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Preschool Advantage & Burnt Mills Cider Company join forces to support early education for local families

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Preschool Advantage, a Morristown-based nonprofit organization, raises funds to open the doors of preschool and unlock the possibilities beyond by providing preschool tuition assistance to children from struggling local families. Preschool Advantage students attend a full school year of preschool at one of 28 partner schools.  High-quality preschool education gives young children the tools to begin kindergarten prepared to learn and to have a fair chance to succeed throughout their education.

Preschool Advantage will hold a reception on Wednesday, May 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the property of the Burnt Mills Cider Company in Bedminster (rain date, May 19).  Both Burnt Mills Cider Company and Preschool Advantage are dedicated to the vibrancy and strength of the greater Morris and Somerset community, and hope the event will introduce new audiences to the work Preschool Advantage are doing to improve access to high-quality early education in our area.

The open-air venue will offer a safe opportunity for guests to enjoy live music from the multi-talented singer-songwriter, Stephen Bard, premium hard ciders brewed on-site, and sandwiches from Angry Archie’s, the Jersey City-based food truck.

The highlight of the evening will be remarks from an alumni parent who will share her experience sending her children to preschool with support from Preschool Advantage, and the impact this has had on her entire family.

For more information and to purchase tickets click here, email [email protected], or call (973) 532-2501

Another Great Project by Boonton Main Street Design Team Volunteers

By
Frank Cahill
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BOONTON —  Thanks to the hard work of Boonton Main Street, Inc. Design Team members Suzanne Guerin, Mark Hettrich, and Dave Woodhull, a beautiful new planter bed now greets visitors as they enter Boonton’s historic downtown district at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Main Street.

These dedicated volunteers spent their Thursday beautifying Boonton by giving the planter a much-needed facelift: breaking down the old planter bed’s weathered railroad ties and rebuilding its walls with a charming gray rumble stone. Passersby honked and waved with encouragement as they drove past throughout the day. Community member Jimmy Hodgins even dropped in to lend a hand for a while, which was greatly appreciated by the volunteers. Boonton DPW pitched in by placing traffic cones to keep the work zone safe and by disposing of the old materials.

Assemblyman Brian Bergen, who was visiting small business owners in the area, stopped by to give volunteers some words of encouragement. “I was so impressed with the work these volunteers were doing for their community, I wanted to stop and express my gratitude. I believe volunteerism is part of what makes a great community, and the people I met on Main Street yesterday are setting a great example.”

The planter bed has been maintained by BMS for many years. It is sponsored by Jane Conway, who originally donated its perennials and regularly mulches, weeds, and waters the bed to maintain its beautiful flowers all season long. Jane is a longtime volunteer with the organization and currently sits as the vice president of the BMS Board of Trustees.

The Highland Avenue planter is only one of a number of landscaping initiatives managed by BMS volunteers. They maintain additional planters at the Plane St parking lot entrance, Essex Ave barrels, Overlook at Grace Lord Park, War Memorial on Main Street, post office round and bench planters, and organize the donation of plants and labor to the large flower beds in front of the post office, graciously donated annually by Kohut and Sons Landscaping.

Finally, BMS provides three-season flower urns (at cost) to storefronts along Main Street. If you are interested in beautifying the historic downtown district of Boonton or would like to volunteer your time and talents in other ways, please contact Laura Wagner, BMS Executive Director, at [email protected]. Share how you would like to be a part of the organization. Boonton Main Street, Inc. is a stand-alone 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to increasing awareness and foot traffic to benefit Boonton’s historic downtown district.

Chick-fil-A Announces True Inspiration Scholarship Winners

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS PLAINS — John Velazquez, Alexander Masi, Abby Mahoney, and Gabrielle Trinker! are part of Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Scholarship winners. These young people make a difference in the lives of others.

Chick-fil-A is located at 1711 Route 10, Briarcliff Plaza, Morris Plains.

John Velazquez with Drew Blind
Gabrielle Trinker with Drew Blind
Abby Mahoney with Drew Blind
Alexander Masi with Drew Blind

The 200 Club Awarded Fifteen $5,000 Scholarships

By
Frank Cahill
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Amanda Cortright

MORRIS COUNTY — The 200 Club of Morris County announced that it will award fifteen $5,000 scholarships to high school seniors who are family members of first responders or training to become first responders.

