MORRIS COUNTY — In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday, Post Offices will be closed and only Priority Mail Express will be delivered on Monday, January 18. Full mail delivery, postal retail operations, and mail collections will resume on Tuesday, January 19.
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations.
ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Wharton Police Department Chief David Young announce the arrest of Luis Rodriguez-Ponce, 29, of Rockaway Township.
The defendant has been charged with Invasion of Privacy, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-9a, a crime of the fourth degree; Peering into Dwelling Places, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3c, a crime of the fourth degree; and Stalking, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10b, a crime of the fourth degree.
It is alleged that between December 1, 2020, and January 9, 2021, the defendant stalked a female acquaintance, sent her harassing communications, and followed her back to her home on several occasions. It is further alleged that the defendant peered into her bedroom window as she was changing her clothes.
The defendant has been charged by warrant-complaint and is currently lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility in accordance with Criminal Justice Reform. Acting Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit and the Wharton Police Department, whose efforts contributed to the investigation of the matter.
Anyone with information relating to this incident is encouraged to call the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200 or the Wharton Police Department at (973) 366-0557.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
NEW JERSEY — Former N.J. Republican Chair Doug Steinhardt announced, “unfortunately, unforeseen professional obligations have made it untenable for me to continue in this race as a candidate for Governor.”
Steinhardt who stepped down as head of the state GOP to run for governor — also thanked his supporters, saying “your message was heard loud and clear, and you do have a voice.” Together we will rise above, and we will ultimately Take Back New Jersey.
Steinhardt, a 52-year-old Warren County attorney, said in a statement he was exiting the battle for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Governor Phil Murphy.
He did not specify what those obligations are.
Steinhardt is a partner in Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli Tipton & Taylor LLC .
MORRIS COUNTY — Bucknell University has released the dean’s list for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2020-21 academic year. A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean’s list recognition. The following students have achieved dean’s list status:
Julia Frederickson, class of 2024, from Boonton
Jayne Marie Muoio, class of 2022, from Boonton
Matthew Barkauskas, class of 2022, from Mountain Lakes
Sebastien Bickford, class of 2021, from Mountain Lakes
Annie Borin, class of 2023, from Mountain Lakes
Will Pirolo, class of 2021, from Mountain Lakes
Faith Reilly, class of 2022, from Mountain Lakes
Kevin Richter, class of 2021, from Mountain Lakes
Hannah Adinaro, class of 2022, from Florham Park
Rachel Keselman, class of 2021, from Florham Park
Caroline Blount, class of 2022, from Madison
Mike Kearney, class of 2021, from Madison
Leah Rutland, class of 2023, from Madison
Jack Ticknor, class of 2022, from Madison
Holly Burns, class of 2022, from Morris Plains
Jameson Rulon, class of 2024, from Morris Plains
Matt Rulon, class of 2021, from Morris Plains
Located in Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is a highly selective private liberal arts university that offers majors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and social and natural sciences, along with broad opportunities outside of class, to its 3,600 undergraduates. Graduate programs are available in select disciplines. Students benefit from a small student-faculty ratio of 9:1, personal attention from faculty, leadership opportunities, and excellent graduation rates and career outcomes.
FLORHAM PARK — The Florham Park Department of Public Works will be picking up Christmas trees starting Monday, January 11. Please place Christmas trees curbside.
WASHINGTON – As the U.S. Small Business Administration continues implementation of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law by President Trump on December 27, 2020, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza made the following statement in regards to Section 325:
“Small business is big business in America, and this Administration will continue to extend a lifeline to small business owners during this critical time. Congress charged the SBA with making debt relief payments (principal, interest, and fee payments) under Section 1112 of the CARES Act to help borrowers in SBA’s 7(a), 504, and Microloan programs; and now SBA is working expeditiously to implement the newly enacted assistance.
The new law extends SBA debt relief authority, allowing the Administration to continue alleviating adverse economic effects of COVID-19 for small businesses with SBA loans. Since April last year, the SBA has made over $7.1 billion in payments across 1,819,130 loans on behalf of these borrowers. It’s important to note that these firms were also initially able to access capital because of the SBA federal guarantee.”
The SBA is determining how much additional debt relief assistance can be provided to SBA borrowers with the newly issued Congressional appropriation. Debt Relief guidance will soon be posted on the SBA website.
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
MORRIS COUNTY — The County of Morris and Atlantic Health System joined New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy in a huge step forward in the fight against COVID-19 by officially opening the doors to the Morris County Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center. This facility, housed in a former Sears store at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall, will eventually deliver thousands of doses of vaccine a week in accordance with the phased eligibility system provided by the State of New Jersey.
Currently open to all phase 1A health care workers, law enforcement officers, and firefighters, the COVID-19 Vaccination Center or “mega-site” will deliver vaccinations using the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. Reservations will be made using an on-line registration form, a link to which can be found at the Atlantic Health System website. Appointments for second doses will be made on-site (the Moderna vaccine requires a second dose approximately four weeks after the initial dose).
