Monday, August 26, 2024
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EWMA Expands Compliance Group To Include Covid-19 Virus Mitigation Services

PARSIPPANY — As institutions and citizens across New Jersey and beyond prepare for the growing COVID-19 pandemic, environmental remediation firm EWMA is offering no-cost estimates to businesses in need of antimicrobial and antiviral mitigation, planned and conducted according to guidelines set out by leading health and disease prevention regulatory bodies.

“Our goal is to help get New Jerseyans back to their daily lives as quickly and safely as possible,” said Michael Sylvester, Vice President, EWMA. “One key step in doing so is to make many spaces which once houses diagnosed individuals safe and healthy to occupy once again.”

According to Sylvester, antimicrobial and antiviral mitigation utilizes agents that either limit or completely stop the growth of microorganisms, including COVID-19. The service uses an electrostatic process to thoroughly clean frequently used surfaces and touchpoints throughout an office building, event space, gym, restaurant, or other facilities with which someone with COVID-19 may have come in contact. These surfaces include elevator buttons, doorknobs, chair railings, desks, lobby areas, waiting rooms, and bathroom surfaces around toilets and sinks.

“Without proper mitigation, these places may pose a risk, and will need to be disinfected properly before they open up once again to their employees, visitors, and the public,” Sylvester said. “By thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting these areas, our clients will have greater peace of mind.”

According to Sylvester, while no cure or vaccine is yet known for COVID-19, steps can be taken to mitigate risk in workplaces, schools, houses of worship, apartment buildings, and other communal environments. Preliminary guidelines established by the World Health Organization note that the virus, which spreads through droplets in the air, may live on certain surfaces for up to 72 hours. EWMA is prepared to offer this cleaning service, which is certified in antimicrobial and antiviral mitigation. All cleaning procedures are conducted in accordance with published protocols by leading authorities, including the WHO, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Our antimicrobial and antiviral mitigation services can support small-scale and large-scale work areas, from small houses of worship to large warehouse spaces and everything in between, and with businesses in both private and public sectors,” Sylvester said.

Estimates are offered at no cost. For more information, contact Michael Sylvester or Craig Gorczyca at (973) 560-1400.

EWMA is a fully employee-owned firm, EWMA has provided innovative, transparent, and cost-effective environmental solutions and consulting throughout the tri-state area since 1987. EWMA brings a wealth of experience to the real estate industry, including due diligence for property transactions, environmental site assessments, site investigations, data analysis, brownfield redevelopments, and post-remediation care. Consulting and remediation services are available for private and public entities, as well as public-private partnerships. To learn more about EWMA compliance, and remediation services, including the SECUR-IT® guaranteed fixed-price remediation program, click here.

Morris County Clerk’s Office will be Closed to the Public

MORRIS COUNTY — “The Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) has made it imperative to design a plan and prepare for any number of outcomes associated with the developing pandemic”,  said Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, Esq.  The actions below are designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and well-being of our employees, the business community and Morris County residents while continuing to provide essential services.

As the need arises, updates to this policy will be posted on Focus or by clicking here.

Effective immediately, the Morris County Clerk’s Office will be closed to the public as follows:

REGISTRY DEPARTMENT:

It is recommended that stakeholders who are impacted should forward all documents to be filed and recorded either by mail or by utilizing the Clerk’s automated e-filing system.  To participate in e-filing, please contact one of our e-filing (electronic) vendors below:

Simplifile @ 1-(800) 460-5647 or www.simplefile.com

CSC @ 1-(866) 652-0111 or www.cscglobal.com

ERX @ 1- (204) 887-7461 or www.erxsupport@conduent.com

All documents will be processed upon receipt as the law requires.  For further information please call (973) 285-6130.

PASSPORT DEPARTMENT:

Passport Department is suspending Tuesday evening hours and all walk-in processing of passports.  Passports will be processed by appointment only.  Please call (973) 285-6161 to schedule an appointment.  It is strongly recommended that unless it is urgent, residents postpone processing of passports.

VAULT DEPARTMENT:

Our Vault Department will be closed to the public.  Business users and members of the public may access all documents back to 1969 online.  Anyone needing a certified copy can request one by email or calling the Vault.  If you need assistance, please call (973) 285-6747.

ELECTION DEPARMENT:

Please contact the Election Department at (973) 285-6066 for further details.  We strongly urge all residents to Vote-by-Mail so as to avoid unnecessary exposure to COVID-19.  All forms can be found by clicking here.

WEDDINGS:

The County Clerk’s Office is suspending weddings until further notice.  For additional details, please call (973) 285-6120.

