PARSIPPANY — A message from the Parsippany Board of Education to all the great and wonderful teachers of the Parsippany-Troy Hills School System
Update: Over 107 Staff Members at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital Tested Positive for COVID-19
MORRIS COUNTY — Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital has reported to New Jersey Department of Health that 107 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition there were 45 patients testing positive; as well as five deaths.
Currently there are a total of 338 patients at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital.
Statewide Psychiatric Hospitals have a total of 1,247 patients, of that 167 patients tested positive as well as 428 staff members testing positive. There have been a total of ten patient deaths and five staff deaths related to COVID-19. The other hospitals include Ancora Psychiatric Center, Ann Klein Forensic Center, and Trenton Psychiatric Hospital.
Greystone has 450 beds in its state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital, plus another 60 beds in cottages on the grounds. Located in North Central New Jersey straddling the two townships of Morris Plains and Parsippany.
Parsippany has 626 Presumptive Positive Cases COVID-19; 52 Deaths
PARSIPPANY — The County of Morris has identified an additional 14 Parsippany residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19, since it was last reported on Friday, May 1. As of last Monday there were a total of 52 deaths.
The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 626 individuals. (This data is as of 3:40 p.m., Monday, May 4).
Morris County has risen to 5547 an increase of 177 cases since last reported on Friday, May 1. A total of 449 deaths have been reported in Morris County. In New Jersey a total of 128,269 presumptively tested positive cases with a total of 7,910 deaths.
The County of Morris, in partnership with Atlantic Health, is offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the County College of Morris, Dover Chester Road, Randolph, NJ, in parking lot 1. Testing is scheduled beginning at 9:00 a.m. and is for Morris County residents only. There is no fee for the test.
To sign up for an appointment online click here for details.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.covid19.nj.gov or call 211.
For a complete breakdown of Morris County total presumptively tested positive cases, click here.
Murphy Orders NJ Schools Closed for Rest of Academic Year
MORRIS COUNTY — All New Jersey public schools will remain closed to in-person instruction for the rest of the school year, Governor Phil Murphy announced.
Private schools with longer school years will remain closed until at least June 30, the governor said. The announcements effectively extend an existing instruction by the governor to keep schools closed indefinitely — one he’d previously said would be revisited by May 15.
Scholastic sports are called off for the rest of the year as well.
Citing the need to protect the health of New Jersey’s 1.6 million public and private school students as well as thousands of educators and support staff, Governor Phil Murphy today announced that statewide school closures will be extended through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. Private schools with longer academic years will remain closed until at least June 30.
While the prohibition of in-person instruction will be maintained through the end of the school year, public schools will continue to provide remote learning for students to allow districts to meet the state-required minimum of 180 instruction days.
“This is a difficult decision and I know that many students, parents, and staff would like to be able to return to school,” said Governor Murphy. “However, I have been unwavering on the message that we need to make decisions based on science, not emotion. And while New Jersey is making great strides in mitigating the spread of COVID-19, science tells us that at this point, we can’t safely re-open our schools.”
“I commend Governor Murphy’s thoughtful, deliberative approach that takes into account the concerns of school administrators, teachers, and other stakeholders in the education community,” said Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet. “However, the most compelling factor guiding today’s decision is the health of New Jersey’s students and educators and their families.”
The Administration will create a steering committee consisting of a diverse group of stakeholders in the education community to explore summer learning opportunities for all students, including school-sponsored summer programming and Extended School Year for students with disabilities. The committee will provide recommendations to the Administration as to which services need to continue to be provided remotely should the public health emergency extend past the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year.
The committee will also explore approaches for the safest and most efficient re-opening of schools for the 2020-2021 school year.
In addition, the Department of Education will work with school officials to share ideas on safe and innovative ways to recognize 2020 high school graduates and other end-of-year milestones for students.
Federal Stimulus Funding
The Administration plans to tap federal funds that will help schools improve continuity of learning, assist with sanitizing and deep cleaning of school buildings, and address the emotional needs of students.
New Jersey recently applied for $310 million in federal funding through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, which is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Districts will have substantial local discretion in the use of these funds; the CARES Act lists a number of allowable uses, including:
- Purchase of educational technology, including hardware, software, and connectivity
- Purchase of sanitization and cleaning supplies
- Mental health supports
- Plan and implement activities related to summer learning and supplemental after-school programs, including providing online learning during the summer months to address the needs of student subgroups
- Planning and coordinating the distribution of meals to eligible students
- Provide principals and other school leaders with the resources necessary to address the needs of their individual schools
- Activities to address the unique needs of student subgroups
Federal officials have signaled that states can anticipate a rapid approval of applications for this stimulus funding.
