Friday, March 29, 2024
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Surrogate’s Office Moving Operation On-Line to Protect Public From Potential Virus Germs

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Heather Darling, Esq.

MORRIS COUNTY — In an effort to be proactive in managing concerns about Coronavirus, the Morris County Surrogate’s Office is moving to technology based service effective immediately.  In order to protect members of the public and county employees from exposure to the virus, Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling is requesting that those needing to use our online forms and services do so electronically, not in person.

Thus,  if you seek to probate a Will, seeking administration or seeking guardianship contact the Surrogate’s Office at (973) 285-6500 with regard to the use of the forms by clicking here.

“I made a campaign promise to employ technology in order to avoid trips to the Surrogate’s Court for those who may have difficulty accessing the office in person. Although this is not exactly what I had envisioned, it is a way to promote safety now while moving my office toward significant online operations in the future,” said Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling.

Many Surrogates employ ‘satellite offices’,  such as libraries or municipal buildings, around their counties on a scheduled basis. This does not solve the problems of individuals that have great physical difficulty getting out of their homes, no matter how close the facility may be to their place of residence.

With the functionality built into smartphones, laptops and tablets, many attorneys now eschew formal office space in favor of meeting clients in the client’s residence, coffee shops, or office shares they use on only an as-needed basis.  This also creates a more client-centered practice as schedules and value shopping no longer favor visits to law firms past with grandiose conference rooms with rich tomes at the end of granite hallways.

Darling said “The time has come for my office to catch up to the way business is done today and this public safety issue is as much a signal as a catalyst.”





Spin Cycle Laundry Services Names Michael Arbus to Role of Vice President of Sales

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Mike Arbus, Vice President

EAST HANOVER — Spin Cycle Laundry Services, a leading provider of multifamily-focused commercial laundry solutions and end-user lifestyle experiences, has named industry veteran Michael Arbus to the position of vice president of sales. In this role, the Bergen County, resident will spearhead Spin Cycle’s expansion strategy within New Jersey and throughout the Greater New York Metro.

Established in 1995 and headquartered in East Hanover, Spin Cycle is an innovative provider of next-generation laundry equipment and services specially designed to serve multifamily property owners and their tenants. Founded on the premise that laundry is not a chore but an experience, Spin Cycle continues to retain and build its diverse customer base of apartment-rental, co-op, condominium and townhome community property owners and managers by delivering a superior customer experience and increasing resident satisfaction.

“Spin Cycle is pleased to welcome Mike, a well-respected commercial laundry services visionary who has demonstrated the ability to anticipate future trends and help property owners address them with innovative technologies and best practices,” said Eric Gebroe, vice president. “Mike’s strong industry ties will allow us to advance Spin Cycle’s current and future growth initiatives while retaining the highest standards for the customer satisfaction – among property owners and end users – for which we’ve become known.”

In an industry where the acquisition of well-established commercial laundry companies by large conglomerates has become commonplace, Spin Cycle is leveraging its customer-first philosophy and emphasis on innovation.

“This is what brought me to Spin Cycle – the company’s long-term relationships with customers that extend well beyond state-of-the-art machines with reporting and usage technology,” said Arbus.

Each on-site Spin Cycle laundry center features modern Speed Queen commercial equipment with app-based and MoneyCard-based payment options. The specially designed centers are created in collaboration with the property owner and management team. In addition to conducting regular on-premises site visits, the centers are monitored in real time by Spin Cycle’s proprietary remote technology platform that monitors usage, payments and overall performance.

The company also recognizes commercial laundry services cannot be effectively implemented through a one-size-fits-all approach. “A 19-unit property has entirely different requirements than a 500-unit property,” added Arbus. “Our approach is always agile and we ‘right size’ everything, from the washers and dryers to the amenities and room renovations provided.”

Spin Cycle-maintained machines and its custom-designed laundry centers are an integral lifestyle amenity that appeals to today’s renter-dominated population base. Since its inception 25 years ago, the company’s commercial laundry products, services and integrated technology platform have continually evolved to meet the needs of multifamily property owners, from private individuals and institutional entities to management companies and end users. Over the course of its history, Spin Cycle has deployed thousands of commercial washing machines and dryers to properties across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.





Law Enforcement asks for the Public’s Help to Combat Car Theft and Car Burglaries

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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — An Auto Theft Task Force has been created to stop a persistent trend in car thefts and car burglaries in Morris County, as experienced by other counties in northern New Jersey. Vehicle owners, too, can reduce the thefts and protect their property by following a few simple steps.