The nonprofit continues to support local and state police, fire, and EMS personnel who protect the families in Morris County. Since 1971, The 200 Club has given more than $5 million to first responder families, either in the form of death benefits and dependent awards when a first responder dies in the line of duty or college scholarships to their family members.

“Every day, our first responders leave their homes and risk their own lives to protect our families,” said Jim Rizzo, president of The 200 Club of Morris County. “We believe we should stand up for their families. Our annual scholarship awards are part of the promise we make to those who care for us.”

The 200 Club of Morris County has provided more than $2.3 million in scholarships since 1996. To date, 682 scholarships have been awarded.

Matthew R. Mauro, Madison

The other recipients are:

Matthew R. Mauro, Madison

Amanda P. Cortright of Whippany

Rahul Makkena, Rahul Patel, and Rohan Savani, of Parsippany

Priscilla Wong of Lake Hiawatha

Griffin G. Smolar, Montville

Kailey A. Pasquariello and Victoria E. Richards, both of Lake Hopatcong

Evangeline A. Veletto, Long Valley

Alexis M. Caffrey of Montague

Maya E. Slaughter of Morristown

Emily E. Schmidt, Oak Ridge

Rachel D. Delaney of Kinnelon

Walker Heller, Washington

Body of Missing College Student Found

By
Frank Cahill
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Ajay Sah

MORRIS COUNTY — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Madison Police Acting Chief John R. Miscia announce that the body of Ajay Sah has been found.

Sah, a 22-year-old male from the Borough of Madison, was reported missing on January 22, 2021. Ajay Sah is a foreign exchange student from Nepal and was attending Drew University in the Borough of Madison.

Last seen on campus at Drew University on January 19, 2021, an investigation confirmed Sah traveled by NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station. Surveillance footage observed an individual believed to be Sah in New York City on the Brooklyn Bridge at approximately 5:00 a.m. on January 20, 2021.

Sah was seen traveling alone and carrying a backpack. Despite the relentless efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, Sah’s disappearance has remained a mystery until additional evidence was discovered.

First, Sah’s backpack was discovered by a citizen on a beach in Sea Bright, New Jersey, and its contents were turned over to authorities in late April. Next, an unidentified body was discovered in Anchorage Channel in Brooklyn on March 9.

Initially unable to confirm identification, the City of New York Police Department notified the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Missing Persons Unit on April 25.

After detectives conferred, the unidentified body was later confirmed to be Sah by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York through the use of X-ray analysis.

The final death certificate is pending. Acting Prosecutor Carroll indicated the University has fully cooperated in the investigation and expressed his appreciation for their assistance, including their establishment of counseling and grief services for friends of Mr. Sah and available to the campus and surrounding community.

Acting Prosecutor Carroll said, “The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office extends its condolences to the Sah family for their loss. The circumstances of this disappearance were challenging, however, were investigated thoroughly by the MCPO, Madison Police Department and its law enforcement partners. We appreciate all of the hard work put into tracing Mr. Sah’s movements.

Murphy Announces Significant Easing of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions On Businesses, Gatherings and Venues

By
Frank Cahill
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Governor Phil Murphy

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced a significant easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the region’s businesses, venues, and gatherings given significant progress in vaccinations and sustained reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

“With our COVID-19 numbers, particularly hospitalizations, trending decisively in the right direction and our vaccination goals within reach, now is the time to take major steps to reopen our economy and loosen both indoor and outdoor gathering and capacity restrictions,” said Governor Murphy.

“We’ve done this the right way, in partnership with our neighboring states of New York and Connecticut, and by allowing data, science, and public health to guide our decision-making. Over these next few weeks, I encourage all remaining eligible New Jerseyans to get vaccinated so we can continue fighting back against this virus and move toward a ‘new normal’ for ourselves, our neighbors, and our loved ones.”

Social Distance-based Business Capacities
Effective May 19, most business capacities—which are currently based upon a percentage of maximum occupancy—will be removed in New Jersey and New York. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet. This new distance-based maximum capacity will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barbershops, and other personal care services, among other settings. It will also apply in houses of worship.

Increase in Social and Residential Gathering Limits
In New York beginning May 10, the outdoor social gathering limit will increase from 200 to 500 people. Beginning May 19, the indoor social gathering limit will increase from 100 to 250 people. Also, the outdoor residential gathering limit of 25 people will be removed, reverting to the social gathering limit of 500 people with space for appropriate social distancing, and the indoor residential gathering limit will increase from 10 to 50 people. In New York, any event gatherings in excess of the social gathering limits may only occur if all individuals present proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result.

