MORRIS COUNTY — State Senator Joe Pennacchio thanked Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. for allowing the formation of a special committee to investigate the state’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
Pennacchio released the following statement:
“I echoed the same concerns and desires articulated by the Senate President and Republican Leader Kean in today’s announcement. The focus of our committee must be a factual review of what has happened to date, what should not have happened, and how we can make it better going into the future.
“I would hope the Senate would vote to form this committee, with subpoena powers, as soon as possible. I would also hope the committee, like Governor Murphy, will hold its meetings in Trenton, in the People’s House, for all to see.
“The special committee must be able to work in real-time to share its concerns and determine how we can open up our economy and return to normalcy. It must determine how we can better safeguard the lives of our most vulnerable citizens living in long term nursing facilities.
“To that end, I stand prepared to begin work and I challenge the Senate to construct and enable this committee as soon as possible.
“On behalf of the citizens of New Jersey who want answers, I thank the Senators Sweeney and Kean for their leadership.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Since County College of Morris (CCM) is not able to hold an in-person commencement ceremony this year, the college will provide the Class of 2020 with a virtual celebration Friday, June 12, at 7:00 p.m. on YouTube.
This year’s commencement was originally scheduled for Friday, May 22, but with the college’s move to a remote teaching and learning environment and the extension of the Spring Semester, the date has been moved to June. More than 1,200 students will receive degrees or certificates this year.
The video will be available on the CCM Class of 2020 website by clicking here.
Rev. Dr. Sidney S. Williams, Jr., an impact investor and practical theologian with more than 30+ years of experience in corporate and community development, will serve as the keynote speaker. Prior to becoming a minister, he worked on Wall Street where he developed a successful track record for managing the research, analysis, and development of sustainable business models for new products and services; participated in over $10 billion in public equity and debt offerings, acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, and intellectual property licensing; and worked for first-tier investment banks.
Williams has pastored churches in Cape Town, South Africa, and trained pastors and served as a missionary on three continents. He currently serves as the senior pastor of Bethel Church of Morristown and has guided the development of the Spring Street Community Development Corporation to improve the quality of life for Morris County families. Programs operated through the community development corporation include Table of Hope, which serves meals five days a week, offers a food pantry and operates a mobile food delivery service, all at no cost; the SOAR program to provide middle and high school students with a pathway to college; and the New Life Recovery & Reentry Program to support those suffering from addictions. He is the author of two books, Morning Meditations: 100 Days to Believing You’re Successful and Fishing Differently: Ministry Formation in the Marketplace.
After obtaining a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University, Williams earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Business and then a Masters of Divinity from the Wesley Theological Seminary. In 2018, he earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Payne Theological Seminary. Like many CCM students, he was the first in his family to graduate from college.
The commencement ceremony will be led by Faculty Grand Marshal Laura Gabrielsen and will feature remarks from President Anthony J. Iacono, who will highlight several outstanding graduates from the Class of 2020. Also providing remarks will be Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith and a member of the CCM Board of Trustees. Serving as the speaker from the Class of 2020 will be Emma Mendoza, president of the Student Government Association during Academic Year 2019-20, who was named to the 2020 Phi Theta Kappa New Jersey All-State Academic Team for her academic excellence. In addition, the 2020 Peace Prize (www.ccm.edu/peace-prize/) will be presented by Professor Laura Driver. A listing of the names of graduates also will be provided, along with the conferral of degrees and certificates and video tributes for each of the academic schools.
To mark the celebration, CCM has developed a lawn sign families can have printed to recognize the accomplishments of their graduate, noting that the Class of 2020 is “Virtually the Greatest Class of All Time.” That can be downloaded by clicking here. Also housed on the website are Zoom backgrounds of the campus that graduates, their families, and friends can use for virtual celebrations. In addition, the college is asking graduates to post photos on its Instagram account,www.instagram.com/ccm_nj, using the hashtag #CCMGrad2020.
The YouTube Class of 2020 video will remain available for viewing following the premiere airing on June 12.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Parks and Recreation has announced that all summer playground programs – Tot Time, Half Day Playground and All Day Playground are cancelled this summer.
This decision was not easy to make, but ultimately had to be because the safety of the children, staff and their families must be paramount.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 public health guidelines and restrictions issued by the CDC prevent us from operating these programs in the way that our children deserve – a fun, engaging, social and interactive experience.
For those of you that already registered and pre-paid, refunds will start being issued as soon as possible. Please be patient with us as we work to get everyone refunded.
