MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders is closely monitoring the situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and has authorized county funding for needs related to this issue.  Morris County will employ an epidemiologist and a public health nurse, allowing for a more rapid response to local issues that arise in conjunction with coronavirus.

The Morris County Office of Emergency Management and Office of Health Management are coordinating regularly with officials in all 39 Morris County towns, school districts, and major healthcare providers.

“Morris County has proven time and time again that when the challenges are the greatest, it is the bond that we have fostered with our local governing bodies that will make us successful,” said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.

Officials across the county are working in concert with the state Department of Health and federal agencies to ensure they have the latest information to best deal with the virus. In particular, county officials are working closely with Atlantic Health and Saint Clare’s Health.

Connections have also been made with the large network of nonprofits that serve Morris County.  It is vital that these providers are able to continue to provide the diverse and often essential support to the community.

“County residents should be assured that we are taking all necessary steps to be prepared to deal with this virus,’’ said Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo. “Significant coordination has occurred and will continue to occur so that resources may be shared in the most effective way.’’

• Morris County is working with health and medical professionals to take extra precautions at county government facilities, including the Correctional Facility, Juvenile Detention Center, Youth Shelter, and 9-1-1 Communications Center;
• The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is working in partnership with the Morris County OEM to support all operational activities.
• The Morris County Communications (9-1-1) Center has implemented call screening tools for emergency medical calls to identify potential COVID-19 cases at the time of dispatch, so first responders can be aware of relevant information and take appropriate precautions;
• Morris County OEM’s Mobile Ambulance Bus will have added equipment on board capable of assessing large numbers of patients in connection with COVID-19, if needed.
• County OEM is encouraging EMS responders, physicians, and healthcare facilities operators to make early notifications to hospitals, allowing hospitals to be prepared for patient admission prior to arrival.

The following are tips provided by the Morris County Office of Health Management (consistent with CDC recommendations) to protect yourself and others from respiratory infections, including the coronavirus (COVID-19):

• Stay home if you are sick;
• Limit close contact with people who are sick;
• Put distance between yourself and other people. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
• Avoid handshakes. Try an elbow bump;
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol;
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as door handles and cellphones;
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands);
• Get a flu shot to prevent the flu if you have not done so this season.

Residents are asked to avoid rumors and some less-than-accurate reports about this virus. Keep informed by obtaining information from trusted and reliable sources, including the CDC, NJDOH, and their local health departments:

Click here for CDC’s COVID-19 website.

Click here for N.J. Department of Health COVID-19 website:

NJ COVID-19 Information Public Call Center: 1-800-222-1222.

For your local health department, see the Morris County Office of Health Management click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Peter Charles Maynard, 65, died in a glider crash in Front Royal Virginia on February 9.

He was born in Riverhead, LI, NY on December 13, 1954 and grew up in Lancaster, PA and Long Valley where he has many friends.

He graduated from East Stroudsburg University and the Police Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany. Peter worked with the Chester Borough Police Department and was an officer with the Morris Township Police Department.

Peter retired from a 35 year career as a pilot with United Airlines in December, 2019. He retired from a full career in the Air-Force Reserves as a Colonel stationed at the Pentagon. Peter was the president of his glider club in Virginia and was on the Planning Board in Berryville.

He married Anne Downing on Sunday, November 8, 1981. Peter and Anne have two lovely girls, Kimberly Anne Maynard of San Francisco, CA and Casey Leigh Maynard, Indiana and soon to return to Berryville, Virginia.

Peter is also survived by his Mother, Maxine Derbyshire Maynard, 95, who lives in Edgewater, Florida with Peter’s brother, Walter H. Maynard III and his wife, Lavon Maynard. Walter III has three boys, Walter IV, Warren and Wyatt. Peter’s father, Walter H. Maynard, Jr. predeceased him.

Peter is also predeceased by his brother, Glenn Dennis Maynard who died in 2018, survived by his dear wife, Elizabeth Maynard of Virginia. Peter’s brother, James Henry Maynard, Esq. and his wife, Holly Ann Maynard, live in Bedminster. Peter’s brother, Stuart Lincoln Maynard and his wife, Amy live with daughter, Presley, in Lebanon, Tennessee. Peter has two sisters. Arlene Maynard and her husband, Dr. George E. Clark, live in Cedar Knolls with daughter, Dona Marie Marhoumy and grandson, Sharif M. Marhoumy. Granddaughter, Shareen Mona Marhoumy, lives in McLean, Virginia. Son Walter Charles Arthur Maynard, Michele Maynard and daughter, MariaMaxine Maynard live in CA. Peter’s sister, Gloria Elaine Maynard lives in Boonton. Nieces Grace Elaine Morales and Noel Marie Maynard live in NJ. Newphews Jordan and wife, McKayla Morales live in NC with daughter, Margot Rose. Aaron Matthew Morales is a student at Virginia Tech.

Peter was much loved and is missed and left us too soon. He had a quick smile and great humor. He worked hard, travelled far and had many friends. The center of his life was always his wife, Anne and his two dear daughters, Kimberly and Casey.

His many friends and family are invited to meet together to Cheers for Peter at The Olde Mill Inn, 225 US Highway 202, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, in the Grain Room for dinner, stories, pictures, video and friendship. Contact Arlene Maynard at (973) 879-1741 with questions.

Bring photos, memories, family and friends.

