PARSIPPANY — It goes without saying that our numbers are not going in the direction they need to be. These increases are not unique to just Parsippany. This is a trend that communities are experiencing across the country. Keep up with the day-to-day numbers with the Morris County Coronavirus tracker page by clicking here.
Rep. Sherrill Announces $600K DOJ Grant Award for Prevention is Key Program
PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced that Prevention is Key, Inc. (PIK), located in Randolph, was awarded a $600,000 grant to fund a mentoring program for children in Morris and Passaic Counties who have been exposed to opioid misuse through their own experience or that of a family member. The grant is funded through the Mentoring Opportunities Youth Initiative at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
“PIK’s work on substance abuse prevention and recovery helps our community with critical programs like peer recovery support, Narcan training, and partnering on Hope One,” said Representative Sherrill. “This mentoring program for children impacted by opioid misuse is just another example of PIK’s proactive approach to ensuring that those most in need of support receive it. I am thrilled that the DOJ awarded the federal grant funding to support this much-needed program, and I look forward to following its progress.”
“We are thrilled to have been awarded the OJJDP grant to provide Mentoring to Youth Impacted by Opioids and Drug Addiction in Morris and Passaic Counties,” said PIK Executive Director Chris Goeke. “The demand for youth mentoring among this underserved population has never been greater than it is today. The social isolation created by the pandemic has made the need even more critical. Prevention Is Key remains fully engaged in supporting our communities as they strive to live healthier lives throughout our great state.”
PIK will use this grant funding from DOJ’s Mentoring Opportunities Youth Initiative to support the creation of a mentoring program for one hundred children ages 11 to 17. This will include children who are currently misusing or have misused opioids, as well as those with family members who are using or have misused opioids. The three-year program will provide mentees with positive mentoring support to supplement treatment programs. It will build resiliency by providing participants with social and emotional support, and helping them develop the skills to build their own informal support systems.
About the Department of Justice Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
The Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative at the Department of Justice supports youth mentoring organizations that have a demonstrated partnership with a public or private substance abuse treatment agency. The program focuses on providing mentoring services as a part of prevention and treatment to support children affected by opioids and drug addiction.
About Prevention is Key
Prevention is Key (PIK) is a 501(c)3 organization that has successfully delivered culturally competent, evidence-based prevention services in Morris County and the surrounding counties for 30 years. The agency was founded in 1989 to coordinate substance abuse prevention in Morris County. For more information click here.
Surrogate Celebrate National Adoption Day
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling will join the Morris Vicinage of the Superior Court of New Jersey to celebrate National Adoption Day on Friday, November 20 at 9:00 a.m. in a virtual courtroom on zoom.
The virtual courtroom will open at 8:45 a.m. with the virtual ceremony commencing at 9:00 a.m.
The live stream will be webcast on the New Jersey Courts public channel by clicking here.
Surrogate Darling along with the Hon. Michael Paul Wright, J.S.C., and other stakeholders will speak in honor of adoptive families and children across the country.
This celebration is also part of a national effort to raise awareness of the more than 400,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families and to encourage others to adopt. This year’s theme, “Youth Voice,” highlights the voices and perspectives of older youth who have experience with adoption and foster care, and it also emphasizes the role that professionals can play in engaging youth throughout the adoption process.
“Approximately 20,000 youth age out of foster care each year in the United States,” said Surrogate Darling. “This year’s focus on older youth is key. They have a say in their lives and should be heard in the adoption process. It is true that close and permanent ties from adoption help to set young people up for success and provide an anchor as they grow into adulthood.”
The Surrogate’s Court oversees the adoption process for Morris County and works closely with the Superior Court in finalizing adoptions and being a part of the official start of these new families. Although adoptions are closed to the public, reporters may contact Dawn Carruth, Assistant Family Division Manager, at (862) 397-5700, ext. 75180 with requests to connect with families who are willing to be interviewed after their adoption proceedings have concluded.
Interfaith Food Pantry Becomes “Network” as its Role Expands in Morris County
MORRIS COUNTY — The Interfaith Food Pantry which serves Morris County residents in need by providing emergency and supplemental groceries has announced that it is now doing business as The Interfaith Food Pantry Network (IFPN), a name more fitting of its network of support operations and partnerships throughout the region.