In a recent three-day period alone in Morris County, six vehicles were stolen – in Madison, Mountain Lakes, Montville, Mount Olive and Roxbury – including two that were taken in afternoon daylight.

In 2019 in Morris County, 215 vehicles were stolen and another 233 vehicles were burglarized.

In 2018, 227 vehicles were stolen in Morris County and another 231 vehicles were burglarized, with valuables removed, but the vehicles were not removed from the premises. In the majority of these cases, stolen vehicles have been left unlocked by the owner with a key fob left in the car allowing a thief to immediately drive it away. Alarmingly, in some incidents in Morris County, suspects have entered victims’ homes by using garage door openers found in unlocked vehicles.

Once inside the homes, thieves have been able to locate key fobs and steal cars. Unlocked vehicles that do not have a key fob inside are also being searched for valuables. In some cases, car burglars have resorted to smashing windows of vehicles parked at gyms, parks, and day care centers and grabbing purses, wallets and other valuables left inside. Bank and credit cards stolen from inside these vehicles are being used in multiple locations, compromising victims’ finances. Of critical concern to law enforcement is that some vehicles stolen in Morris County have been used to commit violent crimes in other areas, such as shootings, armed robberies and homicide.

One incident involved a vehicle stolen from Parsippany that was used in a shooting involving three firearms in Essex County. High-end makes and models – Mercedes Benz, Lexus, Range Rover, Porsche, Audi and Ford pick-up trucks – are most commonly targeted. But when they are locked, and no key fob is available, other models are targeted. Communities targeted by thieves are generally close to highways, including Routes 80, 287, 46 and 24. Most of the vehicles have been recovered – 75 percent – but typically are damaged. The stolen vehicles have predominantly been disposed of in Essex County. Community members are asked to be the first line of defense in preventing car thefts and car burglaries. Law enforcement asks you to take simple, proactive steps to discourage thieves who roam residential neighborhoods in the dark of night, checking parked vehicles on streets and in driveways to determine whether they are locked.

 Vehicles should never be left unlocked.
 Never leave a key fob in a vehicle.
 Neighbors should watch out for neighbors. Call your neighbor if you see that their car is unlocked or valuables are visible inside the vehicle.
 Report any suspicious activity or person.
 Call 911 to report crimes in progress.

To further combat this and other issues affecting our community, a multi-agency auto theft/anti-crime task force has been launched to enhance patrols and further investigations of auto theft and other pattern-type crimes. This initiative, first conceptualized by Chief Andrew Caggiano of the Montville Police Department, has come about through a partnership between the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Morris County Police Chiefs’ Association, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey State Police Auto Theft Task Force, in coordination with various law enforcement agencies.

“This vital task force will help us identify thieves and stop a stream of offenders from entering Morris County to steal from people when they’re asleep, visiting a gym or store, or when they are out of their home at work. The task force will enable us to conduct immediate investigations, across county lines, in an effort to locate vehicles and hold suspects accountable more quickly,” Morris County Sheriff James Gannon.

Montville Township Police Chief Andrew Caggiano said of his call for an Auto Theft Task Force: “In Montville, we are a geographically and economically convenient location. As such, we are experiencing a scourge of vehicle thefts and burglaries. I realized that there is strength in the combining of our forces, and proposed the Auto Theft Task Force.”

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp lauded this initiative, saying, “Chief Caggiano has taken the lead on this effort. However, we need our residents to be vigilant to prevent these crimes.”

Law enforcement is also tapping into technology to communicate with neighborhoods where car thefts or burglaries occur and ask residents to check for surveillance footage that may prove helpful in identifying suspects and other vehicles that may have been involved. Several apps that use home Wi-Fi to alert homeowners to the presence of someone at their door or within range of a security camera can provide a high-density video stream of activity on the exterior of their property.

The critical aspect of this initiative is to partner with members of the community, who are asked to be alert and provide information to law enforcement so that they can target suspects committing crimes in the county. “If you see something, say something.” Not just near your home but anywhere you observe something suspicious.

The Morris County Auto Theft Task Force can be contacted at (973) 285-6300 or after hours at (973) 285-2900.





St. Paddy’s Day Parade Cancelled: Mayor and Parade Committee Cite Virus Concerns

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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Parade Committee, in a joint statement with the Town of Morristown Council and Mayor Timothy Dougherty, have announced the cancellation of the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, scheduled for Saturday, March 14.

The announcement comes amid heightened con­cern of community spread due to the coronavirus, COVID-19. The Parade Committee and Town view the cancellation as a necessary precaution to minimize the spread of the virus and protect the health of our residents and visitors.

