MORRIS COUNTY — Parsippany Focus asked Morris County Surrogate for an update on her first three months in office.  Here is her reply:

I am finishing up the first quarter of my first year as Morris County Surrogate. When I ran for this office, I had goals and ideas for myself and the office but I never knew the extent those goals would be impacted by an external source, Covid-19.

Nonetheless, in my first three months, we still accomplished several important goals.

First, we edited, updated and added to the Morris County Surrogate’s Manual, which had been discontinued in 2018. Now, for the first time ever, the book is also available through an online link at MorrisSurrogate.com, as it arrived from the printer just as our office closed to the public due to the virus.

Second, in conjunction with the Morris County Bar Association, we have implemented a low cost attorney program. This will provided low-cost attorney services to the Morris County Probate Court.

Third, we have designed a new website with more access to information, utility of probate forms, links to important services and partners and more. We are simply waiting for things to ease up for our IT department so that they have time to upload the new site.

As far as Covid-19, our office has always been one that dealt with the public face-to face, until the week of March 16, 2020. That week, we had to decide how to move forward in a manner that is safe for all yet still effective. Fortunately, our simple online forms, email, scanners, facsimile, mail and couriers have allowed us to continue to provide services. Although we are getting through this way, we are still coming to the office as an essential services provider that is helping widows and widowers obtain access to funds and assisting those in need of guardianships, particularly medical in nature, during this difficult time. It has also obviated the need for online access to the Surrogate’s Office which I discussed during my campaign for this office as something very necessary. I discussed the need for more online options as we moved to the point where millennials would be managing their parent’s care but the current health crisis seems to have propelled us forward into a more internet based society that is now here to stay.

Three months ago I could not have imagined that we would be living in the state we are today. That being said, I think that we must all remain positive and look forward to the future. I personally look forward to the day that I can resume meeting with groups to continue to discuss the Surrogate’s Office and why it is so important to be prepared for certain moments in life, as we see each day right now.

Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, Esq.

PARSIPPANY —  There’s an urgent and immediate need for blood donations throughout northern New Jersey and New York State, as responses to the nationwide coronavirus outbreak are severely impacting the U.S. blood supply.

Vitalant (a nonprofit, blood collection organization formerly known as Community Blood Services) is responding by offering residents of northern New Jersey and New York State 29 local, open-to-the-public donation events during April to ensure that patients have the lifesaving blood they need. The greatest need is for blood platelets — small cells in the blood that form clots to prevent bleeding, while also helping with anemia and low blood counts – and type O-negative, the universal blood type.

FEMA has specifically identified blood donation as an “essential and integral component of the emergency support function.” Of note, coronavirus cannot be transferred through the blood. And, as always, the blood collection process is safe with no impact on the donor’s immune system. Vitalant staff follows rigorous safety and disinfection protocols at its blood drives and donation centers and have always required individuals to be in good health to donate blood.

For more information on the need for blood donation during the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), click here.

Vitalant also maintains four New Jersey blood centers, with hours and street addresses as follows:

• Lincoln Park (63 Beaverbrook Rd. | Suite 304) – Click here for hours
• Montvale (102 Chestnut Ridge Rd.) – Click here for hours
• Paramus (One West Ridgewood Ave., Suite 208) – Click here for hours
• Parsippany (1259 Rt. 46 East, Building #4E | Suite 410) – Click here for hours

As an added incentive to all who donate from Friday, April 10 through Monday, April 13, Vitalant is providing – at its mobile blood drives and New Jersey donation centers in Lincoln Park, Montvale, Paramus, and Parsippany – a $10.00 dollar Amazon gift card and an aluminum sports bottle. In addition, type A+ and B+ donors who donate platelets for the first time EVER will receive a $25 Amazon gift card in the mail, while all type AB male plasma donors will receive a $5 mystery gift card in the mail for every plasma donation they make during 2020 (counting is done at the end of each month).

Healthy individuals age 16 or older, who weigh at least 110 pounds, may donate blood; 16- and 17-year-olds must have proof of birth date and signed consent forms, either in English (Click here) or Spanish (Click here).

Donors should eat a moderate meal prior to donating, and also bring identification featuring their signature.

On occasion, last-minute changes to scheduling for a donation event will occur. As a result, it is recommended that anyone planning to donate blood at a Vitalant donation event call (201) 251-3703, toll free, to confirm timing and location details. Additional information about donating blood is also available by clicking here.

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.

About Vitalant

Arizona-based Vitalant is among the nation’s oldest and largest transfusion medical organizations in the U.S.  Founded in 1943, its blood centers division serves some 700 hospitals across the United States. A founding member of America’s Blood Centers and the AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks), Vitalant also operates biological products distribution services, a quality consulting group, and a world-renowned transfusion medicine research institute. It also is a partner in the operation of high-volume donor testing laboratories.

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has been informed of 20 additional residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19. No details on age or gender were provided.