Event Venues
Congregate commercial and social events in New York—such as those at venues that host sports competitions, performing arts and live entertainment, and catered receptions—can exceed the social gathering limits of 500 people outdoors or 250 people indoors if all attendees over the age of four present either proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result and the required social distancing can be accommodated.

Starting May 19, large-scale indoor event venues will operate at 30 percent capacity, which is an increase from the current 10 percent capacity limit. Large-scale outdoor event venues will operate at 33 percent. Social distancing, masks, and other applicable health protocols will still apply, including the requirement of attendee proof of full vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test result.

Industry Reopening Requirements
While most industry capacity restrictions will be lifted, industry-specific requirements will remain in effect for a longer period of time, including state or local health authority event notification, health screening, contact information for tracing, enhanced air handling and building system standards, hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols. The State will continue to provide additional guidance on these provisions as they apply to each industry.

Morristown Rotary Club Introduces Culinary Adventure Charity Event

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — In response to the critical increase in demand for local services due to the pandemic, the Morristown Rotary Club is organizing a Culinary Adventure dining experience.

Patrons have been accustomed to attending the ‘Taste of Morristown’ event, and this year the Rotary Club is planning an exciting dining event that will take place on both June 1 or 8 (with a June 15 rain date) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at area restaurants.

All of the proceeds from this event will go to those in need in the community. $50.00 of the $100.00 ticket price will go to participating restaurants and $50.00 of each ticket will go to local food banks, veterans organizations, children’s organizations, and other local charities.

According to Denise Flanagan, event chair, “The Culinary Adventure is a wonderful way to support and enjoy Morristown area restaurants and support those in need in our community.”

At the event, sixteen guests will be seated in an outdoor space. The state/CDC guidelines for social distancing will be followed. Guests will be treated to a three-course prix fixe dinner at a Morristown area restaurant and enjoy personal interaction with the chef who will share his or her specialty, and/or describe the artistry of your meal.

Reservations close ten days prior to the event date. Guests who wish to be seated together should place one combined paid reservation to guarantee that they are at the same location (Patrons will be responsible for gratuities and alcoholic beverages). Part of the adventure is that your location is secret until a week prior to the event. At this time patrons will receive a personalized invitation with all of the details. For more information, and to purchase tickets, go to www.morristownrotary.org. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

The Morristown Rotary Club is the local chapter of an international humanitarian service organization consisting of community volunteers. Rotary meets weekly to discuss, adapt and plan service projects, recognize members’ successes and achievements, and enjoy fellowship. More information can be found by clicking here.

 

Walk-Ins Allowed at Morris County COVID-19 Vaccine Mega Site

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — All six vaccine mega-sites are open for walk-in vaccinations.  Residents, 16 and up can come to the mega-sites between select times.

Locations of the mega-sites are:

  • Morris County Megasite (Rockaway Townsquare, 301 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rockaway): 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
  • Atlantic County Megasite (Atlantic City Convention Center, 1 Convention Boulevard, Atlantic City): 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Bergen County Megasite (Racetrack at Meadowlands, 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford): 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
  • Burlington County Megasite (Moorestown Mall, 400 NJ-38, Moorestown): 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Gloucester County Megasite (Rowan College of South Jersey, 1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell): 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Middlesex County Megasite (New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison): 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Pre-registration via the Atlantic Health site remains the preferred method by clicking here.

SBA Administrator Guzman Announces Application Opening for $28.6 Billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced the U.S. Small Business Administration will begin registrations on Friday, April 30, at 9:00 a.m. EDT and open applications on Monday, May 3, at noon EDT for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.

“Restaurants are the core of our neighborhoods and propel economic activity on main streets across the nation. They are among the businesses that have been hardest hit and need support to survive this pandemic. We want restaurants to know that help is here,” said Administrator Guzman. “The SBA has focused on the marketplace realities of our food and beverage businesses in designing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to meet businesses where they are. And we are committed to equity to ensure our smaller and underserved businesses, which have suffered the most, can access this critical relief, recover, and grow more resilient.”

