MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers.

The blood drive volunteer is an integral member of our team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background is necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service and be able to perform tasks as needed. Must have transportation. 

All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors. 

For additional information call or text Sharon Zetts, Manager, NJBS Volunteer Services at (732) 850-8906, Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

MORRIS COUNTY — Walmart is helping New Jersey residents stay healthy this flu season by making it easier than ever to get low-cost vaccinations in all Walmart pharmacies through walk-up and community flu shot clinics.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone older than six months receive a flu shot each year. Further, the CDC recommends a COVID-19 vaccination for everyone over 12, especially as cases are on the rise. Walmart pharmacies across the country offer both vaccines, and customers can receive low-cost flu and free COVID-19 vaccine at the same time if they choose.

“It’s important we don’t let our guard down with our health this fall. Between COVID-19 vaccines and the annual flu shot, we know people may be experiencing ‘vaccine fatigue,’ but these preventative measures have never been more vital to keeping our communities healthy,” Del Sloneker, senior vice president and chief operating officer, Health and Wellness said. “It’s on all of us to do our part and is just another way we’re making it simple to live better healthier lives.”

Walmart’s flu shots are administered by certified pharmacists and healthcare professionals who understand local health needs. In addition to walk-in availability, Walmart offers a variety of initiatives, making it easy to get vaccinated while following COVID-19 safety protocols. These events will make it quick and convenient for customers to get flu shots in stores in New Jersey.

Walmart is a center of well-being in the communities it serves and has everything busy families need to live better, healthier, lives this flu season. This includes a team of pharmacists who can answer any medication-related questions, COVID-19 tests, prescription, and over-the-counter medication, as well as a variety of immunizations, including COVID-19, flu, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), HPV, tetanus, whooping cough (TDAP) and more.

Stores also offer low-cost grocery items, ranging from immunity-boosting foods to soup and comfort foods. Walmart customers with a Walmart+ membership can also get free shipping on store purchases and reduced prices on select prescriptions. Finally, Walmart continues to offer everyday low prices on household essentials like cleaning supplies, tissues, thermometers and more, to help keep everyone safe and healthy.

To learn more about the flu shots and wellness resources available at your neighborhood Walmart click here.

PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) toured the facilities of one of Morris County’s largest employers, GAF, to highlight their ground-breaking work and discuss her recently introduced legislation, the Revamping Appropriate Incentives for Solar Energy for (RAISE) the Roof Act. By clarifying and expanding the solar investment tax credit (ITC) to include integrated solar roofs like the ones manufactured by GAF Energy, this legislation would maximize the positive climate and economic impacts of the next generation of solar energy technology.

Joining Rep. Sherrill on the tour of the facility and at the press conference afterward were: Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, GAF CEO Jim Schnepper, GAF Energy President Martin DeBono, and Morris County Chamber of Commerce President Meghan Hunscher.

“I was thrilled to be able to highlight the RAISE the Roof Act today, alongside the GAF and GAF Energy teams who are helping New Jersey remains a leader in the clean energy economy,” said Rep. Sherrill. “One of our biggest challenges in confronting the climate crisis is making clean energy technologies more accessible for families and businesses. This bill removes some of the financial barriers and modernizes the current tax credit law to keep up with the tech advancements we’ve seen in solar. With their cutting-edge research and development, GAF and GAF Energy have helped drive many of these advancements. They’re also a cornerstone business in our community, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner in the effort to confront the climate crisis and bolster our clean energy economy.”

“It was an honor to host Congresswoman Sherrill at our headquarters today to show her how our research and development are leading the industry forward in new and exciting ways,” said Jim Schnepper, CEO, GAF. “We are thinking beyond traditional manufacturing processes and roofing materials to develop new offerings including integrated solar, recycled asphalt shingles, and non-asphaltic materials, and we are excited to have a great champion like Rep. Sherrill who is committed to helping our industry bring that innovation forward to customers.”

“I’m incredibly proud to have joined Representative Sherrill today to discuss paths forward in American clean energy manufacturing and job creation,” said Martin DeBono, President of GAF Energy. “For too long rooftop solar policy has ignored the roof. Now, with the RAISE the Roof Act, Rep. Sherrill has introduced a bill that would remedy that problem. It’s the type of smart policy that will unleash innovation in the sector. Passing RAISE would support thousands of jobs here in New Jersey and across the country, help consumers, and propel us to a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

<img class=”size-full wp-image-13290″ src=”https://morrisfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GAF-3.jpg” alt=”” width=”720″ height=”480″ /> Representative Mikie Sherrill yours GAF

“GAF is a staple corporation in Parsippany. It’s prided itself as North America’s largest roofing manufacturer for about 140 years,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano. “It’s fitting that a company that’s already revolutionized the roofing industry — at a time when we really need more innovation — looks to provide affordable integrated rooftop solar options for large-scale commerce, small businesses, and households.”

“Thanks to Rep. Sherrill’s efforts and her outreach to the business community and constituents, the RAISE the Roof Act promises to continue the important work of government supporting positive climate and economic impacts,” said Meghan Hunscher, President and CEO of Morris County Chamber of Commerce. “Given the uncertainty around us, investing in renewable energy as a nation makes sense. And there is a business case for this. Now more than ever, our representatives and business community need to come together and be responsive to the needs of the greater community.”

