Touchless Digital Menu System For Restaurants Launched

PARSIPPANY — The Interactive Firm, a premier provider of full-service social media marketing and guest reputation management services announced the launch of MyMenusOnline, its new touchless digital restaurant menu system.

With MyMenusOnline restaurant guests simply scan a tableside QR code or NFC tag to view the restaurant’s menu on their own mobile device. The system is meant to replace traditional printed menus and eliminates concerns in potentially passing germs between in-house dining guests handling the same menus.

“The new normal has us all concerned with the cleanliness of everything we interact with and touch, especially when it comes to restaurant dining,” said DJ Vallauri Founder and CEO of The Interactive Firm. “Our research indicates that consumers prefer the ability to view restaurant menus on their own mobile devices over the handling of physical menus which may not have been properly sanitized between dinners,” added Vallauri.

MyMenusOnline is managed and updated by the restaurant via any mobile device, tablet or desktop PC. All changes are pushed out to consumers in real-time, ensuring “daily specials” are always up to date.

MyMenusOnline is 100% web-based and mobile optimized and there is no need for any app download. Guests scan a unique QR code or NFC tag and ‘automagically’ the restaurant menus appear on their devices. Guests can also save restaurant menus to their mobile device home screens for future access.

“According to a recent COVID-19 report published by the National Restaurant Association, restaurant operators that are getting ready to reopen will need to consider how they operate under much stricter sanitary guidelines,” said Vallauri. “Some industry experts are calling for one-time-use disposable menus, which is sure to increase the operating costs for restaurant owners. With MyMenusOnline, we take that cost out of the equation.”

For more information and a demonstration of MyMenusOnline click here or call (800) 609-7657 extension 700.

The Interactive Firm (TIF) is a full-service digital marketing agency supporting companies across multiple business verticals, including travel & hospitality, food services and veterinary healthcare. Founded in 2001 and located at 900 Lanidex Plaza, Suite 242, TIF has established itself as an award-winning digital marketing, social media engagement and reputation management company.

Parsippany Salon Set Reopen June 1 Regardless of Murphy’s Orders

PARSIPPANY — Partners Nick Mirabella and George Verdis, of Brick and Mirror Beauty Bar, say they will reopen their salon despite Governor Phil Murphy’s executive order that prohibits it.

Their salon located at 750 Route 46 in the Arlington Plaza Shopping Center will open up June 1 with or without permission. Murphy’s Executive Order 107, issued March 21, closed nonessential businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic. It specifically listed personal-care services, which, by their very nature, result in noncompliance with social distancing guidelines.

Nicholas Mirabella washing a customers hair. File Photo

In an interview with CNN, “What it comes down to is we have families to feed and our employees have families to feed,” George Verdis said. “At the end of the day we were told by Gov. Murphy we were going to be 15 days, this was in March, then it went to 15 more days and then 30. There obviously isn’t a plan from his end to open up.”

George Verdis cutting and styling a customers hair. File Photo.

In a prepared statement from Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department “In response to Brick and Mirror Beauty Bar’s announcement that they plan to open their business on June 1, 2020, in direct violation of NJ Governor Murphy’s Executive Order #107, they were formally advised by Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department (PTHPD) that if that opening were to occur, the violation would be reported to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, who would review the matter to determine applicable charges.”

“While Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department understands the social and economic difficulties with the COVID-19 Health Emergency and applicable NJ Executive Orders, we are duty-bound and will continue to enforce NJ Executive Orders. Whether being made aware of planned violations or observed on-view, PTHPD will similarly respond to NJ Executive Order violations. As we all continue to safely, although painstakingly, emerge from this health crisis, PTHPD and all Emergency Service personnel respectfully ask for your understanding and patience,” said Parsippany Police Chief Andrew Miller.

Another local business, Puff City and its owner Sadik Kocaoglu, 40, of Lafayette, was charged on April 23 by Parsippany-Troy Hills Police for operating in violation of the emergency orders. Puff City is located at 1220 Route 46. (Click here for article)

Parsippany resident Rita A. Lacis, 61, was charged with violating the Governor’s executive emergency orders on Saturday, April 4, by the Rockaway Borough Police Department. Police had given Lacis a warning after they learned that she was continuing to operate her dog grooming service.  Then she was charged when officer saw two customers drop off a dog a short time later.

