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Parsippany has 597 Presumptive Positive Cases COVID-19; 52 Deaths

PARSIPPANY — The County of Morris has identified an additional 16 Parsippany residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19, since it was last reported on Wednesday, April 29. As of Monday there were a total of 52 deaths.

The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 597 individuals. (This data is as of 3:29 p.m., Thursday, April 30).

Morris County has risen to 5298 an increase of 72 cases since last reported on Wednesday, April 29. A total of 413 deaths have been reported in Morris County. In New Jersey a total of 118,652 presumptively tested positive cases with a total of 7,228 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.

New Jersey COVID-19 Deaths by Race
New Jersey COVID-19 Deaths by Age

Parsippany Community Update for April 30, 2020

PARSIPPANY — Here in Parsippany we made the decision not to close our parks, and they will remain open with the same restrictions the State and County are implementing.

ShopRite Parsippany Donates to Parsippany Food Pantry

PARSIPPANY — The ShopRite truck pulled up to the Parsippany PAL on Thursday morning to make a “large” donation to the Parsippany Food Pantry.

Every Thursday, “Parsippany Supporting our Town” has been hosting a “Food Drive” at the Parsippany PAL to benefit the Parsippany Food Pantry.

ShopRite delivering the donated food to Parsippany PAL
Ann Berdetta stopped at Parsippany Food Pantry and checked on the inventory. Parsippany High School Teachers/Staff donated a load of shampoo, toothpaste, and soap

It started out with a small van parked outside the PAL, a brainstorm by “Parsippany Supporting our Town” volunteer Rich Leitner. Rich arranged with  PAL Director Sam Yodice to start the weekly food drive to help the needy families of Parsippany. Each week the food drive drastically increased. Last week, Sam Yodice challenged the residents of Parsippany and arranged to have a truck. The challenge was accepted and at the end of the day the truck was packed.

Parsippany resident Ann Berdetta started offering to pick up food from local residents and bring the weekly food drive.

Ann Berdetta stopped at Parsippany Food Pantry and checked on the inventory

Parsippany ShopRite store manager Frank Sblendorio Jr. got on the bandwagon this week and had employees bring two ShopRite trucks to the event stocked with food. Items included ten 25 pound Turkeys, four pallets of shelf products, produce, and even a pallet of candy.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany member Gordon Meth dropped off supplies for the Parsippany Food Pantry

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany member Gordon Meth dropped off some diapers, Baby food, Baby formula, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Canned meats, especially Sausage, Spam, Salmon, Tuna, Anchovies, Chicken, Salmon, and Cereal.

Volunteers carrying food inside the PAL
ShopRite delivering the donated food to Parsippany PAL
Loading cases of bananas into the van to be transported to the Parsippany Food Pantry

Letter to the Editor: Alleged “Tactics” Taken by Lake Associations

parsippany focusDear Editor:

As President of the New Jersey Coalition of Lake Associations (NJCOLA), I am very disheartened to read the statement released by New Jersey District 24 representatives Senator Steve Oroho and Assembly Members Parker Space and Hal Wirths regarding alleged “tactics” taken by lake associations in regard to collections during the current COVID-19 pandemic. (Click here for original article)

Noticeably absent from the release was even one single 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 Senator Oroho.

In fact, NJCOLA 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, expansion of payment plans, and the creation of hardship funds to assist those who are ill or have lost employment.

While their residents face medical and financial hardships, lake associations remain obligated to pay taxes, insurance, and other financial obligations, maintain lake water quality, address the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) crisis some lakes have experienced, and meet stringent regulatory obligations.

Lake Associations are being offered a few of the financial safety nets made available to large corporations and small businesses. In lieu of releasing inflammatory statements advancing the interests and concerns of a favored segment of their constituency, our legislators would be better served by open-mindedly and fairly considering legislation to assist the needs of lake communities in which many more of their constituents reside.

Ernest W. Hofer P.E.,
President New Jersey Coalition of Lake Associations
Lake Mohawk
21 The Boardwalk
Sparta, NJ 07871

Knoll Country Club Now Taking Tee Times

PARSIPPANY — With Governor Murphy opening golf courses starting Saturday morning, Knoll County Club is excited to let everyone know they will be taking tee times effective immediately.

You may call the Pro Shop to make your tee time, (973(263-7110. There are many rules and regulations we need to follow in order to keep everyone safe.

