MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders will meet on Wednesday evening, April 22, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the meeting will be held via a telephone conference call that is open to all county residents.
The Freeholder Board’s work session that had been scheduled for April 22 at 4:30 p.m. in Morristown has been canceled. Instead, there just will be one public meeting via phone at 7:00 p.m.
The Freeholder Board held similar phone-in sessions for its meeting on March 25 and April 6.
“County government still has a vital obligation to continue operating, to be sure we serve our residents in this time of need. But we also have to be aware of the need for public distancing and to avoid large gatherings,” said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith. “We invite you to listen in to our meeting and to participate in the comment portion of the meeting, and I look forward to meeting you in person at our future meetings.”
Residents are invited to call into the April 22 meeting:
Call: 1-201-546-5293
Guest Passcode: 439862
Residents are asked to mute their phones as they listen, and to speak only during the public comment period. Please try to “line up” politely with other callers during the comment period. It would be much appreciated.
PARSIPPANY — The County of Morris has identified an additional 20 Parsippany residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19, since it was last reported on Monday, April 20. As of Friday there were a total of 25 deaths.
The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 505 individuals. (This data is as of 3:47 p.m., Tuesday, April 21).
Morris County has risen to 4327 an increase of 170 cases since last reported on Monday, April 20. A total of 291 deaths have been reported in Morris County. In New Jersey a total of 92,387 presumptively tested positive with a total of 4,753 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. 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.
MORRIS COUNTY — Medical waste, such as gloves, wipes, masks, and tissues, which are being widely used by all Morris County residents due to the COVID-19 pandemic, should not be placed into curbside recycling containers.
They are contaminants and must be put into the trash, advises the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority, which handles recycling for 14 of Morris County’s 39 municipalities.
Recycling crews in many towns across the county are finding high rates of gloves and masks ending up in the recycling mix, with workers at recycling plants having to sort out these items by hand.
When these materials end up in the recycling stream, along with items such as plastic bags and plastic film, they can cause problems at the county’s recycling sorting facility. They can jam the rotating screens and cause equipment to breakdown.
At recycling facilities, workers must try to remove these items, along with any other unacceptable items, before they enter the automated sorting process.
Keeping these items out of the recycling stream is important to preventing system breakdowns and important to the health and safety of workers at the recycling facility.
For more information on proper recycling and trash disposal visit the Morris County MUA’s website by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) will hold a third COVID-19 telephone town hall on Thursday, April 23, focused on mental health and health care services. Representative Sherrill will be joined by mental health and medical professionals who will help answer questions from residents and she will give an update on what she has been doing to support COVID-19 response efforts in New Jersey.
“The COVID-19 crisis has touched every aspect of our lives,” said Representative Sherrill. “As our community faces the loss of neighbors and loved ones to the disease, economic hardship and uncertainty, and the isolation that comes from social distancing, we must take care of both our physical and mental health. Our town hall this week will focus on resources available to residents, and we will have medical professionals from the community on the line ready to answer questions about COVID-19 and testing.”
WHAT: Telephone Town Hall on Mental Health Services and Health Care Response WHO: Representative Mikie Sherrill WHEN: Thursday, April 23, at 4:50 p.m. EST WHERE: Residents can register for the Telephone Town Hall by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Leaders in Parsippany-Troy Hills and Morristown have teamed up with small businesses to raise money to ‘Feed the Front Line,’ that is, deliver meals from local restaurants to Morris County’s first responders in the COVID-19 crisis.
“In true emergency situations, our first responders and essential personnel work tirelessly to keep us all safe and allow us to enjoy our daily lives! During these times, they need as much support as possible,” said Chris Mazzarella, an employee in the supermarket industry. Backed by Ted Stanziale, Nick Kraus and company Kraus Marketing, Rob Zwigard, and Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo, the following has been accomplished thus far:
-Parsippany Supporting Our Town has over 4,000 Facebook members
-Spearheaded by Rich Leitner and Sam Yodice we started a food drive for Parsippany Food Pantry at PAL three weeks of filling a minivan every Thursday with donations
-Helping local businesses advertise specials and services to stay in business
-Members making masks for Front lines workers as well as other PPE to help get them through
-Members started collecting donations for Animal shelter this week
-400-yard signs sold making about $2600 profit to purchase PPE for front lines and food for the food pantry
Their GoFundMe account:
$47,700 raised in donations
97 Deliveries
2600 meals delivered
$36,000 Spent on meals at local businesses to help keep them going
$2000 spent on PPE delivered directly to — Police Departments and State Organizations
“What’s better yet, is how grateful the frontliners are to receive meals, and how thankful the restaurants are to receive orders,” said Nick Kraus, Founder, and CEO of Kraus Marketing. “We are paying full price to restaurants; no discounts have been requested and we are paying 20% gratuity.”
