PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) introduced the bipartisan Protect Telehealth Access Act to build on telehealth’s proven success during the COVID-19 pandemic by codifying Medicare reimbursements for telehealth services.

The Protect Telehealth Access Act removes the requirement that
(1) an individual receiving telehealth services must be located in a rural area or health professional shortage area, and
(2) an individual may only receive telehealth services at home in certain limited circumstances.

“We’ve seen the benefits of expanded telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of making sure access to care is available if patients have to stay at home,” said Rep. Sherrill. “That value won’t go away when the pandemic ends. I’m working with Representative Hern to ensure Medicare beneficiaries do not lose access to these important services.”

“Almost overnight, Americans became reliant on teleservices this spring,” said Rep. Hern. “For health services, telehealth provides a whole new range of care for rural communities and people who are unable to leave home. These services will be necessary long after coronavirus is neutralized, and it’s a bipartisan priority to ensure it will be available to those who need it. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Rep. Sherrill and show what can happen when we come together for bipartisan victories.”

During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, CMS has issued an array of temporary regulatory waivers and new rules to equip the American healthcare system with the flexibility to respond to the pandemic. These actions have, among other things, increased access to telehealth in Medicare to ensure patients have access to physicians and other clinicians while staying safe at home.

Before COVID-19, Medicare beneficiaries could only receive coverage for telehealth visits under specific or unique circumstances — for example, if a patient living in a rural area far from a doctor’s office. However, federal policy changes during the COVID-19 pandemic have allowed Medicare recipients to increase access to necessary health services. The use of telehealth services during this crisis has further exhibited the pivotal role technology can play in improving health equity — for vulnerable populations, this type of access to health care can be a lifeline.

MORRIS COUNTY — “Project Yellowstone,” an academic interdisciplinary program at County College of Morris (CCM) was one of 82 organizations statewide to receive a New Jersey Council for the Humanities (NJCH) COVID-19 Response grant.

The award-winning “Project Yellowstone” is part of a CCM Community and Civic Engagement initiative that offers high-impact, interdisciplinary programs.  “Project Yellowstone” brings together the academic disciplines of history, journalism, and biology to enhance student learning and community engagement. Programs offered on and off-campus focus on environmental history and conservation via the lens of the National Park system and has served over 500 students each year.

“This NJCH grant means ‘Project Yellowstone’ will be able to continue with programming that allows for student and community engagement of the public humanities at a critical time.” said Dr. Michelle Iden, History and Political Science Department and “Project Yellowstone” faculty member at CCM.

Three years ago Iden, Professor Samantha Gigliotti, biology and chemistry, Dr. Maria Isaza, biology and chemistry, and Professor John Soltes, communication, developed and implemented “Project Yellowstone.”  For the past two years, they have traveled to Yellowstone National Park to create greater awareness about conservation and protected lands and to share their experiences with CCM students and the public.  In October 2020, the team had scheduled an experience of a lifetime for six CCM students for an educational and exploratory trip to Yellowstone National Park. Due to COVID-19, the educational trip was indefinitely postponed. They are hoping to travel to the National Park in May 2021.

“This award is a testament to the quality of the program and the hard work of a very creative group of faculty.  Students are learning about the natural environment from several perspectives and coming to understand how different academic disciplines work together,” said John Marlin, vice president of Academic Affairs at CCM.

According to NJCH, CARES Act funding, allocated through the NEH, allowed NJCH to build a brand new COVID-19 Response Grant program. Funds were made available as operational and programmatic support for nonprofit organizations that provide humanities programming to public audiences and who are facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NJCH grant will help “Project Yellowstone” programming scheduled for Fall Semester 2020 and Spring Semester 2021.  In September, a guided tour of the Great Swamp in Morristown will be given by Professor Samantha Gigliotti via a video-conferencing tool. A public book discussion of John Krakauer’s “Into the Wild” will occur in October. Dr. Shane Doyle, Native American Scholar and member of the Crow nation will give a public zoom presentation. Rounding out the Fall Semester programming will be a faculty and staff book discussion of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.” Complete details of other “Project Yellowstone” programming will be forthcoming when adjustments are decided upon corresponding to the pandemic.