Community Hope and Habitat for Humanity Partner to Keep Ahead of the Curve
PARSIPPANY — Throughout this COVID-19 pandemic, Community Hope has worked tirelessly to stay faithful to its mission and keep those they serve healthy and safe. The challenge they faced was steep, how to keep homeless veterans and adults suffering from mental illness, who live together in communal living spaces, healthy and free from the virus. They did what any family would do; they put an action plan in place, explained the situation to their residents and their employees, and made sure to follow the plan. However, one challenge was left; what happens if someone in the residential homes contracts the virus…how could they prevent the virus from spreading to the rest of the residents in the home when baths, kitchens, and, sometimes, bedrooms are shared?
The answer came when the County of Morris called and offered a vacant home to the organization. “Just as we were trying to figure out how to keep our consumers safe in case someone contracted the virus, Morris County presented us with an option that evolved into an idea for an isolation home. We decided to act swiftly and turn this vacant house made available to us by the County into a home where we could move someone who became ill and provide them with a comfortable and safe place to recuperate,” said Carmine Deo, Community Hope Executive Director. “Our housing team met and toured the home and we quickly realized that this was the answer.”
The home is spacious with five bedrooms and three full baths and recently renovated. However, one challenge remained. Community Hope needed to have the home furnished and ready for residents in a very short time. Deo made a phone call to Morris Habitat for Humanity Chief Executive Officer, Blair Schleicher Wilson. Once Ms. Wilson heard the plan, she offered to help by donating whatever was necessary from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. “On behalf of our ReStore team, I am so happy we could help our partner and colleague, Community Hope with household furnishings for their clients. Having a safe, decent, and affordable place to live is important now more than ever and by working together we will fill the world with hope and homes.,” said Wilson.
The result is a quaint home ready and waiting for anyone who should need it. “The best part of the story is that we have not had to utilize the home at this point for a sick resident. We have been able to manage the virus and keep our residents healthy. The home is there if we need it, but, at this point, we are looking for other opportunities to utilize the space,” commented Deo.
Community Hope is deeply grateful to the County of Morris and Habitat for Humanity for their swift action to help those who Community Hope serves daily with offering solutions to help them continue their mission of serving individuals, including veterans and their families, overcome mental illness, addiction, homelessness, and poverty by providing housing and support services.
“I am so proud of our employees, as well as our veterans and consumers for keeping themselves and others healthy and safe throughout this crisis. We are truly working together,” Deo added.
Community Hope, a non-profit organization since 1985, employs a team of over 150 and helps hundreds of people annually, including veterans and their families, overcome mental illness, substance use, and homelessness. The organization provides clinical case management and support, transitional housing, affordable housing, and homeless prevention services.
Letter to the Editor: In Response Jerry Manning Plastic Bags
Dear Editor:
In the last March Parsippany Council Meeting before the quarantine Mr. Manning made a statement in opposition to the Local Plastic Bag Ban; stating that paper bag production is more pollution and impactful on the environment. Does Mr. Manning realize that, there are trees grown specifically for paper products? Most trees used for paper come from the forest called managed timberlands; the average growth time before harvest is 35 years. Let’s face it, Man’s History is organically connected to wood and stone; that would be a basic.
Another thing to consider and a shortcoming of our wasteful society is the paper products we simply toss in the trash, instead of recycling, as this lost resource of recycled paper products would increase dramatically. We can blame it on our overall lack of encouragement and enforcements in sanitation and material source separation.
So more emphasis on recycling paper products; not more instant waste plastic products is the solution.
Chlorine, Mercury, and Plastic ProductionHow many know/realize plastic productions require mercury and chlorine; most plastics/Styrofoam if burned incorrectly produce dioxin? Plastic a petroleum product which accelerated in production after world war 2, as part of the chemistry makes for better life craze; as technology through industrial chemistry was somehow to replace nature, with no real foresight as to the impacts to be incurred on nature itself; the age of synthetic detergents, pesticides, and plastics took off like a rocket.