NOTARY DEPARTMENT:

Notary processing will be suspended until further notice.  New Notary applications and renewals  are available on-line by clicking here.  The Clerk’s Office will continue to swear in residents who have received the State of New Jersey Commission by appointment only.  Please call (973) 285-6122 to schedule an appointment to be sworn in.

ADULT ID CARDS, VETERAN ID CARDS AND GOLD STAR ID CARDS:

Issuing of the above ID cards are suspended until further notice.

OUTREACH AND ON THE ROAD PROGRAMS:

Outreach and On the Road Programs are suspended until further notice.

Parsippany Mayor: ‘Come Together By Staying Apart’

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano is calling on his constituents to unite in fighting the emerging threat of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.

His complete statement and video are below.

“Nine years ago, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, I witnessed firsthand the kindness and generosity of the people of Parsippany, as well as the ability of this community to come together and help those in need. Today, we once again find ourselves in challenging times. We are now beginning to understand that measures need to be taken to protect our country, our community, and the people that we care for. While it goes against our social instincts, we need to understand that coming together to fight this virus also means pulling apart, and distancing ourselves from one another,” Soriano said. ” We will miss our unique community celebrations, sporting events, family occasions, and simple social gatherings. But the unfortunate truth is that these gatherings have the potential to make us and those we care for sick. We may not like it, but the time has come for us all to collectively make sacrifices. Anything we can do to slow the virus’ spread, no matter how small, has the potential to save lives. And if we don’t, the heaviest burden will be with our first responders, our nurses, medical staff, and doctors. They are the front line of defense we depend on to care for and cure our friends and family that are sick. By staying home, and separating yourself from others, you can save lives. And take it from someone who’s seen it firsthand: helping others and saving lives is what this community is all about.”

Sons of Italy Cancels March Member Meeting

PARSIPPANY — Due to the recent COVID-19 announcements of NJ Governor Murphy concerning NJ business and large gatherings, the Morris County Lodge is cancelling our March Member meeting – previously scheduled for Wednesday, March 25.

April’s meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 22. Sons of Italy will monitor the COVID-19 updates regularly to determine if this meeting can happen. Please refer to our facebook page for updates.

Lou Amato
President
Sons of Italy Lodge 2561

An important message from the Fire Chiefs of the Fire Departments

PARSIPPANY — Please help keep our Parsippany Firefighters safe.

If you or any one in your household or place of business are experiencing flu-like symptoms or under mandatory or self- imposed quarantine due to a confirmed or possible COVID-19 exposure, please notify the 911 dispatcher when you call in an emergency.

We also ask that you please place a sign on your main entry door to alert responders to “TAKE INFECTION PREVENTION PRECAUTIONS”.

We need to protect our personnel so they will be able to continue to meet the needs of the community. We have been monitoring the situation and have put in place modified response protocols.

Our members have been given training on proper measures and equipment to protect them. When called for assistance we will interview the resident upon arrival and may wear a higher level or protective equipment during the emergency response, to limit everyone’s potential exposure. Please do not be alarmed.

Other fire departments throughout the country have been quarantined after responding to homes and were not alerted. Those firefighters are now unable to help anyone for at least 14 days. We intend to do everything we can to insure we are able to continue to provide services to our community throughout this pandemic emergency.

We will continue to monitor the situation and make any modifications we deem necessary. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Felician University Cuts Ribbon on new Nursing Learning Site

PARSIPPANY — University officials were joined by medical professionals and Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano recently to cut the ribbon on Felician’s new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or ABSN Learning Site in Parsippany.

The new learning space, they said, addresses the growing nationwide nursing shortage by offering three start dates a year, allowing students to leverage their existing non-nursing college experience to earn a BSN in as few as 16 months.

The hybrid program offers a combination of online coursework, onsite experience, and clinical rotation with top area hospitals in the Atlantic Health System including Morristown, Overlook, Newton, Chilton, and Hackettstown Medical Centers.

“We wouldn’t have partnered with Felician to generate the next generation of nurses unless they were the best of the best,” Alan Lieber, Vice President of Atlantic Health System and President of Overlook Hospital said.

The ABSN Learning Site features a state-of-the-art simulation lab where students work with computer driven manikins such as “Sim Man,” allowing them to learn how to interact with mock patients in a safe, controlled setting. One manikin simulates a woman in childbirth, another a vomiting child.

Felician University Nursing Professor Marie Cueman reflected on her early days in the medical field training would be done on actual patients, something that was “very scary, because you’re always afraid of doing something wrong.” The new manikins used in the program, Cueman added, offer an advantage in that they are computer driven and can simulate various clinical situations.