“The new name is a more accurate reflection of who we are and what we do. We are not just a food pantry and resource center,” said Tim Lockwood, President of the IFPN. “We are a network of pantries and partner agencies that comprise a vast safety net for Morris County residents that struggle with food insecurity.”
The IFPN also is continuing its seasonal effort this year to distribute about 2,000 turkeys and baskets for Thanksgiving. Donations of turkeys, food, and funds are being sought. For more information on donations and volunteer opportunities click here.
Holiday Donation Delivery Information
The IFPN will be open for food drop-offs this Wednesday, November 18, until 7:45 p.m.
Please contact Val Schuszler at (973) 538-8049, Ext. 215, or send an email to vschuszler@mcifp.org. Non-perishable food can be delivered to the IFPN warehouse from Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Fridays by prior arrangement. For more information and directions call (973) 538-8049 or send an email to interfaithfoodpantry@mcifp.org.
The network currently includes 28 partners located in Butler, Lincoln Park, Rockaway, Jefferson, Netcong, Mt. Olive, Roxbury, Wharton, Dover, Randolph, Parsippany, Hanover, Morristown, and Madison. They are smaller food pantries, low-income senior housing sites, and food access sites operated by the County of Morris. According to IFPN officials, the strategy to establish a network of food pantries and satellite food distribution sites via their Mobile Pantry Partners began in 2017. The goal of the network is to efficiently address the social detriments of health by providing access to nutritious foods to clients of smaller pantries in more remote communities, and seniors who lack access to the IFPN pantries in Parsippany and Morristown.
“We believe it’s critical to not just employ stop-gap measures to hunger. The long-term effects of food insecurity often lead to health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The network addresses this issue by providing more fresh fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy items, and grains. Access to healthy foods empower people to take more control over the issues they are dealing with – finding a job, managing financial stressors, providing kids the nutrition they need to do well in school,” said Lockwood.
The Pantry’s network strategy was fueled by data collected during a multi-year study conducted in partnership with Profs. Patrick McGuinn, Ph.D. and Lisa Jordan of Drew University. That study identified geographic pockets of low-income families and seniors that were outside the radius of accessibility to IFPN’s two existing pantries. The Mobile Pantry was launched in 2017, funded largely by Impact 100 Garden State.
“Our network partners have strong ties to their clients and communities. They understand their needs”, said Carolyn Lake, Executive Director. “The COVID crisis forced many new people to seek help everywhere they could find it. Our pantry numbers grew as did the numbers of people visiting our partners. But even as the need grew dramatically, ensuring the continuity of access to healthy food was critical to our mission. We did not want to slide backward, we instead, leaped forward.”
Contributing to the rapid expansion of the network was the exponential increase in the number of seniors who, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, were suddenly isolated and had no way of securing groceries. With a skeleton staff, the IFPN responded to the crisis by working with the Morris County and Dover Housing Authorities to serve 300 seniors in five-county locations. Additionally, new food pantries were added to the network in Dover, Hanover, and Roxbury.
The program is currently accommodating 6,100 household visits, a 140% increase over 2019’s figures. Through the two pantries they operate, the Mobile Network and other Morris County agencies it serves, the IFPN has distributed more than 1.1 million pounds of food during more than 21,000 household visits this year.
“The Interfaith Food Pantry Network is a critical resource for Morris County,” said Kathy DiFillippo, Morris County Freeholder. “For 25 years the Morris County government has worked in partnership with IFPN through the Offices of Temporary Assistance, Division of Aging, and Senior Nutrition Programs. They play a critical role in our social services infrastructure as the leading agency providing nutrition and related resources to Morris County residents.
“Even pre-COVID there was a significant population living paycheck to paycheck and many seniors choosing between food and medicine. Food insecurity is not new, but the pandemic exacerbated the problem. We are grateful to the IFPN and the significant safety net they provide to help Morris County families,” DeFillippo added.
Click here to watch this short video to learn about the IFPN.