Locally owned restaurants BurgerIM, Parsippany Deli, Jeremiahs Catering and Cooking Studio, and Committed Pig are among the many that have partnered with Feed the Front Line.
Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad Volunteers Michael Angelo Jones and Lauryn Nolan, with BurgerIM owner Touria Ettamri
“This is a great way to support a community-led effort for our first responders, and while helping so many small businesses that right now are in need of a financial boost,” said Senator Anthony Bucco, who has contributed to the cause.
If you are a local business interested in participating, an individual that would like to volunteer or know of a group that would appreciate a meal, click here.
PARSIPPANY — Due to the recent Executive Order issued by the Governor as a result of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills determined that all regularly scheduled council meetings will be held remotely as the building is closed to the public; therefore, the public will not be able to physically attend any Township Council meetings until further notice.
However, the public will be able to email any questions or comments to pthclerk@parsippany.net and the questions and comments will be read into the record by the municipal clerk. This ensures that the public retains the right to provide public comment at these public meetings.
PARSIPPANY— Meet Lily! This gorgeous cowgirl is ready to find her forever home after birthing and weaning her pups!
Lily was rescued from a local, municipal shelter where she came in very, very bad shape. Lily was part of a neglect case and they soon realized she was pregnant and reached out to us.
While Lily clearly had a hard life before coming to us, she could not be sweeter or friendlier with her family if she tried! Lily loves to cuddle, lay on your lap, and be a couch potato!a
Lily definitely enjoys a walk and a romp in the yard, but she is not a high energy pup despite her being so young. Lily is potty-trained and walks well on a leash. She would prefer a home with someone who is home more often than not because she loves being with people.
Due to her past, Lily has a hard time trusting strangers. She absolutely loves her family but will need people to understand her limitations with strangers. Lily can live with other dogs and children 16+!
If you’re looking for a dog who wants to give you all the love in the world and more, apply to adopt Lily today! If you are interested in adopting Lily, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey became the first state to permanently ban the sale and distribution of flavored vaping products amid a national health crisis that has killed 60 people.
The law (S3265) became effective on April 20 after Governor Phil Murphy established a task force on vaping last fall. The flavors, some say, get kids hooked on nicotine. But vape shop owners say their customers predominately buy those flavored products, and that they will go bankrupt.
The bill introduced on December 6, 2018 (S3265) was sponsored by Senators Richard Codey, Shirley Turner and Joseph Vitale state “No person, either directly or indirectly by an agent or employee, or by a vending machine owned by the person or located in the person’s establishment, shall sell, offer for sale, distribute for commercial purpose at no cost or minimal cost or with coupons or rebate offers, give or furnish, to a person any electronic smoking device or any cartridge or other component of the device or other related product, including liquid nicotine, that has a characterizing flavor.” (Click here to view a copy of the bill).
Murphy also signed a law (S1647) that bans the use of coupons and rebates for vaping products, but he vetoed another (S4223) that would have increased penalties for shop owners caught selling products to people under 21. The governor did not sign the bill because it would have required an overhaul of the vapor shop licensing system and complicate taxes on products. (Click here to view Bill S1647 or click here to view Bill S4223).
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce, Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, Esq., will be a guest speaker on a Zoom meeting to be held on Friday, April 24 starting at 10:00 a.m.
Darling will be speaking regarding the importance of having a will to plan for the future
Her presentation will include:
1. The role of the Surrogate
2. The importance of planning for the future of your business by having a will to keep your entity’s leadership and future stable
3. Protecting your loved ones
4. What do you want to happen to your assets
5. Advance directives
6. Avoiding probate
7. Benefits to business succession planning, drafting operating agreements that address the transfer of interests and the use of trusts
8. A Q & A session
This zoom meeting is free and open to all Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Members as well as the general public. Registration is required by clicking here.
For additional information contact Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce at (973) 402-6400.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents and volunteers that provides education, information and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area.
