Mt. Olive Online Publication January 13, 2023

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Virtual Ceremony Planned- A Day To Remember

By Cheryl Conway


Patriotism  thrives in Mt. Olive and will ring true on Monday, May 25, at the annual Memorial Day ceremony still set to take place at the All Veterans  Memorial in Budd Lake.

While  New Jersey’s executive orders for social distancing and group  gatherings of less than ten people resumes, the local ceremony will be virtual to the public via live-stream on different social media outlets.  No one, other than those invited to participate in the ceremony, will be  allowed to attend.

The  All Veterans Memorial / All Veterans Alliance in Budd Lake has received  approval from Mt. Olive Mayor Robert Greenbaum to hold a Memorial Day  Ceremony at the AVM on May 25, at 11 a.m. The ‘2020’ Memorial Remembrance Day Ceremony is being organized and sponsored by the AVM and AVA.  

While  many other organizations in surrounding areas are cancelling their  Memorial Day events this year because of the governor’s orders, AVM and AVA Founder Charlie Uhrmann is planning her traditional annual event.  Now, more than any other time is to stand united under one nation.

“We can figure out a way to adhere to the governor’s orders, do it safely, common sense precaution,” says Uhrmann.

As  this year’s keynote speaker, Uhrmann will pay tribute to fallen warriors, and will also “address the period we are in right now,” during a time of crisis and uncertainty, as “One Nation Under God; our need to be one nation under God, under these circumstances.”    

While she accepts that she will not have her usual 200 plus people in attendance along with groups such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Junior ROTC and color guard, she says holding a ceremony, “that’s essential to us.”

She  says, “I started rallying the troops and they’re all available,” all nine of them to be exact as she knows she needs to adhere to the governor’s orders.

She contacted the mayor with her idea to keep him informed and seek approval.
“We  discussed and both agreed that the ceremony should not be open to the  public and that the participants should be restricted to no more than ten people present at one time,” says Uhrmann. “We should also try to limit the number of participants on the main complex to only three  during the ceremony.  
“This  will be the first year we will not have the participation of a full Color Guard, Boys and Girl Scouts, period military displays and a live National Anthem performance,” she says. Since the flags remain at  half-staff for those who have died due to COVID-19, Uhrmann says she won’t need to use the color guard.
“Instead,  we are hoping that Mark Noyes [U.S. Navy] will open the ceremony by  playing each military homely in front of the specific branch of service  flag,” she says. Frank Mezle of the U.S. Coast Guard will raise each  service flag as each song is played, as noted on the itinerary.

Live Stream Suggested

The mayor had suggested to her, “why don’t you stream it on the township website and his website?” says Uhrmann. 

Grateful  for the cooperation, “the ceremony will be available to the public in  real time via FB Streaming and through other internet sites that have voiced interest,” says Uhrmann. “We would like to respectfully ask that you do not invite any family or friends to the AVM, as we have made a  commitment to control the attendance at the park; only those with  exceptional circumstances will be allowed. “Mt.  Olive Township has offered to assist us in this year’s Spring Clean-up  efforts, as the pending mandate prohibits group gatherings,” she says.  “I will be working alone on various projects that warrant attention Monday through Friday.  Displays will be set up on Friday and will remain at the park until Tuesday.” 

During  the last Mt. Olive Twp. Council meeting, Greenbaum applauded Uhrmann  for coordinating this year’s upcoming ceremony. He requested township  officials jump on board, whether that is helping her prepare the sight,  video-taping the event, live-streaming and watching virtually.

“I thought it was pretty impressive what she was able to put together,” says Greenbaum.

Mt.  Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko says “The township  is currently trying to work out the logistics with  videotaping/livestreaming, the details have not been worked out.  At a  minimum it will be broadcasted via our social media platforms, most  likely the Mayor’s Page, but we are also trying to get it on our  website.  Our Public Works Department assists by prepping the grounds,  provides cones, etc.”  

Event Prep

Uhrmann  reached out to nine selected people that she figured “were not  committed to anything else” that day and she got a “100 percent  response,” she says. “People felt the same as I did. I feel it’s  essential. You don’t forget this day.” 

She  says, “it’s amazing how many people want to participate, but they  can’t” because of the mandate. “Our whole goal is the stream it; don’t  come to the AVM, she stresses.

Those  nine who are attending will be sitting 20 feet apart, she says. The Boy  Scouts will provide a display prior to the event, and the AVM will  allow the set-up of displays by other groups or organizations, which  will be left up through Tuesday for any visitors who visit.  