The Interfaith Food Pantry Network (IFPN) is the largest and most relied-upon resource for emergency and supplemental food among Morris County residents in need. IFPN employs innovative approaches to hunger and food insecurity that improve the health and well-being of individuals and families by providing access to food, education, and related resources. The IFPN operates food pantries and also partners with other agencies across the County to foster a culture of volunteerism and educate the public about the issues surrounding food insecurity. For more information, visit www.mcifp.org
UPS is hiring 1,200 Seasonal Employees
PARSIPPANY — UPS continues to hire over 1,200 seasonal employees in the New Jersey and New York City area to support the annual increase in package volume that will continue through January 2021. Nationally, UPS expects to hire over 100,000 seasonal employees. As a reminder, in September UPS announced it would hire 2,400 in NYC/NJ.
UPS continues to hire tractor-trailer drivers, package car drivers, driver helpers, and package handlers. The tractor-trailer and package car driver jobs start at $36.00 per hour. Pay for package handlers and driver-helpers start at $14.50 per hour for New Jersey locations and $15.00 per hour for the New York City location.
At a time when millions of Americans are looking for work, these jobs are for many an opportunity to start a new career with UPS. Benefits of a seasonal job with UPS include:
- Over the last three years, about 35% of people hired by UPS for seasonal jobs were later hired in a permanent position when the holidays were over, and about 123,000 UPS employees – nearly a third of the company’s U.S. workforce – started in seasonal positions.
- Through the company’s Earn and Learn program, eligible seasonal employees who are students can earn up to $1,300 towards college expenses, in addition to their hourly pay, for three months of continuous employment.
- Permanent UPS jobs – including part-time jobs – come with great pay and benefits, including healthcare and retirement benefits and up to $25,000 in tuition assistance.
Local UPS facilities hiring seasonal workers include Parsippany Facility located at 799 Jefferson Road, Parsippany.
If interested in learning more about these positions, I’d be happy to connect you with a UPS Spokesperson. Interested applicants should apply by clicking here.
March for Your Rights This Sunday in Morris Township
MORRIS COUNTY — A new, non-partisan organization called We the People NJ is inviting all concerned citizens to join them for a peaceful March for Your Rights on Sunday, November 22 in Morris Township from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
The march will begin at the Morris Township Police Department and end at the steps of Morristown’s town hall.
According to a spokesperson for the group, the march is planned to get the attention of Governor Phil Murphy and express to him that NJ residents can’t withstand another lockdown. The group stands for personal choice in regard to personal protection which includes the constitutional rights of going to work and to school. They also acknowledge and respect the constitutional rights of some people who wish to stay home and protect themselves from health risks The intention of the group is to demand that everyone’s personal choice is protected.
We the People NJ is an all-inclusive, nonpartisan group open to all citizens. For more info, you can click here.
Planning Board to hold Virtual Meeting
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board will conduct a virtual meeting on Monday, November 23 at 7:30 p.m.
This meeting can be accessed by using the following WebEx link or by clicking here.
https://pth.webex.com/pth/onstage/g.php?MTID=eadb9a934959d1ce2efca5f6f16151a52
Click here to download the agenda.
There is also a minor-subdivision committee meeting on Monday, November 23 at 7:00 p.m.
This meeting can be accessed by using the following WebEx link or by clicking here.
https://pth.webex.com/pth/onstage/g.php?MTID=eadb9a934959d1ce2efca5f6f16151a52
Click here to download the agenda.
PACC holding a Diaper Drive
PARSIPPANY — The Women and Business Committee of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce is holding a diaper drive from now until Friday, November 20.
They are requesting donations of new diapers from newborn to adult sizes, along with baby wipes to help those in need.
Interested donors can drop off the diapers and wipes at the M&T Bank at 240 Baldwin Road or the Valley Bank at 800 Route 46.
For more information call (973) 402-6400.
Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Junior Squad Held Food Drive
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Junior Squad held a food drive on November 15 at ShopRite of Parsippany which resulted in 136 pounds of food and a check for $250 delivered to the Interfaith Food Pantry.
We are so grateful to the Parsippany residents who were generous in their support of those in our community in need. Many thanks to the PVAS junior squad and to the senior squad members who helped them out. Neighbors helping Neighbors!
Updated Quarantine Advisory Issued for Individuals Traveling to New Jersey, Bringing New Total to 46 States and Territories
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy today advised individuals traveling to New Jersey from states or territories with significant community spread of COVID-19 to quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of the last contact within the identified state or territory. The updated advisory includes the addition of Vermont, bringing the total to 46 states and territories. The travel advisory applies to any person arriving from a state or territory with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a state with a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.