As chair of the House Science, Space, and Technology’s Environment Subcommittee, Rep. Sherrill is a fierce advocate for the development of clean energy. Last month, she convened a roundtable with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and local environmental business leaders, including GAF CEO Jim Schnepper, to discuss the RAISE the Roof Act, the future of New Jersey’s clean energy economy, and the attending businesses’ contributions to this effort.

<img class=”alignnone size-full wp-image-13292″ src=”https://morrisfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Untitled-1.jpg” alt=”” width=”720″ height=”480″ />

EAST HANOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and East Hanover Chief of Police Christopher Cannizzo is seeking information regarding Edwin A. Urbina, date of birth October 14, 1993, with a last known address of 14-02 Clyde Potts Drive, Morristown.

Urbina has been charged by complaint-warrant with first-degree Murder, second-degree Endangering the Welfare of Children, third-degree Tampering with a Witness, and fourth-degree Tampering with Evidence in connection with this matter.

These charges arise in connection with the beating death of Urbina’s girlfriend’s three-year-old son.

On August 13, 2021, shortly after 5:00 a.m., officers from the Morristown Police Department responded to the Morristown Medical Center in Morristown on a report of a three-year-old male in cardiac arrest.

The subsequent investigation revealed that the child had sustained a number of physical injuries. Following an autopsy, Morris County Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Carlos Fonseca, M.D. determined the manner of death to be a homicide.

The subsequent investigation has revealed that the fatal beating of the child occurred at the OYO Hotel, 130 Route 10 West in East Hanover.

It is alleged that Urbina physically beat the three-year-old boy in the early morning hours of August 13, 2021, resulting in the boy’s death and that the victim’s mother, Krystal Straw, was not present during the assault but arrived at the hotel shortly thereafter. It is alleged that after her arrival, Straw transported Urbina to another location before bringing the victim to the Morristown Medical Center. It is further alleged that Urbina instructed Straw to delete content from her cellular telephone and deny his involvement in the homicide when speaking to the police.

Urbina remains a fugitive at this time. He should not be approached and is considered dangerous. An image of Urbina is attached below.

Krystal Straw, date of birth May 20, 1993, has also been charged in connection with this matter. Specifically, she has been charged with second-degree Endangering the Welfare of Children, third-degree Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution, third-degree Tampering with a Witness, and fourth-degree Tampering with Evidence. She remains lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a court appearance currently scheduled for August 18, 2021.
Numerous law enforcement agencies have participated in this investigation, including members of the East Hanover Police Department, the Morristown Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

The investigation is active and ongoing. No other information is being released at this time.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Edwin Urbina or any other information about this incident is encouraged to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200, the East Hanover Police Department at (973) 887-0432, or Morris County CrimeStoppers at (973) 267-2255. Persons reporting any information may remain anonymous. Information on how to leave an anonymous call or text message can be found at the CrimeStoppers Program website by clicking here.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany continues to prepare dinner at Homeless Solutions for the clients.

Kiwanis Club of New Jersey Division 11 Lt. Governor Frank Cahill and Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany members Joseph Jannarone, Jr., and new member Robert Pactwa, volunteered on Saturday, July 24.

Following all COVID-19 protocols, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany has been serving food at Homeless Solutions and providing food for residents affected by the pandemic.

With a generous donation from Chick-fil-A Morris Plains and food donated by Restaurant Depot, the group was able to shop at Costco to purchase the items needed to prepare the dinner.

The guests enjoyed homemade Baked Ziti, Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Fruit Salad, and dessert.

The Kiwanis Club has been providing meals to Homeless Solutions for the past 19 years and has served over 7,000 meals. Members volunteer their time to shop, cook, and serve dinner.

Homeless Solutions, “Providing a Hand Up, Not a HandOUT.” They offer shelter, services, and supportive housing to the homeless and working poor in Morris County.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.  It is not religious-based or partisan in any way

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany supports ten K-Kids clubs, Lake Parsippany Elementary School, Eastlake Elementary School, Intervale School, Mt. Tabor Elementary School, Littleton Elementary School, Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, Troy Hills Elementary School, Northvail Elementary School, Knollwood School, and Rockaway Meadow Elementary School, two builders clubs, Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School; two Key Clubs, Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School and one Aktion Club.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany will be participating in a “FREE Food Distribution” on Saturday, August 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road.  Interested parties please sign up by clicking here.

Interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, contact President Laura Wohland, by emailing law4pres@gmail.com. Click here to view the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany website.

PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is proud to support Prevent Child Abuse NJ in their Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign.

During April, Kiwanis Club kicked off Child Abuse Prevention Month setting up pinwheel gardens and displays, with the first one set up at the Parsippany Town Hall and followed by a second display set up at the Parsippany IHOP on Route 46.

And while the pinwheel can do many things — bring smiles, lift spirits, call for healthy starts for all children — the one thing it cannot do is move on its own.  Be the force that makes it move, bringing about real change for children in the United States.  Protecting our children is everyone’s job…it’s your turn to make a difference!