PARSIPPANY — For those interested in keeping up with the numbers, the Morris County website is the most up-to-date source of information. You can find daily updates at health.morriscountynj.gov/coronavirus.
PARSIPPANY — The County of Morris has identified an additional 70 Parsippany residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19, since it was last reported on Friday, April 17. As of Friday there were a total of 25 deaths.
The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 485 individuals. (This data is as of 4:28 p.m., Monday, April 20).
Morris County has risen to 4175 an increase of 432 cases since last reported on Friday, April 17. A total of 269 deaths have been reported in Morris County. In New Jersey a total of 88,806 with a total of 4,377 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. 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.
PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes and Fox Hill Neighbors United to hold a food collection drive for Parsippany Food Pantry on Wednesday, April 22, at Rainbow Lakes Club House Parking Lot, 20 Rainbow Trail.
Many people in Parsippany need our help. Due to the coronavirus many local people are out of work, have had their hours cut and thus are having difficulty putting food on their families’ table. Members of the RLCC and Fox Hills Neighbor’s United spoke with Mayor Soriano and he told us about the Parsippany Food Pantry.
They contacted Stacey Reeber who is working at the Parsippany Food Pantry and confirmed the need for donations.
Troy Rhodes of the Hub Lakes Church has volunteered his truck to help transport donated items to the pantry on Wednesday afternoon, April 22, from 12:00 Noon to 2:45 p.m. from the collection site at the Rainbow Lakes Club House Parking Lot, 20 Rainbow Trail.
Thank you Charlie Damian for allowing the use of the Club House Parking Lot. The need is for canned goods, cereals, pasta, beans, tuna fish, peanut butter which is important at this time.
Just walk up or drive by and place the items in the truck or our van in a plastic bag. Please do not donate outdated or dented goods and keep your distance and wear a mask. Thank you for your assistance and our goal is to fill our van and the pickup from the Rainbow Lakes and Fox Hill Community. If you’re in need of assistance please let us know directly.
If you would like to make a monetary donation please make checks payable to Parsippany Food Pantry.
The Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry is located at Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. For more information call (973) 263-7163. Monday to Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
MORRIS COUNTY — Recently, the public had the opportunity to view the movie, Mallory, which is the story of Mallory Grossman, 12, a student from Rockaway Township, who fell victim to suicide after being bullied for nine months.
The film that launched Friday evening is the story of Mallory’s parents and their journey post the devastating tragedy. There are interviews and home movie clips included throughout the film. The film has a rental fee of $22.00, which covers the cost of licensing and logistics. The movie will be available for viewing for nine days.
Mallory Rose Grossman was an all-American 12-year-old girl who loved gymnastics, cheerleading, and all things outdoors. Her love for her friends, family, and helping others was beyond measure and she showed her charitable spirit every day. Sadly, on June 14, 2017, Mallory took her own life after months of relentless bullying at school and online.
Mallory’s school failed to stop the bullying and would remove her from class to distance her from the abuse, only isolating her further. In one instance the Vice Principal and guidance counselor made her “hug it out” with the aggressors. Frustrated by the lack of change, the family discussed changing schools but since there were only a few weeks left in the school year they decided that Mallory would simply finish out at her current school and begin the next year anew. A decision that changed their family forever.
On the last day of Mallory’s life, the family attended a 3-hour meeting where the principal dismissed the acts of cruelty and used the analogy that this was merely a game, handed her a poker chip, and asked if she “was all-in”. Mallory and her parents returned home, vowed everything would be okay, and promised she did not have to return to school. Mallory was not even able to bring herself to make it through another day in this life. Her parents returned home from work to find that Mallory had taken her own way out.
Follow the story of the Grossman’s and their journey from losing Mallory through their subsequent fight to combat bullying, hold people accountable for their actions, and change the very way we see our fellow human beings.
MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris and College Steps partnership is designed to enhance the college experience for area students living with disabilities, including those living with Autism, Learning Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities through structured post-secondary support. The initiative directly aligns with the institution’s commitment to fostering educational access, opportunity, and equity. This webinar will be held on Monday, April 20 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
College Steps will be hosting an informational Webinar to discuss the supports provided to young adults living with social, communication, or learning challenges via a unique individualized and peer-based model. Serving both high school transition students interested in a college experience prior to graduation, as well as students already enrolled in college.
College Steps primary goal is to prepare students for meaningful careers and autonomy after graduation from college, placing a strong emphasis on self-advocacy, social competencies, employment, and independent living skills. Students work with trained peer mentors who are supported by an on-site Program Coordinator.