PARSIPPANY — Next week’s Mobile Food Delivery (Friday, July 3) will be postponed until Friday, July 10, as we observe the Fourth of July holiday.

If you are in immediate need of food assistance, please contact the Parsippany Food Pantry at (973) 263-7163, which is available to Parsippany residents.

PARSIPPANY — Please be advised that the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has a permanent lawn watering ordinance in place which restricts lawn watering from June 1st thru September 30. The limits on lawn watering are listed below.

Residential Lawn Watering

• Properties having an EVEN number street address are only permitted to water on EVEN number days from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Residential properties having an ODD number street address are only permitted to water on ODD number days from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• No watering is permitted on Fridays or on the 31st day of the month.

Non-Residential Lawn Watering

• Watering is permitted only on Mondays and Thursdays, from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• No watering is permitted on the 31st day of the month.

If you have any questions you can call the Parsippany Water Department at (973) 263-7099.

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany regrets to inform you that the 2020 Summer Concert Series has been canceled due to the current COVID-19 public health emergency.

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany regrets to inform you that the 4th of July Concert and Fireworks Celebration has been canceled due to the current COVID-19 public health emergency.

Depending on the situation we may have a Township celebration in the Fall.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce awarded two scholarships to graduating seniors.

TYLER WYKA

Tyler Wyka, a 2020 graduate of Parsippany High School, is planning on attending George Washington or Hofstra University.

During his high school years, he worked hard to earn “A” averages in his honors and AP courses while participating in as many extracurricular as he could, taking time with clubs to try and better the community. He was a 12 season athlete, Captain of the swim team, Drum major of the marching band, and Officer in Kiwanis Key Club. Tyler had unforgettable experiences and countless good memories that have taught me the value of hard work, being a leader, and being kind.

Tyler plans to study mechanical engineering and to find organizations that he can continue to grow his intrapersonal, and leadership skills, as well as add to his service background.

Tyler ranked 13 in the Class of 2020, had a GPA of 4.48, and an SAT score of 1360.

Tyler was a member of

• National Honor Society – Inducted for leadership, and scholastic skills as well as his academic integrity, character, and community service
• French Honor Society – (11th grade) Traveled to elementary schools to teach kids french through activities
• Scholar of the Month- Awarded for academic achievement in history and electives my freshman and junior year
• Attended Hugh O’ Brian Youth Leadership Seminar – A result of a recommendation from school staff, and the generosity of the PTA; strengthened leadership skills and performed community service.
• Attended New Jersey Boys State – Elected to positions of Mayor and later County Supervisor. Worked with friends to win the Best County Award at the end of the week. Nominated for the Gordon Vreeland Award.
• ShopRite STARS Leadership recipient – Recognized for excellence in leadership during the fall.
• Junior Awards – Awarded leadership awards from both Clarkson University and Wells College.

Extracurriculars:

• Competitive Marching Band (9th-12th) – Current Drum Major (11th & 12th), awarded Most Valuable Woodwind (2017), and Rookie of the Year (2016), Athlete of the week (2019), the band ranges from 70-90 members a year.
• Swim Team (9th-12th) – Captain senior year, on varsity since freshman year.
• Track and Field (9th-12th) – Javelin thrower, varsity junior year, 2nd place at Morris County Relays (2019).
• Key Club (9th-12th) – Officer for two years, work with peers on community service projects and fundraisers for charity year-round, spoke at District Convention in 2018.
• Jazz Ensemble (10th-12th) – Baritone saxophonist, developed improvisation skills.
• Wind Ensemble/Concert Band (9th-12th) – Alto and baritone saxophonist, developed sight-reading skills.
• Math Team (9th-12th) – Member of the math team as a result of being proficient in honors math all four years.
• Orientation Ambassador (11th-12th) – Worked with other upperclassmen as role models to freshmen, helping them adjust to high school through activities.