PARSIPPANY — Nearly 50,000 COVID-19 related scams have been reported to the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network, and almost 1,400 in New Jersey alone.
• Don’t respond to texts, emails or calls about checks from the government.
• Ignore online offers for vaccinations. There are no products proven to treat or prevent COVID-19 at this time.
• Be wary of ads for test kits. The FDA recently announced approval for one home test kit, which requires a doctor’s order. But most test kits being advertised have not been approved by the FDA, and aren’t necessarily accurate.
• Hang up on robocalls. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from low-priced health insurance to work-at-home schemes.
• Watch for emails claiming to be from the CDC or WHO. Use sites like coronavirus.gov and usa.gov/coronavirus to get the latest information. And don’t click on links from sources you don’t know.
• Do your homework when it comes to donations. Never donate in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money. For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Interactive Firm, a premier provider of full-service social media marketing and guest reputation management services announced the launch of MyMenusOnline, its new touchless digital restaurant menu system.
With MyMenusOnline restaurant guests simply scan a tableside QR code or NFC tag to view the restaurant’s menu on their own mobile device. The system is meant to replace traditional printed menus and eliminates concerns in potentially passing germs between in-house dining guests handling the same menus.
“The new normal has us all concerned with the cleanliness of everything we interact with and touch, especially when it comes to restaurant dining,” said DJ Vallauri Founder and CEO of The Interactive Firm. “Our research indicates that consumers prefer the ability to view restaurant menus on their own mobile devices over the handling of physical menus which may not have been properly sanitized between dinners,” added Vallauri.
MyMenusOnline is managed and updated by the restaurant via any mobile device, tablet or desktop PC. All changes are pushed out to consumers in real-time, ensuring “daily specials” are always up to date.
MyMenusOnline is 100% web-based and mobile optimized and there is no need for any app download. Guests scan a unique QR code or NFC tag and ‘automagically’ the restaurant menus appear on their devices. Guests can also save restaurant menus to their mobile device home screens for future access.
“According to a recent COVID-19 report published by the National Restaurant Association, restaurant operators that are getting ready to reopen will need to consider how they operate under much stricter sanitary guidelines,” said Vallauri. “Some industry experts are calling for one-time-use disposable menus, which is sure to increase the operating costs for restaurant owners. With MyMenusOnline, we take that cost out of the equation.”
For more information and a demonstration of MyMenusOnline click here or call (800) 609-7657 extension 700.
The Interactive Firm (TIF) is a full-service digital marketing agency supporting companies across multiple business verticals, including travel & hospitality, food services and veterinary healthcare. Founded in 2001 and located at 900 Lanidex Plaza, Suite 242, TIF has established itself as an award-winning digital marketing, social media engagement and reputation management company.
PARSIPPANY — Partners Nick Mirabella and George Verdis, of Brick and Mirror Beauty Bar, say they will reopen their salon despite Governor Phil Murphy’s executive order that prohibits it.
Their salon located at 750 Route 46 in the Arlington Plaza Shopping Center will open up June 1 with or without permission. Murphy’s Executive Order 107, issued March 21, closed nonessential businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic. It specifically listed personal-care services, which, by their very nature, result in noncompliance with social distancing guidelines.
In an interview with CNN, “What it comes down to is we have families to feed and our employees have families to feed,” George Verdis said. “At the end of the day we were told by Gov. Murphy we were going to be 15 days, this was in March, then it went to 15 more days and then 30. There obviously isn’t a plan from his end to open up.”
In a prepared statement from Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department “In response to Brick and Mirror Beauty Bar’s announcement that they plan to open their business on June 1, 2020, in direct violation of NJ Governor Murphy’s Executive Order #107, they were formally advised by Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department (PTHPD) that if that opening were to occur, the violation would be reported to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, who would review the matter to determine applicable charges.”
“While Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department understands the social and economic difficulties with the COVID-19 Health Emergency and applicable NJ Executive Orders, we are duty-bound and will continue to enforce NJ Executive Orders. Whether being made aware of planned violations or observed on-view, PTHPD will similarly respond to NJ Executive Order violations. As we all continue to safely, although painstakingly, emerge from this health crisis, PTHPD and all Emergency Service personnel respectfully ask for your understanding and patience,” said Parsippany Police Chief Andrew Miller.