Although humans may not be able to get a haircut, their pets can. Pet grooming services along with pet day care and pet boarding businesses are able to operate in line with social distancing guidelines in a wave of clarifications to Murphy’s executive order, which went in effect May 4.

In another developing story, a South Jersey gym that reopened on Monday in defiance of Governor Murphy’s stay-at-home executive order has been shut down by the state and county, officials announced Thursday, May 21.

The New Jersey Department of Health signed an order shutting down Atilis Gym in Bellmawr on Wednesday night, Camden County Spokesman Dan Keashen said Thursday morning. The order was then posted outside the gym by county officials.

“Atilis Gym has continued to operate in non-compliance with Executive Order No. 107, thus posing a threat to the public health by failing to adhere to the measures taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” the order signed by New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli reads, in part.

On Friday, May 22, the gym once again reopened in defiance of Governor Phil Murphy’s stay-at-home executive order after it was shut down by the state and county.

Lakeland Hills YMCA Announces Two Ways To Receive Fresh Food For Those In Need

MOUNTAIN LAKES — In conjunction with the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA will supply free boxes of fresh produce from Seashore Fruit and Produce Co. on Tuesday, May 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you or someone you know is facing financial hardship due to the ongoing crisis, please come by the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA to pick up a box containing apples, potatoes, onions, lettuce and other fresh produce.  Drive up to the front of the building and the box(es) will be placed into your car for you so there is no contact.

Free Prepared Food Trays

The Mansion at Mountain Lakes is providing prepared food trays for those in need. Their chefs are using foods donated from U.S. Foods, and will prepare trays for individuals, couples, or families. If you or someone you know needs this type of assistance please contact Jim at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes by email at Jim@themansionML.com or phone at (973) 794-3900. The Mansion is located at 90 Route 46 East, Mountain Lakes.

Council Meeting Schedule for June Revised; Residents Can Join Virtually

PARSIPPANY — Please be advised, the Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is rescheduling its regularly scheduled Township Council Meeting that is to be held on Tuesday, June 23.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at 7:00 p.m. Formal action may or not be taken, and any other action reasonably related thereto may also be taken.

There will also be the regularly scheduled Agenda meeting on Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. Formal action may or not be taken, and any other action reasonably related thereto may also be taken.

Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic Council Meetings will be held via a web conferencing program named ZoHo.  This program will allow the public to listen to the meeting and to participate during the public portion session only.

Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to participate they must fill out the registration information using their real name and address, anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion.  Click here to access the meeting.

Parsippany Community Update May 21, 2020

PARSIPPANY — Tomorrow, Friday, May 22, we will once again be joined by the Table of Hope for our 8th weekly mobile food delivery here in Parsippany. Since this program began on April 3rd, we have distributed thousands of meals to Parsippany families. All residents are welcome to come pick up fresh food for you and your family from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Liquid Church, located at 299 Webro Road.

Junior Police Academy Canceled

MORRIS COUNTY — The 2020 Morris County Park Junior Police Academy has been canceled for this summer, announced the park police department.

“It’s with great disappointment and regret that we announce the cancellation of this year’s Junior Police Academy. Besides the obvious reason of the COVID-19 pandemic, the facilities of the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy may not be open, and if they are, will most likely be used to train much-needed new first responders and provide in-service training for current first responders,” the statement said.

The Junior Police Academy was scheduled for July 6 to July 10.

Anyone with questions, can email cdigiralomo@morrisparks.net or cpetrocy@morrisparks.net or call (973) 326-7654, extension 1.

Parsippany Community Update May 20, 2020

PARSIPPANY — May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With COVID-19 cases still rising, and stay-at-home procedures still in effect, it is as important to monitor your mental health as it is your physical health.

A great resource for learning more about signs, symptoms, conditions, treatments, research, and statistics is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. You can visit their website at NAMI.org. NAMI also has a hotline available to answer questions, provide support, and explore next steps if you or someone you care for is or may be experiencing a mental illness.

Please call the Help Line Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or email info@nami.org.

Parsippany’s Open Space Meeting Announced

PARSIPPANY — Please be advised the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will hold a Special Meeting on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to allow the Open Space Committee to discuss the purchase of Open Space Property, specifically the Kosut Property.

Given the COVID-19 Pandemic this meeting will not be held in person but through the use of a virtual media platform. Click here to access the meeting. Formal action may or may not be taken.