The  person, who was originally planned to serve as the keynote speaker, had  to cancel for unfortunate circumstances. This person would have been  Uhrmann’s first female keynote speaker for this event.

“I  had hoped to have a female speaker, however and sadly, she had recently  lost both her parents to COVID-19,” says Uhrmann. “Since we are now  fighting a different war that is affecting all of America’s citizens, to  which is now being fought by civilians in the front line, and in  respect to the governor’s social distancing mandates, we had decided it  would be appropriate to allow me to be this year’s keynote speaker.   

Uhrmann  plans to deliver a bipartisan message: “I will deliver the Keynote  Message that will address our nation’s loss of brave warriors and our  most recent civilian warriors battling the war on COVID-19.  The message  will be about unity and oneness. A belief long held by the All Veterans  Memorial board members.  

The  keynote message will not only address our fallen warriors; but the  recent COVID-19 losses as well.  Our focus this year is to cultivate a  oneness between our service members and civilians.  It is the perfect  time to integrate the two; One Nation Under God.”

She  says they “will have a moment of silence” for those who have passed  way, including military and those who died from COVID-19.

Participants  of The Morristown Chapter – Daughters of the American Revolution will  be laying the memorial wreaths during the ceremony.  Participants  include: Corresponding Secretary Katherine Newcomber who will represent  the U.S. Army and lay a wreath at the Global War On Terror Memorial  Bridge; Chapter Regent Carrie Efinger, who will represent the U.S. Navy  and lay a wreath at the War Dog Memorial; First Vice Regent Peg Shultz  who will represent the U.S. Air Force and lay a wreath at the Spiritual  Cenotaph; Registrar Becky Wilder who will represent the U.S. Coast Guard  and lay a wreath at the Warrior Obelisk; and Past Chapter Regent  Patricia Sanftner, who will represent the U.S. Marine Corps and lay a  wreath at the POW/MIA/PTSD Remembrance Wall.

Rob  Bedell of the U.S. Air Force- who will also serve as the narrator of  the event, lead the “Pledge of Allegiance,” as well as the Introductory  Remarks/Presidential Proclamation- will call each participant of the  NSDAR while Mark Noyes of the U.S. Navy will play “Amazing Grace” at the  Bill of Rights Wall.

“Rob  will call for a moment of silence after the last wreath has been laid,”  says Uhrmann. “TAPS,” will be played by Christine Emmett of the U.S.  Marine Corps after 15 seconds of silence. 

Chaplain Amber Charman of the U.S. Army will provide the Invocation and the Benediction. 

See the detailed itinerary included on this page for more information.

A private ceremony will be held at this year’s ceremony for the laying of the pavers. 

The  setting of a memorial paver during the ceremony is pending for the  latest N.J. fallen warrior, U.S. Army Sgt. Michael James Goble.

“We  are also setting a service paver for Andrew Kacmarcik – a WWII Veteran  who lost his life at Iwo Jima,” says Uhrmann. Kacmarcik was with the  U.S. Marine Corps. 

Those who have been asked to participate in the event are honored to comply.

“The  members of the Morristown Chapter, NSDAR are honored to have been asked  by the AVM organization to be a participant in the Memorial Day  ceremonies this year,” says First Vice Regent Peg Shultz of the  Morristown Chapter of the NSDAR.

“As  a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution,  the daughter of a career USAF Veteran, and a member of Post 91 American  Legion Auxiliary, I feel it is my patriotic duty to participate in any  way I can,” says Shultz of Andover. “I am particularly honored to place  the USAF memorial wreath. 

“As  the word "Memorial" tells us, it's a day for remembering and honoring  those who sacrificed their lives in battle,” explains Shultz. “It is  their ultimate sacrifice that allows all Americans to enjoy the freedoms  outlined by the founding fathers in our national documents.

“While  this year will be a little different due to Covid-19 and social  distancing, we should pause to reflect and remember the brave men and  women who answered the call of the nation and made the ultimate  sacrifice for the freedom all Americans enjoy,” Shultz concludes.

The live-stream is so far set to be hosted on the Mayor’s Facebook page and the All Veterans Memorial’s Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/AllVeteransMemorialMountOlive/

https://m.facebook.com/Mayor-Rob-Greenbaum-148566751876210/

Itinerary for memorial Day ceremony

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Local Teen Finds The Sweet In Her 16th Birthday

By Cheryl Conway


Sweet 16 birthday parties are the icing to many girls’ teenage years, and one  Flanders sophomore made sure COVID-19 would not sour her day.