“The students have hands on simulation, which is incredible because you cannot create those situations sometimes in a live environment, Felician Alumna Mary Jo Miller who also serves as a Nurse Educator for the Endoscopy department at Overlook Hospital said. “It’s incredible to see it expanding to this level and having all this offered for our nursing students”

Felician University President Dr. Anne Prisco spoke of the legacy of Blessed Mary Angela, Foundress of the Felician Sisters, who, at the time of her death said that she wanted to multiply herself a thousand times to serve all the needs of the world.

“Whenever we’re together, and I look at all of you, I think Blessed Mary Angela is smiling down on us all saying I have nothing to worry about because there are all these people to carry on our work with compassion and respect.”

Dr. Christine Mihal Dean of Felician’s School of Nursing said that the program is especially suited to adult students in their forties and fifties that aren’t just seeking a new career but also to “feed their soul.”

“You know, as a nurse, there’s not one single day that you work that you don’t change somebody’s life, and that is powerful, very powerful. And that is what we do.”

Utility Shut-offs Suspended to Ease Financial Impact of Coronavirus

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey residents that have fallen behind on their utility bills won’t have worry about their electric or gas service being shut off in the coming weeks, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU).

The agreement which involves all public gas and electricity companies in New Jersey regulated by the state agency including, but not limited to, Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G), Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), Atlantic City Electric, New Jersey Natural Gas, Aqua Water, and New Jersey American Water, comes in response to the public health emergency and the effort currently underway in response to the COVID-19, coronavirus, pandemic.

“As community partners, New Jersey’s investor owned utilities understand the impact this is having on households and businesses. That is why we are suspending shutoffs to ensure that everyone can benefit from and enjoy the essential services utilities provide,” said Tom Churchelow, executive director of the New Jersey Utilities Association. “At times like this, it’s important that we all come together as companies and customers to take care of each other in our communities.”

“We are committed to that, and will continue to monitor the needs of customers,” added Churchelow.

“At a moment in time when protecting residents’ health and safety is of paramount importance, and especially when many are following guidance to practice ‘social distancing’ and spend more time at home, we must ensure that utility services are maintained to all residents,” said Joseph L. Fiordaliso, NJBPU President.

“Waiving utility service disconnects is a way we can look out for each other, ensure every resident’s well-being, and continue strengthening Governor Murphy’s vision of a stronger and fairer New Jersey. I thank the utilities for coming together with us today to help achieve exactly that,” Fiordaliso added.

If a ratepayer is unable to resolve an issue with their utility company, residents should contact NJBPU’s Customer Assistance team by filling out an online form or by calling the NJBPU at (800) 624-0241 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

St. Barnabas Medical Center Revised Visiting Guidelines

MORRIS COUNTY  — The safety and well-being of our patients, visitors and staff is our number one priority. Please be aware of the following newly revised guidelines before visiting one of our hospitals or healthcare facilities:

NO VISITORS WILL BE ALLOWED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE in every RWJBarnabas Health hospital and healthcare facility, including Behavioral Health and Outpatient facilities. For a full list of RWJBH hospitals and facilities please click here.

Exceptions may be made in certain circumstances:

  • Pediatric units (only ONE parent/guardian will be permitted)
  • Maternity and Labor & Delivery units (only ONE significant other/support person can visit)
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Units (TWO parents/support persons can visit)
  • Same Day Surgery or Ambulatory Procedures (only ONE person can visit)
  • Pediatric psychiatric patients (only ONE if/when a mutual agreement between the care team and the parents/guardian has been reached)

PLEASE NOTE: Extenuating circumstances (such as hospice) will also be considered based on the best interest and needs of the individual patient.

Emergency Department patients may be accompanied by ONE adult.

Outpatients may be accompanied by ONE adult (unless an aide or assistant is required).

Approved visitors will be screened for the following and may not be allowed to visit or stay based on:

  • Recent international travel history
  • Recent domestic travel to areas with widespread COVID-19 infection
  • Contact with individuals with known COVID-19
  • Cold or flu-like symptoms
  • In addition, all visitors should wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before and after visiting.

**Individuals 18 years of age and under will not be permitted.

While we are sensitive to the difficulties facing loved ones of hospitalized patients, our healthcare providers must keep patient and staff safety paramount at this unprecedented time.  We encourage family members and friends to use alternative ways to interact with their loved ones, including phone calls, Facetime, Skype and other means.

For the most up-to-date instructions and restrictions for visitation at an RWJBarnabas Health facility click here.