Another local business, Puff City and its owner Sadik Kocaoglu, 40, of Lafayette, was charged on April 23 by Parsippany-Troy Hills Police for operating in violation of the emergency orders. Puff City is located at 1220 Route 46. (Click here for article)
Parsippany resident Rita A. Lacis, 61, was charged with violating the Governor’s executive emergency orders on Saturday, April 4, by the Rockaway Borough Police Department. Police had given Lacis a warning after they learned that she was continuing to operate her dog grooming service. Then she was charged when officer saw two customers drop off a dog a short time later.
Although humans may not be able to get a haircut, their pets can. Pet grooming services along with pet day care and pet boarding businesses are able to operate in line with social distancing guidelines in a wave of clarifications to Murphy’s executive order, which went in effect May 4.
In another developing story, a South Jersey gym that reopened on Monday in defiance of Governor Murphy’s stay-at-home executive order has been shut down by the state and county, officials announced Thursday, May 21.
The New Jersey Department of Health signed an order shutting down Atilis Gym in Bellmawr on Wednesday night, Camden County Spokesman Dan Keashen said Thursday morning. The order was then posted outside the gym by county officials.
“Atilis Gym has continued to operate in non-compliance with Executive Order No. 107, thus posing a threat to the public health by failing to adhere to the measures taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” the order signed by New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli reads, in part.
On Friday, May 22, the gym once again reopened in defiance of Governor Phil Murphy’s stay-at-home executive order after it was shut down by the state and county.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — In conjunction with the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA will supply free boxes of fresh produce from Seashore Fruit and Produce Co. on Tuesday, May 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
If you or someone you know is facing financial hardship due to the ongoing crisis, please come by the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA to pick up a box containing apples, potatoes, onions, lettuce and other fresh produce. Drive up to the front of the building and the box(es) will be placed into your car for you so there is no contact.
Free Prepared Food Trays
The Mansion at Mountain Lakes is providing prepared food trays for those in need. Their chefs are using foods donated from U.S. Foods, and will prepare trays for individuals, couples, or families. If you or someone you know needs this type of assistance please contact Jim at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes by email at Jim@themansionML.com or phone at (973) 794-3900. The Mansion is located at 90 Route 46 East, Mountain Lakes.
PARSIPPANY — Please be advised, the Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is rescheduling its regularly scheduled Township Council Meeting that is to be held on Tuesday, June 23.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at 7:00 p.m. Formal action may or not be taken, and any other action reasonably related thereto may also be taken.
There will also be the regularly scheduled Agenda meeting on Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. Formal action may or not be taken, and any other action reasonably related thereto may also be taken.
Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic Council Meetings will be held via a web conferencing program named ZoHo. This program will allow the public to listen to the meeting and to participate during the public portion session only.
Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to participate they must fill out the registration information using their real name and address, anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion. Click here to access the meeting.
PARSIPPANY — Tomorrow, Friday, May 22, we will once again be joined by the Table of Hope for our 8th weekly mobile food delivery here in Parsippany. Since this program began on April 3rd, we have distributed thousands of meals to Parsippany families. All residents are welcome to come pick up fresh food for you and your family from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Liquid Church, located at 299 Webro Road.
MORRIS COUNTY — The 2020 Morris County Park Junior Police Academy has been canceled for this summer, announced the park police department.
“It’s with great disappointment and regret that we announce the cancellation of this year’s Junior Police Academy. Besides the obvious reason of the COVID-19 pandemic, the facilities of the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy may not be open, and if they are, will most likely be used to train much-needed new first responders and provide in-service training for current first responders,” the statement said.
The Junior Police Academy was scheduled for July 6 to July 10.
Anyone with questions, can email cdigiralomo@morrisparks.net or cpetrocy@morrisparks.net or call (973) 326-7654, extension 1.
PARSIPPANY — May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With COVID-19 cases still rising, and stay-at-home procedures still in effect, it is as important to monitor your mental health as it is your physical health.
A great resource for learning more about signs, symptoms, conditions, treatments, research, and statistics is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. You can visit their website at NAMI.org. NAMI also has a hotline available to answer questions, provide support, and explore next steps if you or someone you care for is or may be experiencing a mental illness.
Please call the Help Line Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or email info@nami.org.
PARSIPPANY — Please be advised the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will hold a Special Meeting on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
The purpose of this meeting is to allow the Open Space Committee to discuss the purchase of Open Space Property, specifically the Kosut Property.
Given the COVID-19 Pandemic this meeting will not be held in person but through the use of a virtual media platform. Click here to access the meeting. Formal action may or may not be taken.