Members of the Open Space Committee includes Mayor Michael A. Soriano, Chairman; Jennifer Vealey, Administrative Officer; Michael DePierro, Council Liaison; Gabe Yaccorino, Grant Administrator; Dr. Jean Montecuollo; Len Cipkins; Jean Montecuollo; Ruth Palmeri and Dr. Joseph Weisberg.

Sherrill Outlines Recommendations to Treasury, SBA to Help New Jersey Small Businesses

PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) sent recommendations to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) outlining key steps the agencies can take to help New Jersey small businesses and to fix the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs.

On April 29, 2020, Representative Sherrill released a small business survey for the 11th Congressional District to gather data on small business programs. More than 340 small business owners responded to the survey and shared their experiences with the PPP and EIDL programs, including: status of their applications, unanswered questions, recommended changes, and challenges they face in preparing to reopen. Representative Sherrill’s letter to Treasury and the SBA is built upon the concerns and recommendations from New Jersey small business owners.

“In the effort to get relief out to our small businesses, it is critical that we respond to the concerns of our small business owners by addressing the gaps and inefficiencies they have identified in the PPP and EIDL programs,” wrote Representative Sherrill. “These programs need to be fixed to better support New Jersey businesses that are struggling through no fault of their own. The perspectives of small business owners have been invaluable as we work to better manage the economic recovery.”

The full text of the letter can be found by clicking here.

Regional Recovery Task Force Outlines Recommendations for Supporting Mass Transit in the Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic

PARSIPPANY — The Regional Recovery Task Force released their third report today outlining recommendations to congressional leadership on mass transit as we adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report follows the task force’s meeting with Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman and CEO Patrick Foye, who also served from 2011 and 2017 as the Executive Director for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

“North Jersey residents rely on mass transit to get to work and our entire region is interconnected by our transit system,” said Rep. Sherrill. “We must work to make our systems safe and ensure they have the resources they need to successfully get our economy back up and running. It’s critical that Congress supports these efforts.”

“I want to thank Chairman Foye for his leadership during this critical time,” said Rep. King. “It is imperative that Congress ensures the sustainability of New York’s transit system so that residents can return to their jobs, schools and way of life.”

“As we cautiously reopen the Eastern Seaboard, bringing mass transit back to speed is going to be an essential but complicated element,” said Rep. Himes. “The rail system is an irreplaceable artery in Southwest Connecticut, which is why we’re going to listen to experts like Chairman Foye and the Centers for Disease Control to ensure we adopt a safe and fact-based approach.”

“I want to thank Chairman Foye for speaking with us about the challenges facing our transit system during this pandemic,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Our transit workers have been on the frontlines of COVID-19, and we must ensure that every worker has the resources they need to stay safe on the job.”

The Regional Recovery Task Force highlighted key opportunities for congressional action:

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can establish guidelines for the amount of social distancing required on mass transit;
  • Congress can also support research and development of new technologies specifically for mass transit systems that aid social distancing and infection control;
  • Congress can provide additional aid to support mass transit so they can continue this vital service despite steep decreases in revenue.

Representatives Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Pete King (R-NY) formed the Regional Recovery Task Force with Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jim Himes (D-CT), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ). The task force is working with leading experts across key fields to put forth bipartisan recommendations and policy proposals for near- and medium-term efforts to get Americans back to work, and address critical questions facing the United States in the coming weeks and months, particularly in the Northeast.

Click here to download “The Regional Recovery Task Force’s” third report.

Parsippany has 715 Presumptive Positive Cases COVID-19; 75 Deaths

PARSIPPANY — The County of Morris has identified an additional seven Parsippany residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19, since it was last reported on Friday, May 15.

The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 715 individuals. (This data is as of 3:06 p.m., Wednesday, May 20). There are also 75 reported deaths.

Morris County has risen to 6,110 presumptively tested positive cases an increase of 33 cases since last reported on Monday, May 19. A total of 581 deaths have been reported in Morris County. In New Jersey a total of 150,399 presumptively tested positive cases with a total of 10,747 deaths.

The County of Morris, in partnership with Atlantic Health, is offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the County College of Morris, Dover Chester Road, Randolph, NJ 07869, in parking lot 1. The hours for testings are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on weekdays and is for Morris County residents only. There is no fee for the test.

To be tested, residents MUST:

  • have a COVID-19 test prescription from a healthcare provider
  • read and acknowledge the consent form
  • make an appointment

For information and to make appointment residents should visit the Morris County by clicking here.