They are as follows:
• For the time being, we will only be taking tee times over the phone. Our online tee sheet will be launched in the future and we will let you know once it is.
• Payment will be accepted by credit card only, we request that you make a payment over the phone when making your tee time. We can also load a credit card to your account to use for future payments. This will alleviate some of the delays that may occur when you arrive at the course.
• There will only be one person allowed in the Pro Shop at a time, coming in the front door and exiting by the side door. One way only. Six feet social distancing will be practiced so please adhere to the signs and tape provided on the patio while waiting to enter the Pro Shop.
• Masks must be worn at all times before tee off and around others. We do not have masks or gloves to provide to you. If paying inside Pro Shop, we request you wear gloves when signing for payment.
• All golfers must handle their own bags at all times.
• Please stay in your car in the parking lot until five minutes before your tee time.
• No gathering or conversing at any time on Knoll Country Club property. Reminder of social distancing.
• Locker Rooms will be closed.
• Practice putting greens will be closed.
• Tee House will be open for takeaway only. The bathrooms will be locked and the seating on the patio will not be available.
• Driving Range will be open. Mats have been removed for every other bay. Balls will be washed after collection.
• Please do not remove the flagsticks from the holes. Flagsticks have been modified to keep the ball from going into the hole. Also rakes and ball washers have been removed until further notice.
• Gas carts will be available but only one person per cart. Pull carts may be rented but with a limited amount, there is a possibility we may run out. Then you must carry your own bag. If you own a pull cart, you are welcome to bring that as well.
• There will be no club rentals.
• If you store your bag at the Knoll, once it is taken out, it may not go back in until the Coronavirus is no longer a threat.
• There may be delays in turning over gas carts and pull carts as they come in since our staff will have to fully sanitize each one in order for someone else to operate them.

They appreciate everyone’s patience with the new guidelines. They want to make sure the Knoll follows the rules to ensure everyone’s safety so that they can continue to stay open and let everyone enjoy the great game of golf during these difficult times.

Freeholders Approve Aggressive COVID-19 Contact Tracing

MORRIS COUNTY —  To reduce the spread of COVID-19 and help move Morris County towards recovery, the Morris County Board of Freeholders, in coordination with local and county health officials, is taking steps to initiate an aggressive countywide contact tracing program.

While public health is handled at the municipal level in New Jersey and across Morris County, the Freeholder Board wants to be ready to offer countywide support to all 39 municipalities in what would be an enormous task.

Morris County will seek guidance from the state (which is partnering with New York and Connecticut) on compatible and interoperable contact tracing software. At the same time, the county will move ahead with hiring personnel needed to manage the contract tracing effort.

“We want Morris County to be in the best position to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to be ready to move towards recovery,” said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.

“Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve, to be over-prepared, and to secure the personnel we will need for this contact tracing effort while qualified public health individuals still are available,’’ added Freeholder John Krickus.

Towards those goals, the Freeholder Board has approved and is expediting the hiring of a part-time public health nurse and three-to-five disease control field representatives to bolster the existing Morris County Office of Health Management staff.

Also, the county is fortunate to have volunteers with medical backgrounds from the Morris County Medical Reserve Corp who already have begun to offer their services for the contact tracing program.

Additionally, there are 12 health departments serving 32 municipalities in Morris County, which allows for even greater public health resources countywide. Morris County provides public health services for the other seven municipalities.

Contact tracing involves a bit of investigative health work. Trained staff will interview people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and to try to determine who may have recently been in contact with them.

They then contact those people who have been exposed and can advise them to quarantine to help prevent spreading the disease.

Typically, exposure means having been within 6 feet of an infected person for more than 10 minutes, though the contact time may be lower for people in more contagious settings, such as a hospital or medical facility.

Chinese Christian Church to Distribute Surgical Masks at Foodtown

PARSIPPANY — Members from the Chinese Christian Church of New Jersey, 232 South Beverwyck Road, will be distributing “Surgical Masks” at Foodtown, starting on Friday, May 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; Saturday, May 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 3 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

They will set up outside Foodtown, 435 North Beverwyck Road, to provide local residents with masks. Each day they will distribute 1,500 masks. There is a limit of three per person.

Aneesh Kakirde Named MPAC Music Student of the Month

PARSIPPANY — Students from Parsippany, Florham Park, Randolph, Chatham, Roxbury, Succasunna, and Kinnelon have been named as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s April Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Jazz Musicians.