As of Tuesday, November 17, there are currently 46 states and territories that meet the criteria stated above: Alabama; Alaska; Arizona; Arkansas; California; Colorado; Florida; Georgia; Guam; Iowa; Idaho; Indiana; Illinois; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Maine; Maryland; Massachusetts; Michigan; Minnesota; Missouri; Mississippi; Montana; North Carolina; North Dakota; Nebraska; New Hampshire; New Mexico; Nevada; Ohio; Oklahoma; Oregon; Puerto Rico; Rhode Island; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; Vermont; Virginia; Wisconsin; West Virginia; Washington; and Wyoming.
Due to the interconnected nature of the region and mode of transport between New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, a 14-day quarantine is not reasonable in all instances. Non-essential travel to and from these states, however, is highly discouraged at this time.
“As we face the second wave of this virus, we need to recommit ourselves to the mindset of personal responsibility that helped us flatten the curve earlier this year,” said Governor Murphy.“We are asking anyone arriving from these 46 states and territories to get tested for COVID-19 and self-quarantine for 14 days.”
Travelers and those residents who are returning from impacted states should self-quarantine at their home, hotel, or other temporary lodgings. Individuals should leave the place of self-quarantine only to seek medical care/treatment or to obtain food and other essential items.
It is expected that individuals will follow the public health advisory to self-quarantine. The list of states will be updated on a rolling basis and is accessible here.
Murphy Signs Executive Order Lowering Limits on Indoor and Outdoor Gatherings
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 196, which lowers indoor and outdoor gathering limits. Effective Tuesday, November 17 at 6:00 a.m., the indoor gathering limit will decrease from 25 to 10 people.
The outdoor gathering limit will decrease from 500 people to 150 people, effective Monday, November 23 at 6:00 a.m.
“As we have been saying for weeks, this will not be a normal holiday season, and it’s incumbent on all of us to avoid the type of gatherings that have proven to be particularly dangerous places for COVID-19 to spread,” said Governor Murphy. “With the alarming numbers we are seeing right now, we have to take these steps today to preserve and protect public health and to slow the spread of this virus.”
Indoor Gatherings
The limit for weddings, funerals, memorial services, and religious and political activities remain unchanged and will be limited to 25% of the capacity of the room in which the gathering takes place, up to a maximum of 150 individuals.
Indoor sporting competitions and practices will be permitted to exceed the 10 person limit only for individuals necessary for the practice or competition, such as players, coaches, and referees, but may not exceed 150 individuals. For most indoor sports, this will mean that there can be no spectators.
Legislative and judicial proceedings are not subject to the indoor gatherings limits.
Weddings, funerals, memorial services, and religious and political activities are not subject to the outdoor gatherings limit. All other types of gatherings, such as a high school football game or an outdoor concert, will be limited to 150 individuals. Athletes, coaches, referees, and other individuals necessary for a professional or collegiate sports competition are not counted towards the 150 person limit.
Outdoor gatherings continue to be subject to strict social distancing restrictions, including the requirement to wear masks whenever it is not possible to social distance.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 196, please click here.
New Jersey Department of Health Guidance Outlines Protocols For Long-Term Care Facilities and Holiday Visitation
MORRIS COUNTY — With the upcoming holiday season, the New Jersey Department of Health today issued health and safety guidance for the state’s long-term care facilities, which provides measures for residents who leave the facility for a holiday gathering, including a 14-day quarantine at the conclusion of their visit.
To protect the health of this vulnerable population, the Department strongly recommends against families taking residents out of facilities for holiday celebration events or gatherings. Instead, the Department recommends visitation outdoors or possibly indoors in facilities that meet the requirements for indoor visitation. Long-term care facilities should plan to accommodate increased virtual communications for residents.
“Small family gatherings are a significant driver of increasing cases, and bringing your loved one’s home could put them at risk,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “We remain concerned about the number of outbreaks we are seeing in long-term care, so we need to be especially vigilant to protect this population. We continue to partner with the industry to improve quality and infection control in these facilities.”