Parsippany Volunteer Firefighters and EMTs stand at the ready

PARSIPPANY — Even before the COVID-19 pandemic reached the the world’s collective doorstep, first-responders and emergency medical technicians have stood on the frontlines, often putting their safety on the line to help others in need. Whether it’s virus response, heart attacks, or any other emergency, rescue units are a community’s first line of defense and care. With all that in mind, keeping their training current and front-of-mind is essential to providing the community with the best emergency response possible, especially in these trying times.

Members of the Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad show the use of the Lucas

Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad (Car 65), Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Unit (Car 69), and Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad (Car 66) took part in an EMS joint training drill today to integrate the two ambulance squads and rescue unit. The annual training included an off-terrain patient care and extrication activity, skills stations, and fire scene rehab with the PATRIOT trailer on site.

EMTs and First Responders discuss procedure for properly lifting and training

“This [training] was set up before COVID-19,” said Louis Yuliano, Chief of Parsippany Rescue. “With the amount of calls we all handle together, it’s important that all the units are on the same page with equipment and protocols.”

“Its a joint effort,” said Paul Anderson Deputy Chief of Parsippany Rescue. “We all do cross-training on specialty equipment regularly, to know where everything is these emergency vehicles and how to use it.”

Over 40 dedicated volunteers from the three squads were given first-hand presentations on stretchers, stair chairs to take people up and down tight stair-accessible-only exits, the Lucas device – an automated CPR chest compression machine used in ambulances while en route to hospitals, and other life-saving devices.

Members of Parsippany Rescue prepare the vehicle for an off terrain patient

“Parsippany should be comforted knowing that our volunteer first responders are doing the continued training to keep our township safe.” Said Mayor Michael Soriano, in attendance at today’s training.

This joint drill takes place once per year, though the units and teams take part in other trainings regularly year-round. Other drills include auto extrication, rope and high-angle rescue, dive team, elevator rescue, confined space, swift water rescue in the summer, and ice rescue in the winter – both surface and sub-surface.

“We have a great relationship with all of our emergency responders,” Anderson said. “I can look at any of them and know we’re all on the same page. I can be using the Jaws of Life, and know that my counterpart is ready with the next piece of equipment needed without saying a word. That’s all a testament to the dedicated members around us. Everything is fluid.”

For more information on what Parsippany Rescue does and how to become a member click here or call (973) 263-0660.

Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills Celebrates Read Across America Day

PARSIPPANY — Members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills joined the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) to participate in Read Across America Day this March.  One of GFWC’s Seven Grand Initiatives for its 2018-2020 Administration is for clubs to donate Dr. Seuss books to children in need. March 2 is Read Across America Day, a nationwide observation that marks Dr. Seuss’ birthday and encourages children to celebrate reading. Promoting literacy can be traced back to GFWC’s roots. Read Across America is an opportunity for GFWC clubs to continue the legacy of sharing books and the love of reading with their community.

Parsippany members kicked off their “Week of Dr. Seuss” by partnering with the Lake Hiawatha branch of the Parsippany Library system on Saturday, February 29.  The club provided Dr. Seuss stickers and medals as a favor and raffled off Dr. Seuss books to children attending the story time.

On March 2, Read Across America Day, members dressed up like Cats in Hats and read to the children at the Parsippany Child Day Care Center. The club also provided an afternoon snack and a crayon/coloring book favor to the children.  Dr. Seuss books were donated to the school library.

Also on the 2nd, the club partnered with the main branch of the Parsippany Library for their daytime and evening story times.  The club provided favors and raffled off a free Dr. Seuss book to a child at each story time.  Club members joined in with Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano that evening who read to the children.  Jayne Beline, Parsippany Library Director, accepted Dr. Seuss books donated by the club to the library system.

Wrapping up the Dr. Seuss activities involved reading to the children at Head Start pre-school in Dover on March 11.  Those children also received the crayon/coloring book favor. Amy Tousley, Dover Head Start Education Manager, accepted books donated by the club to the school library.

Lastly, the club donated Dr. Seuss books to the General Federations of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) for distribution in the Washington, DC area, for children in underserved neighborhoods.

In total, 28 Dr. Seuss books were donated and well over 250 favors were given to children to foster their love of reading.  Crisp copies of Fox in Socks, Hop on Pop, In a People’s House, Go Dog Go, Maybe You Should Fly a Jet, etc. are at these local libraries just waiting to be read!