Since 1983, April has been a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse.  As we look upon the faces of the many children in our communities and think about all of the children around the world that suffer at the hands of others, let’s remember that April may be Child Abuse Prevention Month, but unfortunately abuse happens every day.  That is why every year, during the month of April, communities across the country come together to focus on this startling issue and on the need for widespread prevention and public awareness campaigns to reduce the number of children who, sadly, are victims of abuse.  Close to 700,000 children were victims of child abuse, and almost 1,700 children died as a result of abuse or neglect.

During a recent Kiwanis meeting, Karen DeChristopher who has lead this campaign for many years explained, “As an organization that focuses on children, there is one goal that we are looking to achieve…to raise awareness of the many ways people can get involved in the fight against child abuse:  First, we can get educated, so you can learn to recognize the signs of child abuse, so you can be that one person with the courage to step up for these children and report abuse when you suspect it.  Secondly, you can volunteer or support your child advocacy centers (Prevent Child Abuse-NJ ) by calling to determine how you can support them because every children’s advocacy center can benefit from your support for the programs and services they provide to child victims of abuse and neglect.  And lastly, but most importantly we must help break the silence surrounding child abuse by raising awareness and spreading the word.  These children deserve a voice because this problem has been overlooked for far too long and you can open the doors on this crime of secrecy because we can all make a difference for these children.”

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany recently made a donation to Prevent Child Abuse-NJ.

To learn more about what you can do to help prevent child abuse, contact Pamela Stalcup, Director of Development & Communications for Prevent Child Abuse-NJ at (732) 246-8060 or click here.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.  It is not religious-based or partisan in any way

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany supports ten K-Kids clubs, Lake Parsippany Elementary School, Eastlake Elementary School, Intervale School, Mt. Tabor Elementary School, Littleton Elementary School, Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, Troy Hills Elementary School, Northvail Elementary School, Knollwood School, and Rockaway Meadow Elementary School, two builders clubs, Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School; two Key Clubs, Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School and one Aktion Club.

For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Top New Jersey elected officials and climate justice advocates urged the state’s elected leaders in Washington to support strong federal investments in clean transportation infrastructure.

The press conference was hosted by the Parsippany Green Team as part of a $10 million grassroots campaign during the August 2021 congressional recess in 12 states to demand ambitious investments in clean energy, environmental justice, and climate solutions organized by the Climate Action Campaign. Speakers urged Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) to continue supporting clean energy growth and expansion of the market for clean school and transit buses in order to improve public health and create economic opportunity for all New Jerseyans.

“Parsippany has been a trailblazer for green initiatives. Parsippany Green Team’s implementations in New Jersey have been made successful through our collaborations with local residents and government. Rep. Mikie Sherrill has been a long-time supporter of these efforts. We encourage her to continue to champion climate action at the federal level and support significant investment in EVs as part of this summer’s budget process,” said Judy Hernandez, Founder of Parsippany Green Team.

Transportation accounts for the largest source of climate-harming carbon pollution in the US. Modernizing our transportation sector and investing in clean school and transit buses are critical to combating climate change, which makes extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires more frequent and intense.

“The Borough of Madison has our own borough-owned electric utility. Our investments in EV infrastructure locally are a good first step; however, like the bipartisan infrastructure bill, we need to go further and we need big, bold investments by the federal government today to do that. We thank Rep. Sherrill for her work on behalf of the Madison community and look forward to her leadership on this urgent issue,” said Madison Mayor Robert H. Conley.

Investments in clean transportation and electric vehicles are essential to meeting our nation’s climate goals, reducing air pollution, improving public health, achieving environmental justice, and spurring the economy. Meaningful federal investments can spur the advancement of local programs that lead to cleaner air, reduced fuel costs, and more family-sustaining jobs.

“Thousands of vehicles cut right through Boonton on I-287 every day. Tailpipe pollution leads to increased respiratory illness such as asthma and bronchitis and impacts all of us, directly and indirectly. Boonton feels this impact. We look forward to working with Rep. Sherrill to pass bold investments in electric vehicles, which will reduce tailpipe pollution and protect our health and that of generations to come,” said Boonton Mayor Richard Corcoran.

These are popular investments. Recent polling found that 82 percent of voters in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District support investments to rebuild roads and bridges and modernize public transportation to ensure it is cleaner and able to serve more people. 64 percent of voters in the 11th Congressional District also support investments in electric vehicles and charging stations to reduce pollution and help more Americans buy clean cars.

“The NJ Sustainable Business Council and its member companies have led successful sustainability initiatives that have also had positive economic impacts. Since clean energy is a critical component in the transition to a more sustainable and equitable transportation system, federal investment is essential to scale up programs, which is why it is so crucial for Congress to include bold climate action in the budget process this summer,” said Richard Lawton, Executive Director, New Jersey Sustainable Business Council.

PARSIPPANY — The Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is scheduling a Special Meeting to be held on Monday, August 16, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

The agenda to the extent known includes a budget meeting. Formal action may or may not be taken, and any other action reasonably related thereto may also be taken.