Ashley Koch of Mt. Olive Road rang in her 16th birthday on May 7 with a Drive- By Birthday Celebration with family,  friends, balloons and decorations. The sweetest part was her request for  food donations to the Mt. Olive Food Pantry in lieu of birthday gifts. 

“Ashley  asked to have A Drive-by Food Fundraiser Donation Party on the day of  her birthday,” says her mom Jennifer Koch. “Wayne and I were planning a  Drive By Birthday for Ashley. When we told Ashley, she said she would  like to help the Mount Olive Food Pantry by having friends and family  bring food instead of gifts.”

As  residents of Flanders for the past 15 years, the Koches were planning a  Sweet 16 Party for Ashley at the Hanover Manor. With the executive  order by the New Jersey governor to disallow social gatherings and  public celebrations, the Koches had to change their birthday plans.   

“When  Ashley told us her thoughts on making her birthday a food pantry  donation party we were touched,” says Jennifer Koch. “Ashley amazes us  every day. She is always thinking of others. She truly has a heart of  gold and we are so very proud of the young woman she is.” 

The birthday girl was part of organizing and coordinating the food collection.

“We notified friends and family through text messaging,” says her mom. “Her friends helped spread the word. 

“We  had set up balloons and decorations with a table at the top of the  driveway,” says Jennifer Koch. “Ashley also donated her Sweet 16 party  favors to the Mt. Olive Police Department and the fire department. 

“The  party favors were individual mason jars filled with candy that Ashley  filled with red, white and blue M&M’s,” she explains. “She made  labels that read ‘Thank you for being here for us!’ Ashley made 125  favors.”

Between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., Ashley Koch greeted friends and family who drove by with canned foods.

“We are not sure of the amount,” says her mom. “Maybe 30 cars with multiple people in each.” 

Many  food items, such as cans of vegetables, sauce, soup, beans, tuna fish,  peanut butter, pastas, cereal, rice and paper goods, were dropped off.

In the end, eight large boxes were filled and donated to the Mt. Olive Food Pantry, they say.

“Myself,  Ashley and her brother Zachary delivered the donation,” says Jennifer  Koch. “We delivered the items on Friday, May 8, at 1:30.” 

Ashley  Koch was so pleased with the turnout and grateful that she was able to  find that “happy” in her special birthday this year.

“It  was a good time to help my community,” says Ashley Koch. “I was very  overwhelmed with the turnout.  I was not sure what to expect. It was  very heartwarming.”

Despite her request for no gifts she shares, “I did receive some flowers and balloons.”

Another year wiser, she offers her advice to others: “Stay positive and know this is the time to help others,” she says.

“Thank you to all that participated and made my birthday so special,” concludes Ashley Koch. “I am truly blessed.”  

Photo Gallery

    MOSD Holds On To Hope During Final Stretch 

    By Cheryl Conway

    As  the country slowly starts to open, such as beaches, state and county  parks and non-essential stores with curb-side services only, schools  remain closed with end-of-year details still in question.

    Mt. Olive Schools Superintendent Dr.  Robert Zywicki has been holding separate Parent Universities this week  for different grades to focus on the various issues and respond to  numerous questions.  Whether it is graduation, award ceremonies, clap  outs, school trips reimbursements, cleaning out lockers, returning books  and Chromebooks and Kindergarten registration, Zywicki has been  providing detailed answers.

    His main message was for parents to remain patient.

    Mt.  Olive School District is “in a holding pattern waiting for the  governor,” says Zywicki. “Chill out a little bit. Please be patient.”  With five weeks left, 20 days to be exact, things can change. These are  “unchartered waters.”

    Zywicki  says distance learning in the MOSD has “been successful because we’ve  been communicating. We are here for you. We want to help.”

    He reiterated to parents to contact their school principal, guidance counselor and even him with any issues.

    “We  are here to serve you,” Zywicki told the parents during the session  Wednesday, May 20, for parents of students in grades one through five.  “Feel free to reach out to us.” 

    Zywicki  says school leaders are working on a pre-plan of what the fall will  look like regarding going back to school for in-person learning. Like  his actions before the shut-down, he says Mt. Olive wants to be  “proactive” with a plan so he is looking at what other schools, like in  Maryland, Kansas and in Europe, are doing as well as recommendations  from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

    Direction  in the end will come from the state, he says. The pre-plan will also be  presented to the Mt. Olive Board of Education for their input and  guidance.