The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 74 individuals, two of whom have since died from the virus.

New Jersey has a total number of 3,347 new cases as of Sunday, March 29 with a total of 16,636. New Jersey has a total of 37 new deaths with a total of 198.

Please remember to continue the best practices of social distancing, washing your hands as often as possible, disinfecting any surfaces you may touch, and avoid touching your face. If you exhibit any symptoms of illness, please remember to consult your personal doctor immediately.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.covid19.nj.gov or call 211.

MORRIS COUNTY — With early Spring food drives and fundraisers cancelled, and increased numbers of county residents in need of food as they are out of work due to the COVID-19 situation, food providers and soup kitchens across Morris County are in need of some help.

In addition to a need for food, these nonprofit providers also need supplies, such as forks, spoons, to-go boxes, sandwich bags, and other items for their operations.

It is not just the larger pantries and kitchens that could use a boost, but also smaller providers, many of which normally rely on local churches for donations. But with church, synagogue and mosque services temporarily cancelled, donations collected and dispersed through the generosity of congregations, and by members of  local organizations, such as the county’s YMCAs, have dried up.

From the Interfaith Food Pantry:

“Under normal circumstances, we rely heavily on this April fundraiser to provide food to clients through the Spring and into the Fall. We are now facing an unprecedented challenge as demand is picking up and we are bracing for an influx of unemployed workers. Now more than ever, please consider supporting our efforts.

There are many providers of food and meals in Morris County. Here is a list with contact information:

Boonton:

• Boonton Food Pantry (973) 402-9419 ext.634
• Evangel Church of God (973) 263-1787
• Women’s Infants and Children’s Clinic (WIC) 800-427-3244

Denville:

• Denville Food Pantry (973) 625-8300 ext.269
• St. Clare’s Meals on Wheels (973) 625-6010

Florham Park:

• Holy Family Church (973) 377-7190

Hanover Township:

• First Presbyterian Church of Whippany (973) 887-2197

Madison:

• Meals on Wheels (973) 593-3095

Montville:

• Kiwanis Food Pantry (973) 216-7649

Morris Plains:

• Interfaith Food Pantry (973) 538-8049 ext. 12

Parsippany:

• Parsippany Christian Church 973-335-6387
• Parsippany Food Pantry (973) 263-7163
• St. Peter’s Food Pantry 973-334-2090

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has been informed of 10 additional residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19:

– 25-year-old male.
– 36-year-old female.
– 45-year-old male.
– 47-year-old male.
– 47-year-old female.
– 52-year-old female.
– 57-year-old female.
– 58-year-old male.
– 65-year-old female.
– 66-year-old female.

The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 45 individuals, two of whom have since died from the virus.

The Township is committed to being as transparent as possible with these cases and relaying as much information to the community as we can, while complying with privacy laws. The Township remains in constant contact with state and county partners, and will release additional information as it is provided.

To help combat the spread of this virus, please remember to continue the best practices of social distancing, washing your hands as often as possible, disinfecting any surfaces you may touch, and avoid touching your face.

If you exhibit any symptoms of illness, please remember to consult your personal doctor immediately. The State of New Jersey has set up a comprehensive website covering many questions you may have regarding COVID-19, as well as a telephone hotline.

For more information, please visit www.covid19.nj.gov or call 211

MORRIS COUNTY — Acting on a commitment to provide financial relief to New Jersey homeowners, Governor Phil Murphy announced that financial institutions will provide mortgage forbearance and financial protections for New Jerseyans facing economic hardship as a result COVID-19.

“Millions of hardworking New Jerseyans are suffering financial losses through no fault of their own as a result of the economic downturn brought on by COVID-19,” said Governor Murphy. “With this initiative, we can ensure that no one loses their home during this public health crisis. I commend our private sector partners for doing their part to reduce financial uncertainty for New Jersey families.”

Building on a similar initiative in California, Governor Murphy secured support from Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America, in addition to over 40 other federal and state-chartered banks,  credit unions, and servicers to protect New Jersey homeowners. More financial institutions are expected to sign on in the coming days.  The New Jersey Bankers Association, CrossState Credit Union Association and the Mortgage Bankers Association of New Jersey have endorsed this initiative and are encouraging all their members to adopt these policies.

Under Governor Murphy’s proposal, New Jerseyans who are struggling financially as a result of COVID-19 may be eligible for the following relief upon contacting their financial institution:

90-Day Grace Period for Mortgage Payments
Financial institutions will offer, consistent with applicable guidelines, mortgage payment forbearances of up to 90 days to borrowers economically impacted by COVID-19. In addition, those institutions will:

• Provide borrowers a streamlined process to request a forbearance for COVID-19-related reasons, supported with available documentation;
• Confirm approval of and terms of forbearance program; and
• Provide borrowers the opportunity to request additional relief, as practicable, upon continued showing of hardship due to COVID-19.