Established under the American Rescue Plan, and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides a total of $28.6 billion in direct relief funds to restaurants and other hard-hit food establishments that have experienced economic distress and significant operational losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Funds must be used for allowable expenses by March 11, 2023.

“Recognizing the great urgency to help restaurants keep their doors open – and with a clear mandate from Congress – the SBA worked at a breakneck speed and is excited to launch this program,” said Patrick Kelley, SBA Associate Administrator, Office of Capital Access. “From day one, we engaged with diverse stakeholders in the food industry community to make sure we built and delivered the program equitably, quickly, and efficiently.”

In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by:

  • Registering for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov starting Friday, April 30, at 9:00 a.m. EDT.
  • Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and application sample.
  • Preparing the required documentation.
  • Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting restaurants.sba.gov to submit an application when the application portal opens. [Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.]
  • Attending a live recorded virtual training webinar.

For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens. Following the 21 days, all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Consistent with the legislation and the intent of Congress, the SBA continues to take steps to ensure the equitable distribution of relief, particularly for the smallest businesses, by creating a $9.5 billion set-aside: $5 billion for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of not more than $500,000; $4 billion is set aside for applicants with 2019 gross receipts from $500,001 to $1,500,000; and $500 million for applicants with 2019 gross receipts, not more than $50,000.

For more information click here or in Spanish by clicking here.

Governor Murphy Announces Loosening of COVID-19 Restrictions

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Governor Phil Murphy

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy announced the easing of restrictions for a variety of activities and higher outdoor capacity limits, effective May 10. The changes, which include higher outdoor gathering limits, higher large venue outdoor capacities, higher maximum capacities for private catered events, and more, come as COVID-19 metrics are on the decline and as more New Jerseyans continue to receive COVID-19 vaccines.

“Our robust COVID-19 vaccination program is starting to show results through lower COVID-19 case metrics including a decline in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations,” said Governor Murphy. “This allows us to take steps so that New Jerseyans can have a much more normal summer including allowing for students to celebrate important milestones and events like graduations and proms in person. We hope to announce further reopening steps in the coming weeks as more and more state residents get vaccinated.”

“The continued cooperation with public health preventive measures and increasing vaccination rates among New Jersey residents allows for this easing of restrictions in the state,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.  “We encourage all residents 16 and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine. It will not only protect you, but it will help us drive down community spread, so we can reopen the state further.”

The changes include:

Outdoor Gatherings
The outdoor gathering limit will be raised to 500 persons from 200 persons. COVID-19 metrics will continue to be evaluated with the hope of raising the limit again, perhaps considerably, prior to Memorial Day.

Large Venue Outdoor Capacity
Outdoor capacity limits will be raised to 50% capacity for venues with 1,000 fixed seats or more. The current limit is 30% capacity for venues with 2,500 fixed seats or more.  All attendees at these events are required to be six feet apart from other attendees, except that individuals who purchase or reserve tickets together may be seated together, but must be six feet away from all other groups or individuals in all directions.

Maximum Capacity for Indoor Certain Indoor Activities
Capacity limits for indoor private catered events, including proms, will be raised to 50% capacity of the room in which the event is being held with a maximum of 250 individuals. The current limit is 35% capacity of the room in which the event is held with a maximum of 150 individuals.  These events must continue to follow all indoor dining protocols

The limit for political events, weddings, funerals, memorial services, and performances occurring indoors will similarly increase to 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 individuals.  Indoor religious services will continue to operate at 50% capacity, without a numerical cap.

Dance Floors at Indoor Catered Events
Dance floors will be permitted to open at indoor private catered events, including proms with masking and social distancing requirements in place.  Dance floors will remain closed at bars and other related businesses, such as nightclubs.

Graduations and Proms
Schools and universities will be able to utilize the newly-raised outdoor gathering and large venue capacity limits to hold more robust graduation ceremonies.  Proms will benefit from the increases to indoor private catered event capacity and the allowance of dance floors at such events. The Department of Education (DOE) and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) will be issuing guidance to assist schools and institutions in preparing for these end-of-year events.

Carnivals and Fairs
Effective May 10, carnivals and fairs are explicitly permitted to operate at outdoor amusement business capacity limits, which currently stand at 50% capacity.

An Executive Order and guidance will be issued on both day and overnight camp operations on Wednesday, April 28.

Click here to review a copy of DOE Guidance

Click here to download a copy of OSHE Guidance

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