Morris County COVID-19 Cases

Note: Case numbers are updated in the afternoons on Monday-Friday. For statewide numbers, visit the State of NJ COVID-19 Dashboard.

Cumulative COVID-19 Cases (as of 3:36 p.m., May 20)
Municipality 5/12 5/13 5/14 5/15 5/18 5/19 5/20
Town of Boonton 100 101 101 101 101 101 101
Township of Boonton 74 74 82 74 76 76 77
Borough of Butler 82 83 86 85 85 85 86
Borough of Chatham 54 53 54 54 54 54 54
Township of Chatham 120 120 120 116 116 116 115
Borough of Chester 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
Township of Chester 41 41 41 41 42 42 43
Township of Denville 145 145 137 145 146 146 147
Town of Dover 620 623 627 630 638 642 643
Township of East Hanover 125 125 126 126 130 130 130
Borough of Florham Park 116 119 119 119 120 119 121
Township of Hanover 170 170 165 173 175 175 178
Township of Harding 24 24 22 24 24 24 24
Township of Jefferson 205 205 204 204 208 208 209
Borough  of Kinnelon 67 68 68 69 69 69 68
Borough of Lincoln Park 300 302 305 305 310 314 316
Township of Long Hill 44 44 44 44 44 44 44
Borough of Madison 125 128 126 127 129 131 131
Borough of Mendham 61 61 61 66 66 66 66
Township of Mendham 38 38 35 38 38 38 38
Township of Mine Hill 57 57 58 58 58 58 59
Township of Montville 209 208 209 209 212 215 215
Borough of Morris Plains 55 55 58 55 55 55 55
Township of Morris 268 267 269 270 272 272 277
Town of Morristown 477 479 487 489 496 499 503
Borough of Mount Arlington 43 43 43 43 45 44 44
Township of Mount Olive 239 238 238 237 238 240 240
Borough of Mountain Lakes 19 19 19 19 19 19 19
Borough of Netcong 28 28 28 28 29 29 29
Township of Parsippany 668 675 678 681 704 708 715
Township of Pequannock 186 189 189 191 193 194 194
Township of Randolph 253 252 252 252 255 255 257
Borough of Riverdale 34 35 36 36 36 37 38
Borough of Rockaway 94 94 94 94 94 95 95
Township of Rockaway 231 231 235 236 238 238 238
Township of Roxbury 230 232 235 235 238 239 240
Borough of Victory Gardens 33 33 33 33 33 33 33
Township of Washington 103 103 102 103 110 110 110
Borough of Wharton 145 144 149 149 150 150 151
TOTALS 5890 5913 5942 5966 6053 6077 6110

The figures reflect COVID-19 positive cases as of the date and time indicated, some cases which may be pending, or have yet to be entered into the system.

Please note the following limitations and provisos related to the data above:

  • COVID-19-related deaths are not included in this data. Visit the State of NJ COVID-19 Dashboard for a summary of death totals.
  • Pursuant to HIPAA, specific identifying health information of persons testing positive or who have passed due to the virus will not be released.
  • Data reflects COVID-19 positive cases on dates and times indicated; some cases may be pending and are not yet entered.
  • Data may not include cases with incomplete or incorrect street addresses or PO boxes. Such cases require additional investigation by local health officials.
  • Figures do not include persons under quarantine/isolation due to exposure and who have not tested positive.
  • The numbers, especially higher numbers, do not necessarily reflect community spread in a specific town. Various factors may be related to high numbers, such as increased testing and facilities with high-risk populations.
  • This data should not be used to gauge if heightened precautions are needed in specific towns. Social distancing, hand hygiene, and preventive steps must be followed at all times regardless of the number of cases in a municipality.
New Jersey: COVID-19 Deaths by Age
New Jersey: COVID-19 Deaths by Race

Council President dePierro Introduces Resolution to Hold High School Graduations

PARSIPPANY —  Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro introduced a resolution urging Governor Murphy to permit “In-Person Graduation Ceremonies” subject to adequate social distancing measures.

The resolution states “…Township Council hereby urges Governor Murphy to permit local school districts to collaborate with local public health agencies to permit in-person graduation ceremonies subject to adequate social distancing measures.”