“We are disappointed by the decision, but it was entirely necessary,” said the Committee in a joint sta­tement. “We’ve been cautiously optimistic that the parade could still go forward, but as other towns and cities across the country take the difficult but neces­sary step to cancel their events, we must as well in Morris County.”

The decision was made in a joint effort with the Morris County Parade Committee, Mayor & Administration Office, Town Council, and County Health Department.

The Committee and Town are announcing, however, that a separate parade is in the works for late summer. The September event will be the halfway point to the 2021 parade festivities. More details on the event will come soon. “We also remind all residents and visitors in Morristown that even young people can be exposed to the virus and carry it home,” said the Mayor.

“We join Parade Committee and the Town Council in asking people to take precautions and heed the advice of the CDC as they celebrate this weekend.” The public should be particularly mindful of the CDC’s recent guidance for older adults and other high­ risk individuals to avoid large crowds or gatherings. “I am obviously upset by the decision to cancel the parade,” said Mayor Dougherty.

“But the most important thing we have to consider is safety. Above anything else, we must take the necessary steps to keep our residents and visitors safe. There will always be more parades.”

The Committee and Town would like to thank Stephanie L. Gorman, Assistant Health Officer and Dr. Carlos Perez, of the County of Morris Office of Health Management for their analysis, recommenda­tions, and guidance; and Trish O’Keefe, President of Morristown Medical Center, and her staff who have been in constant contact with the Mayor’s Office and provided vital information and leadership regarding the virus.





Sherrill Statement on COVID-19 State of Emergency

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Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill

PARSIPPANY — Following New Jersey’s declaration of a state of emergency in response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) issued the statement below:

“The announcement of New Jersey’s state of emergency declaration reflects the serious public health risk that coronavirus presents to our communities,” said Representative Sherrill. “It’s critical that we listen to medical and public health officials for the most accurate and up-to-date information. My office remains in close contact with local officials and healthcare providers, as well as the Governor’s Office and Centers for Disease Control. I am working closely with the New Jersey delegation in Congress to ensure that our state is able to secure any additional resources needed. We have some of the best medical centers and life science professionals in the country, and I will continue to support their efforts in every way I can.”

Last week, Representative Sherrill helped pass the bipartisan emergency supplemental funding package to respond to COVID-19. She convened a call with leaders from major hospital systems and primary care providers in the 11th Congressional District and a call with public health and office of emergency management officials from Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties to hear from them on COVID-19 preparations.

In addition, Representative Sherrill is hosting information from the Centers for Disease Control on her website for residents to get the most up-to-date information.

Residents who have questions or concerns should call New Jersey’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253 if using an out-of-state phone line.

Additional resources are below:

The Centers for Disease Control provides updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals.

The New Jersey Department of Health provides updates on the disease’s spread within the state, as well as frequently asked questions available here.

The U.S. State Department provides a list of travel advisories for those who are planning to fly outside of the United States.





CCM and Stockton University Sign Dual Admission Transfer Agreement

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Stockton University President Harvey Kesselman (l) and County College of Morris President Anthony J. Iacono sign a Pathways agreement to ease the transfer process for CCM students to earn a bachelor’s degree at the university

MORRIS COUNTY — The presidents of County College (CCM) of Morris and Stockton University today signed a dual admission and transfer partnership agreement that will help students make a smooth transition from the two-year college to Stockton’s bachelor’s degree program.

The Transfer Pathways agreement strengthens the relationship between Stockton and CCM by offering multiple opportunities for students to affordably pursue associate and bachelor’s degrees at the two institutions of higher education.

“We’re pleased to be offering this first-of-a-kind transfer agreement for our students to continue their higher education at Stockton University,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM. “Under this agreement, students from their first semester at CCM will be simultaneously enrolled at Stockton to provide a seamless pathway for earning their bachelor’s degree. The agreement further includes a dedicated scholarship program for CCM graduates to continue their education at Stockton. We’re proud to be further enhancing our relationship with such a great institution for the benefit of our students.”

Stockton President Harvey Kesselman said he is excited to provide Morris County students a new opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree and take advantage of Stockton resources while at the community college.

“This agreement will help support students as they begin their degree at County College of Morris, and also provides the assurance that they can have a smooth pathway to a bachelor’s degree at Stockton,” Kesselman said. “We look forward to participating in their success.”