Chlorine became the main ingredient in detergent and plastic production. Mercury is necessary for the production of chlorine. (Detergents replaced soap). This is why eating fish became a health risk concerning mercury; and wastewater treatment became complicated, expensive, and perhaps ineffective; stormwater runoff added to the water pollution crisis. These new man-made chemicals were not biodegradable, and are now evident as a hazard in all places.
Extended Producer Responsibility
The problem is there is too much of everything; much of which is not necessary; most of which is plastic convenience instant waste products. People who love their country would surely be disturbed by the present plastic pollution. It can only be dealt with on a massive level, not an individual one. Ask why isn’t our legislatures advocating for “extended producer responsibility”? In the meantime, the plastic plague mounts and infects the future.
Nick Homyak
Lake Hiawatha 07034
Manage Your Business Remotely in Times of Uncertainty
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, A Grow with Google Partner, would like to invite all small business owners and entrepreneurs for a special live stream for small businesses “Manage Your Business Remotely in Times of Uncertainty.”
Google will be hosting this event on Wednesday, May 6, at 12:00 p.m.
Discover tools, tips, and resources to help you manage your business remotely during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn how to update critical business information online to keep customers informed, and how to host virtual meetings and events.
You can ask questions live during the event on Twitter by using #smallbizlivestream.
Links will be sent to registrants only when they are released. Click here to register.
NJ Transit Introduces Access to COVID-19 Testing for Employees
NEW JERSEY — COVID-19 testing will be available daily in East Rutherford to all NJ Transit employees. Through an agreement with Agile Urgent Care and Accurate Diagnostics Lab, NJ Transit employees will be accepted for appointment-only testing at the site which opened on April 13 and is currently geared toward first responders and frontline healthcare workers. Online registration access for NJ Transit employees will be available beginning on Sunday, May 3. NJ Transit is also working to expand access to similar testing sites in central and south Jersey.
This expansion of testing advances Principle 2 of Governor Murphy’s “The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health Through Public Health.” With support from the Governor and working with the United Transportation Union’s SMART-TD Local 60 President Jerome Johnson and the Amalgamated Transit Union’s New Jersey State Council President Orlando Riley, NJ Transit is extremely pleased to announce this significant health and safety advancement for NJ Transit employees. The ability to facilitate access to testing for employees will lead to quicker identification of cases, quicker treatment for those testing positive, and immediate isolation to prevent spread.
“The men and women of NJ Transit have been an essential part of our frontline COVID-19 response efforts,” said Governor Murphy.“With increased access to testing, we can ensure the health and safety of NJ Transit’s workforce and build public confidence in our mass-transit system, as our economy begins to reopen in the weeks ahead.”
“Maintaining the public transportation system to ensure essential personnel has a way to get where they are needed is critical, and the committed men and women of NJ TRANSIT are on the front lines doing their part to keep the trains and buses clean, safe, and running,” NJ Transit Chair and NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “Providing our employees access to testing is another way we can keep everyone safe and make sure those that need treatment get it as soon as possible.”
“There has been no higher priority at NJ TRANSIT than the health and safety of our incredibly dedicated employees. Providing access to a dedicated COVID-19 testing site is just another layer of protection we’re adding to the many proactive measures we’ve taken since the onset of this pandemic,” said NJ Transit President & CEO Kevin Corbett. “Our employees have continued to operate on the frontlines of this crisis in order to keep essential personnel moving through the region, and we’re pleased to be able to facilitate access to testing that will ultimately lead to quicker treatment and slowing the spread of the virus.”
“I would like to thank Governor Murphy for his understanding that testing is something all New Jersey citizens need. I am extremely appreciative that Governor Murphy understands that the frontline employees must be tested for this deadly virus,” says Smart-TD Local 60 General Chairman and President Jerome C. Johnson.“Smart-TD Local 60 members are most susceptible to catch this virus due to the nature of their respective duties. Governor Murphy’s understanding and leadership will only help protect our members and passengers by making sure all essential employees are tested for the COVID-19 virus.”
“It’s great news that NJ Transit will be testing all employees, particularly our members working on the frontlines. It’s imperative that we identify those individuals who are positive, in order to prevent further spreading of the virus and help those positive individuals get the care they need,” said ATU NJ State Council Chairman Orlando Riley.
“On behalf of the Members of PBA 304, the PBA would like to thank NJ Transit, Agile Urgent Care and Accurate Diagnostics for partnering together to ensure that all members of the New Jersey Transit Police Department, as well as our frontline employees from ATU NJ State Council, Smart-TD Local 60 and the other Rail Unions on the property all, operate in a healthy and safe environment,” said PBA 304 President Dan Whartnaby.
