PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has been informed of nine 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 91 individuals, two of whom have since died from the virus. (This data is as of 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 1).
Morris County has a total of 944 residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19.
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.
PARSIPPANY — The Krypton Warriors is a Parsippany-based robotics team participating in an international robotics competition called FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC). FIRST is a nonprofit organization that stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology”. This is the first year the Krypton Warriors are competing in FTC.
FIRST runs four programs for different grade levels from elementary to high school. Each season follows the school year and every year a new challenge is announced. Teams build robots to complete tasks to gain points and advance till they reach the world championships held every year at Detroit and Houston.
On Sunday, March 8, the Krypton Warriors organized a science and engineering event called “Shaping Young Minds into Warrior Engineers” at the Parsippany Police Athletic League (PAL). The event was a celebration of the success of twelve FIRST teams in Parsippany and nearby towns.
Krypton Warriors
Krypton Warriors reached out far and wide to invite five professionals from industry and academia to inspire the FIRST teams to strive for excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers.
After the Robo Rockets team sang the national anthem, Dhriti Singareddy, Captain of the Krypton Warriors, shared with the teams on how they came together as a team. She said, “We started the season with a mission to embody the FIRST Core Values, to link with as many STEM professionals and to get the communities around us excited about FIRST programs.”
She articulated that throughout the season Krypton Warriors incorporated “Gracious Professionalism (GP)” into their daily lives. According to FIRST, GP is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. Dhirti explained that this simple concept can be life-changing and highly rewarding. In fact, the team has had a positive impact on more than 3,000 people through their various outreach events at domestic and international venues.
Aman Patchipulusu, a programmer in the team welcomed the FIRST teams – Genius Pluto, Robo Rockets, Robo Droids, Kreative Crackers, Epic Robotics, Bot Warriors, Human Robotics, Galaxy Bots, Lightning Bots, CyberHox and NanoGurus.
Aarav Mulinti, a robot builder in the team introduced Mr. Prem Pusuloori, the National Director at SEWA International, which is a non-profit philanthropic organization. Mr. Pusuloori highlighted the efforts of Krypton Warriors to introduce Robotics to the underprivileged students in Colombia. This is a successful example of how robotics and science can enable children to succeed in life and escape the violence surrounding them.
Another hallmark of Krypton Warriors’ international outreach was the six-week robotics program at Saint Paul’s High School, India, organized by Varun Kommareddy, a robot builder in the team. Varun designed the curriculum to enrich their learning experience with real-life examples that the children could relate to. According to Varun, the kids were so exhilarated to learn something new every week. By the sixth class the students became proficient in building with LEGOs and were sad to see Varun return back to the USA.
Varun introduced the next speaker, Dr. Omar Alvarez-Pousa, Adjunct Instructor from New York University with 30 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry. Using examples from Krypton Warriors’ business plan, Dr. Alvarez-Pousa highlighted the key components of an effective business plan. He advised the teams to keep in mind the three Cs Change, Creativity and Courage as they go through the season.
The next speaker, Ms. Shweta Thapa, Mechanical Engineer, NJ Ambassador for Women in 3D printing, and a co-founder of 3Ducators was introduced by Muthu Veerappan, a robot builder in the team. She was impressed with the passion for science and engineering exhibited by the students and mentors in the FIRST Teams. Teams were encouraged by Ms. Thapa to utilize the 3D Printing services offered by maker spaces and local libraries.
Krypton Warriors passionately seek and connect with various organizations to learn new skills and increase their knowledge of STEM career opportunities. They have connected with corporations such as Zoetis, an animal healthcare company, Stryker, a medical technology company, and UPS, a popular package delivery service. Rahul Ramakrishnan, a programmer in the team explained that the team raised about $8,000 from corporate and individual donors. This helps the team buy the parts needed for their robot and pay for other operational expenses like traveling and organizing events.
Mr. Bill Lam, a board member of the Livingston Robotics Club in Livingston, New Jersey, encouraged the students to have bidirectional communication with the coaches. It is important that students bring to the attention of coaches and mentors when something is not right. The teams were amazed to hear that Mr. Lam has been to 223 robotics events, coached more than 50 girls and been to various national and world championships in the past 10 years.
Monishwar Sampath, a programmer in the team distributed certificates of celebration to the participating teams and opened the FLL and FTC fields for teams to showcase their robots and projects.
Parents and students enjoyed the event and were happy to see several teams celebrating together their hard work throughout the season. The Krypton Warriors are working to make this an annual celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math in Parsippany.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact the Krypton Warriors’ email: kryptonwarriors@gmail.com.
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey State Senator Joe Pennacchio once again questioned how the State is dictating how doctors may treat their patients.
“Instead of allowing doctors to prophylactically or immediately treat patients, New Jersey is requiring them to have a full-blown case of coronavirus before action can be taken,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “By that time, in many cases, it is too late.”