The students will receive a certificate for their honor from MPAC and will be featured on the Music Student of the Month page on the MPAC website.

Typically, MSOM honorees are recognized onstage prior to an MPAC event. With MPAC’s schedule suspended, that is not possible, but MPAC believes it remains important to recognize the achievements of area music students.

Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to and excellence in the performing arts. The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor.

The 2019-2020 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

Aneesh Kakirde
Grade 12, Parsippany High School; Parsippany; Nominated by Gregory Dalakian
Aneesh is well-deserving of the MPAC Outstanding Jazz Musician award because as long as I have known him (the past 6+ years) he has always tried to improve himself as a saxophone player, but more specifically, a jazz saxophone player. He has been a member of our Jazz Band at Parsippany HS since his freshman year and is always willing to solo any opportunity he can get. He leads by example in his improvisation skills and encourages others to improvise as well. I am very proud of the jazz musician he has become and I know he will have a bright future!

Liam Bill
Grade 8, Ridgedale Middle School; Florham Park; Nominated by Mike Leone
Liam has been a dedicated member of our RMS Jazz Band for three years. He is a very gifted drummer who is also a very capable improviser with a musical sensibility beyond his years. He is also a member of our concert band, as well as contributing his talents to our musicals and stage crew. In addition to his musical contribution to our school, Liam is a peer leader, which is a group of students who are selected to represent the ideal level of character in a middle school student. He is a respectful and thoughtful young man who is always willing to contribute to his classroom and school environment. He will be sorely missed next year!

John Crane
Grade 12, Randolph High School; Randolph; Nominated by David Miller
John Crane has been an outstanding jazz student for as long as I have worked with him.  I started him out as a beginner in 2011. Even in 5th grade John lobed jazz music and taught himself how to play the blues. Over the next few years his growth as a jazz musician was exceptional.  I know that whenever I need a solo I can point to John and he’ll deliver.  Here also has an outstanding swing feel, and as the lead trumpet player in our jazz, his setting the style and tone of the group has been an invaluable aid.

Casey Delsandro
Grade 11, Chatham High School; Chatham; Nominated by Brian Conti
Casey plays baritone/soprano saxophone in our high school jazz ensemble. He is a bassoon player in our wind ensemble and played both tenor sax and bassoon during the marching band in the fall. Casey successfully auditioned on baritone sax for Region 1 jazz ensemble last month but unfortunately the rehearsals and concert were both canceled. He is an amazing soloist and his improvisational skills on many genres of jazz music continue to impress me and his classmates. Casey frequently organizes small jazz combos with students to perform at local venues and is always looking forward to the next gig. It is with pleasure to recommend Casey for MPAC’s jazz musician of the month!

Paulie Kemmerer
Grade 11, Roxbury High School; Roxbury; Nominated by Ryan Sweer
Paulie is our lead alto saxophone player here at RHS and a strong example of the style, improvisation, and leadership in the Jazz Ensemble. Beyond his high level of commitment to our program, he also actively seeks ways to improve his playing outside of large-group rehearsal. This year, Paulie took the initiative to begin a jazz combo with other students, preparing a handful of tunes for our spring concert. Additionally, Paulie has been taking private jazz lessons to broaden his knowledge and technique in the idiom and plans to spend his senior year in a jazz-oriented senior option class.  Paulie is a great jazz musician and role model for his peers.

Justin Masi
Grade 8, Eisenhower Middle School; Succasunna; Nominated by Gregory Boccuti
Justin is an incredibly advanced trombone player and jazz musician for his age. This year as an 8th grader, he made 1st chair (1st overall) in the NJAJE North Jr. Region Jazz Ensemble. Last year, as a 7th grader, Justin made 2nd chair (2nd overall) in the NJAJE North Jr. Region Jazz Ensemble. Additionally, Justin made 1st chair in the NJSMA North Jr. Region Concert band both this year and last year. Justin shows great initiative in the Jazz idiom and takes jazz improv private lessons in addition to his regular trombone private lessons.