As a reminder, all staff and customers on NJ TRANSIT vehicles are required to wear face coverings per Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 125.
Due to the rapidly changing nature of the COVID-19 response, customers are strongly encouraged to sign up for My Transit alerts and to check njtransit.com for the latest updates.
As an added precautionary measure to protect bus operators and customers, NJ Transit has implemented rear-door boarding on all bus routes where rear-boarding is available. Seats near the bus operator have been taken out of service to allow for proper social distancing for the operator. Customers are encouraged to use the NJ Transit mobile ticketing app or purchase paper tickets prior to boarding to limit cash transactions with the bus operator. Travel should be limited to essential personnel only.
Murphy Suspends In-Person Requirements for Marriages and Receipt of Working Papers for Minors
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 135, suspending in-person requirements for receipt of a marriage license and marriage ceremonies, and for the receipt of working papers for minors.
“Our current public health emergency requires us to adjust our processes to protect public health and safety,” said Governor Murphy. “Even in uncertain times, we must allow important milestones, like marriages or youth seeking their first job, to move forward in a safe, efficient manner.”
Under the executive order, individuals may use videoconferencing technology for the licensing process and the marriage ceremony. The requirement that a marriage or civil union be solemnized in the physical presence of an officiant and two witnesses can be satisfied through the use of live audio-visual technology, provided certain conditions are met.
The order also suspends the 72-hour waiting period between the license application and issuance, extends the period that a license is valid from 30 to 90 days, and waives fees imposed for the issuance of a second marriage or civil union license if the original has expired.
Additionally, minors seeking to certify their working papers with a school designated official will be permitted to do so through videoconference. Individual school districts will craft procedures that satisfy the statutory requirements without requiring in-person contact.
The executive order permits both in-person marriage licensing and ceremonies and in-person certification of working papers to continue, subject to social distancing, where offices are open, and officials are available to oversee the processes.
The order will take effect on Monday, May 4, 2020.
Click here to download a copy of Executive Order No. 135.
Pennacchio: ‘Knucklehead’ Signs Are Indefensible
Senator Joe Pennacchio released the following statement after Governor Murphy Governor had “knucklehead” signs posted on state highways:
“I strongly condemn the flippant language the Governor has used in press conferences and on these signs. It is disrespectful to the citizens of New Jersey who have – and will continue to – make hard sacrifices to stop the spread of the coronavirus and save lives.
“The sophomoric language is unbecoming of the Governor, and certainly not fair to the people of New Jersey. Webster defines a knucklehead as a ‘stupid person.’ Is that what you think of sacrificing New Jersey citizens? Really?”
IHOP Giving Surgical Masks Out to Public
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany IHOP, 792 Route 46, Arlington Shopping Plaza, is giving out “Surgical Masks” on Sunday, May 3.
There is no purchase required. Just stop by and pick up your free mask. Co-Owner Mo Abdelhadi “said we have 300 Surgical Masks left to give to the community. Yesterday we supplied Parsippany Police Department with 1,500 masks to keep them safe in these times, and we want to make sure the public is kept safe too.”
Stop by IHOP between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and there is a table set up to make it easy for you to get a free mask.
Letter to the Editor: LPPOA responds to Oroho, Space and Wirths Article
Dear Editor:
I am the President of the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association (LPPOA). I was surprised to read the statement released by District 24 representatives Sen. Steve Oroho and Assembly members Parker Space and Hal Wirths, regarding alleged tactics being taken by lake associations in collections during this pandemic crisis.
There was not even one example of a lake association that has taken an “overly aggressive approach” or that is “trying to intimidate owners with heavy-handed tactics,” as stated by Sen. Oroho. There has been no communication with our lake Board by any of the aforementioned representatives.
In fact, The Board of trustees has heard from many of our members, sharing ways to provide relief and assistance to their members during these difficult times, including the extension of assessment due dates, the development of payment plans and the creation of hardship funds to assist those who are sick or have lost jobs. To date, we have moved the late payment date twice and will continue to monitor the situation closely. We have also formed a committee to look at the formation of a hardship fund, the committee continues to meet, the Board eagerly awaits a final proposal.
Lake Parsippany must still pay taxes, insurance, lake water quality, and meet other required obligations. We understand that our residents face medical and financial hardships. However, lake associations like ours have not been offered any of the financial safety nets that are available to large corporations and small businesses.