To sign up for an appointment at the Morris County Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center click here or click here.
“The arrival of safe and effective vaccines represents a landmark moment in our fight against COVID-19, making this center a place of hope and healing for our entire region,” said Brian Gragnolati, President and CEO, Atlantic Health System. “On behalf of patients and caregivers across New Jersey, I want to thank Governor Murphy and Morris County leaders for their tremendous support and partnership. Together, we are taking the next big step forward in protecting our friends, neighbors, and communities. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to receive their vaccinations as soon as they are eligible.”
“This is a tremendous logistical undertaking by Morris County in partnership with Atlantic Health System and the State of New Jersey. Our Offices of Public Health and Emergency Management worked tirelessly through the holiday season with Atlantic Health to identify and transform an empty retail space into a large scale, safe, secure regional vaccination facility,” said Stephen H. Shaw, Director of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners. “Morris County remains steadfast in its commitment to allocate the resources necessary to protect public health. We anticipate being able to inoculate as many as 2,400 individuals daily at this facility. Our thanks go out to Atlantic Health for its contributions of staff and assets, Governor Murphy for his support, everyone in our Offices of Public Health and Emergency Management, the National Guard, our Sheriff, and all the healthcare workers who have made this possible.” Gragnolati, President and CEO, Atlantic Health System. “On behalf of patients and caregivers across New Jersey, I want to thank Governor Murphy and Morris County leaders for their tremendous support and partnership. Together, we are taking the next big step forward in protecting our friends, neighbors, and communities. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to receive their vaccinations as soon as they are eligible.”
The first floor, 30,000 square feet of the former Sears store, was converted from shuttered retail space to a vaccination mega-site in less than four weeks. Initially able to administer one thousand doses per week (contingent on vaccine supply), the Regional COVID-19 Vaccination
The Center will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The goal is to eventually be able to administer 2,400 doses per day (contingent on vaccine supply), from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week.
“Throughout this pandemic, our first responders have continued to save lives and protect our communities, and I am proud today that we are able to provide them with this added level of protection as they continue to do their jobs,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “When we’re ready to move forward, this site will serve as one of six mega-sites for the general public to receive their vaccinations. With hundreds of thousands of preregistrations already received, we know there will be a strong demand when that day arrives.”
All sworn law enforcement and fire professionals in New Jersey are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, which is estimated to include about 55,000 individuals. These first responders are the first individuals in Phase 1B to become eligible for vaccination. EMS professionals, also considered first responders, are already eligible for the vaccine under Phase 1A as health care workers.
“We’re all used to charging head-on into potentially dangerous situations, but COVID-19 has added a whole new layer of uncertainty and change for all of us,” said John Alderton, a career firefighter and EMT with the Morris Township Fire Department. “This vaccine is the first step of us moving in the right direction. Thank you Governor Murphy for bringing this vaccine to not only first responders but hopefully in the near future, to every New Jersey resident.”
To help ensure the safety of everyone inside, the building features 16 air purifiers that turn over the air every nine minutes. An estimated 100 county workers, Atlantic Health team members, sheriff’s officers, and National Guard are on site today and their ranks are expected to expand to 150 when the center is at full capacity (contingent on vaccine supply).
“This Mega Center is a wonderful example of a great partnership between the State, County, and Atlantic Health. I give the Morris County Commissioners and the Morris County Sheriff a great deal of credit for once again being ahead of the curve and making sure Morris County is at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. Morris County always seems to rise to the occasion when a response like this is necessary for the public health, safety, and welfare of our residents,” said state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco, who also visited the center.
The Morris County Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center is one of six mega-sites planned for New Jersey, with other locations in Gloucester County (Rowan College of South Jersey in Sewell – also scheduled to open today), East Rutherford (The Meadowlands), Edison (New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center), Burlington County (The Moorestown Mall) and Atlantic City (The Atlantic City Convention Center).
Joining Commissioner Shaw, Gragnolati and Gov. Murphy in a tour of the facility that was led by Scott DiGiralomo, Morris County Director of Law and Public Safety, were state Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (11th Dist).
MORRIS COUNTY — “As Chairman of the Morris County Young Republicans, it is my duty to support the efforts of our Party’s initiatives to help us become more effective and successful as an organization. With the coming vote of a Morris County Committee Endorsement process on January 16, I, therefore, encourage all county committee members to vote yes. I further ask that all young Republicans encourage their respective county committee members to also support this proposal,” said Justin Musella.
“I strongly believe that a formal County Committee Endorsement process will be of overall benefit to the Party and more specifically—to all our young Republicans. A County Committee Endorsement process levels the competitive landscape from campaigning to 133,000 registered Republicans to approximately 660. The barrier to entry is very high for younger newcomers and having a more level playing field against well-financed incumbents can significantly help us moving forward. This ability to encourage newcomers to seek the County Committee Endorsement will be a vital tool for success while it enables young Republicans to have a larger say in who we elect as our future Republican candidates. It will also provide a great reason and benefit to serving on the county committee,” continued Musella.