Alessio Mennonna
Grade 12, Kinnelon High School; Kinnelon; Nominated by Ryan Stroud
Alessio is an upright and electric bass player. He has played in our Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, and Pit Orchestra for the past four years.  In the case of the pit orchestra, Alessio was so advanced when he was in 8th grade that he was “called up” to the big leagues to perform in our Pit Orchestra.  In addition to playing in nearly every ensemble our school has to offer, he also is a member of “Impavid”, a very successful local rock band that has been playing gigs for several years.  Alessio has played in honors bands like the North Jersey Area Band and he’s also continuing his studies on bass guitar at the prestigious Berklee School of Music this fall.  We’re so incredibly proud of Alessio, and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Kevin Tish
Grade 8, Randolph Middle School; Randolph; Nominated by Tom Davidson
Kevin is an 8th Grade student at Randolph Middle School.  Music has been a very big part of his life, starting with piano lessons at the age of 6. Two years later he received a ukulele for his birthday and taught himself how to play, and during grade school he participated in every music ensemble that was offered.  He sang in the chorus and provided piano accompaniment on several occasions.  He also played in the hand chimes ensemble, and he learned trumpet in the band and violin in the orchestra.
In his three years of middle school, he has continued to pursue every available musical opportunity including Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Chorus, Canzonetta, and the school musical productions of The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins.  He has also participated in several summer theater workshops at Brundage Park Playhouse. Kevin is innately musical, and he nurtures this talent with a great deal of personal practice outside of school. As a result, he is a strong musical leader in the school music ensembles.

About MPAC
Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2019-2020 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.

Parsippany Community Update April 29, 2020

PARSIPPANY — Appropriate, non-medical face coverings can be purchased from many retail stores, and the CDC website provides a guide on how to make masks easily from common household items. For more information click here.

Knollwood School Head Custodian Retires

PARSIPPANY — Knollwood Elementary School’s head custodian, Mr. Price, starts his retirement. Thank you for all your help and hard work at Knollwood School these past 20+ years.

Knollwood Elementary School provides a curriculum for students from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. An exemplary staff of classroom teachers, specialists, and support personnel are committed to delivering quality education to all students.

Knollwood Elementary School is located at 445 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha.

Webber’s Efforts to Reopen State Parks Succeed

PARSIPPANY — In response to Governor Phil Murphy’s decision Wednesday to re-open state and county parks and forests, Assemblyman Jay Webber issued this statement:

“Although state and county parks and forests never should have been closed, it is good that the governor has corrected course to re-open them. The open space of our parks and forests is essential to the physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being of all our residents. Thanks go out to the more than 51,000 citizens who advocated for the re-opening of our parks through signing or liking our online petition, and all of the other officials, Republican and Democrat, who rallied to the cause of open space and health of our residents.”

On the very day, April 7, that Murphy imposed executive order 118 closing all state parks and forests and all parks of all 21 counties, Webber became the first official in the state to call on the governor to rescind that order. Webber issued an open letter to Murphy and began an online petition asking the governor to re-open the parks. The petition has gathered over 38,000 Likes and 13,000 signatures to date.

Plasma Donations from Recovered COVID-19 Patients Needed

PARSIPPANY — Vitalant – working in conjunction with its hospital partners – has launched a program to treat COVID-19 patients with blood plasma donated by individuals who have recovered from the disease. This blood component, known as “convalescent plasma,” contains antibodies that may provide seriously ill patients an extra boost in fighting the disease.

There currently are neither vaccines nor proven treatments for COVID-19, because the virus is so new. Although trials for a vaccine are underway, it is expected to be months before one is approved. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified and approved convalescent plasma treatment as an “emergency investigational new drug.” It is currently the only antibody treatment available to COVID-19 patients and, as such, is a promising new tool.

Vitalant is collecting convalescent plasma – by appointment only – at its locations in Montvale, Paramus, and Parsippany, NJ. Those interested in donating plasma are encouraged to apply through the Vitalant website Vitalant.org/covidfree.Additional details are available by calling 866-CV-PLSMA (866-287-5762).

“This is an example of the medical and research communities coming together to effect real change during this pandemic,” said Maria De Los Angeles Muñiz, MD, Medical Director at Vitalant’s Montvale, NJ location. “Convalescent plasma is a promising response tool for fighting COVID-19 in patients, and potentially for those working on the front lines.”
Eligibility criteria for convalescent plasma donors are:

  • Prior diagnosis of COVID-19, documented by a laboratory test
  • Complete resolution of symptoms for at least 14 days
  • Meet all other current FDA donor eligibility requirements to donate plasma

Even for those who meet these requirements, additional tests may be required. In some instances, those who have recovered from COVID-19 may be able to donate, even if they did not have an initial laboratory test.