“With proper precautions and safe distancing, it should be possible to have high school graduations. The resolution that I introduced last night is asking the governor to ease restrictions on high school graduations. That at least allows School Boards and Superintendents to consider the option,” said dePierro.

dePierro’s resolution also states “the Township Council urges Governor Murphy to permit local school districts to collaborate with local public health agencies to permit in-person graduation ceremonies subject to adequate social distancing measures.”

The resolution passed 5-0 and a copy will be sent to the Governor’s Office. Click here for a copy of the resolution.

 

New Jersey to Launch Online Grocery Shopping for SNAP Recipients

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jerseyans enrolled in the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be able to use their benefits to order groceries online starting next week.  Online shopping will be available through Amazon and participating Walmarts, ShopRites and The Fresh Grocers.

NJ SNAP recipients will be able to use their benefits card to order groceries from Amazon starting on May 27. Walmarts, ShopRites and The Fresh Grocers that that provide online shopping will also accept online ordering with SNAP benefits starting on May 28.

“Online grocery shopping is another important step in our efforts to get affordable groceries to New Jerseyans during this public health emergency,” Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson said. “Having the option to order groceries online is more important than ever, as we all work together to stay-at-home as much as possible.  We hope that the launch of SNAP online grocery shopping promotes equity by providing participants access to a convenient tool that many New Jerseyans are already using to comply with the stay-at-home order.”

NJ SNAP currently serves about 700,000 New Jerseyans in 356,000 households, with the monthly SNAP benefit based on household size and income.

Recipients will be able to use their Families First Electronic Benefits Transfer card to purchase eligible groceries from the participating retailers. Under federal rules, SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for delivery fees.

To learn more, recipients can visit Amazon.com/SNAP to register their EBT card. Visit here to learn about Walmart’s SNAP online program.  Any Walmart, ShopRite or The Fresh Grocer that currently provides online shopping will also accept online ordering with SNAP benefits.

New Jersey received federal approval for online SNAP grocery shopping from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In addition to online SNAP grocery ordering, Human Services has taken the following steps to help New Jerseyans access affordable food during the emergency:

  • Distributed an extra $106 million in additional benefits to SNAP recipients since the start of the emergency.
  • Ensured that everyone whose benefits were up for renewal in March and April, or are due in May or June were extended for six months, meaning that nobody’s SNAP benefits will be ended during these extensions for not completing the renewal.
  • Made it easier to apply for SNAP during this emergency by waiving the normally required interview and the hard copy signature on applications, so as to reduce the need for face-to-face interactions.
  • Updated our online system to make it easier for SNAP applicants to track their application.
  • Received federal approval to provide about 600,000 children who normally receive free or reduced-price school meals $416.10 each to help with nutritional support during the time that schools have been closed during the pandemic.  Benefits will be delivered in June.

“For those New Jersey families who may have difficulty getting to the grocery store – and that may be for a variety of different reasons — using SNAP benefits online can make the basics of feeding yourself or your family a little less complicated,” said Human Services Assistant Commissioner Natasha Johnson, who directs the Division of Family Development that oversees NJ SNAP. “We continue to urge residents to visit njhelps.org to learn more and apply for food assistance and other benefits.”

Our Revolution New Jersey Endorses Charlie Baranski For Morris County Freeholder

MORRIS COUNTY — Our Revolution New Jersey endorsed Charlie Baranski, the progressive candidate for Morris County Freeholder. “Charlie is the bold voice that Morris County Democrats have been looking for at the county level. His locally-focused progressive ideas can cut across all political party barriers and can be the reason we finally take back a seat on the Freeholder board in November.” said the Our Revolution New Jersey Board Members.

Our Revolution is a progressive group dedicated to winning progressive issue fights, electing progressive champions, transforming the Democratic Party, and getting big money out of politics. “As a progressive candidate in red Morris County, I know the value of advocating for solutions at the local level, and building a locally-focused progressive coalition. Progressive solutions and advocacy are the path to victory for us as local Democrats” said Baranski in accepting the endorsement.

Our Revolution New Jersey’s nod is the first major endorsement on either side in the contested primary for the single Freeholder seat up this cycle. Democrats will vote for their Freeholder nominee on July 7.

Early Morning Fire Destroys Morgan Road Home

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5 and Parsippany Troy-Hills Fire District 6 responded to an early morning fire at 18 Morgan Road.

Damage to the roof of of the home

Also responding was Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services responded approximately 3:00 a.m. Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Chief 6 was first on the scene and reported smoke from the front of the home. Due to the quick response of the firefighters the fire was knocked down by 3:13 a.m.