Proceeds for this, and other educational projects, are made possible by the funds raised at the club’s annual Tee Off for Education Golf Classic Fundraiser. This year’s Annual Tee Off for Education Golf Classic & Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, July 14, at the Knoll Country Club West. Contact Marilyn Z., Tee Off for Education Chairperson, at (973) 539-3703 or wcpth.golf.outing@gmail.com for more information.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of NJSFWC, which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.  General Meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month from September to April at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery, 100 Centerton Drive. For more information e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, click here or follow the club on FACEBOOK.

 

A Night of Broadway With Grace Fields has been postponed

PARSIPPANY — Due to concerns about the coronavirus and the health and safety of our guests, performers, volunteers and other partners, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany has decided to postpone “A Night of Broadway With Grace Fields,” which was originally scheduled for Saturday, March 28. The new event date will be announced once confirmed. All tickets purchased through Eventbrite have been refunded.

We thank you for your understanding during this time. Should you have any questions or concerns please contact Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Chairman Nicolas Limanov at (917) 499-7299 or President Frank Cahill at (862) 213-2200.

Freeholders Kickoff 2020 “Morris County Counts” Census Initiative

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders and community representatives from across the county yesterday issued a joint message to urge all county residents, from all communities, nationalities, religions, races, and ethnic groups, to complete the 2020 Census online, on the phone, or on paper forms in the coming weeks.

In kicking off the “Morris County Counts 2020” campaign, the freeholders and community leaders stressed the importance of getting a complete and accurate count of Morris County’s population to ensure the county gets its fair share of federal and state aid over the coming decade. It also determines New Jersey’s Congressional representation.

“It is vitally important to make sure we are fully counted, to be sure that Morris County is not shortchanged when it comes to getting federal dollars for key county programs over the coming decade,” said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.

“If we are not fully counted, it has long-term negative ramifications for the amount of federal aid we will get for housing and childcare programs, education, senior and student meal programs, senior and disabled transportation, road and bridge projects, and schools, among many others,” added Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo, also a member of the Complete Count Committee.

Competition for federal dollars is fierce, said the freeholders and the county’s Census Complete Count Committee, headed by County Planning Board Vice Chair Isobel Olcott. The group stressed that federal funding through 2030 will be determined by the upcoming Census count.

Census-guided federal spending on programs in New Jersey is nearly $23 billion annually. About $2.7 billion is directed to Morris County, including $1.8 billion for Social Security benefits paid to county residents, and $600 million from the Department of Defense for programs at Picatinny Arsenal and defense contractors located throughout the county.

The remaining $300 million is distributed to public, private and nonprofit entities in the county. For example, the Morris County Housing Authority received about $9 million annually in federal dollars while the county Office of Community Development gets nearly $3 million annually to distribute for a variety of programs.

The joint message issued today comes as the federal government this week begins inviting New Jersey and Morris County residents to fill out the online version of the Census starting on or about March 12.

For those who don’t use the online method, traditional mailings will be sent to residents later in April, and Census takers in May will knock on doors of residents who have not filled out the Census.

Officials in Morris County, which has an estimated population of 494,228 per the 2018 Census estimate, stressed three key points about the Census: Filling out the Census is safe, easy and important.

  • Safety: Census data will be secure. Your data will not be shared. There is no citizenship question on the Census. You will not be asked for Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or other very personal data;
  • Ease: You can fill out the Census online this year for the first time. You also can easily respond by mail. Also, the Census is available in many languages.
  • Importance: The Census count determines how much money the federal government allocates for programs in our state and county, and our representation in Congress.

Partners in the county’s 2020 Census effort stressed the importance of the Census.

Eva Turbiner, President & CEO of Zufall Health: “We are glad to collaborate with our community partners to make sure everyone in Morris County is counted for the 2020 census. We will facilitate completion of the census at all of our health center sites and assist community members who need it.’’

Dan McGuire, Executive Director of Homeless Solutions: “Too often, our homeless neighbors feel invisible in their communities. By engaging this hard-to-count population, Homeless Solutions can help Morris County obtain the most accurate Census data, which in turn can be used to attract and target vital resources for our most vulnerable persons.

United Way of Northern N.J. CEO Kiran Handa Gaudioso: “Ensuring an accurate Census count is especially critical to residents who are in poverty and face financial instability. Despite perceptions that New Jersey is a wealthy state, many families struggle paycheck to paycheck. A complete Census count can help these vulnerable families access vital assistance to afford quality child care, housing, health care and other supports.”

Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, Executive Director Bob Davison: “Morris County understands that all its residents count, and they are going about the business of ensuring everyone is counted. We are proud to be a part of it.”