About Vitalant in New Jersey
A not-for-profit organization that supplies blood and blood products to hospitals in the NJ/NY region, Bergen County-based Vitalant (previously Community Blood Services) has been devoted to serving the community’s transfusion medicine needs since 1953. Donations of blood and blood products, umbilical cord blood, stem cells, and bone marrow help to join individuals, organizations, businesses, and entire communities together in partnership to help save lives.

NAWBO to Host Free Virtual Meetings with Business Presentations

MORRIS COUNTY — The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Central & Northern New Jersey chapter invites women business owners and professionals to two online business events, on Thursday, May 14 and May 28 at 4:00 p.m. The meetings will be held on Zoom and are free of charge. Details and links to online registration for both events are available by clicking here. Upon registering for the events, log-in information for the Zoom event will be sent via email.

  • Thursday, May 14 – Patti Singer of Follow Me Social Media Consulting will present “Social Media in a Time of Social Distancing.” She will discuss the best channels for different businesses, invite attendees to think about their messaging, and review ways to use social media to stay connected with customers and prospects. Register by clicking here.
  • Thursday, May 28 – Queirra Fenderson, PCC of the Ambition Studio, will present “Trusting Your Intuition in an Uncertain Time.” She will lead participants through an interactive exploration of how to shift away from seeking others’ approval to trusting one’s intuition when it comes to business growth, how to ask for and receive feedback to expand business impact, and identify the primary pivot to make in order to overcome business hurdles. Register by clicking here.

All events and information are on the chapter website by clicking here. NAWBO Central & Northern draws members from throughout 12 counties in the northern and central portions of the state and members also enjoy the benefits of belonging to the national organization, which is now in its 45th year.

In honor of the milestone, NAWBO is offering $45 off the registration fee for new members through May 31.

Murphy Signs Executive Order Reopening State Parks and Golf Courses

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 133, reopening state parks and golf courses, and restoring the authority of county governments to determine whether county parks will be open or closed. The order takes effect at sunrise on Saturday, May 2.

“We understand that New Jerseyans want to get outside and get some fresh air as the weather warms up,” said Governor Murphy. “However, this should not serve as an open invitation to rush back to normalcy and break the necessary social distancing measures we’ve put in place. This approach will also bring New Jersey in line with our neighboring states, which will discourage residents from needlessly crossing state lines for recreation.”

State Parks and Forests:  The order allows State parks and forests to open to the public for passive recreation, including fishing, hunting, boating, canoeing, hiking, walking, running or jogging, biking, birding, and horseback riding.  Picnic areas, playgrounds, exercise stations and equipment, chartered watercraft services and rentals, swimming, pavilions, restrooms, and other buildings and facilities, such as visitor centers, interpretive centers, and interior historical sites, shall remain closed at this time. To limit physical interaction, the State parks and forests must implement reasonable restrictions that include:

  • Limiting parking to 50% of maximum capacity and prohibiting parking in undesignated areas;
  • Prohibiting picnics;
  • Requiring social distancing to be practiced except with immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners; and
  • Banning organized or contact activities or sports; and gatherings of any kind.

The order also recommends that people wear a cloth face covering while in public settings at the parks and forests where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

“More than ever, we know how important it is for the people of New Jersey to take a break from the ongoing self-quarantine and that there are few options for outdoor recreation,” said DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe. “Just as the decision to close parks and forests was not made lightly, the decision to reopen them has also been made with careful thought and consideration for the health and well-being of the public. We urge visitors to only visit their closest parks, keep their distance from others while outdoors, wear masks, and follow the guidelines established to protect public health.”

County Parks: The order opens county parks to the public, except any parks closed by the county prior to Executive Order No. 118 that required all county parks be closed (the county will now have the ability to reopen its parks if it chooses). This will treat county parks the same way as municipal parks – the locality gets to determine whether they are open or closed. County and municipal parks that remain open must abide by the restrictions placed on State parks in today’s Order.

All recreational campgrounds and transient campsites at campgrounds shall remain closed to the public. Residential campgrounds, including mobile home parks, condo sites, and existing/renewing 2020 yearly seasonal contract sites may remain open.  Counties and municipalities can also place restrictions on the ability of residential campgrounds, including mobile home parks, to accept new transient guests or seasonal tenants, as defined by Administrative Order Nos. 2020-08 and 2020-09.