The senator has been a vocal advocate for the preventative and therapeutic use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to calm the COVID-19 outbreak. Joining him was almost 70 doctors and a European research doctor.
Pennacchio compared the early utilization of HCQ for the coronavirus to the original use of the drug given to patients prophylactically before travel to malaria-infested areas of malaria.
“It would have made no sense to withhold the treatment until people contracted malaria, and it’s insane to wait for people to show signs of the coronavirus while this pandemic is taking lives and destroying our economy,” Pennacchio said.
Today, in a letter to Pennacchio, New Jersey physician Dr. Theresa Thomas echoed the senator’s position.
Other doctors also weighed in with their support:
Vinod Sanchetti, MD – Internal Medicine
Varinder Singh, MD – Cardiology/Internal Medicine
Mannish Saini, MD – Internal Medicine
Rimmi Sobti, MD – Internal Medicine
Karam Dalal, MD Internal Medicine
Prabhat Sinha, MD Internal Medicine
Puneet Sahgal, MD Internal Medicine
Sakshi Pawa, MD Internal Medicine
Dilip Desai, MD Internal Medicine
Vinod Ghetiya, MD Internal Medicine
Sarvat Takla, MD Internal Medicine
Monnet Tresvalace, MD Internal Medicine
Parhar Avtar, MD pulmonologist
Bikramjeet Singh,MD Nephrologist
Sanjay Kumar, MD Internal Medicine
Mukesh Shah, MD Internal Medicine
Mathew Kandathil, MD Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine
Rimmi Sobti, MD Internal Medicine
Mannish Saini, MD Internal Medicine
Varinder Singh, MD Cardiology/Internal Medicine
Vinod Sanchetti, MD. Internal Medicine
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Washington Township Police Chief Jeffrey Almer announce that Keith O’Connor, 49, Washington Township, has been charged in connection with a shots fired incident that occurred on Rock Road in Washington Township on Monday, March 30.
On March 30, at approximately 7:10 p.m., officers of the Washington Township Police Department responded to a residence located on Rock Road in Washington Township to perform a welfare check into a report of a suicidal male. It is alleged that while the officers were on scene, O’Connor fired a shotgun at or in their direction. The subsequent investigation revealed additional weapons, including an assault firearm and large capacity ammunition magazines, as well as a suspected controlled dangerous substance, were found within O’Connor’s residence.
No shots were fired by the Washington Township Police Department officers.
As a result of the investigation into this incident, O’Connor has been charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the second degree; Aggravated Assault, a crime of the third degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a crime of the second degree; Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, a crime of the fourth degree; and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, a crime of the third degree. He remains in custody and is pending a first appearance in court.
Members of the Washington Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office -Crime Scene Investigations, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit all took part in this investigation.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, or the Washington Township Police Department at (908) 876-8300.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — Ethan Chen, second grader student in Hilldale Elementary School, Montville, drew a picture of his whole class. He wanted to share with all the kids and teachers in our state, to cheer up!
Ethan said “My dad and mom told me lots of news about COVID-19 in our state and I feel very sad. I can’t go to school for two weeks and I miss my lovely Miss Monks (she is my class teacher) and my friends so much! I really hope NO ONE get sick in my class and I really hope we can meet again soon.”
MORRIS COUNTY — During this unprecedented health care crisis, law enforcement officer members of the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey are on the front lines of danger on the street, behind bars, guarding transportation systems and in many other locations. The amazing heroes in this battle are the men and women working as nurses, doctors and medical personnel in hospitals.
The Italian American Police Society of New Jersey is working to support these brave caretakers. They are providing cooked hot meals for hospital personnel to give them strength and comfort. This endeavor also helps to support in a small way local businesses that are struggling to survive.
They invite you to visit click here to make a financial donation. All of these donations will be used to directly feed hospital personnel in areas needed in New Jersey. As always, they are proud to serve and protect New Jersey in various ways like this.
They have always appreciated the generosity of our friends and supporters and thank you in advance for your help.
They will all get through these challenging times. Please stay safe and use social distancing to end this sooner than later.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County is putting out an emergency call for Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and medical professionals who are available during this COVID-19 health crisis to sign up for paid openings at healthcare facilities across Morris County that are short of qualified medical personnel and looking to hire people immediately.
The County Office of Emergency Management has created Operation Save-a-Life, which will develop a roster of available medical personnel and provide that list to healthcare facilities, or for home health care providers, that are short-staffed due to the virus and in dire need of employment help.
“Nursing homes, assisted living, long-term care, and rehabilitation facilities across Morris County are working hard to take care of their patients and residents. But many are desperately in need of qualified people and struggling to fill staff shortages that are making it difficult to maintain a quality level of care for patients in need,” said Morris County Emergency Management Director Jeff Paul.