Members of the Open Space Committee includes Mayor Michael A. Soriano, Chairman; Jennifer Vealey, Administrative Officer; Michael DePierro, Council Liaison; Gabe Yaccorino, Grant Administrator; Dr. Jean Montecuollo; Len Cipkins; Jean Montecuollo; Ruth Palmeri and Dr. Joseph Weisberg.
PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) sent recommendations to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) outlining key steps the agencies can take to help New Jersey small businesses and to fix the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs.
On April 29, 2020, Representative Sherrill released a small business survey for the 11th Congressional District to gather data on small business programs. More than 340 small business owners responded to the survey and shared their experiences with the PPP and EIDL programs, including: status of their applications, unanswered questions, recommended changes, and challenges they face in preparing to reopen. Representative Sherrill’s letter to Treasury and the SBA is built upon the concerns and recommendations from New Jersey small business owners.
“In the effort to get relief out to our small businesses, it is critical that we respond to the concerns of our small business owners by addressing the gaps and inefficiencies they have identified in the PPP and EIDL programs,” wrote Representative Sherrill. “These programs need to be fixed to better support New Jersey businesses that are struggling through no fault of their own. The perspectives of small business owners have been invaluable as we work to better manage the economic recovery.”
The full text of the letter can be found by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — The Regional Recovery Task Force released their third report today outlining recommendations to congressional leadership on mass transit as we adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report follows the task force’s meeting with Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman and CEO Patrick Foye, who also served from 2011 and 2017 as the Executive Director for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
“North Jersey residents rely on mass transit to get to work and our entire region is interconnected by our transit system,” said Rep. Sherrill. “We must work to make our systems safe and ensure they have the resources they need to successfully get our economy back up and running. It’s critical that Congress supports these efforts.”
“I want to thank Chairman Foye for his leadership during this critical time,” said Rep. King. “It is imperative that Congress ensures the sustainability of New York’s transit system so that residents can return to their jobs, schools and way of life.”
“As we cautiously reopen the Eastern Seaboard, bringing mass transit back to speed is going to be an essential but complicated element,” said Rep. Himes. “The rail system is an irreplaceable artery in Southwest Connecticut, which is why we’re going to listen to experts like Chairman Foye and the Centers for Disease Control to ensure we adopt a safe and fact-based approach.”
“I want to thank Chairman Foye for speaking with us about the challenges facing our transit system during this pandemic,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Our transit workers have been on the frontlines of COVID-19, and we must ensure that every worker has the resources they need to stay safe on the job.”
The Regional Recovery Task Force highlighted key opportunities for congressional action:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can establish guidelines for the amount of social distancing required on mass transit;
Congress can also support research and development of new technologies specifically for mass transit systems that aid social distancing and infection control;
Congress can provide additional aid to support mass transit so they can continue this vital service despite steep decreases in revenue.
Representatives Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Pete King (R-NY) formed the Regional Recovery Task Force with Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jim Himes (D-CT), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ). The task force is working with leading experts across key fields to put forth bipartisan recommendations and policy proposals for near- and medium-term efforts to get Americans back to work, and address critical questions facing the United States in the coming weeks and months, particularly in the Northeast.
Click here to download “The Regional Recovery Task Force’s” third report.
PARSIPPANY — The County of Morris has identified an additional seven Parsippany residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19, since it was last reported on Friday, May 15.
The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 715 individuals. (This data is as of 3:06 p.m., Wednesday, May 20). There are also 75 reported deaths.
Morris County has risen to 6,110 presumptively tested positive cases an increase of 33 cases since last reported on Monday, May 19. A total of 581 deaths have been reported in Morris County. In New Jersey a total of 150,399 presumptively tested positive cases with a total of 10,747 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 07869, in parking lot 1. The hours for testings are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on weekdays and is for Morris County residents only. There is no fee for the test.
To be tested, residents MUST:
have a COVID-19 test prescription from a healthcare provider
read and acknowledge the consent form
make an appointment
For information and to make appointment residents should visit the Morris County by clicking here.
Morris County COVID-19 Cases
Note: Case numbers are updated in the afternoons on Monday-Friday. For statewide numbers, visit the State of NJ COVID-19 Dashboard.