    Ideas  on the return plan from schools vary and include traditional method;  keeping schools closed with distance learning intact; or hybrid in which  kids report to the school in the a.m. and others in the p.m. “For  working parents, that looks terrible,” says Zywicki. More information  will be coming in June, he says. 

    Regarding caps and gowns, Zywicki says it is still mid-May, but they will probably have a drive-thru process for distribution. 

    Sports, he says, “I have no answers for what fall sports will look like. As soon as we hear, will put that out to you.” 

    This  past Monday, attendance returned requiring all students to check in by  noon that they are present. If they do not check in by that time, they  get marked absent for the day.

    Regarding  the retrieval of belongings, Zywicki says he will have more answers to  specifics on that next week so students can get their “moldy bologna  sandwiches in lockers of some of our high school students.” For those  who do have medicine, or need their eyeglasses, he says accommodations  can be made to retrieve from the school nurses. 

    MOHS Seniors         

    Zywicki spoke to the senior parents on Monday, May 18. 

    For  all families, the “COVID closure has been an extremely challenging  time,” says Zywicki. “For the seniors and for their families it’s been  possibly the most challenging. We send our kids to school in  Kindergarten with the thought of them graduating and walking across that  stage, the thought of being there to celebrate that momentous occasion,  one of the biggest occasions in the developmental milestones in our  kids’ lives.

    “What it’s like to be a senior during this time period is really challenging for our kids and our families,” he says.   

    The main challenge is graduation.

    “We  are going to go ahead and plan a virtual graduation,” says Zywicki.  “There’s a good number of days ahead before graduation,” however, so if  anything, maybe there can be “some kind of event later.” 

    All depends on the governor and state police, he says. 

    A week ago, the governor said no graduations, then changed it to permitting graduations in cars.

    “I am very hopeful that something will change,” says Zywicki, especially with the warmer weather ahead. 

     “I  want to have traditional graduation in Marauder Stadium like we did  last year,” says Zywicki. But based on directives from the governor, “We  should plan alternatives for graduation.

    He says the district can do “a wave parade,” but cannot get out of the car. “Let’s take a deep breath,” says Zywicki.

    “We’re  planning all this out,” he says, adding that he has “a feeling” that  the district will have more options come the first week of June. 

    Five  ideas are being considered: Traditional graduation; in-person  graduation with two parents; in-person graduation with just students,  principal and superintendent; Drive-in with students remaining in cars;  or virtual ceremony. 

    For  a virtual graduation, Zywicki says many schools are showing pictures  from the yearbook, but he is thinking more about having the seniors be  given appointments to walk across the stage wearing their cap and gown,  one by one, to get there diploma before the graduation date. With usage  of the Mt. Olive in-house Television Studio (MOTV), each walk would be  videotaped and then edited and made into one video streamed-lined  virtually to the school community.  

    “I’m going to make every effort that each high school student gets to walk across the stage,” he says.

    But  sadly, “I’m not committing to anything right now,” he says. “Please be  patient with me,” as he needs to take direction from the governor and  listen to the mandates.

    “It’s  not something I can change, or interpret or fight,” says Zywicki. “I  have an obligation to listen to it. I have to listen to his directives.”  

    For  caps and gowns, the MOHS principal will be organizing a drive-thru  process for pick up. Students will be notified after Memorial Day  weekend, says Zywicki.   

    Other Topics For Seniors

    Prom is the other big topic, which was originally set for today, May 23. The  senior class will be getting their deposit back that they put down at  Meadowbrook in Randolph where the prom was set to be held. 

    If  the class of 2020 is permitted to have a prom later in the summer,  after June 26, or even over Thanksgiving weekend, it will have to be  held without chaperones by the school administration, he says.

    All money raised by the senior class will go into a trust account that can be used later, like if it were a reunion. 

    For yearbooks, Jostens will be mailing them directly to the students during the third week in June, says Zywicki. 

    Students may be entitled to get money back from their parking fees but more information will be forthcoming, says Zywicki. 

    Senior Banner Signs are being purchased by the school district and will be displayed around  the loop at Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake with permission by the Mt.  Olive Township Council. Families will be invited to drive around the  park to see pictures of the graduating seniors.

    “Councilman  Nicastro coordinated the Townships response by allowing the signs to be  placed around the loop road at Turkey Brook Park,” explains Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko. “Turkey  Brook Park is the most visible landmark in Mt. Olive. The township  historically has a good working relationship with the school board; this  year was even more important as we wanted to help and show our support  to the seniors who are not allowed to have a traditional graduation.”

