administration, the USR Recreation Commission, and the Bergen Highlands Rotary Club has cancelled this year’s Upper Saddle River 5K Run, scheduled for this Thanksgiving Day, November 26th. We do so with a “heavy” heart, as the Run has become such a wonderful community and family event, attracting over 2400 runners the past 2 years. However, we feel there are still so many uncertainties with regard to COVID19 for the rest of 2020. We certainly would never want to put anyone involved with the Run at risk. We wish to thank all our past runners, volunteers, sponsors, spectators, friends, and families for their support over all these years, beginning in 1999. We wish everyone a “safe” and happy remainder of 2020 and we look forward to seeing all of you Thanksgiving, 2021 for the 22nd running of the Upper Saddle River 5K Run. Thank you
If any questions, please contact race director Ed Gartner at USRRecreation@aol.com
USR Fall Tennis Clinics Registration
Registration is now being accepted for the 2020 fall tennis clinics. There will be one 5 – week session to be held at the Wickersham Tennis Courts, located in front of the Reynolds School. The student’s clinics will be held on Monday’s and Wednesday’s beginning on September 14th. Adult lessons will be held on Tues and Thurs beginning Sept 15th. The cost for the entire 5-week session is $95. Registration forms are available at Borough Hall or on the Borough website at www.USRtoday.org. For more information please call the USR Recreation Department at 201-327-3634 or email at USRRecreation@aol.com.
3rd. Quarter Taxes Due August 1, 2020: The Tax Office wishes to remind residents that the third quarter 2020 taxes are due on or before August 1st. Upper Saddle River offers a ten-day grace period. If real estate taxes are not paid by August 11th , State law requires that interest is then due from August 1st to the date they are paid. Residents can pay taxes on line at www.usrtoday.org and can also access property tax information. Otherwise, the Borough accepts checks (NO POST-DATED CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED) or money orders. For more information, please contact the Finance Office at 201-934-3965 or email jeffs@usrtoday.org.
Upper Saddle River Library:
The USR Library now offers residents contactless pickup of materials owned by the library. Materials will be bagged and waiting for you at the front entrance. For information on how to request and pickup hours, visit our website at: www.uppersaddleriverlibrary.org.
The Summer Reading program “Imagine your Story” has begun for children, teens and adults! Register here: usrlibrary.beanstack.org. Find activities for children and teens on our website.
Upper Saddle River Shredding Event: Saturday, October 31, 2020 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Dispose of your old documents and confidential files safely, by Confidential Shredding, Inc. Held behind USR Borough Hall at the DPW Building. USR Residents only please Limit of four bags/boxes per car.
Garbage and recycling are still being picked up per the normal schedule. If your regular pickup is missed, call Borough Hall at 201-327-2196. You can leave a voice message with your address, or email info@usrtoday.org. Service may take longer than usual but it is ongoing as it’s a public health matter.
The Recycling Depot is open on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
USR GARBAGE AND RECYCLING COLLECTIONS – August 2020
Garbage: Every Monday & Thursday
Recycling:
May West Side: Tuesday August 4th & August 18th
May East Side: Tuesday August 11th & August 25th
NOTE: Must call by 10am the NEXT DAY to report missed Trash/Recycles.
Curbside White Goods: Thursday, August 6, 2020. Call 201-327-2196 x221 to schedule appointment for the appliance at LEAST three days prior.
Next Curbside Bulky Trash: Friday, September 18, 2020.
Mayor and Council Meeting – Thursday, August 6, 2020:
The next Mayor and Council Meeting will be held on August 6, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. The meeting will be held via teleconference (Zoom) and the necessary credentials to join the meeting are as follows:
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Computer: Link: https://zoom.us/j/842319706
Meeting ID: 842-319-706
Phone: 1-669-900-6833 or 1-877-853-5247
Then dial meeting ID (842-319-706) followed by #, then #, #9 to raise hand.