Long-term care facilities need to develop a plan for holiday visits and gatherings which estimate the number of residents who can be cohorted for a 14-day quarantine period from November 25 through December 31.
Long-term care facilities should create a reservation process tied to the number of individuals the facility can quarantine on their return. Residents who leave the facility for family visits must be quarantined upon return to the facility either in their own room if they have a private room or in an observation room.
A waiting list should be created once the reservation list is full. However, residents and families should be informed that residents who leave without a reservation or while on a waiting list may not be guaranteed readmittance to the facility at the end of their visit.
Residents and families must certify that they will follow masking, social distancing, and hand hygiene practices and that they will notify the facility if anyone who attended the holiday gathering tests positive for COVID-19 or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of the resident’s visit/stay outside the facility.
Morris Surrogate Launches Fully Remote Online Service with eProbate
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling announced the Surrogate’s Court has now added eProbate service as an option for Morris County residents to complete the probate process.
Residents with mobility issues can now complete the process from the comfort of their homes or offices, which also is a valuable tool in the era of COVID-19.
The new eProbate filing option may be found on the Surrogate’s website by clicking here.
Since becoming Surrogate in January 2020, Surrogate Darling has focused her efforts on serving the clients of the Surrogate’s Court and to make the process of accessing and navigating the probate system in Morris County easier for grieving citizens.
“As an attorney practicing in the Surrogate’s Court, it was apparent to me that a significant segment of the clients this office serves is subject to mobility issues of varying degrees,” said Darling. “It has been my plan since the day I was elected last year to implement this convenience for the residents of Morris County, and now we have delivered it without any additional expense.”
Darling went on to say, “When I originally forecasted the need, no one would have foreseen the additional urgent need for this service which was brought on by COVID.”
eProbate is one option for Surrogate’s Court clients. The Surrogate’s Court has reopened for in-person appointments and is also utilizing Form A and Form B on our website as a probate-by-mail option, allowing Morris County’s residents a choice in how they want to handle their business with the Surrogate’s Office, their sensitive matters.
“This will be a tremendous benefit to those using our office, clients and attorneys can work up the forms with our probate clerks to streamline the process which can then be completed in the place the probate applicant is most comfortable,” said Chief Probate Clerk Deborah Scott.
Surrogate Darling explained that her office has “beta-tested” the eProbate service with a small group and now will offer eProbate to her office’s entire client base as an option.
The Surrogate commended the vendor, County Business Systems, who she worked with to develop and deliver this service as quickly as possible, even through a pandemic. “eProbate is the next level of service for this client base.
Surrogates in other New Jersey counties have expressed an interest in this service which was designed specifically for Surrogate Darling in Morris County,” said Nick DiPalma, Project Leader, County Business Systems, Inc. “We anticipate other Surrogates may follow the lead by purchasing the program designed to Darling’s specifications.”
Governor Opposes Relief for Businesses, Out of Business, From His Executive Orders
PARSIPPANY — The letter brief filed in the Appellate Division on Friday in the case against Gov. Phil Murphy for his violations of the Disaster Control Act, expressed Murphy’s opposition to offering relief to one Sussex County business – now out of business – as a result of the governor’s continual shutdowns.
According to the filing from the attorneys for the business owner, Robert W. Ferguson, Esq., of the law firm of Stern, Kilcullen and Rufolo, LLC of Florham Park and Catherine M. Brown, Esq., of Denville, who asked to additionally expedite the appeal after their client’s business was decimated, defendant Murphy “opposes all relief requested herein.”
Originally filed in the Sussex County Superior Court on September 23, the case first sought a declaratory judgment against Murphy too, as he was mandated under the Disaster Control Act, establish compensation boards in every county, where businesses like Ferguson and Brown’s client JWC Fitness, LLC., could petition for “reasonable compensation.”
With these boards, individuals and businesses could attempt to seek recompense in return for the governor’s taking of their property during the eight back-to-back states of emergency that Murphy has continued to declare since March.
As part of Murphy’s Executive Orders and invocation of the Disaster Control Act, the plaintiff’s business fought for survival under Murphy’s edicts, following a previously fruitful 10-year-run, after Murphy deemed it “non-essential” during the pandemic.
“He’s [Murphy’s] playing carrot and stick with fundamental rights,” Ferguson said.