Key Facts:

  • More than 300 federal spending programs rely on data derived from the Census to guide the geographic distribution of funds to states, counties, cities, and households.
  • Programs that are vital to Morris County, such as Medicare, assistance to older residents and children, transportation and housing programs, community health and environmental programs, and bridge repairs and replacements, among others, are dependent on federal aid.
  • Business and industry use Census data to help determine where to locate their stores and franchises, bringing in new and important jobs.
  • Our state’s representation in Congress also is determined by the Census, with 435 seats in the House of Representatives determined by the Census.

Key Dates:

  • Beginning March 12: Invitations to complete the 2020 Census online will be mailed to residents.
  • April 1 is Census Day: When you respond to the Census, you will use this date to inform the Census where you reside.
  • Beginning April 18: Paper questionnaires will be sent to non-respondents of the online form.
  • May 5: Census enumerators will begin to knock on doors of county households that have not completed a questionnaire.

Have questions about the 2020 Census? Click here.

Morristown Medical Center Builds Triage Tent Adjacent to Emergency Department

MORRIS COUNTY — Morristown Medical Center, part of Atlantic Health System, in partnership with the Morris County Office of Emergency Management and the Morris County Office of Health Management, has announced that today they are building a self-contained, patient triage and assessment system that will be adjacent to the Emergency Department on its Madison Avenue campus.

“We have been proactive in planning for the potential increase in volume in our Emergency Department,” said Trish O’Keefe, President, Morristown Medical Center. “As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we are well-prepared to take all the necessary precautions to continue to best serve our community.”

If the need should arise, the extension of the Emergency Department will be fully staffed and operational should the hospital experience an increase in volume of patients. The area will have dedicated space for patient evaluations and treatment by qualified medical professionals.

Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center, located in Morristown, NJ, is a nationally-ranked regional medical center and a recognized leader in cardiovascular medicine, orthopedics, gastroenterology, geriatrics, and nursing. The hospital is nationally and globally recognized for excellence and has been rated the number one hospital in the state of New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report, and first among the New Jersey hospitals in Newsweek’s 2020 “The World’s Best Hospitals 2020.”

NJ Supreme Court Chief Justice Orders Two-week Shutdown of Municipal Courts

MORRIS COUNTY — The Chief Justice of New Jersey’s court system has announced a two-week suspension of municipal court sessions to mitigate public exposure to the coronavirus.

Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said Saturday that individuals scheduled to appear through March 27 before a municipal court to contest a traffic or parking ticket or for a minor local ordinance violation should await notice of a new court date.

Municipal courts will continue to handle some things such as applications for temporary restraining orders, hearings in which a defendant has been detained and matters that implicate public safety. Filings and payments will continue to be accepted except where a municipality has closed the municipal court building.

Rabner earlier announced an indefinite suspension in all new jury trials, criminal and civil, in New Jersey due to the coronavirus outbreak. The order Thursday said jury trials already underway will continue and grand jury proceedings will continue pending further communication with county prosecutors and the state attorney general.

NJMVC Extends Expiration Dates for Driver Licenses, Registrations, and Inspections

From the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission:

Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Sue Fulton have announced that due to the COVID-19 outbreak and to protect the public, the MVC will extend expiration dates for driver licenses, registrations, and inspection stickers.

Effective immediately, the NJMVC will grant a two-month extension for:

  • Driver licenses expiring in March, April, and May
  • Registrations expiring in March, April, and May
  • Inspection stickers expiring in March, April, and May

“All residents who have their driver’s licenses, auto registration, or vehicle inspection due for a renewal by May 31 will receive an automatic two-month extension,” said Governor Murphy. “Keeping New Jerseyans out of crowded Motor Vehicle agencies is another step we can take to limit exposure and hold the line against the spread of COVID-19.”

“Extending the expiration dates will reduce the numbers of customers who come through our agencies daily, helping us to reduce the risk to New Jerseyans,” said Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Sue Fulton. “We also strongly encourage customers to renew their licenses and registrations online if they are eligible.”

For expiration dates falling in March, the renewal deadline is extended to May; for expiration dates falling in April, the renewal deadline is extended to June; for expiration dates falling in May, the renewal deadline is extended to July.

By law, Chief Administrator Fulton has the authority to extend expiration dates when a State of Emergency has been declared. Governor Murphy declared a State of Emergency and Public Health Emergency on March 9 as part of the state’s coordinated response to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The NJMVC continues to encourage those customers who are eligible to conduct online transactions, including license renewals, vehicle registrations and change of address, to do so by clicking here.

Customers should click here for the latest information and updates.

PHHS Key Club hosts Dinner for Senior Citizens

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School Key Club hosted a pasta and meatball dinner to local Senior Citizens before they had the opportunity to preview the Parsippany Hills Players of Parsippany Hills High School, 2019 Spring Musical: Newsies!