Instead of releasing inflammatory comments to further their political agenda and move to destroy lake associations, maybe our legislators could take time to meet with the Boards of the lakes in their respective areas and spend some constructive time considering legislation to assist the lake communities in which many of their constituents reside.
Bill Sempier
Parsippany Community Update May 1, 2020
PARSIPPANY — If you haven’t completed the Census click here. If you have you can still help ensure everyone’s counted.
@NJStateDept launched a Friends & Family Census Outreach Program to complete, click here.
Damian Shammas Selected to the New Jersey Super Lawyer List for Sixth Consecutive Year
MORRIS COUNTY — For the sixth year in a row, Damian Christian Shammas has been selected to the exclusive Thomson Reuters New Jersey Super Lawyer list. The distinction is shared by a mere 5% of attorneys in the State of New Jersey.
From 2012 through 2014, Damian was named to the Thomson Reuters Rising Stars lists.
Shammas is an attorney who represents clients in the Morristown area. He is recognized by peers and was selected to Super Lawyers for 2015 – 2020. This selection is based on an evaluation of 12 indicators including peer recognition and professional achievement in legal practice.
Damian Shammas chose to pursue a career in law after completing undergraduate studies. He attended Seton Hall University School of Law and graduated in 1999. Damian Shammas passed the bar exam and was admitted to legal practice in 1999.
He represents clients with Employment Litigation: Plaintiff issues in New Jersey. He also represents clients with General Litigation issues.
Being selected to Super Lawyers is limited to a small number of attorneys in each state. As one of the few attorneys to garner the distinction of Super Lawyers, Damian Shammas has earned the respect of peers as one of the top-rated attorneys in the nation.
Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. Since Super Lawyers is intended to be used as an aid in selecting a lawyer, we limit the lawyer ratings to those who can be hired and retained by the public.
Law Offices of Damian Christian Shammas is located at 6 South Street, Suite 301, Morristown, NJ 07960. He can be reached by calling (973) 998-8500 or clicking here.
Rutgers offers Parsippany Hills Zack Taylor Scholarship
PARSIPPANY — The search for Rutgers’ next long snapper has gone through a familiar school and familiar family. The Rutgers coaching staff issued an offer to class of 2021 Parsippany Hills High School long snapper Zack Taylor.
It was the first offer for Taylor, whose brother, Billy, is currently a three-year starting long snapper for the Scarlet Knights.
“I’ve been talking with Coach Scheier and he says he would love to have me on his unit,” said Zack. “Me and him have been talking for a couple of months and we have a pretty good relationship.”
Taylor has been a frequent visitor of Piscataway, having seen a bunch of his brother’s games and coming on a couple of unofficial visits over the last few years. Throughout all those trips, the younger Taylor came away impressed with what he has seen.
“It’s a beautiful campus and I’m always happy to get down there and hang out with my brother and his friends. I think it’s great to play in front of the home crowd and represent your home state in the Big Ten,” said the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Taylor.
There have been a lot of changes instituted within the program since Greg Schiano has taken over for his second go-round as head coach on the banks. Billy has told his brother about what he has seen over the last few months in regard to how the program is being run.
“Billy tells me that the attention to detail is incredible,” Taylor said. “Everything has to be done perfectly and they are on you about it. They care and love you like a family. He is really excited about what the future holds.”
Taylor has some other ties to the Rutgers football program outside of his brother. He is a high school teammate of class of 2021 commit Jordan Thompson at Parsippany Hills High School.
“It would be awesome to play with Jordan,” Taylor said. “I’ve been playing with him for 13 years now, it would be special to continue that. Having a friend going to college with me would make that experience that much easier and better.”
Taylor’s recruitment has recently been picking up momentum as he is also hearing from Boston College, Mississippi State, Minnesota, and Lafayette.
“I hope to get up to Boston College in the fall. I’m not sure when I’m going to commit just yet,” Taylor said.
Mayor Soriano Urges Parsippany Residents to ‘Clap Out’
PARSIPPANY – With medical staffs across New Jersey, and the world working tirelessly to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, people are trying to find ways to show their appreciation for their sacrifice, while staying safe, respecting social distancing and stay-at-home orders. Parsippany resident Robin Mager has a solution – a nightly Clap Out across the community beginning Sunday, May 3 at 7:00 p.m.