    For virtual awards: Renaissance is set for June 2 at 6:30 p.m.; Senior Awards Night is set for June 9 at 6 p.m.

    Mt. Olive Lights: Every Friday night, at 8:20, MOHS is lit up in honor of the seniors.  Last Friday, the Mt. Olive Police Department was there because students  were getting out of their vehicles, which is prohibited, says Zywicki.

    “We  cannot have masses of cars,” says Zywicki, adding that the lights will  be displayed again this Friday. “Can’t have people running through the  field. Don’t park by the dome and walk up. You can drive thru.”

    College Options

    Zywicki  also mentioned that he had been in touch with the president at County  College of Morris in Randolph and more students may want to consider  attending CCM in the fall as an affordable and local contingency plan if  COVID 19 has affected their enrollment at their first school of  choice.  

    MOMS

    For  graduation, Zywicki says he is planning on a virtual ceremony as well,  or a car parade through Turkey Brook. The date for graduation will  remain on June 25.

    “That’s something we can at least count on,” says Zywicki. “At least they are getting something in June.”   

    Maybe an in-person ceremony can be planned in July, he says. At the very least, 8th graders will get a “beefed up” welcome when they hopefully enter high school in the fall.

    The MOMS principal will be contacting 8th grade parents possibly next week for information on cap and gown distribution. 

    Another  hot topic has been refunds for the eighth grade Washington, D.C. Trip.  The BOE approved an amended contract at its last meeting which approves  the refund. 

    “I’m really happy we were able to make that happen,” says Zywicki regarding refunds that should be received by June 30.

    Parents  who paid the trip insurance in advance will get a refund; parents who  did not pay the insurance will get a full refund minus the $29 trip  insurance fee.

    There is talk that perhaps the 8th graders can attend the D.C. trip in the fall of their 9th grade, he adds.

    On  June 19, tentatively, students will be invited to visit the middle  school to pick up their yearbook, cap and gown and tassel, and clean out  lockers. They will be given a time slot according to the alphabet.

    Students will be allowed to keep their Chromebooks over the summer to use the next school year.  

    Grades One Through 5

    By  June 15, Zywicki says he is hoping to allow parents to get their  students’ stuff from school by way of a drive-thru to get belonging and  drop off books.

    Right  now, no one can go into the buildings, he says, not even volunteers. He  also reminds everyone that all school fields are closed.

    At the end of next week, he is hoping to have more information regarding awards.

    One  parent asked about keeping her child at home for virtual learning in  the fall. Zywicki says that may be an option to be considered for  students who may be immune compromised. 

    There  will be no “Clap-Out,” he says as “we cannot physically do that,” but  instead is planning a Clap-In for those incoming sixth graders come the  fall.

    Zywicki  says the district is tentatively looking at June 23 as the last day of  school, since three snow days were remaining, but the BOE will have to  make that decision at the next board meeting set for June 8 at 6:30 p.m.  

    For  the other Parent Universities held this week and upcoming, as well as  school news, visit the Mt. Olive School District Facebook page or  Zywicki’s daily memo found at http://www.mtoliveboe.org/ or follow on Instagram @MountOliveSD 

    Local and county news

    Freeholders Urge All Residents To Fill Out 2020 Census   


    The  Morris County Board of Freeholders and community representatives from  across the county are urging all county residents, from all communities,  nationalities, religions, races, and ethnic groups, to complete the 2020 Census this spring.

    Getting  an accurate count is vital to ensuring that Morris County gets its fair  share of federal aid over the next decade for a host of programs and  services, including federal aid for disasters such as Superstorm Sandy  and the current COVID-19 crisis.

    Currently,  the county is missing out on about $85 million in direct federal to  deal with the COVID-19 pandemic because it is below a Census-based  federal population calculation by just 8,000 people.

    "We  have to be sure we are fully counted, and that means all residents from  all of our communities, so that Morris County is not shortchanged in  getting federal dollars for county programs over the next decade,'' said  Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.

    “Not  being fully counted has long-term negative ramifications on federal aid  we will get for housing, childcare, education, senior and disabled  programs, and for transportation, and county road and bridge projects,  among many others, added Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo, who is a member of the Morris County Complete Count Committee.

    The  county's initial effort to encourage Census response has been  successful in general, but there are some pockets of the county where  the count has been lacking, including Harding, far eastern and western  sections of Florham Park, and parts of Morristown and Parsippany.