The roof was boarded up by Parsippany Rescue and Recovery

Reports indicate two occupants were transported to Morristown Medical Center for evaluation.

A family dog was rescued, but a cat was uncounted for.

Parsippany Rescue and Recovery responded to the scene to board up the premises after the investigation..

The Parsippany Fire Investigator, Morris County Crime Scene Investigation and Morris County Prosecutors Office Arson Unit were on the scene investigating and left the scene at  approximately 10:30 a.m.

PSEG and JCPL was requested to the scene to secure utilities.

Deputy Chief Paul Anderson, Lieutenant Josh Levine and Nicolas Limanov from Parsippany Rescue and Recovery at the scene boarding up the premises.
Deputy Chief Paul Anderson entering the home after the crime scene investigators left scene
Debris from the fire
Morris County xx can be seen through the window conducting an investigation
Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5, Parsippany Troy-Hills Fire District 6, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery at the scene

Meet Pebbles, a 4-year-old Pit Bull mix with the cutest smile!

MORRIS COUNTY — This sweet, sweet girl was in a local, municipal shelter for FOUR months before we rescued her and we are so happy we did!

We have no clue why Pebbles was looked over since she is such a great girl! Pebbles foster mom says that she loves playing with toys, going for walks, and rolling on her back for belly rubs. She loves being pet and chose to sleep in her foster mom’s bed rather than her own. What can we say, she loves people!

Pebbles is good with male dogs and can live with children 13+. She is so sweet with kids but is a bit big for very young children.

Pebbles is doing great with her potty training and knows “sit!” She also responds very well while on walks and is very focused on her handler.

If you’re looking for your “rock,” apply to adopt Pebbles today!

If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.

Click here to follow on Instagram;  Click here to follow on Facebook.

Director of Campus Life at CCM Receives International Award

MORRIS COUNTY — Don Phelps, director of Campus Life at County College of Morris (CCM), is the sole recipient of the 2020 Two Year College Professional Service Award presented by the Association of College Unions International (ACUI). The award acknowledges a professional at a two-year institution who exemplifies excellence in the enhancement of college life and is recognized by peers as a leader and person of integrity. Phelps initially was to receive the award at the ACUI conference in Atlanta but that event has been postponed.

Phelps is humbled by the acknowledgement, stating, “It’s a challenge to keep a campus life program thriving when people don’t live on campus and are only around for two years. Being recognized by my peers is overwhelming.”

Phelps attributes the success of CCM’s Campus Life programs to his team that helps manage the details in making student events happen.

“We congratulate Don on this very prestigious award. He is extremely deserving and we are so fortunate to have him as part of the CCM team,” remarks Dr. Bette Simmons, vice president, Student Development and Enrollment Management.

Phelps has been working with college students in various capacities for 30 years. He began his career at Fairleigh Dickinson University as the director for its Greek Life system and Recreation department. He then worked at William Paterson University as the Greek Life assistant director. For over 18 years, Phelps has been working with students at CCM, first serving as the associate director of Campus Life and most recently as the director of Campus Life.

When Phelps started at CCM there were less than 20 clubs on campus and now there are over 50 clubs. Phelps was instrumental in connecting clubs with departments to create robust and meaningful collaborative campus events. Faculty members serve as advisors to the student-run clubs.

“Interacting with students in a two-year setting is rewarding, especially helping them grow as leaders,” says Phelps. “One of the club presidents was very hesitant to take the position. Working with her, I witnessed her giving a speech in front of 400 people. To watch students grow like that is awesome.”

One of the greatest CCM accomplishments for Phelps was Titans Weekend, which was held in 2019 as part of the college’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The weekend consisted of a three-day celebration that included a gala, community fair and a 5K race. Another milestone was the re-opening of the Student Community Center (SCC) following an extensive renovation.

Phelps is most appreciative to his supportive family who understands when he has to work an event on the weekend. Phelps resides in Parsippany with his wife, Karen, his daughter Abigail, who is a junior in high school, and son Andrew, who is in middle school.

To learn more about CCM Campus Life click here.

Department of Health Releases Guidelines on Resuming Elective Surgeries

MORRIS COUNTY — The Department of Health issued guidelines on the conditions for hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers to begin resuming elective surgeries. Last week, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 145, allowing elective surgeries and invasive procedures, both medical and dental, to resume on Tuesday, May 26.

“Hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers are encouraged to gradually resume full scope of services when possible and safe to do so consistent with the Department’s guidance,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “This is an important step forward for individuals who are battling an illness or are dealing with chronic pain as these surgeries are vital to their health and well-being.”

Facilities shall establish a prioritization policy for providing care and scheduling of these procedures. Scheduling must be coordinated to promote social distancing: minimize time in waiting areas, stage appointment hours and post signs at entrances in appropriate languages about symptoms and precautions.

Patients should be counseled to self-quarantine following testing until the day of surgery.  Facilities must have a process to screen patients for COVID-19 symptoms prior to scheduled procedures.

Facilities resuming elective services are required to:

  • Comply with state and CDC guidelines to protect against further spread of COVID-19
  • Institute screening of staff for symptoms and have policies in place for removal of symptomatic employees
  • Enforce social distancing requirements in work and common areas
  • Require masks for patients, expect patients receiving services that would not allow for masking
  • When possible non-COVID care zones should be used in facilities that serve both COVID-19 and non- COVID patients
  • Have an established plan for cleaning and disinfection prior to using facilities to serve non-COVID patients
  • Facilities providing COVID-19 care should continue to be prepared for potential surges
  • Facilities should be prepared to modify resumptions of clinical services in conjunction with surge status and to repurpose and redeploy staff to urgent care roles to the extent feasible

Ambulatory Surgical Centers should not perform procedures on COVID-19 positive patients.
Hospitals should have available—and staffed ICU, Critical Care and Medical Surgical beds.<
They must have a sustained downward trajectory for 14-days, with each day’s data calculated using the average of the three most recent days

  • Influenza-like illness or COVID-19 like illness
  • COVID-19 Infection rates
  • COVID-19 Hospitalizations
  • COVID-19 Emergency room admissions
  • COVID-19 ICU, Critical Care and Medical Surgical bed use
  • Ventilator use
  • Ventilatory availability

Facilities must also have a plan, consistent with CDC and Department recommendations, for patient and patient support person use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). They should implement PPE policies that account for: adequacy of available PPE, staff training on and optimized use of PPE and policies for the conservation of PPE.

Facilities must implement disinfection and cleaning protocols and cohort COVID-19 patients and non-COVID patients.   No visitors should be allowed except for limited circumstances, which includes labor and delivery and pediatric patient surgery.

Parsippany Library System YouTube Channel for Adults

PARSIPPANY — Check out the Parsippany Library YouTube Channel
Wednesday, May 20: 10:00 a.m. Local Author Dee Ernst continues to read from A Mother’s Day Murder. We are on Chapter 7. Sci-Fi Book Bundle goes live.

Thursday, May 21: 10:00 a.m. Please join Ralph Iacobelli’s Photographs of In the Garden

Friday, May 22: Fridays are for fun. Fun Fitness for all ages with Miss Karen. STEAM programs with Miss Corinne. Interesting how to videos from our Adult programming staff.

Just click the link and enjoy!

Click here to visit the Parsippany-Troy Hills Library YouTube Channel

Check out our Parsippany Library Questionnaire by clicking here.

Murphy Authorizes Sales at Car Dealerships, Motorcycle Dealerships, Boat Dealerships, and Bike Shops

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy and Superintendent of the State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan today announced an Administrative Order authorizing in-person sales to resume at car dealerships, motorcycle dealerships, boat dealerships, and bike shops, by appointment only and with social distancing measures in place. The Order will take effect at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20.

“We know this is an important step for our dealerships and bike shops, and New Jerseyans who need access to transportation,” said Governor Murphy. “We will continue to responsibly and deliberately give different sectors a green light to open in a manner that is consistent with public health.”

“Car dealerships and bike shops play an important role in the transportation sector,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This is another step towards progress as we work together to protect the public health of all New Jerseyans.”

Dealerships and bike shops who resume in-person sales must abide by the social distancing, safety, and sanitization requirements that are described in detail in the Administrative Order.

The Order states that businesses may permit customers to test drive vehicles, boats, or bicycles sold or leased by the business, provided that the individual is given access to the vehicle alone, or in the case of a boat, with an employee of the business but only when social distancing can be maintained, and the business appropriately cleans and sanitizes the vehicle, boat, or bicycle after such test drive if the customer does not purchase the item.

A copy of the Administrative Order can downloaded by clicking here.