The time has come for us as an organization to help our Party get to the next level, so I ask you to please vote YES on January 16.
MORRIS COUNTY — As New Jersey continues to scale up its statewide vaccination program, the Murphy Administration today reminded New Jerseyans that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available without cost-sharing barriers. Pursuant to the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Agreement, all providers must vaccinate individuals regardless of whether they have health insurance coverage or what type of coverage they have, and are prohibited from balance billing or otherwise charging vaccine recipients.
“As we continue to roll out our robust statewide vaccination program, we want to make it clear to New Jerseyans that no one will have to pay for the vaccine itself, regardless of whether or not they have health insurance coverage,” said Governor Murphy. “We strongly encourage everyone to join hundreds of thousands of their fellow New Jerseyans in preregistering to receive the vaccine and taking another step toward ending this pandemic.”
“As residents begin to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, they should know that the vaccination will be provided with no out-of-pocket costs,” said Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride. “We issued guidance reminding insurance companies of this requirement as the state works to protect the health and safety of our residents in response to the global pandemic.”
“The Department of Health is thankful to the many providers who have signed agreements with the State to administer vaccines in communities throughout New Jersey,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “This has been a complex process of linking all types of providers to deliver vaccines to New Jersey residents without cost to those residents. The goal of vaccinating 70% of the adult population in New Jersey is going to be met through these partnerships and through the thousands of New Jersey residents who recognize that vaccines matter.”
“NJ FamilyCare recipients can get the COVID vaccine at no cost and at any vaccination site,” said Human Services Deputy Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “That means zero co-pays for the vaccine and its administration, no matter the provider, so we urge everyone to sign up and get the vaccine when they are eligible. We are all eager to end this pandemic and save lives. For NJ FamilyCare recipients, you can protect yourself at no cost.”
“As vaccines become available to more residents, all New Jerseyans should know that they will be able to access the COVID-19 vaccine from participating providers and that insurance coverage or cost-sharing should not be barriers,” said Shabnam Salih, Director of the Office of Health Care Affordability and Transparency. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity for the well-being of themselves, their families, and their communities and to help prevent the further loss of human life.”
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EAST HANOVER — Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter promotes the fostering and adoption of rescue dogs and cats, today announced their designation as one of the region’s only Fear Free Shelters.
Abandoned or abused animals that live in close quarters with one another typically express symptoms of fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS). The Fear Free Shelter Program trains staff at animal-care shelters to use specialized techniques and practices which reduce these symptoms in their resident pets, providing a better quality of life in the shelter. With this new training, the staff of Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter is able to provide an even more compassionate and caring environment for the pets in their care. As one of the only fear-free shelters in the region, the animals of Mt. Pleasant animal shelter will be housed in an environment that best meets their emotions and needs.
The certification comes after a period of collaboration between the board of Mt. Pleasant and Dr. Sarah Pizano, animal welfare strategist and author of The Best Practice Playbook for Animal Shelters.
“While our team at the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter takes pride in the quality of care we provide to our pets, taking part in the fear-free training ensures that all our animals remain both physically and mentally happy, healthy and comfortable throughout their time with us,” said Lorri Caffrey, Interim Executive Director of Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter. “Now that our team at Mt. Pleasant has been certified, we are excited to extend our training to volunteers and foster families.”
In addition to implementing fear-free training, Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter has also named Mary Altomare DVM, as Head Veterinarian. She has been with the shelter since September 2020 and leads a team of veterinary technicians and volunteers specializing in the care and adoption of shelter animals. Dr. Altomare is a longstanding member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and is a community advocate for the welfare of all animals. She also serves as a relief veterinarian/surgeon throughout northern New Jersey and adjunct professor for the Bergen Community College Veterinary Technician program. She has both a small and large animal veterinary education from St. Matthews University with a residency from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor in Environmental Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.
Mt. Pleasant this week also announced that Taylor Woehle, CVT will join the team as Lead Veterinary Technician, boasting an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Veterinary Technology from Bergen Community College. Working with animals for over seven years, Taylor has vast knowledge in both animal care and leadership. Another graduate of the Bergen Community Colledge Veterinary Technology Program, Kaitlyn Rifici, CVT will also join the team this month. Kaitlyn has over eight years of experience caring for animals with six of them being in an animal shelter.
“Our vision goes beyond simply providing top-quality care for the Tri-State Area’s soon-to-be-adopted pets,” said Henry Ristuccia, president of Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Board of Directors. “Mt. Pleasant is committed to being a resource for our community and a leader in animal care. Our foster, volunteer, and hospice programs, along with our new team of committed and experienced veterinarians, are a testament to the ways in which Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter can bring a community together for the common cause of animal welfare.’”
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter is located at 194 Route 10, East Hanover.
Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.
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