“The Murphy Administration should be more responsive, instead of giving back the ‘let them eat cake’ approach,” said Donald Dinsmore, Esq., the chairman of Rescue New Jersey, the not-for-profit, non-partisan group that facilitated the lawsuit.
Rescue New Jersey was formed, Dinsmore added, to assist New Jersey individuals and businesses, who deserve timely answers from Murphy’s Administration.
The attorneys described in a Superior Court brief that their client from Franklin Borough, Darlene Pallay – who ran her business as CKO Kickboxing Franklin – as “a law-abiding, taxpaying citizen of this State,” who helped to support her family over the last decade with her business, including her three young children.
“She complied fully with the Governor’s Executive Orders, notwithstanding the personal economic cost to her and her family,” the brief also read. “She won Congressional recognition for COVID-related activities that benefitted her community.”
The letter brief also asked the court to consider moving the case along quickly, based on its merits. “The defendant [Murphy] called upon all of us to comply with his executive orders for the good of the greater, general welfare,” the brief stated.
“Plaintiff’s owner Mrs. Pallay did as she was ordered. But the defendant asked her to give much more to the general welfare than most, her livelihood from a business she has built up over 10 years, and ultimately, the business itself.”
The brief further explained that Pallay currently owes back rent to her commercial landlord and payment for expenses she has become unable to pay. While the Superior Court case sought a declaratory judgment, the Appellate brief indicated, “The winddown of the plaintiff’s business affairs depends entirely on whether the state will compensate Mrs. Pallay for her total compliance with the defendant’s executive orders, as required by the Disaster Control Act.”
For more information about Rescue New Jersey click here.
Rupande Mehta Addresses State Senate Bid
MORRIS COUNTY — With a heavy heart, I am saddened to announce our campaign has come to an end. I am proud to have joined women up and down the ballot for this crucial moment in time. Our campaign has been focused on amplifying the voices of teachers, essential workers, small businesses, and working families in New Jersey. However, the COVID-19 crisis has shone a light on all of the cracks in our system and we stepped up to fight for sensible leadership.
This campaign is historic because of the support and involvement of women across the state, the South Asian community, and our youth. Collectively, we broke the glass ceiling and opened up many doors for future leaders to come.
To every volunteer, intern, voter, and donor – sincerely thank you. Your support and generosity have brought us to this monumental moment. You showed up to make thousands of calls during these unprecedented times. You put your trust in me to build a better New Jersey for you.
Even if I was the first South Asian woman to run for statewide office in New Jersey, I most certainly will not be the last. We will keep on fighting because representation will always matter.
Congratulations Senator Bucco on your re-election. It is imperative we work together during these challenging times to always put LD-25’s needs first and to truly focus on bipartisan efforts.
Letter to the editor: Cleaning Up Parsippany
Dear Editor:
Parsippany should ask Mayor Michael Soriano when will he start caring about our environment and the image of our township projects to visitors. For far too long, Mayor Soriano has allowed trash to run rampant on the streets making the pride people once felt in Parsippany wane as of late.
![](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2020/11/litter1.png?resize=480%2C448&ssl=1)
Mayoral candidate Lou Valori and township council candidate Justin Musella have collaborated with Jacqueline Corvino, who has been a weekend trash warrior in our township. Mrs. Corvino spends two to three hours every weekend collecting and removing trash throughout Lake Hiawatha as well as the Route 46 corridor.
Lake Hiawatha used to be pristine; considered a crown jewel of the township by most residents. Unfortunately, a clean environment has fallen by the wayside under Soriano’s watch as he prioritizes his personal political agenda over what benefits the residents he is obligated to serve.
Just last weekend alone, volunteers spent three hours cleaning North Beverwyck Road, picking up everything from syringes to rusty scissors along with endless amounts of hazardous waste. Even sadder is the township-funded potted plants lining North Beverwyck are now eyesores, overrun by dead plants and mucky water.
![](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2020/11/litter2.png?resize=696%2C570&ssl=1)
Given that Lake Hiawatha is an economic hub for our township, the denigration of this area is scaring away prospective businesses, hopeful homeowners, and entrepreneurs, not attracting them.