“Now more than ever we need to sound the alarm and do our best to support our healthcare facilities who are working hard to keep their patients safe and to help save their lives,’’ he added.
TO SIGN UP FOR THESE CRITICAL JOBS through Operation Save-a-Life, And help some our most vulnerable people during this pandemic, qualified medical personnel are asked to call the Morris County Office of Emergency Management at (973) 829-8600.
Sheriff James M. Gannon
If you do not speak directly with a call taker and get the OEM voice mail recording, please leave your name, contact number and medical certification (i.e. Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, etc.). One of the Office of Emergency Management staff members will return your phone call within 24-48 hours.
“We are talking about protecting some of our most vulnerable people, our senior citizens and disabled residents, many are older veterans or former police and firemen who long ago served on the front lines protecting us; now they need our help,’’ said Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon.
“Please, we need your help right now,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith. “On behalf of all Morris County residents, we ask you to consider filling this great need.”
Freeholder Director Deborah Smith
County OEM officials have spoken to healthcare providers across Morris County to identify this need, and are reaching out to RNs, LPNs, and others in the medical field to see if they can match the need with available personnel. Those who are hired would be paid directly by the individual facility.
The New Jersey Firemen’s Home, located in Boonton, is one example of a facility that needs help caring for its 62 patients/firefighters, who are in danger of possibly having to be moved from their safe location due to a lack of staff.
“We love our firemen, and we don’t want them to leave our facility, but at the same time, we need to make sure that they are provided with the same level of exceptional care that they are accustomed to here at the New Jersey Firemen’s Home. We welcome healthcare providers, RN’s, LPN’s, to join our team,” said Donna Russo, Director of Nursing for the New Jersey Firemen’s Home.
Sen. Anthony Bucco
State Senator Anthony Bucco also touted the effort to match medical personnel with facilities that badly need assistance.
“This is exactly the type of outside-the-box thinking that we need during this crisis,” said Sen. Bucco. “Using the county OEM and Sheriff’s Office to match medical workers and resources to facilities such as the Firemen’s Home will save lives and prevent having to relocate people in those homes who are the most vulnerable.”
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has been informed of 8 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 82 individuals, two of whom have since died from the virus. (This data is as of 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 31).
Morris County has a total of 849 residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19.
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 — 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.
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:
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.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Supporting Our Town is just a week old. In the first week the group made major accomplishments: Facebook page is up to almost 3500 members. The group raised $20,000 through their GoFundMe page (Click here to donate). 19 volunteers signed up to helped. 15 Restaurants signed on to prepare meals. They made 26 deliveries to various organizations including Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad, Morristown Memorial Hospital, Homeless Solutions, Zufall Health and many other organizations, and served over 603 meals and spent about $6,000 to help our local restaurants within our town.
Volunteer Ted Stanziale and Boonton Alderman Joseph Bock at i2i Indian Italian FusionTed Stanziale loading up his truck to bring 50 meals to a the employees of Zufall Health. The meals to our front liners prepared by Marra’s Uptown in East Hanover
“We are very thankful for the financial support of Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, Morris Co. Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo, Rob Zwigard and many other elected officials and willing volunteers, we will use the donations to purchase meals for our first responders from local businesses throughout Parsippany and Morris County,” said Chris Mazzarella.
The Red Barn Restaurant in Montville prepared 14 meals paid for by Feed the Front Line-Morris. Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo delivered the meals to Atlantic Health-Chilton’s EMT team.Soby Abdelhady owner of IHOP loading the truck with over 100 meals were delivered today to the Parsippany Schools Custodial Services. They have been working to clean those schools to make sure they are sanitized for the kids when they go back to school. Thank you Parsippany IHOP for getting all those meals together! Thank You Ted, Ann Marie Battista Stanziale, Rob Zwigard, Christina Gaudenzi Cistaro, and Lori O’Sullivan Smith for making the Pick Up and Delivery.
“BettyLou, Tom and I think 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 Bucco.
Nick Kraus and Ted Stanziale delivering BurgerIM to Homeless Solutions. Pictured with Tamala Reynolds, Volunteer Manager.BurgerIM donated 60 meals for Homeless Solutions
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.
“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
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has been informed of nine additional residents who have 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 54 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 Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education Administration was notified by the Health Department that a staff member at Eastlake Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19, also known as coronavirus.
The staff member was tested on March 23, reported being symptomatic on March 14, and was present in school on the last day of Monday, March 16.
The typical 14-day period of self-isolation for staff and students who may have come into contact with this employee will conclude on Monday, March 30.
They have consulted with the local Department of Health regarding this matter.
Certainly, this presents an unusual situation as school has now been closed for nearly two weeks and any recommendations for self-isolation will have already been in effect
Understandably families and staff members may have questions. The NJ COVID-19 Call Center number is l-800-962-1253 or 211.