Cumulative COVID-19 Cases (as of 3:36 p.m., May 20)
Municipality
5/12
5/13
5/14
5/15
5/18
5/19
5/20
Town of Boonton
100
101
101
101
101
101
101
Township of Boonton
74
74
82
74
76
76
77
Borough of Butler
82
83
86
85
85
85
86
Borough of Chatham
54
53
54
54
54
54
54
Township of Chatham
120
120
120
116
116
116
115
Borough of Chester
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
Township of Chester
41
41
41
41
42
42
43
Township of Denville
145
145
137
145
146
146
147
Town of Dover
620
623
627
630
638
642
643
Township of East Hanover
125
125
126
126
130
130
130
Borough of Florham Park
116
119
119
119
120
119
121
Township of Hanover
170
170
165
173
175
175
178
Township of Harding
24
24
22
24
24
24
24
Township of Jefferson
205
205
204
204
208
208
209
Borough of Kinnelon
67
68
68
69
69
69
68
Borough of Lincoln Park
300
302
305
305
310
314
316
Township of Long Hill
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
Borough of Madison
125
128
126
127
129
131
131
Borough of Mendham
61
61
61
66
66
66
66
Township of Mendham
38
38
35
38
38
38
38
Township of Mine Hill
57
57
58
58
58
58
59
Township of Montville
209
208
209
209
212
215
215
Borough of Morris Plains
55
55
58
55
55
55
55
Township of Morris
268
267
269
270
272
272
277
Town of Morristown
477
479
487
489
496
499
503
Borough of Mount Arlington
43
43
43
43
45
44
44
Township of Mount Olive
239
238
238
237
238
240
240
Borough of Mountain Lakes
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
Borough of Netcong
28
28
28
28
29
29
29
Township of Parsippany
668
675
678
681
704
708
715
Township of Pequannock
186
189
189
191
193
194
194
Township of Randolph
253
252
252
252
255
255
257
Borough of Riverdale
34
35
36
36
36
37
38
Borough of Rockaway
94
94
94
94
94
95
95
Township of Rockaway
231
231
235
236
238
238
238
Township of Roxbury
230
232
235
235
238
239
240
Borough of Victory Gardens
33
33
33
33
33
33
33
Township of Washington
103
103
102
103
110
110
110
Borough of Wharton
145
144
149
149
150
150
151
TOTALS
5890
5913
5942
5966
6053
6077
6110
The figures reflect COVID-19 positive cases as of the date and time indicated, some cases which may be pending, or have yet to be entered into the system.
Please note the following limitations and provisos related to the data above:
COVID-19-related deaths are not included in this data. Visit the State of NJ COVID-19 Dashboard for a summary of death totals.
Pursuant to HIPAA, specific identifying health information of persons testing positive or who have passed due to the virus will not be released.
Data reflects COVID-19 positive cases on dates and times indicated; some cases may be pending and are not yet entered.
Data may not include cases with incomplete or incorrect street addresses or PO boxes. Such cases require additional investigation by local health officials.
Figures do not include persons under quarantine/isolation due to exposure and who have not tested positive.
The numbers, especially higher numbers, do not necessarily reflect community spread in a specific town. Various factors may be related to high numbers, such as increased testing and facilities with high-risk populations.
This data should not be used to gauge if heightened precautions are needed in specific towns. Social distancing, hand hygiene, and preventive steps must be followed at all times regardless of the number of cases in a municipality.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro introduced a resolution urging Governor Murphy to permit “In-Person Graduation Ceremonies” subject to adequate social distancing measures.
The resolution states “…Township Council hereby urges Governor Murphy to permit local school districts to collaborate with local public health agencies to permit in-person graduation ceremonies subject to adequate social distancing measures.”
“With proper precautions and safe distancing, it should be possible to have high school graduations. The resolution that I introduced last night is asking the governor to ease restrictions on high school graduations. That at least allows School Boards and Superintendents to consider the option,” said dePierro.
dePierro’s resolution also states “the Township Council urges Governor Murphy to permit local school districts to collaborate with local public health agencies to permit in-person graduation ceremonies subject to adequate social distancing measures.”
The resolution passed 5-0 and a copy will be sent to the Governor’s Office. Click here for a copy of the resolution.
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jerseyans enrolled in the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be able to use their benefits to order groceries online starting next week. Online shopping will be available through Amazon and participating Walmarts, ShopRites and The Fresh Grocers.
NJ SNAP recipients will be able to use their benefits card to order groceries from Amazon starting on May 27. Walmarts, ShopRites and The Fresh Grocers that that provide online shopping will also accept online ordering with SNAP benefits starting on May 28.