MORRIS COUNTY — With dueling daily press conferences, state governors in the region seem to be in competition for the top sound bites of the news cycle, and Senator Joe Pennacchio worries about its effect on public health policy during the coronavirus crisis.
Recently, New York’s Governor Cuomo declared he was “prepared to have New York used as a ‘laboratory’ for testing any possible vaccines.”
“Cuomo has become a media darling with salacious remarks that raise eyebrows and earn national press,” said Senator Pennacchio (R-26). “Offering up his residents as medical guinea pigs raises eyebrows, but does nothing for the immediate health concerns of those who are suffering in New York City and elsewhere. Solid leadership in times of crisis requires sensible, decisive and actionable solutions.”
The Senator noted that Cuomo, in New York, like New Jersey, refuses to approve the early treatment of COVID-19 with off-label use of hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin and zinc, a regimen that has been effective across the globe.
“Scientists tell us a coronavirus vaccine isn’t likely for another 12 to 18 months,” Senator Pennacchio said. “It makes no sense to open a state as a test tube, yet force sick people to wait for safe, effective medication until the virus has consumed them and landed them in the hospital. Hopefully, New Jersey will not follow Cuomo’s lead.
“These governors are not doctors. Unshackle our doctors. Let them use the tools they have to fight this pandemic. Disallowing an early treatment with hydroxychloroquine while promoting a non-existent vaccine once again shows how very little sense this public health policy has,” concluded Senator Pennacchio.
MORRIS COUNTY — Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced that consumers may be eligible for partial refunds or credits from their health club memberships, now that gyms across the state have been closed for 30 days under Executive Orders issued by Governor Phil Murphy to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Under New Jersey law, if your health club facility is closed for more than 30 days, you generally are entitled either to extend your contract with the health club facility for a period equal to the length of the closure or to receive a prorated refund of the amount you paid.
The law on refunds/credits for health clubs that are closed for more than 30 days does not apply to single-sport or single-focus establishments like basic aerobic or dance centers, yoga or spin studios, or children’s gyms that offer only scheduled/hourly classes; martial arts, gymnastic, or dance schools; or swim clubs, tennis clubs, or racquetball clubs. It applies only to establishments that allow patrons to use the establishment whenever it is open or during specific time periods (like all weekends, weekdays, mornings, etc.).
For more information related to business closures, we encourage consumers to review the Division’s guidance on refunds related to COVID-19. The document answers the most frequently asked questions from residents wondering about their entitlement to refunds for services they did not receive as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak and/or measures taken to stop the spread of the virus. (Click here to download document)
Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by clicking here or call (800) 242-5846 to receive a complaint form by mail.
MORRIS COUNTY — Suspected fatal overdoses in Morris County are up by 38 percent over the same 14-week time frame in 2019, prompting the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One team to re-emphasize its network of support services during the COVID-19 healthcare crisis.
Morris County Sheriff James Gannon
“Help from the Hope One team is here, just a phone call away. We don’t accept that anyone agonizing over a heroin addiction or substance use disorder be alone without resources and support, especially at this very difficult time,” Sheriff Gannon said.“Morris County, right now, is following a statewide trend of increased fatal opioid-related overdoses. It’s possible that individuals struggling with addiction feel increased stress during this pandemic or, because of social distancing, lack direct contact with supportive friends and family who normally would check on their welfare,” Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said.
So far in 2020, 26 individuals in Morris County have suffered suspected lethal overdoses, including one Thursday night. In the first 14 weeks of 2019, by comparison, there were 16 suspected fatal overdoses.
Following the same upswing, in New Jersey there have been 789 suspected fatal overdoses between January 1 and March 31, 2020. In the same time frame last year, there were 657 suspected overdose deaths.
Hope One, which has made more than 10,400 contacts with individuals since its launch, is a partnership with the Rockaway-based Prevention Is Key (PIK) and its sister agency, the Center for Addiction Recovery, Education & Success (CARES); Daytop-NJ, the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, and the Morris County Department of Human Services. Hope One is Sheriff Gannon’s award-winning mobile substance abuse and mental health outreach program launched on April 3, 2017 to stem the crisis of opioid addiction and overdoses.
If you or someone you care about needs help, contact the following services:
CENTER FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY, EDUCATION &SUCCESS (CARES): 24-hour support line at (973) 625-1143. CARES also will deliver Narcan, upon request, in a safe, non-contact way.