The terms of the agreement include:

  • Students who are denied direct admission to Stockton as a freshman applicant can receive conditional dual admission in partnership with CCM.
  • Students will attend classes at CCM but will also have access to campus activities and student groups at Stockton using a special Stockton Identification Card from Stockton’s Transfer Pathways program. Students are also eligible to apply for housing on Stockton’s campus, space permitting.
  • Students already enrolled at CCM can apply for conditional acceptance to Stockton while working towards their associate degree, and be assured of acceptance prior to the term in which they are ready to transfer.
  • Students who successfully complete their associate degree at CCM can automatically transfer to Stockton with junior standing. Application fees to Stockton will be waived for eligible students.
  • Students who complete at least 36 credits at CCM and a total of 64 credits between the county college and the four-year institution are eligible to receive a retroactive associate degree from CCM. Stockton and CCM will co-host “reverse transfer” information sessions for students.
  • Stockton and CCM will develop specific program-to-program articulation agreements for high-demand majors to facilitate the quality and ease of transfer.
  • Students will receive joint advising from Stockton and CCM and a Stockton advisor will have office space and a regular schedule at CCM.
  • Students will be eligible for financial aid from whichever institution they are attending.
  • Stockton will provide five one-year scholarships of $2,000 per year to CCM graduates whose admission to Stockton is covered by the agreement.
  • Stockton and CCM will establish an advisory committee to ensure best practices in recruitment, enrollment management, academic and student services, information technology, marketing and facilities use.

With this agreement, half of the 18 community colleges in the state are participating in the Transfer Pathways program. Other participating community colleges are Atlantic Cape Community College, Brookdale Community College, Camden County College, Rowan College of South Jersey, Mercer County Community College, Ocean County College, Rowan College at Burlington County and Salem Community College and is pursuing additional partnerships with other community colleges in the state.

To view photos of the ceremony click here.





Bucco: Glad Legislative Leaders, NJEA Working Together on Reforms to Lower Costs for Taxpayers

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MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Anthony M. Bucco responded to a new proposal by legislative leaders and the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) that could lower healthcare premiums for the union’s members and reduce costs for taxpayers.

“I’m glad that legislative leaders and the NJEA are finally working together to negotiate cost-saving reforms that are acceptable to both parties,” said Bucco (R-25). “The announcement is a reflection that everyone agrees the cost of healthcare is too high and more must be done to lower costs for both teachers and taxpayers.”

The Senate President announced that new legislation to effectuate the proposed health plan changes would be advanced alongside a pair of bills supported by the NJEA, including S-1928, which is sponsored by Bucco.

S-1928 prohibits an employer from entering into a subcontracting agreement which may affect the employment of any employees in a collective bargaining unit under any circumstances during the term of an existing collective bargaining agreement covering the employees.

“My legislation will prevent the jobs of our cafeteria and janitorial workers and others who are important members of our school communities from being outsourced to vendors during the term of a contract,” said Bucco. “I think the news today that we’re working to lower healthcare costs for teachers and protect school worker jobs, all while lowering tax bills, is extremely positive.”





Chat with Mountain Lakes Police Chief

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File Photo

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Join the League of Women Voters of Mountain Lakes for the first in a series of conversations with the Mountain Lakes Police Department.

You can have an opportunity to chat with Mountain Lakes Police Chief Shawn Bennett on March 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Mountain Lakes Library Community Room, 9 Elm Road.

Everyone welcome! Bring your questions for Chief Bennett. The Mountain Lakes Police Department wants to be responsive to our community. Coffee and Tea will be served.

The League of Women Voters Mountain Lakes is part of a national civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.  They believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy. Learn more and join by clicking here.

 





Florham Park Child Safety Seat Inspection

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FLORHAM PARK — For over 20 years, the Florham Park Police Department – in cooperation with the Florham Park Fire Prevention Bureau – has been educating and assisting the community on child safety seat installations at no cost to the individual.  Due to limited resources, there no longer will be the monthly Child Safety Seat Checkpoints held at the Brooklake Road Firehouse or walk-in requests for help.

The Florham Park Police Department will assist Florham Park residents only looking for guidance on child safety seat installations by appointment only.  Those requesting assistance are asked to contact Sergeant Bundschuh at (973)410-5375 and leave a message with your name, phone number, and preferred availability.

For other local alternatives and monthly checkpoints where no appointment is necessary, click here.





East Hanover Recreation Summer Employment

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EAST HANOVER — Applications for Playground Counselors and Lifeguards are now being accepted at the Recreation Office. To apply please call the office at (973) 888-6085 or stop by Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Playground Counselors: Must be 18 and older to apply. Deadline for applications – April 6.

Lifeguards: Must be certified in lifeguard/CPR/first aid. Deadline for applications – March 30.





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