The pollution along one of the town’s main arteries is even worse. This Saturday, volunteers spent two hours on the Route 46 corridor filling six bags of trash with plastics, clothes, and countless unrecyclable waste. Long dead animals were also strewn across both sides of the highway. Where is the township monitoring, oversight, and accountability? Mayor Soriano must be held accountable for permitting this filth, decay, neglect, and dereliction of duty to infect our township.
If a town’s streets and sidewalks are a reflection of its municipal leadership, then the blasé and lackadaisical practices of the inattentive Michael Soriano must be stopped — and Mayoral Candidate Valori and Council Candidate Musella are the team to do it.
Mayoral Candidate Valori
and Council Candidate Musella
Revised Visiting Hours at Morristown Medical Center as COVID-19 Cases Rise
MORRISTOWN — As the number of positive cases in Morris County increases, Morristown Memorial Hospital has adjusted its visiting hours and procedures. Morris County has seen an increase of over 600 new positive cases within one week, with 229 cases reported in the past 24 hours. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Morris County had 11,018 cases; 703 confirmed deaths; and 146 probable deaths.
“For the safety and wellbeing of patients, visitors, support persons, and health care professionals, visitor restrictions are in place at our hospitals. This includes Chilton, Hackettstown, Newton, Overlook and Morristown medical centers, as well as Goryeb Children’s Hospital. The policy includes hospital visiting hours, restrictions, and COVID-19 safety measures along with special guidelines for maternity and certain neonatal and pediatric units.”
- The adjusted visiting hours for Morristown Medical Center are between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Hospital visitors will be required to complete temperature and symptom screening upon entering the facility, including a travel inquiry. If the visitor does not pass any element of the screening, they will not be permitted to visit. If they pass, they will be limited to visit non-COVID patients/units only.
- All visitors arriving from states or countries under a travel advisory that requires a 14-day quarantine upon arrival to New Jersey, will not be permitted to enter any Atlantic Health System facility.
- Find the list of states for which NJ requires quarantine> This list is updated frequently; please check it regularly.
- Find the list of countries that require quarantine >
- All visitors must be 18 years of age or older except for the rare exception as determined by the facility.
- The hospital strongly recommends inpatients be limited to one healthy visitor per day. The healthy visitor can change day-to-day, unless:
- The patient is a minor, in which case the pediatric patient may have both parents or guardians, or
- At the facility’s discretion, a limited number of additional persons may be determined to be appropriate. Rare exceptions for unique circumstances will be made only after consultation and approval by the medical center nurse management team.
- All visitors will be required to wear face coverings and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at all times. They may wear their own cloth mask, or a mask will be provided upon entry. A vented mask may only be worn with a surgical mask placed over it. Any visitor refusing to wear a mask or other PPE as indicated will be asked to leave the facility.
- Pediatric Inpatient Units and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU):
- The same two healthy parents, guardians, or caregivers who are identified by the family initially will be the only approved visitors. Rare exceptions for unique circumstances will be made only after consultation and approval by the medical center nurse manager or assistant nurse manager.
- One parent or guardian is permitted to stay overnight (in addition to daytime visiting). A second parent or guardian can also be present from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Caregivers staying overnight must arrive by 8:00 p.m.
- Visitors must remain in the patient’s room as much as possible.
- Visitors must remain masked both in and outside of the patient’s room and when staff enters the room.
- COVID-19 Travel Advisory for Pediatrics
- If an inpatient minor’s parent is within the 14-day quarantine period and there is no option to have a lower-risk parent or guardian be present, then only one parent will be permitted to visit, and that parent must wear a mask whenever staff is present in the room. The parent will be asked to stay in the room for the duration of the hospitalization.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU):
- During maternal hospitalization, two individuals given visitor wristbands (i.e., parents or caregivers) may visit their newborn infant in the NICU any time of day (24/7).
- After maternal discharge from the hospital, the two individuals with visitor wristbands may visit separately between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. for the duration of the newborn hospitalization.
- Two individuals with visitor wristbands may both come on the day of their infant’s discharge.
- Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis (i.e. transfers from other hospitals whereby at the initial visit to the NICU both individuals with visitor wristbands will be permitted, parent conferences with the health care team, and day of infant surgery).
- Maternity
- One designated support person is permitted with a pregnant patient during labor, delivery, and the entire postpartum hospital stay.