“That’s the time in the day when [medical professionals] change shifts,” Mager says. Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano agrees and wants the whole Township to join in to show their appreciation.
Mager, a Junior at Parsippany-Troy Hills High School has a particular interest in getting the Clap Out as big and loud as possible. Mager’s mother is a nurse in the ICU at Overlook Medical Center. Since the pandemic began, Mager’s mother has been in the hospital during the day, and staying in a hotel room at night, away from family to keep any possible contagion of the virus away from them.
“I haven’t’ seen her since this all started,” Mager says. “We’re calling her, and she’s doing as best as she can during this situation. It’s a struggle, but we’re talking to her as much as possible.” For those unfamiliar, a Clap Out is a scheduled activity in which participants go outside and clap, cheer, shout, bang pots and pans, and make noise as an act of unified, amplified appreciation for healthcare heroes. Mayor Michael Soriano agrees the Clap Out is a great way to show appreciation, while staying safe and socially distant.
“We want to start these Clap Outs this Sunday evening, and keep them going until we’re through this pandemic,” said Mayor Soriano. “We owe all of our first-responders, frontline caregivers, and medical professionals a huge debt of gratitude.
We should make some noise for those who are putting their lives on the line day in and day out to keep us safe.” Starting Sunday May 3, beginning at 7:00 p.m. each day, residents are encouraged to open their windows, stand on their front porches or balconies, and cheer, clap, and make noise safely for 5-10 minutes. “I want to thank Robin for bringing this idea to the Township,” Mayor Soriano said. “It’s a great way to honor our first responders, and for us in the community to be able to do something together, while staying apart, and to remind everyone that we’re not alone in this.”
Route 10 Westbound Ramp to I-287 Southbound to Close This Weekend
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the ramp from Route 10 westbound to I-287 southbound, and one lane on Route 10 westbound, will be closed this weekend as a roadway improvement project advances. This work was previously scheduled to begin on April 24, but was postponed due to inclement weather.
Beginning at 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 1, until 7:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, NJDOT’s contractor, Crisdel Construction Group is scheduled to close the ramp from Route 10 westbound to I-287 southbound, as well as one lane on Route 10 westbound in the vicinity of the I-287 interchange in Hanover. This closure will allow the contractor to complete the full-box reconstruction of the roadway. One lane of westbound traffic will be maintained at all times during the weekend closures. Lane closures on Route 10 westbound are scheduled for the next two weekends as the roadway reconstruction continues. The following signed detour will be in place this weekend:
Route 10 westbound to I-287 southbound detour:
· Motorists traveling on Route 10 westbound wishing to take the ramp to I-287 southbound will be directed to continue on Route 10 westbound
· Take Ridgedale Avenue South U-turn (Dryden Way/Ridgedale Avenue/Cedar Knolls exit)
· Stay left for Ridgedale Avenue/Cedar Knolls
· Keep right and take the ramp to Route 10 eastbound
· Take the ramp to I-287 southbound
The $4.5 million state-funded projects will reconstruct a half-mile portion of Route 10 westbound, which is in poor condition. The project also includes the installation of improved overhead signage and guiderail replacement, which will be completed during the week following the completion of weekend closures.
Advance warning and variable messaging signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the motoring public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the work.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info or on the NJDOT Facebook page.
Madison Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Pornography
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Chief Darren Dachisen of the Madison Borough Police Department announce the sentencing of Gary Anderson, 45, of Madison.
Anderson previously pled guilty to one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child for the Possession of Child Pornography in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(ii), a crime of the second degree and one count of Possession of Child Pornography in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(iii), a crime of the third degree.
Anderson admitted that he utilized his home computer to upload over 1,000 images of child pornography between the dates of December 16, 2018, and July 18, 2019. Anderson also admitted to subsequently possessing one additional image of child pornography between the dates of September 1, 2019, and October 31, 2019. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was first alerted to the computer upload by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Anderson was sentenced today by the Honorable Robert Hanna, J.S.C., to eleven (11) years in New Jersey State Prison for the second-degree Possession of Child Pornography and seven years in New Jersey State Prison concurrent for the third-degree Possession of Child Pornography. Anderson is also subject to Megan’s Law registration and Parole Supervision for Life.
Prosecutor Knapp said “We must work to prevent the exploitation of our children, especially by the repeat, habitual offenders. The sentence imposed by the Court demonstrates the seriousness with which Morris County Law Enforcement prosecutes such cases. Hopefully this sentence will also deter others from even contemplating such horrific acts.”