Golf Courses: The order also opens golf courses so long as they adopt minimum social distancing policies that include:

  • Extending tee times to sixteen minutes apart;>
  • Limiting the use of golf carts to one person unless being shared by immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners;
  • Requiring frequent, and after each use, sanitization of high-touch areas such as restroom facilities, range buckets, golf carts, and pushcarts;
  • Restricting the touching of golf holes and flags;>
  • Closing golf center buildings, pro shops, and other buildings and amenities;
  • Removing bunker rakes and other furniture-like benches, water coolers, and ball washers from the course;
  • Discontinuing club and equipment rentals;
  • Prohibiting the use of caddies; and
  • Limiting tee times to two players unless the foursome consists of immediate family, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.

The golf course may impose additional restrictions as necessary to limit person-to-person interactions. The order also recommends but does not order, that employees, players, and other individuals on the golf course wear cloth face coverings while on the golf course. Additionally, the order clarifies that miniature golf courses and driving ranges must remain closed.

Click here to download Executive Order 103.

Some County Parks, Trails, Golf Courses and Gardens Reopening

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Park Commission will have a partial reopening of its 38 distinct park facilities on Saturday, May 2, thanks to an order issued today by Governor Phil Murphy, who reopened state parks and allowed county parks to also reopen, but only if they can allow for proper social distancing.COVID-19: Some County Parks, Trails, Golf Courses and Gardens Re-Opening

In Morris County, many trails and grounds of county parks managed by the Morris County Park Commission will reopen, including all four county golf courses.

“The Morris County Park Commission understands the importance of providing access to your parks but is also responsible for the safety of park staff and patrons along with the stewardship responsibility of protecting the natural, cultural and historic resources under its care,” said Park Commission Executive Director Dave Helmer.

Please do your best when accessing these important resources to respect your fellow park visitor and park resources you are enjoying,” he added.

(Parks & Trails may be closed for periods of time for park maintenance and park project purposes without announcement.)

walking trail at Hedden County Park

Walking trail at Hedden County Park

PARKS & FACILITIES REMAINING CLOSED:

All parks, grounds, and trails will be opened (but may have reduced parking) except for:

  • Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center parking lot, grounds, and trails will be closed. Due to the nature of the trail system including a raised boardwalk, narrow trails, and sensitive natural environment, it is difficult to maintain a six-foot distance between trail users;
  • Central Park of Morris County-Ice Pond/Disc Golf Course parking area will be closed but the trails will remain open;
  • Seaton Hackney Stables will reopen in the near future once a standard operating procedure is developed by the concessionaire for the county’s equestrian facility;
  • Lee’s Marina will maintain its current operational parameters that can be found at www.morrisparks.net enough overflow parking as available at that time the Commission will consider allowing a maximum of 25 prepaid daily launches per day;

CLOSED

Frelinghuysen Arboretum except for the Community Gardens;

Willowwood Arboretum;

Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center and Gardens;

Fosterfields Living Historical Farm;

Historic Speedwell;

Cooper Mill although parking area will remain open for trail access;

Mahlon Dickerson Reservation campgrounds;

Lewis Morris County Park;

Mennen Sports Arena.

All public buildings & restrooms, playgrounds, athletic fields & play areas, picnic shelters/tents remain closed.

Photo of entrance to the Columbia Trail

The Columbia Trail in Washington Township

All programs, permits, and events remain canceled at this time through May 31, 2020.

Please Practice Social Distancing at County Parks and on Trails

While the Commission is delighted to be allowed to let park patrons have access to their parks again, patrons must understand there are restrictions in place and social distancing is required to visit Morris County parks, facilities, and trails.

To allow various parks and trails to remain open for passive recreation, patrons are asked to follow proper CDC protocol and behavior modifications, including but not limited to:

  • Recommended use of face-covering;
  • Only park in designated parking areas, do not park on roadsides;
  • Refrain from using parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during the use of parks or trails;
  • Understand that public restrooms are not available but some sites may have portable restrooms (please bring personal sanitary supplies for yourself);
  • While on trails, warn other users of your presence, and step aside to let others pass;
  • Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.

Continue to consult local and state health management websites, including the Morris County Office of Health Management website for information, on COVID-19.

Applebee’s Parsippany Delivers 70 Lunches to Local Hospitals

PARSIPPANY — Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar Manager Rachael Gaida, with the help of Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer David Cavaliere and Sgt. Brian Conover delivered 70 lunches to St. Clare’s Hospital, Denville and Morristown Medical Center, Morristown.

