[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 96 (Thursday, June 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE OF THE CITIZENS OF ORADELL, NEW 
                                 JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2007

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise to commend two 
organizations that contribute so much to make the small community of 
Oradell, New Jersey, such a fine place to live, work, and raise a 
family. Through their commitment to their neighbors, the volunteers and 
staff at both Bergen SWAN and the Oradell Public Library raise the 
quality of life in Oradell to a level bar none.
  Bergen SWAN, led by its Co-Directors Lori Charkey and Mark Becker, 
were instrumental in preserving open space and beautifying this quiet 
little suburb on the outskirts of New York City. Working to coordinate 
grant money from a variety of sources, Bergen SWAN closed a $1.2 
million land transaction preserving Hague Park. Land that likely would 
have been subdivided and developed is now enjoyed by all as beautiful 
parkland.
  The Oradell Public Library is a centerpiece of community life in 
Oradell. Working together, a variety of citizen groups and individual 
residents raised funds and developed plans to renovate the library. The 
Steering Committee, led by James and Louise Lessersohn, raised $500,000 
in contributions and gifts, mostly in the form of $100-500 donations. 
The library is now updated for the 21st century. And, I commend the 
Lessersohns; Diane DiGiovanni, president of the board of trustees; Kate 
McGivern, president of the Library Foundation; and Sally Isaacs, 
president of Friends of the Library for their commitment to their 
community.

                          ____________________