MORRIS COUNTY — First Bank announced that it donated a record amount of time, talent and money during the 2019 calendar year.

The growing community bank, which offers 18 full-service branches throughout New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, gave back $368,000, which includes volunteering nearly 2,000 hours of from its 200-plus employees.

“Giving is living,” said First Bank President and CEO Patrick L. Ryan. “We believe in building our communities and that begins with helping our neighbors.”

Helping the Heart of Trenton

The Rescue Mission of Trenton operates a thrift store at 100 Carroll Street which “is a vibrant part of the community,” according to Mary Gay Abbott-Young, CEO of the nonprofit. “And it works on three important levels. For those who donate, it provides a wonderful sense of giving. For those who shop here, it provides a very affordable way to find some great values. And for the residents of The Mission, it provides diversified job training.”

When Emilio Cooper, Executive Vice President and Chief Deposits Officer of First Bank, first visited The Mission, he was moved: “This is where people can come when they are in desperate need and most vulnerable. It is where they can get another chance. And it is done with such compassion, dignity and honor.”

Sensing his deep commitment, Abbott-Young asked Cooper to consider joining the board of directors. As a new board member, one of the first things Emilio did was oversee a $20,000 donation of office furniture, which helped many individuals and families in need.

Abbot-Young added, “My heart is always lifted knowing that we are connected to compassionate and generous individuals like Emilio and organizations like First Bank, who want to make a real difference.”

Supporting Young Children in Northern Jersey

When First Bank heard about Preschool Advantage’s mission to provide early education to young children, employees decided to participate in the nonprofit’s 24^th annual golf outing at the Morris County Golf Club.

First Bank—which sponsored a foursome that included the community bank’s Northern New Jersey Regional President David DiStefano and Relationship Manager Thomas Bay—helped Preschool Advantage break the fundraising record set in 2018, funding more than 22 scholarships for children in need of help securing a great start at a quality preschool. Preschool Advantage has paid more than 1,500 tuitions throughout its history and assisted 102 children in 2019. (The organization is currently accepting applications for the 2020-2021 academic year.)

“Getting these children into one of our 28 partner schools allows them to begin to interact better with others and develop like other children whose families don’t have economic constraints,” said Preschool Advantage Executive Director Molly Dunn. “We are pleased to have First Bank join us in our efforts to make a difference, one child at a time.”

Assisting Students in Need

In 2019, First Bank donated more than $60,000 to the West Chester, Pa., community through numerous organizations.

When First Bank employees heard about the West Chester University Foundation’s fight against homelessness among college students, they wanted to make a difference.

“We heard about the homeless students that we were completely unaware of,” said Ed Caporellie, the West Chester Branch Manager and an 18-year Downingtown, Pa., resident. “How can a student go to school and be homeless? We didn’t know that this large problem existed, and we decided to help.”

Joseph R. Calabro, who is the Pennsylvania Regional President at First Bank’s West Chester branch and a 21-year West Chester resident, said the bank plans to continue supporting West Chester University’s Promise Program that includes Resource Pantry, which provides food for hungry college students, and Fund to Finish, which provides emergency financial aid.

What First Bank Brings to Communities

There are several reasons why First Bank is one of the fastest-growing community banks in the nation.

For example, the bank believes in local decision-making. In other words, clients have access to First Bank’s decision-makers. The bank’s market executives have lending authority—and use it. For larger clients, customers can expect to talk to the bank’s CEO, who plays a pivotal role in helping to foster lasting business relationships.

Most importantly, the community bank views itself as a solution-provider, where everything begins with a conversation. First Bank’s employees listen intently and ask smart questions, so they can provide the best answer.

In addition, First Bank operates with a long-term mindset. It recognizes that its reputation is its most valuable asset. To preserve its good name, First Bank keenly focuses on delivering the best long-term results. By providing great recommendations and following through on its promises, the community bank continues to build its reputation and base of happy customers.

The community bank’s branches offer the bank’s full range of financial solutions for families and businesses, including:

• Personal deposit accounts
• Business deposit accounts
• Certificates of deposits
• Retirement accounts
• Cash management services
• Commercial lending
• Lines of credit
• Term loans
• Real estate loans

The bank offers traditional deposit and loan banking services for individuals, families and commercial clients. The bank has approximately 210 employees working throughout New Jersey in Burlington, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset and Morris counties, as well as Bucks and Chester counties in Pennsylvania.

To learn more about First Bank click here.

PARSIPPANY — Meet Lily! This gorgeous cowgirl is ready to find her forever home after birthing and weaning her pups!

Lily was rescued from a local, municipal shelter where she came in in very, very bad shape. Lily was part of a neglect case and they soon realized she was pregnant and reached out to us.

While Lily clearly had a hard life before coming to us, she could not be sweeter or friendlier with her family if she tried! Lily loves to cuddle, lay on your lap, and be a couch potato!

Lily definitely enjoys a walk and a romp in the yard, but she is not a high energy pup despite her being so young. Lily is potty-trained and walks well on leash. She would prefer a home with someone who is home more often than not because she loves being with people.

Due to her past, Lily has a hard time trusting strangers. She absolutely loves her family but will need people to understand her limitations with strangers. Lily can live with other dogs and children 16+!

If you’re looking for a dog who wants to give you all the love in the world and more, apply to adopt Lily today!

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

Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.

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.”

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.

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.

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.