The students of PHHS, ranging from Freshmen to Seniors, have been hard at work since January rehearsing nearly every day to bring this Disney classic to life!

Agamya Rao was serving drinks and salads to the guests
Davey Willans, Loretta Gragnani, Adam Gragnani, Joe Jannarone, Sr., Dee dePierro and Michael dePierro
Kaitlin Cirillo and Chloe Vergel de Dios
PHHS Key Club Advisors Bonnie Sturm and Kristine Bushong
Amy Liu, Sobina Kim, Chloe Vergel de Dios and Eunice Kim

The cast of Newsies includes Anthony Paterno, Brianna Davies, Jack Raia, Caroline Berardo, Colin Smith, Rafaella Espinosa, Jake Murphy, Jade Schaffer, Brian Davies,  Nicole Narvaez, Scarlette Horvath, Jack Reppen, Stacey Ikhelson, Charlie Love, Jameson Snyder, Matt Memoli, Meghan Lalo, Vincent Paglucci, Davida Padi, Aiden Waters, Emma Ludvigsen, Ava Cohen, Julia Heller, Ava Ignacio, Adam Roman, Jia Datwani, Kalyna Yurchuk, Matt Bumanlag, Malda Gobena, Tara Bilgeshouse, William Lanza, Allison Paterno, Vanessa Iradi, Kira King, Mia Suarez, Dylan Franz, Bella Brisson, Ava Cohen, Julzi De Stefano, Rhaya Lau, Joyce Luo, Courtney Rizzo, Sanaya Singh, and Alexa Stringham.

Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company holds successful Fish Fry

PARSIPPANY — The Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company District 2 held a Fish and Chips or Chicken and Chips fundraiser on Friday, March 6 at the firehouse.

The Fish and Chips were prepared by the famous Argyle Restaurant.

Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani, Adam Gragnani, Dee dePierro and Council President Michael dePierro
Mark Robson
The room was packed with guests enjoying the Fish Fry
Paul Carifi, Sr., and Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and his twin sons Jonathan and Tyler
Doug Reighart and Joey Reeber, Sr.

The Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company District 2 is seeking volunteers. They have monthly meetings held on the first Friday of each month at the Firehouse, 1 Rainbow Trail, Denville. For more information please call (973) 627-7768 or email membership@rlvfc.org.

The volunteers of Parsippany District #2 providing fire protection to the Rainbow Lakes, Interpace Commercial Zone, Lower End of Park Road and the Parsippany Hills High School Area.

Parsippany Planning Board gets first look at PARQ

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board got its first look at the PARQ proposal on Monday, March 9 in a meeting that was the first of several scheduled in the coming weeks.

The plan is for an upscale mixed-use development encompassing 75 high end townhomes, 525 luxury apartments, 16,000 square feet of experiential retail, invigorating green spaces and state of the art facilities to be known as PARQ Parsippany.

It will also include athletic fields and recreational facilities that will be integrated into the community for public events, sports programs and open to Township residents.

PARQ Parsippany will usher in a new era of Lanidex Plaza, a suburban office complex built in the mid 1970’s to early 1980’s set on 45 acres with 450,000 square feet of commercial office space.

The transformation from Lanidex Plaza to PARQ Parsippany will meet the demand of the ever-changing needs of lifestyle for the next generation while reacclimating the property back into the fiber within Parsippany’s community.

Proposal includes 525 apartments located in Buildings 1 and 2 and 75 three-bedroom Townhomes. In addition Building 1 will contain approximately 2,600 square feet of retail (orange area) and Building 2 will contain approximately 8,140 square feet of retail (orange area).

The proposed development at Lanidex Plaza. Proposal includes 525 apartments located in Building 1 and 2 and 75 three-bedroom Townhomes
Building 1 will consist of 275 units in a six-story building with an attached six-story parking garage. The building will consist of 17 studio apartments, 134 one-bedroom apartments, 60 two-bedroom apartments and 4 three-bedroom apartments. In addition it will include 12 low to moderate income one-bedroom units, 36 low income to moderate two-bedroom units, and 12 three-bedroom low to moderate income housing.
Building 2 will consist of 250 units in a six-story building with an attached six-story parking garage. The building will consist of 26 studio apartments, 144 one-bedroom apartments, and 20 two-bedroom apartments. In addition it will include 12 low to moderate income one-bedroom units, 36 low to moderate income two-bedroom units, and 12 three-bedroom low to moderate income housing.
Typical Three-Bedroom Townhome

The Owners’ have carefully considered and listened to the Township to develop a vision that will reenergize the property and seamlessly integrate it with the design and planning to transcend expectations and compliment the community.