    COVID-19 Funding

    The  Morris County Board of Freeholders, with the backing of a bipartisan  group of state and federal legislators, recently asked the state and  federal governments not to penalize the county to the tune of $80  million to $90 million in direct federal COVID-19 aid because the county  is slightly short of a 500,000 county population cutoff figure.

    Some  $3.4 billion has been allocated to New Jersey from the federal  Coronavirus Relief Fund, established by the CARES Act, which was signed  into law by President Donald Trump on March 27.

    The  Fund provided a $2.4 billion direct payment to the State of New Jersey,  as well as more than $1 billion of direct payments to New Jersey  counties with populations greater than 500,000. Morris County, however,  has 491,845 people, which narrowly misses that threshold. 

    Sister  counties, such as Passaic and Camden counties, with populations of  501,826 and 506,343 respectively are each getting $88 million in direct  federal aid, while Morris County received no direct aid and will have to  seek a share of the state’s allotment.

    "This  shows just how vitally important it is to get every Morris County  resident counted. It makes a real difference, '' said Freeholder Tayfun  Selen, who also is a member of the Morris County Complete Count  Committee.

    Morris County Counts 2020

    The county kicked off the “Morris County Counts 2020’’ campaign in mid-March, stressing that competition for federal dollars  is fierce and the population count is key to bringing back county tax  dollars that are sent each year to federal coffers.

    Officials  in Morris County, which has an estimated population of nearly 492,000  per the most recent 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

    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.

    Have questions about the 2020 Census? Visit https://morriscountynj.gov/2020census/ or visit the following: NJ Census 2020 or U.S. Census 2020

    Morris MUA Urges Safety In Trash/Medical Waste Disposal


    Household Refuse

    The  Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority, following the guidance of  the state, is advising families of residents with a confirmed COVID-19  diagnosis and those under cautionary quarantine to take extra  precautions when disposing of household trash.

    According to state Department of Environmental Protection recommendations,  trash from these households should be double bagged using regular trash  bags, properly closed, and tightly tied to avoid leakage. 

    Bags  should be placed in rigid trash disposal containers while outdoors  prior to pickup to avoid human or animal contact with the refuse.

    These measures are designed for the safety of residents and disposal crews.

    Medical Waste

    MUA Solid Waste Coordinator James Deacon also urged institutions, such as health care facilities and hospitals,  to also be guided by NJDEP’s COVID-19 waste management rules.

    Red  medical waste bags or biohazard bags generated by institutions and/or  county residents must not be disposed of in curbside trash cans that are  collected by municipal waste haulers.

    Only licensed medical waste contractors are allowed to collect and dispose of filled red medical waste bags.

    “The  MCMUA’s garbage transfer station inspectors have seen an uptick in the  number of red medical waste bags coming to us through regular trash  disposal,'' said Deacon. "When these bags show up at the transfer  stations, the facilities must be shut down to guarantee the safety of  employees and to ensure that regulated medical waste is not being  improperly disposed.”

    Transfer Stations

    In  addition, county residents are asked to refrain from traveling to the  county's two garbage transfer stations located in Mt. Olive and  Parsippany during the COVID-19 crisis. Because of social distancing  requirements, it is difficult for the scale masters to safely interact  with residents who show up at the transfer stations.

    Unless  it is essential that the household trash be disposed of immediately,  residents should utilize curbside pickup by their waste hauler or wait  until towns are again collecting bulky waste collections.

    More Information

    For information about proper disposal of medical waste, household garbage, or details about municipal recycling, go to www.MCMUA.com for details.

    Freeholders Urge Governor To Safely Reopen N.J.


    The  Morris County Board of Freeholders unanimously passed a resolution last  week calling for the safe, phased reopening of New Jersey, allowing a  re-start of the state's economy while protecting the public health from  the continuing presence of COVID-19.

    The  resolution, which has been sent to Gov. Phil Murphy, state legislators,  the New Jersey Association of Counties, and mayors in all 39 Morris  County municipalities, was a recommendation of the new Morris Recovery  Taskforce, which has been created by the freeholders.

    "We  have reached a point where continued closure of business in New Jersey  may actually be causing harm to overall public health,'' said Freeholder  John Krickus, who is chair of the Task Force. 

    "More  deaths are likely resulting as outreach and treatment for opioid  addiction are hampered, as people avoid emergency room visits neglecting  symptoms that lead to heart attacks and strokes, and as medical  procedures and screenings are continuously postponed.

    "We  need to reopen Morris County business in a safe, phased manner, while  protecting public health, providing citizens with income and hope,  saving both lives and livelihoods,'' he added.