- The support person can be the patient’s spouse, partner, sibling, or another person that they choose.
- A doula who is part of the patient’s care team is permitted and does not count as a support person.
- Procedural Areas
- To promote social distancing and keep everyone safe, one designated support person is permitted to accompany a patient having an ambulatory procedure.
- We encourage all support people to drop their loved ones off and provide a contact phone number so that we can regularly communicate the status of the patient.
- We will contact you with ample time to return and pick up your loved one.
- We would be happy to provide you with a list of local restaurants and stores that you can visit during the procedure.
Once in the hospital or facility, visitors shall remain in the patient’s room (or emergency department bay) as much as possible throughout the visit, except when directed by hospital or facility staff to leave during aerosol-generating procedures or other procedures in which visitors are usually asked to leave. Visitors may use designated eating locations within the medical center and other amenities available to patients or visitors.
Kiwanis Club Supports Local Restaurants
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany started a program to help support local restaurants.
President Laura Wohland said “In these times everyone is struggling so Kiwanis Club decided to help support local food establishments. We will promote a “Dine to Donate” event at a local food establishment each month. Kiwanis Club, due to COVID-19 had to cancel most of our fundraising projects, so we could use the extra donations. At the same time, we help the restaurants on a slow night and bring in extra customers. The customers support the food establishment, have an opportunity to try different food, and the restaurants have additional revenue, they might not have. The restaurant donates a portion of the proceeds to Kiwanis. This is a win-win situation for everyone.”
Recently Kiwanis promoted the first Dine to Donate at Gourmet Café. Gourmet Café was able to bring in $1,300 worth of business on a slow Monday night, and Kiwanis received 10% of the proceeds or $130.00.
The next “Dine to Donate” will be held on Monday, December 7 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Panera Bread, 1161 Route 46. Click here to download a flyer.
Kiwanis will be announcing more restaurants in the upcoming weeks. If you are a food establishment and would like to participate in the program contact Frank Cahill at (862) 213-2200.
Emergency Kits Offered to Seniors and Adults with Disabilities
MORRIS COUNTY — Seniors and adults with disabilities can pick up one of 500 free emergency supply kits. Each contains four shelf-stable meals and a first aid kit.
The distribution will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 23, at the Morris County Library, 30 East Hanover Avenue, Whippany. Homebound residents can call (973) 285-6848 to determine if a kit can be delivered. All Morris County residents who are 60 or over and adults with disabilities qualify.
Navigating Hope, Morris County’s mobile social services vehicle, will be on-site during the distribution for anyone who would like more information on county services.
“Being prepared is important in all emergencies, whether it’s a pandemic or a storm. Having self-stable meals is incredibly important. These meals can be a stopgap if someone is homebound or unable to go out for food,” said Christine Hellyer, Division Director of Morris County’s Office on Aging, Disabilities, & Community Programming, which is sponsoring the event.
Funding for this program was made possible through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Murphy Signs Executive Order Permitting Municipalities and Counties to Impose Additional Restrictions
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 195, which permits municipalities and counties to impose additional restrictions on the hours of operation of non-essential retail businesses, food and beverage establishments, and recreation and entertainment businesses after 8:00 p.m. The Order prohibits municipalities and counties from imposing restrictions that prevent dining establishments from arranging for the pickup or delivery of goods or otherwise limiting their scope of operations. The Order will take effect immediately.
“I’ve been clear that our approach to the second wave is to act surgically within hotspot areas,” said Governor Murphy. “Today’s action maintains overall consistency across the state while also empowering local elected officials with the discretion to address situations where restricting the operating hours of certain businesses in the evening will help stop the spread of COVID-19.”
Governor Murphy’s Executive Order states that any county or municipal restriction that in any way conflicts with any provision of statewide rules will be invalidated. Examples of such restrictions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Any additions to or deletions from the list of retail businesses deemed essential or that have been identified as essential through Administrative Orders authorized by the Governor’s Executive Orders;
- Any limitations imposed on any business’s scope of service;
- Any density or social distancing requirements;
- Any orders relating to the gathering of individuals; and
- General restrictions on the freedom of movement within that county or municipality, including but not limited to the imposition of curfews.
Click here to download a copy of Executive Order 195.