The pool area with spa and sun shelf including, lounge seating and shade structure. Adjacent area includes BBQ grills, billiards and ping pong and bar seating; Lounge seating with a fire pit.

The transformation of the property will commence with Phase I and II in Summer 2020 with anticipated completion in 2025.  The development plan was crafted to accommodate the existing tenants in the complex.

The residential component will include luxury apartments with elegant hotel style lobby, club suite, co-working alcoves, private event rooms, state-of-the-art fitness centers, resort-style pools with BBQ & lounge areas and townhomes which will feature contemporary farmhouse style architecture with a private clubhouse, outdoor pool and highly amenitized indoor & outdoor spaces.

Phase I includes the development of the 75 Townhomes. It is estimated that phase will take sixteen months to complete. Phase II includes Building 1, expected to take twenty months to complete. Phase III (Building 2) will start construction approximately twelve months after the completion of Phase II, and will take approximately twenty months to complete.

The next hearing will be Monday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

Click here to view the Planning Board Meeting of Monday, March 9.

Morris County Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession of Child Pornography

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker announce that on Friday, March 13, Alexander Willadsen, 31, Rockaway, was sentenced to ten years in New Jersey State Prison by the Honorable David H. Ironson for Possession of Child Pornography.

Mr. Willadsen will also be subject to registration pursuant to Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for Life.

On October 19, 2019, Mr. Willadsen pled guilty to Possession of Child Pornography and admitted that he utilized his home computer to upload over 1,000 images of child pornography between the dates of January 27, 2017 and November 9, 2018.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was first alerted to the computer upload by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The State was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Laura Magnone and the lead investigator was Detective / Supervisor Jazmin Munoz-Felder.

 

Community Update from the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills

PARSIPPANY —  Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano has released the following information:

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing how we congregate and celebrate how we live in Parsippany-Troy Hills. As has been stated in the past, this is not the time to panic, but it is the time to be prepared.

There have been many cancellations and postponements of events and programs in the area of which we should all be made aware. Below is the most up-to-date list of cancellations, closures, and postponements as of 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13:

Event Cancellations:

• Coffee With A Cop at Farmers Insurance March 24.
• Easter Bunny Celebration at the PAL on March 28.
• Crime Prevention Tips Public Seminar at the PAL April 16.

Closures:
• All Parsippany Schools will be closed Tuesday, March 17, until Friday, March 27.
• Parsippany Library will be closed Tuesday, March 17, until Friday, March 27.
• The Knoll Community Center is closed to the public for group activities and programs (unless noted below) until further notice. For more information please contact the Knoll Senior Community Center at (973) 263-7163.

Postponements:
• Parsippany Recreation Department: All events, sports, registrations, and travel programs.
• Parsippany Police Department: Any requests for Tours of Police Headquarters by schools or community groups cannot be entertained at this time. Additionally, any requests for Crime, Safety or Security Presentations for our corporate, neighborhood or religious organizations are also on hold until further notice. For more information, please contact the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department.
• PAL: All games, activities, events, and registrations are closed for the weekend. These will be revisited on Monday.
• Other community organizations, non-profit and religious groups have also postponed and or suspended activities. Please check with individual groups for more information.

Remaining Open & Operational:
Specific Knoll Senior Community Center Programs:
• All lunch meals and nutrition programs will be home delivered starting Monday, March 16.
• Tax preparation assistance will continue, and will be arranged with social distancing in mind.
• The food pantry will remain open.
• Transportation to doctor appointments and supermarkets will continue on a day-to-day basis.
• Transportation to doctors and supermarket will continue. For more info, contact the Knoll Senior Community Center at (973)263-7163.
• Health Department, Office on Aging, and EMS offices will remain open for business as usual, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information call the Health Department at (973) 263-7160, or the Office on Aging at (973) 263-7351.

Department of Public Works:
• Senior transit service will remain operational, however it will be re-evaluated on a day-to-day basis. For more info call (862) 325-7659.
• Knoll Golf Club: will remain open as of now. However check with the Knoll prior to traveling over there. They can be reached at (973) 263-7111.

Resources:
Please note, the situation is ever-changing and very fluid because it is a new virus, and it is important to check credible sources for the most accurate and beneficial information and guidance.

• New Jersey Department of Health – Click here.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Click here.
• As well as the Environmental Protection Agency – Click here.

We suggest that you routinely check in on these sites to get the latest information.

A hotline number has been dedicated for information on the COVID-19 virus and is available for questions and concerns: 1-800-222-1222.

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