Community Service/Employment:

• • • Key Club – Over 100 cumulative hours from organizing and attending service events and fundraisers for organizations such as March of Dimes, The Thirst Project, and NJ Hunger
    • Saint Christopher’s Church – 50 hours of service (in high school) through performing the role of altar server for nine years total
    • Apprentice at Cutting Edge Glass – Spent the past 3 summers working at Cutting Edge Glass learning how to cut and install glass (shower doors, windows, mirrors) commercially and residentially, as well as how to use power tools

  MORGAN MARRON

Morgan Marron, a 2020 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, is planning on attending TCNJ, Rider University, or Monmouth University and will be majoring in business.

At Parsippany Hills High School she was the president of two clubs, highly active and a board member of many others. She was an honor roll member, a dedicated person, and lastly a motivated student who consistently grew. She constantly showed growth and development over her four years and utilized her skills to help those around her.

She plans to continue her studies and further education and knowledge of business. After graduation, she plans to manage or run her own business that helps others. During college, she intends on continuing to help those around her and do her best to better not only my community but the world.

Since she was a sophomore and continuing through her senior year she volunteers with Morris County Relay for Life, an event that raises funds for cancer research, groundbreaking trials, and cancer support. She held fundraisers all year long in combination with hosting the event.  She was able to raise over $109,000 in her junior year when the event returned to Parsippany and was held at Parsippany Hills High School.

PARSIPPANY — Summer Office Hours are Monday to Thursday 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

These hours are effective now through Labor Day.

Employees take 30-minute lunches, so they’re available earlier in the morning and afternoon during the week to better assist residents.

MORRIS COUNTY —Residents of long-term care facilities will be able to have outdoor visits with loved ones in designated outdoor space under a directive to long-term care facilities issued by the state Department of Health.

The Health Department has received input and worked collaboratively with long-term care providers on developing this directive to accommodate visitors.

Prior to transporting a long-term care resident to a designated outdoor space, visitors must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms ­­– including a temperature check – and facilities must follow safety and infection prevention and control measures in order to allow visitation.

“Being apart from our loved ones has been one of the most difficult challenges throughout the pandemic—especially for long-term care residents and their families. This directive outlines the measures that must be in place to reduce risk to this vulnerable population while allowing visits outdoors,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “Virtual communication could never replace gathering face to face gatherings with loved ones. We hope these outdoor visitations bring joy and comfort to residents as well as their loved ones—while also protecting them.”

The directive applies to dementia care homes, long-term care facilities, pediatric transitional care homes, assisted living residences and programs, and comprehensive personal care homes.

Only two visitors will be permitted at a time and must stay six feet apart from the resident. Visitors and residents are required to wear face coverings, and a staff member—wearing a surgical mask—must remain with the resident during the visit. A resident who is suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 or quarantined for exposure cannot have visitors. A resident who has tested positive can have visitors after they have met the criteria to discontinue isolation.

Facilities must submit an attestation at least 24 hours before they begin outdoor visitation confirming that they have implemented the directive’s requirements, and have a location designated for visitation, sufficient staff and personal protective equipment, and a method to schedule appointments.

Facilities are required to communicate the visitor policy to residents, families, staff, and others, and must receive informed consent in writing from the resident and visitor that they will comply with the facility’s policies during the visit. As part of the consent form, visitors must agree to notify the facility if they test positive for COVID or have symptoms within 14 days of visiting.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Indian Association has donated 2,500 pounds of various food products to Parsippany Food Pantry to provide our community members support during these difficult time of Corona Virus Pandemic. In the past, Parsippany Indian Association organized Food Drives to donate to Parsippany Food Pantry.

In addition, Parsippany Indian Association has donated to A2Z Narayan Food, Seva by Mira Desai to serve food to the poor, needy, and homeless shelter in Trenton says Raj Amin.