“Online grocery shopping is another important step in our efforts to get affordable groceries to New Jerseyans during this public health emergency,” Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson said. “Having the option to order groceries online is more important than ever, as we all work together to stay-at-home as much as possible. We hope that the launch of SNAP online grocery shopping promotes equity by providing participants access to a convenient tool that many New Jerseyans are already using to comply with the stay-at-home order.”
NJ SNAP currently serves about 700,000 New Jerseyans in 356,000 households, with the monthly SNAP benefit based on household size and income.
Recipients will be able to use their Families First Electronic Benefits Transfer card to purchase eligible groceries from the participating retailers. Under federal rules, SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for delivery fees.
To learn more, recipients can visit Amazon.com/SNAP to register their EBT card. Visit here to learn about Walmart’s SNAP online program. Any Walmart, ShopRite or The Fresh Grocer that currently provides online shopping will also accept online ordering with SNAP benefits.
New Jersey received federal approval for online SNAP grocery shopping from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
In addition to online SNAP grocery ordering, Human Services has taken the following steps to help New Jerseyans access affordable food during the emergency:
Distributed an extra $106 million in additional benefits to SNAP recipients since the start of the emergency.
Ensured that everyone whose benefits were up for renewal in March and April, or are due in May or June were extended for six months, meaning that nobody’s SNAP benefits will be ended during these extensions for not completing the renewal.
Made it easier to apply for SNAP during this emergency by waiving the normally required interview and the hard copy signature on applications, so as to reduce the need for face-to-face interactions.
Updated our online system to make it easier for SNAP applicants to track their application.
Received federal approval to provide about 600,000 children who normally receive free or reduced-price school meals $416.10 each to help with nutritional support during the time that schools have been closed during the pandemic. Benefits will be delivered in June.
“For those New Jersey families who may have difficulty getting to the grocery store – and that may be for a variety of different reasons — using SNAP benefits online can make the basics of feeding yourself or your family a little less complicated,” said Human Services Assistant Commissioner Natasha Johnson, who directs the Division of Family Development that oversees NJ SNAP. “We continue to urge residents to visit njhelps.org to learn more and apply for food assistance and other benefits.”
MORRIS COUNTY —Our Revolution New Jersey endorsed Charlie Baranski, the progressive candidate for Morris County Freeholder. “Charlie is the bold voice that Morris County Democrats have been looking for at the county level. His locally-focused progressive ideas can cut across all political party barriers and can be the reason we finally take back a seat on the Freeholder board in November.” said the Our Revolution New Jersey Board Members.
Our Revolution is a progressive group dedicated to winning progressive issue fights, electing progressive champions, transforming the Democratic Party, and getting big money out of politics. “As a progressive candidate in red Morris County, I know the value of advocating for solutions at the local level, and building a locally-focused progressive coalition. Progressive solutions and advocacy are the path to victory for us as local Democrats” said Baranski in accepting the endorsement.
Our Revolution New Jersey’s nod is the first major endorsement on either side in the contested primary for the single Freeholder seat up this cycle. Democrats will vote for their Freeholder nominee on July 7.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5 and Parsippany Troy-Hills Fire District 6 responded to an early morning fire at 18 Morgan Road.
Also responding was Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services responded approximately 3:00 a.m. Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Chief 6 was first on the scene and reported smoke from the front of the home. Due to the quick response of the firefighters the fire was knocked down by 3:13 a.m.
Reports indicate two occupants were transported to Morristown Medical Center for evaluation.
A family dog was rescued, but a cat was uncounted for.
Parsippany Rescue and Recovery responded to the scene to board up the premises after the investigation..
The Parsippany Fire Investigator, Morris County Crime Scene Investigation and Morris County Prosecutors Office Arson Unit were on the scene investigating and left the scene at approximately 10:30 a.m.
PSEG and JCPL was requested to the scene to secure utilities.
MORRIS COUNTY — This sweet, sweet girl was in a local, municipal shelter for FOUR months before we rescued her and we are so happy we did!
We have no clue why Pebbles was looked over since she is such a great girl! Pebbles foster mom says that she loves playing with toys, going for walks, and rolling on her back for belly rubs. She loves being pet and chose to sleep in her foster mom’s bed rather than her own. What can we say, she loves people!
Pebbles is good with male dogs and can live with children 13+. She is so sweet with kids but is a bit big for very young children.
Pebbles is doing great with her potty training and knows “sit!” She also responds very well while on walks and is very focused on her handler.
If you’re looking for your “rock,” apply to adopt Pebbles today!
If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.