    The  resolution noted that there have been significant declines in new  reported COVID-19 cases in Morris County, dropping from a peak of 204 to  a recent daily average of 52. COVID testing demand at the county  drive-thru testing center at County College of Morris CCM has declined  from 320 daily to 85 per day, with positive results from those tests  dropping from 43 percent to 15 percent.

    In  particular, the freeholders' resolution targeted the county's hospital  and healthcare industries. As a result of a declining number of COVID-19  cases, the stress on hospitals and medical facilities is decreasing,  providing the ability for them to return to dealing more aggressively  with non-COVID-19 cases.

    Reopening medical services will have three major impacts:

    Saving lives and improving public health by providing delayed medical procedures and preventative screening.

    Ensure that our "medical heroes'' jobs are secure.

    Ensure that health services providers have the financial strength to maintain robust staffing and capabilities.

    "Unneeded  deaths may be occurring as hospitals have seen a significant decline in  heart and stroke cases as people avoid medical facilities, including a  reported drop of more than half in emergency room visits,'' the  freeholder stated in the resolution.

    However,  with reopening comes a need to remain vigilant in dealing with the  novel coronavirus, the board stated. The resolution asks all county  residents to continue maintaining social distancing practices to help  contain the spread of the virus.

    Contact Tracing

    To  prepare for recovery and continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the  Freeholder Board, in coordination with county and local health  officials, has initiated a countywide Contact Tracing program.

    Towards  that end, the freeholders approved hiring a part-time public health  nurse and up to five disease control field representatives to bolster  the Morris County Office of Health Management staff. Also, volunteers  from the Morris County Medical Reserve Corps have signed up for the  program, which reaches out to people with COVID-19 and tries to  determine who have been in contact with them.

    Morris County Recovery Task Force

    The  key objective of the Morris County Recovery Task Force is to anticipate  and prepare Morris County to reopen in the most effective manner, both  in terms of protecting public health and renewing business, social and  religious activities. 

    Leaders  from government, health, education, labor, social services, tourism and  arts, and others will participate in an effort to gather information,  share ideas and develop strategies for the post-COVD-19 world in Morris  County, in conjunction with state and federal governments. 

    County Annual 4-H Fair Cancelled Due To Covid-19


    As  some may have heard Rutgers University has decided, due to the COVID-19  situation, to restrict all in-person activities into the summer months.

    Rutgers  Cooperative Extension, which governs all 4-H programs throughout the  state falls and which falls under the directive of Rutgers University,  as well as all of in-person programs AT Morris County 4-H have been  suspended through Aug. 31.

    Unfortunately, this means the annual Morris County 4-H Fair in Chubb Park (in Chester Township) this summer will not be held.

    “The  Morris County 4-H Association values your support and commitment that  have made our Fair a success for so many years,” says CJ Sinko, president of the Morris County 4-H Board of Directors. 


    “We  recognize the importance of the Fair, as a place for our 4-H members to  showcase their work, build community connections, and serve as a fun,  family event for our members, volunteers, and Morris County families,”  he said.

    “Together  with the 4-H program officials, who are collaborating with other 4-H  county offices and the state, we are working on innovative ways to move  many aspects of the Fair to a virtual platform this year.”

    Additionally, there are plans for in-person Morris County 4-H Fairs when possible in the future. Stay tuned for more details.

    Questions  or ideas, contact the Morris County 4-H staff at  bw387@njaes.rutgers.edu or 4hmorris@njaes.rutgers.edu or 973-285-8301.

    Library Goes Virtual For Kids

    Virtual Storytime: Do your kids miss Storytime and coming to the library? Tune in Monday through Friday to see all of the Children's Room Librarians reading stories on Facebook and Instagram. 

    Buzz's Spring Reading Challenge: Are your kids looking for a fun challenge, that could also brighten up your home? Take part in Buzz's Spring Reading Challenge and help Buzz grow flowers all over Mt. Olive. Printable reading logs and flower coloring pages can be found online at www.mopl.org/youth. 

    Morris County Sounds The Alarm for Help


    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,” said Morris County Emergency Management Director Jeff Paul. “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.

    “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 of the  most vulnerable people during this pandemic, qualified medical personnel are asked to call the Morris County Office of Emergency Management at (973) 829-8600.

    For those who do not speak directly with a call taker and get the OEM voice mail recording, please leave 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 calls 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.’

    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,” said Donna Russo, Director of Nursing for the New Jersey Firemen’s Home. “We welcome healthcare providers, RN’s, LPN’s, to join our team.”