Applebee’s Parsippany is located at 1057 Route 46, Troy Hills Shopping Center.

Parsippany has 583 Presumptive Positive Cases COVID-19; 52 Deaths

PARSIPPANY — The County of Morris has identified an additional 9 Parsippany residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19, since it was last reported on Monday, April 28. As of Monday there were a total of 52 deaths.

The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 583 individuals. (This data is as of 4:05 p.m., Wednesday, April 29).

Morris County has risen to 5226 an increase of 82 cases since last reported on Tuesday, April 28. A total of 387 deaths have been reported in Morris County. In New Jersey a total of 116,264 presumptively tested positive cases with a total of 6,770 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.

New Jersey COVID-19 Deaths by Race
New Jersey COVID-19 Deaths by Age

Labor Department to Begin Making Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Payments

MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced that recipients of federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to the self-employed, independent contractors and others who are not usually eligible for unemployment insurance benefits will start being notified of their PUA eligibility today, and the Department will begin making payments Friday.

PUA is a new program authorized by Congress as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide unemployment benefits to workers not eligible for regular unemployment. In addition to people who are self-employed or independent contractors, this includes those who do not have enough recent earnings to receive regular unemployment benefits.

Workers in this group, who have applied for regular unemployment and been denied, do not have to do anything further. The Department will start reaching out today and will start processing payments this week.

“The Department has worked hard over the past month to get this program up and running despite the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, and it is now available,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “While it will take time to determine eligibility for everyone who seeks PUA benefits, the process has begun to get billions of additional dollars into the wallets of eligible self-employed workers.”

In one month’s time, the NJ Department of Labor team created the infrastructure to implement this new federal program — to determine eligibility, protect confidential personal information, prevent fraud, and issue payments.

Claimants must certify for these benefits online each week. The certification schedule — based on Social Security number — can be found by clicking here.

Claimants will receive payments retroactive to when they filed their unemployment claim. However, they must certify their PUA claim for each week they are claiming benefits, even if they previously certified their regular unemployment claim for the same week. In other words, PUA claims are processed separately from regular unemployment claims, therefore certifying information must be completed separately.

The initial group of PUA-eligible claimants will be notified today of their time slot to certify for benefits on Friday. They will receive payment on Tuesday, May 5.

Workers who certify for benefits on Friday will also receive a separate $600 supplemental payment as part of the CARES Act for each week they were eligible for PUA since March 29. Those who certify after Friday will receive the CARES Act supplements the following week.
Claimants instructed to certify for PUA Friday, Saturday or Sunday will receive payment on Tuesday. Those who certify on Monday or later will receive payment two business days after they certify.

Workers who are eligible for PUA, but for whom available wage records are incomplete, will be issued weekly PUA payments for the minimum amount of $231, plus the separate $600 weekly supplemental benefit, once they certify for benefits according to the schedule. These workers will be contacted separately to update their income information, and any necessary adjustment to their weekly benefit rate will be made based on the updated income information they provide.

Here is what New Jersey’s self-employed workers, independent contractors and others who may be eligible for PUA need to know:

1. The first step to receiving PUA is to apply for state unemployment benefits here — myunemployment.nj.gov — and be denied.
2. If you have already applied for state unemployment, you do not need to do anything else right now.
3. If you have not applied for state unemployment benefits yet, instructions for self-employed, independent contractors, and others not eligible for regular unemployment can be found by clicking here.
4. If you already applied but did not follow the instructions outlined above, don’t worry. Your application will still be reviewed for PUA eligibility.
5. If you have not heard from us, there is no reason to call or email.
Look for more information in your mail or email inbox.

PUA claims will be backdated to the date you first became eligible, so you won’t lose any benefits. The first week of potential eligibility is the week ending February 8, 2020.

You may be required to produce income records for 2018 and 2019.

Additional information, including answers to many frequently asked questions, can be found by clicking here.

Hundreds of thousands of workers have become unemployed, furloughed, or had their hours reduced have filed for unemployment benefits since the COVID-19 pandemic hit New Jersey in mid-March. Despite the rapid influx of claims, New Jersey has dispersed more than $1 billion in unemployment benefits to more than 550,000 people.

Coronavirus: Teaching Us To Appreciate What We Took For Granted

By BettyLou DeCroce

The worst of the coronavirus virus will eventually pass and we will begin to resume more normal routines.  What we have experienced from the pandemic, however, will influence our lives and our perceptions for years to come; and not just in negative ways.