HOPE ONE: (973) 590-0300. For Narcan training via Zoom, please contact Morris County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Erica Valvano at erice@co.morris.nj.us or at (973) 590-0300.
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF ESSEX AND MORRIS: Peer support line from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.: (877) 760-4987; (866) 445-3902; (800) 381-2059. The Mental Health Association has added a daytime number for peer support, Monday through Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please call: 877-760-4987.
The upward trend has led to Morris County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Erica Valvano, the Hope One coordinator, urging the 14 municipal police departments in Morris County that are trained in the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI) to refer known individuals struggling with addiction to Hope One.
“Hope One-PAARI would like to make an aggressive approach to assist people before they overdose,” Corporal Valvano said.
PAARI-participating police departments welcome individuals who voluntarily enter headquarters to request help for a substance use disorder. Trained Officers screen the individuals and then contact Daytop-NJ, who connects the individual with a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist who assists them in accessing detox, rehab and recovery services. The Morris County Sheriff’s Trends and Analysis Team (MCSTAT) examined the overdose data and determined that most of the individuals who recently died had overdosed in the past.
PAARI-trained law enforcement agencies in Morris County include the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Lakes, Butler, Chatham Township, Chester, Dover, Jefferson, Mendham Township, Montville, Morris Plains, Morristown, Mount Arlington, Mount Olive, Rockaway Borough, and Washington Township Police Departments.
Corporal Valvano also is brainstorming with Hope One’s community partners to determine ways of following-up with clients who already have come in contact with service providers.
Despite a temporary halt to the Hope One vehicle making its customary twice-weekly stops in the community due to the coronavirus, its team has aggressively made its telephonic availability and support known. Upon request, a team member also will deliver free Narcan and advise how it is administered to reverse an opioid-induced overdose.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Focus has added a new feature called “What’s Open.”
A free, streamlined listing that allows businesses to post updates directly to our readers.
Businesses have been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. For restaurants, those that remain open are only offering takeout and delivery. Scores of restaurant staff members have been laid off and many owners are having difficulty making their bottom line. This program is intended to boost business for the suffering industry.
The homepage of Parsippany Focus and Morris Focus has a message board that conveys updated specials, hours and announcements from restaurants.
Users can search by city, business type or town. Restaurants can add store hours and takeout and delivery options are listed for each restaurant.
Listings are free to any business, although there are some upgrades available.
MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has issued approximately 514 cease-and-desist letters and 89 subpoenas to businesses reported by consumers to have engaged in price gouging or other consumer protection violations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cases include investigations of brick-and-mortar retailers in New Jersey, companies from other states that are accused of increasing prices for New Jersey consumers, and sellers located in New Jersey who has been accused of raising their prices on online marketplaces.
In addition, about 40 merchants based in New Jersey are under investigation by the Division for engaging in price gouging or other consumer protection violations related to COVID-19 through their use of online marketplaces like Amazon, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.
To date, the Division has logged a total of 2,978 complaints related to the COVID-19 emergency against about 1,800 business locations.
Morris County consumers who believe price gouging is occurring are encouraged to file complaints online to report specific details investigators can follow up on. Photographs of items being sold, receipts and pricing can now be uploaded to our new price gouging complaint form.
Approximately 90 percent of the complaints involve price increase on items including surgical masks, hand sanitizers, disinfectant sprays and wipes, food, bottled water, and other items in demand by consumers concerned about protecting their health and maintaining enough supplies for their homes.
“When people are concerned about keeping their families healthy and paying their bills, they shouldn’t have to worry about becoming the victim of unscrupulous market practices,” said New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal.
Paul Rodríguez, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, said his agency is reviewing thousands of potential violations. He asked consumers to take advantage of our new online complaint form which allows them to submit photo evidence when they report suspected violations.
New Jersey’s price-gouging law took effect on March 9, when Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The law prohibits excessive price increases during a declared state of emergency and for 30 days after its termination. A price increase is considered excessive if the new price is more than 10 percent higher than the price charged during the normal course of business prior to the state of emergency.
Price-gouging violations are punishable by civil penalties of up to $10,000 for the first violation and $20,000 for the second and subsequent violations.
PARSIPPANY— Meet Lily! This gorgeous cowgirl is ready to find her forever home after birthing and weaning her pups!