    Local Restaurants Are Offering Takeout and Food Delivery During COVID-19.  Click on link below. 


    http://online.flipbuilder.com/rppx/eejp/  


    What Do We Have Control Over?

    Submitted by Diane Lang, positive living expert, life coach, speaker.

    In  this time when most of us feel a lack of control in our lives and the  world, it’s important to remind ourselves what we do have control over  and work on those things. I admit I have had some dark days over the  COVID 19 quarantine and I’m sure with the uncertainty of what life will  look and feel like in the next few months, I will have more bad days.  It’s okay to have a shit day. Expect them, go with the flow and lean  into it when you feel it. That’s the fear of uncertainty and the  feelings of vulnerability coming up. Remind yourself what do you have  control over. While you are having the conversation with yourself about  what you can control remind yourself that this is temporary.

    What we do know for sure is we can only control ourselves; change is a constant in the world and everything is temporary.

    11 Things You Can Control

    1. We have control over ourselves. That might not seem like a lot but let’s break it up.
    2. You  have control over how you react and respond to people and situations.  You get to choose if you answer using fear or love. You get to choose if  you respond at all.
    3. You  choose who you spend your quality time with. If your finding that  people in your life are bringing you down, draining you or making you  feel worse about yourself. You choose if you want to keep the  relationship or what the relationship will look like.
    4. You  choose what you mentally digest - how much media you get? What you  watch? What you read? Ask yourself: is it positive? Do I finish  watching/reading and feel energized? Empowered?
    5. You  control your mindset - what thoughts, patterns and beliefs don’t work  for you or that are limiting? Are you meditating or being mindful on a  daily basis to remove the negative clutter?
    6. You control what you put in your body- what are you eating? drinking?
    7. You control your movement - have you exercised? Went for a walk?
    8. How  you talk to yourself? Do you treat yourself with kindness? Compassion?  Or are you judgmental? Harsh and critical? You choose what you say to  yourself. Your words effect how you think about yourself.
    9. You  choose how you see the world- are you grateful for what you have? Are  you noticing all the beauty around you? Are you feeling all the love you  have in your life? How many positive emotions are you cultivating?
    10. What  I do with my time? Yes, you might have to go work or school and take  care of others but how you do that is up to you? What you do with free  time? Breaks? Vacation? Commute? Is all up to you. I choose to use my  commute to listen to inspiration talks. I choose to use my breaks to  deep breathe. I choose to eat my meals outside in nature. How do you  spend your time?
    11. How  you serve others? One of our goals in life should be to help and be in  service of others. How you choose to do that is up to you? I choose to  do it by teaching others.

    For more information please visit: www.dlcounseling.com or email Lang at DLCounseling2014@gmail.com.

    College news

    CCM Offers Online Information Sessions

    Interested  in learning more about the high-quality education provided by the  community college, close to home? The County College of Morris (CCM)  Admissions Office in Randolph will be holding “Titan Tuesday” online  information sessions every week at 7 p.m. through the spring and summer  so prospective students and parents and guardians can learn about all  CCM has to offer.

    Each session, hosted by an Admissions counselor, will provide participants with the opportunity to learn about the college’s academic  programs, transfer agreements to earn a bachelor’s degree, student  services and co-curricular programs. The admissions and registration  process also will be covered and a questions and answers session held  during each session. Summer  classes at CCM start May 26 with a total of five sessions being offered,  with the others starting on June 1, June 29, June 30 and August 3. The  Fall Semester begins on September 9. Several mini terms also are offered  during the fall.

    Preregistration for “Titan Tuesday” is required, which can be done at www.ccm.edu/admissions/visiting-us.  Login information to join a session will be emailed following registration. 

    In  several sessions, the Admission staff will be joined by the college’s  academic deans to highlight programs in the School of Business,  Mathematics, Engineering and Technologies, the School of Health  Professions and Natural Sciences and the School of Liberal Arts. A  schedule of what schools will be featured during these sessions can be  found on the Visiting Us website. 

    In  addition, information will be provided on the Challenger Program that  CCM provides so high school students can get a jump start on their  college education.

    This  summer, CCM will be offering all summer classes online. The college  also has moved its students support services online for spring and  summer, including The Academic Success Center (TASC), which was expanded  into TASCPlus, which provides individualized online assistance from  updating students on the status of classes to connecting them to a  student success specialist or counselor through phone and virtual  meetings. Other services the college is offering online are Academic  Advisement, Online Tutoring and Live Chats with Librarians. 

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