One of the things we learned from social distancing is that people matter more in our lives than we thought. When it’s difficult or impossible to see friends and family, the role they play in our lives becomes greater than we imagined.

Being confined to our neighborhoods has its drawbacks and frustrations, but it has also opened up for many of us new opportunities to meet people who live only a few hundred feet away. The young couple with the toddlers, the retired gentlemen across the street, the young woman who walks the dog each morning; they have all gone from being strangers to new fixtures in our lives.

And because of the coronavirus we are also coming to appreciate people who carry out important jobs who were often anonymous to us. The mail carriers, the UPS driver, the man behind the fish counter at the supermarket and the cashier who rings up our groceries are no longer nameless bodies that we take for granted. They are important to our lives

However, among the most dedicated group keeping our towns and counties running somewhat normally are our educators — the teachers, principals, administrators, aides, and support workers. They live under the same social distancing constraints that we do while continuing to do the important job of helping our children learn.

School closures have impacted nearly 55 million public school students nationwide, according to data from Education Week. That’s a lot of children and young adults who need a creative approach to education.

Now that virtual is the new normal, educators have to create unique approaches to help students understand what are often abstract concepts. In the classroom educators have tools available to them that they don’t have in their living room or den, which is now their remote classroom. In a classroom, the educators have personal contact that can spot the perplexed child and help him or her work to develop a greater understanding of a subject or a concept. That’s missing now.

Showing their ingenuity educators are using homemade videos and other tools they are devising to teach young students basic math concepts like addition and subtraction as well as more advanced subjects like history and chemistry.

Complicating effective distance teaching is the makeup of many families. It’s not only kids that need the computer, but also mom and dad –  many of whom are working from home. Further complicating the distance learning objective is that — even in homes with more than one computer –- children of different ages need to log on to their daily instructions. They all can’t do it at the same time. Recognizing the logistical realities some educators are pre-recording their class lessons to be played back when computer access at home is available.

And while putting a lot of time and creativity into making sure our children are still learning, the average teacher is contending with his or her own children at home. Are they getting fed? Are they doing their lessons? Are they being entertained? Did one of them just bolt out the door, where is he going?

We are all living lives we could not have imagined a few short months ago. What was unimportant or taken for granted in January is a lot more critical to us now. One thing we can never take for granted, however, is the important role that educators play in our lives. While we are at work, pursuing our goals, educators are shaping and preparing the lives of those most precious to us – our children.

National Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated in New Jersey from May 4 to May 8. This year let’s show an extra special measure of gratitude for our educators who are answering the call to duty in an extraordinary time of crisis. 

BettyLou DeCroce is a member of the NJ General Assembly and represents people in Morris, Essex and Passaic Counties

Morris County Laments Passing of County Clerk’s Employee Matt Stehr Due to COVID-19

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi and the Morris County Board of Freeholders offer their deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Matthew Stehr, a young but veteran employee in the Morris County Clerk’s Office who passed away Sunday due to illness related to COVID-19. A Denville resident, he was just 38 years old.

“I and the entire staff of the County Clerk’s Office are saddened and shocked at the loss of our friend and colleague Matt Stehr,” said County Clerk Ann Grossi. “We are reeling at the passing of such a young and vibrant man, one who was so integral to what we do here. He already is so greatly missed.”

“Our entire county government community is deeply saddened by this loss, especially of such a young man who was loved and admired by his colleagues,” said Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith. “On behalf of all Morris County residents, we offer our hearts and prayers to Matt’s family and friends.”

Matt Stehr joined the County Clerk’s Office in 2002 and had been an Assistant Supervisor in the County Clerk’s Registry Department. He recently was awarded certification from New Jersey Civil Service Commission for successfully completing the Supervisory Training Empowering Performance NJ STEP Program.

County Clerk Grossi said Matt had been an exemplary employee who was willing to take on the toughest of tasks, such as the complete reorganization of the County Clerk’s map room and the labor-intensive cataloging and extensive organizing of county real estate records and historic documents.

She also noted that Matt was willing to step up and volunteer for various projects, recalling his “genuine enthusiasm” while promoting the County Clerk’s Office at the annual Morristown Fall Festival.

“Matt had a keen respect for preservation and history, which was certainly a benefit to our office and the public,” said Grossi. “But, as importantly, I and the staff will always remember Matt’s smile, enthusiasm, and spirit. Our prayers are with you.”

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