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Madison Borough Police Department, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigations Section whose efforts contributed to the investigation and resolution of the matter.
Ensuring Children’s Health and Safety During State of Emergency is Paramount
MORRIS COUNTY — As National Child Abuse Prevention Month comes to a close, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn is ensuring we keep children’s health and safety top of mind through a new bill she plans to introduce next week.
Dunn’s bill would require New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families to work with the Department of Education so that prevention efforts and services are reaching distance learning classrooms and children during a state of emergency. The bill also mandates schools to uphold attendance obligations and monitor and report absenteeism.
“With all of us sheltering in place during this Covid-19 pandemic, the truth is, our awareness is down if not nonexistent. And, that is what keeps me wide awake at night. The ‘eyes’ of prevention on any other typical day were our bus drivers, school aides, teachers, coaches, religious advisors, and others with whom children came into daily contact outside their homes. That safety net disappeared in an instant,” said Dunn (R-Morris).
During the state of emergency, reports of child abuse to the state hotline have decreased, but advocates warn that the numbers don’t paint a true picture.
“You can’t assume that everything is fine,” said Advocates for Children of New Jersey’s Executive Director Cecilia Zalkind, as reported to NJ.com. “This is a highly stressful time for families and I think people need to be vigilant and aware for the kids.”
As of March 30, the state’s child abuse hotline received 5,177 child protection or child welfare calls – a 32 percent reduction from March of 2019. Overall, the hotline received 12,080 calls last month, approximately 3,000 fewer calls from the same month in the previous year. Other states have also seen a drop in reporting. Washington state saw a 42 percent decline one week after schools were closed.
“What a painfully powerless position to be in! We know it is occurring but we cannot see it to stop it. Awareness, as our first line of defense for the defenseless, has vanished,” said Dunn. “As a legislator, I am constantly on a quest to find real solutions to improve our way of life in all policy arenas.”
Dunn is also a sponsor of A3916, another emergency-related measure, that allows for an offense against a person for an act of domestic violence or involving endangering the welfare of a child to be classified one degree higher than the underlying offense if it occurs during a declared period of national, state, or county emergency.
“The courts may be closed now; but they will reopen,” said Dunn. “This bill sends the clear message that this is a time for vigilance not lenience. It is also important for the public to be reminded that essential services remain operating and help is always available.”
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, DCF has launched a “Social Distancing Shouldn’t Mean Social Isolation” campaign to raise awareness about child abuse, domestic violence, and other dangers facing families while homebound.
“Even when our focus is on a pandemic like a coronavirus, we need to remember and practice the mantra that Fred Rogers made famous: ‘Keep children first, now and always,’” concluded Dunn.
Bergen to Introduce Legislation Restricting Emergency Executive Orders
MORRIS COUNTY — “The governor’s ability to unilaterally impose restrictions on the freedoms of our citizens cannot go unchecked,” said Bergen (R-Morris). “One person with near-absolute power is dangerous. Governor Murphy doesn’t even have a problem admitting that he doesn’t consider the Bill of Rights. My legislation will ensure that the governor has the ability to take emergency action, but that action must be reviewed and approved by the legislature within 14 days or it will expire.”
The governor’s emergency powers are defined in the Disaster Control Act to assist with a war effort and was expanded to provide for civil defense and natural and unnatural disasters.
The state Supreme Court warned in Worthington v. Fauver, 1982, that “These emergency powers represent an extraordinary delegation of authority by the Legislature to the Executive. Because of the extraordinary nature of that authority, the executive orders must not only bear a rational relationship to the goal of protecting the public, but their scope must not exceed the extent of the emergency.”
According to Bergen, the steps Gov. Phil Murphy has taken have crossed that line.
“Right now, the governor is picking winners and losers in the business community,” said Bergen. “He is allowing box stores to remain open while shuttering main street businesses. You can buy a bike from Target but not your local bike shop; you can pave a road but not a driveway; you can buy a sandwich but not ice cream. Governor Murphy is making these decisions in a bubble with no checks and balances. That needs to end now and should never be allowed to happen again.”
Bergen’s legislation would require a legislative review after 14 days of any executive order and would not allow an executive order to extend beyond that point without the affirmation of the legislature.
“The legislature is the lawmaking body of the state, and no governor should be able to trump all state, county, and municipal law with the stroke of a pen without those actions being reviewed and approved by the legislature,” concluded Bergen.