The call centers are not able to diagnose individuals, provide testing appointments or results, or give specific medica recommendations. Callers who need medical advice should contact their healthcare provider.
Residents can also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive text information to stay informed. At this time, the Department of Health is not recommending families, student: and/or staff quarantine or seek medical help unless they experience symptoms.
Please reach out to your physician to review your personal health situation.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders is announcing changes to its scheduled Monday, April 6 county government meetings.
The board was supposed to hold its public session as a “road meeting” in Long Hill on the evening of April 6. Instead, due to the COVID-19 situation, the freeholders will not meet in that municipality.
The Freeholder Board work session that had been scheduled for Monday, April 6, at 4:30 p.m. in Morristown has been cancelled.
The Board’s public meeting will be held, as scheduled, on April 6 at 7:00 p.m.. But it has been changed to a phone-in only meeting, with county residents invited to phone in to listen and to be allowed to comments during the public comment period.
Residents are invited to attend the April 6 meeting:
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County, in coordination with Atlantic Health System, will open a COVID-19 drive-thru testing center for Morris County residents only, located at the County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph starting Monday, March 30. Registration started Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
The Morris County COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Site will be located at CCM, Dover Chester Road, Randolph, NJ 07869. Residents will need to use the Dover Chester Road entrance in order to access the site by clicking here.
Residents must show up in a vehicle and must have an appointment in order to access the testing site – you cannot walk through the testing center. Residents will need to display identification and will need to have a printed copy of a COVID-19 medical prescription from a Physician.
Important: Only residents who have a prescription from a medical doctor or medical provider AND who have pre-scheduled an appointment for testing through the county’s COVID-19 appointment portal will be allowed to enter the testing site.
For information and to make an appointment residents should click here.
The Morris County Office of Emergency Management and Office of Health Management are creating the drive-thru center in partnership with Atlantic Health System, whose staff will collect the samples. Other partners in this venture include the County College of Morris, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morris County Park Police Department, and the Randolph Township Police Department.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Testing is scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
To be tested, residents MUST:
have a COVID-19 test prescription from a healthcare provider
read and acknowledge the consent form (click here)
make an appointment
Persons WILL be turned away if they don’t meet all of these qualifications.
Residents with a prescription can move forward to scheduling an appointment after acknowledging the waiver.
Residents may not sign up for an appointment until they get a prescription from a healthcare provider. If a resident is symptomatic, call your doctor as soon as possible. Visit CDC for information on symptoms, click here.
There is no charge for the test
ARRIVING AT THE TESTING CENTER:
Your ID (any others that have an appointment in same vehicle) and appointment verification for all potential clients will be confirmed before entry is permitted.
NO photographing or video recording is permitted
Please pay attention to all signage which is in English and Spanish
ALL vehicle windows must remain CLOSED
DO NOT ROLL DOWN ANY VEHICLE WINDOW until instructed to do so
Do NOT move forward until instructed to do so
There are no emergency services available at the testing location. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please go to the nearest hospital emergency room or dial 911
To get your test results, visit the patient portal by clicking here.
If you have questions, you can call the County Hotline at 973-829-8250, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, and then from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information on COVID-19 and Morris County’s response click here.
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.
PARSIPPANY — Nothing stops Kiwanis. Our volunteers are always ready and willing to serve. Each month, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, purchases food, cooks food and serves the guests at Homeless Solutions.
This month, due to the Coronavirus, instead of our volunteers preparing the meals in the kitchen at the shelter, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, still fulfilled their monthly volunteering and had the food catered by IHOP Parsippany and IHOP Cedar Knolls. Board member Nicolas Limanov coordinated the preparation and delivery of the food.
With donations from Morris Plains Chick-fil-A, Restaurant Depot and ShopRite of Greater Morristown, Kiwanis Club was able to donate four trays of baked ziti, two trays of meatballs (750 meatballs), two trays of tossed salad and 100 cupcakes.
The Kiwanis Club has been providing meals to Homeless Solutions for the past 19 years and have served over 7,000 meals. Members volunteer their time to shop, cook and serve the dinner.
Homeless Solutions
1 of 9
Nicolas Limanov and Tamala Reynolds
Delicious tossed salad
Sobhy Abdelhady, Owner IHOP, holding May
IHOP Owner Mo Abdelhadi preparing the food
Trays of Baked Ziti
Prepared 750 Meatballs for the guests of Homeless Solutions
Jose Salinas preparing meatballs to serve to the guests of Homeless Solutions
Preparing meatballs
Penne Pasta with Meatballs
Homeless Solutions, “Providing a Hand UP, Not a HandOUT.” They offer shelter, services, and supportive housing to the homeless and working poor in Morris County, New Jersey.
Interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, contact Committee Chairperson Laura Wohland, by emailing law4pres@gmail.com, or Frank Cahill, President Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany at (862) 213-2200.
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.