No Negative Credit Impacts Resulting from Relief
Financial institutions will not report derogatory tradelines (e.g., late payments) to credit reporting agencies, consistent with applicable guidelines, for borrowers taking advantage of COVID-19-related relief.
Moratorium on Initiating Foreclosure Sales or Evictions
For at least 60 days, financial institutions will not initiate foreclosure sales or evictions, consistent with applicable guidelines.
Relief from Fees and Charges
For at least 90 days, financial institutions will waive or refund at least the following for customers who have requested assistance:

• Mortgage-related late fees; and
• Other fees, including early CD withdrawals (subject to applicable federal regulations).

Please note that financial institutions and their servicers are experiencing high volumes of inquiries and may recommend using online services when available for the quickest service. Loans held by a financial institution may be serviced by another company.

Last week, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 106, which imposed a moratorium on removing individuals from their homes pursuant to an eviction or foreclosure proceeding while the Order is in effect. Tenants cannot be asked to leave their homes for nonpayment of rent during this time.

Governor Murphy also announced that the Department of Community Affairs received an additional $13 million in federal funds as part of its annual renewal for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.  These funds, based on the increased utilization New Jersey achieved in the program last year, are critical to helping current voucher tenants maintain their housing stability during the coming year.

For more information on COVID-19 related mortgage relief, please click here.

PARSIPPANY — Due Governor Murphy’s order issued on Saturday, March 21 all golf courses in the State of New Jersey have been closed. THE CLOSING OF ALL OF OUR FACILITIES IS NOT OPTIONAL.

Please stop sending me requests asking to use the facilities for whatever reason and if you are one of the few who are sneaking on to play a few holes. PLEASE STOP IT!

You are putting us in a most difficult position. The staff here has worked long and hard all winter to get The Knoll turned around and ready for a great golfing experience. We hope to be launching our new website and tee sheet app next week. The maintenance crew is out there and continuing to work hard to make The Knoll the best public golf experience in New Jersey.

When the ban is lifted we intend to be ready to go.

Today we have placed signs on every tee box indicating that we are closed. The Parsippany Police Department will be doing regular patrols and handing out trespassing tickets to violators. We believe that our first responders have better things to do than police golfers.

So please stop putting the employees of the Knoll, the police and the Township in general in the awkward position of saying no, asking you to leave or giving you a ticket.

Stay home, stay safe and most of all stay healthy for the good of everyone.

 Kevin Brancato, General Manager

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has been informed of five additional residents have presumptively tested positive for COVID-19.

• 32-year-old male.
• 49-year-old female.
• 57-year old female.
• 62-year-old male.
• 62-year-old male.

The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 37 individuals, two of whom have since died from the virus.

The Township is committed to being as transparent as possible with these cases and relaying as much information to the community as we can, while complying with privacy laws. The Township remains in constant contact with state and county partners, and will release additional information as it is provided.

To help combat the spread of this virus, please remember to continue the best practices of social distancing, washing your hands as often as possible, disinfecting any surfaces you may touch, and avoid touching your face. If you exhibit any symptoms of illness, please remember to consult your personal doctor immediately.

The State of New Jersey has set up a comprehensive website covering many questions you may have regarding COVID-19, as well as a telephone hotline. For more information, please visit www.covid19.nj.gov or call 211.

PARSIPPANY — The Knoll Country Club/Golf Course is open for passive recreation only.

Parsippany Police Department has received numerous complaints regarding people playing golf on the Knoll Country Club property while the course is closed.

This is creating a dangerous situation were errant golf balls could strike and seriously injure someone who is using the property for passive recreation, such as walking.

If you are found golfing on the property you will be removed and may face criminal charges. Police patrols have been increased in the area.

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Sue Fulton announced that the closure of all New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission agency, road testing, and inspections facilities will be extended through April 12, as a measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Chief Fulton says other Commission operations are continuing, through online submissions from customers as well as other functions, including those that support commercial trucking critical to keeping the supply chain moving during the COVID-19 health crisis.

However, Chief Fulton said, other operations, such as agency and road testing, bring people into closer proximity to each other than is recommended under public health guidelines.

“We cannot have crowds like the ones that are drawn to our agencies during a pandemic,” Chief Fulton said. “The health of our employees and our customers takes priority.”

“Fortunately, we have expanded our online capabilities over the past year and many of our customers can get their business taken care of that way,” Chief Fulton said. “In most cases you can renew your license, replace a lost license, change your address, renew your registration and other transactions through our easy-to-use online portal.”

Chief Fulton also noted that the federal REAL ID requirement has been extended for another year, until October, 2021, so customers should not feel any pressure in that regard.

“The safety of our citizens is paramount and we will use every means at our disposal to ensure they are protected,’’ Chief Fulton said.

Working with Governor Murphy, Chief Fulton ordered the initial closure from March 17 through March 30. With the threat from COVID-19 continuing and New Jersey having the second-most cases in the United States, it was determined to continue the closures through at least April 12.