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Morris County Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center Opens

By
Frank Cahill
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Sgt. Gil Benitez of the Mountain Lakes Police Department is greeted by Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw just before being vaccinated

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.

Governor Murphy (center) toured the vaccine center with Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw (left of Governor). Also touring were AHS CEO Brian Gragnolati (far right), U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (right of Governor), and state Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli (far left).

“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).

Morris County Commissioners Stephen Shaw, Tayfun Selen, and John Krickus touring the vaccine center prior to its official opening

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).

MCYR Chair Supports Line

By
Frank Cahill
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Chairman - Justin Musella (Parsippany)

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.

 

Murphy Administration Reminds New Jerseyans of Coverage Benefits for COVID-19 Vaccine

By
Frank Cahill
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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.”

Coverage Information

  • If you are covered by a private health plan (whether obtained directly through the individual market or through your employer): All group and individual comprehensive health insurance plans must provide coverage for COVID-19 immunization and its administration. During the federal public health emergency, these plans must provide this coverage without cost-sharing, regardless of whether the provider is in or out of network. For more information, please contact your insurance provider or click here.
  • If you are covered by Medicare Part B: The vaccine and the administration of that vaccine will be covered without coinsurance or deductible.
  • If you are covered by a Medicare Advantage Plan: Beneficiary copayment, coinsurance and deductible are waived for COVID-19 vaccine and its administration for calendar years 2020 and 2021.
  • If you are covered by SHBP or SEHBP: The vaccine and the administration of that vaccine will be covered without coinsurance or deductible for in or out of network providers.
  • If you are covered by NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid or CHIP): The vaccine and the administration of that vaccine will be covered without copays for in or out-of-network providers.
  • If you are uninsured: health care providers that participate in the Center for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination Program must agree to administer a COVID-19 immunization regardless of an individual’s ability to pay or health insurance coverage status, and may not seek reimbursement from the immunization recipient. For information on sites that are providing the vaccine click here. This site will be updated as more locations are added.

For more information click here.

Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Certified by Fear Free Program

By
Frank Cahill
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Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter is located at 194 Route 10, East Hanover

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.

Sherrill Calls for the Removal of President Trump

By
Frank Cahill
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Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill's Washington Office

MORRIS COUNTY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement:

Yesterday, this country experienced an undemocratic insurrection, incited by the President of the United States and other Republican leaders. Citizens have a constitutional right to protest but what we saw yesterday at the Capitol was rioting, trespassing, and violence. Those who participated should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The massive security failure at the Capitol complex must be investigated.

I stood in the House Chamber as these extremists breached the building in an attempt to stop the election certification and undermine our constitutional duties because they believed the 2020 election was stolen: a belief directly encouraged by the president. It was not. Our intelligence agencies declared this election ‘the most secure in American history.’ Election officials, Republican and Democrat alike, have certified the election results in every state in the nation and courts have thrown out over 60 cases. We returned to the chamber last night, among bullet holes and broken windows, to stand up for our democracy, certify this election, and ensure Joe Biden will take office on January 20.

The president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. We cannot tolerate a president who fomented an armed insurrection and actively thwarts the peaceful transfer of power in the United States of America. Cabinet officials must take responsibility and invoke the 25th Amendment. And if they cannot fulfill their duty to this country, Congress will be forced to once again stand up for our values and use the whole host of our powers so this cannot happen again, up to and including impeachment.

Yesterday marked one of the darkest days in our history. But we will not back away in our defense of this country. I will fulfill my responsibilities as an American and as an elected representative to the United States Congress to protect our democracy.

John L. Ferramosca Chosen to Serve as Hanover Mayor

By
Frank Cahill
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Mayor John L. Ferramosca. File Photo

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — During the reorganization meeting of the Hanover Township Committee, John L. Ferramosca was chosen to serve as Mayor and Thomas “Ace” Gallagher as  Deputy Mayor.

Deputy Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher

Other members of the Township Committee include Ronald F. Francioli, Committeeman,  Brian J. Cahill, Committeeman, and Michael A. Mihalko, Committeeman.

Brian J. Cahill, Michael A. Mihalko, Ronald F. Francioli, Mayor John L. Ferramosca, and Deputy Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher

Click here to download the 2020 Meeting Dates for the Township Committee.

Weichert Raises $25,000 for the American Cancer Society

By
Frank Cahill
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Joe McDonald

MORRIS COUNTY — The Weichert Family of Companies is proud to announce that its employees, associates, friends, and sponsors were able to raise a collective donation of $25,000 for the American Cancer Society (ACS) and breast cancer research in 2020. These contributions came despite the hardships brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s a real testament to the kindness and generosity of people when, in the most challenging of times, they can still find it in their hearts to give,” said Joe McDonald, regional vice president for Weichert, Realtors. “Breast cancer continues to hit close to home for so many of our colleagues, family members, and friends, who are battling this deadly disease.”

In a normal year, Weichert would have held its annual golf outing fundraiser. In fact, the company was well into preparations for its milestone 20th Annual Charity Golf Outing when COVID-19 hit last March. Like most events in 2020, the pandemic forced Weichert to cancel the golf outing. Nevertheless, the company remained optimistic that many people would still be eager to support the cause.

“The Weichert culture has always been one of giving back to the communities in which we live and work and supporting causes that strive to make the world a better place. Throughout our 20 years of supporting the American Cancer Society, the donations of our sponsors have helped many people through their journey with breast cancer,” explained McDonald.

Since the annual fundraiser began in 2001, Weichert has raised a remarkable $1.637 million for the ACS and breast cancer research.

According to McDonald, the event chairperson, Weichert’s 2021 Annual Charity Golf Outing is scheduled for August 19 at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster. “Our hope is that we can resume our charity event later this year and exceed our previous donations with the continued support of our generous contributors.”

Morris County’s Look Back at 2020

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s Look Back at 2020. The Morris County Commissioners presented this video at the 2021 Annual Meeting on January 4, 2021. Check out this look back on the year in Morris County!

Hanover Committeemen Brian Cahill and Michael Mihalko Sworn In

By
Frank Cahill
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Business Administrator/Township Clerk Joseph A. Giorgio administered the Oaths of Office to Brian J. Cahill and Michael A. Mihalko

HANOVER — Since the Township Committee Re-Organization Meeting is convening on a Zoom Webinar on Thursday, January 7, 2021, Business Administrator/Township Clerk Joseph A. Giorgio administered the Oaths of Office to Committeeman Brian J. Cahill and Committeeman Michael A. Mihalko on January 4, 2021.

Congratulations to Brian Cahill and Michael Mihalko.

Hanover Township to Hold Annual Reorganization Meeting

By
Frank Cahill
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Brian J. Cahill, Michael A. Mihalko, Ronald F. Francioli, John L. Ferramosca, and Thomas "Ace" Gallagher

HANOVER —  Hanover Township Committee will hold its annual Reorganization Meeting of the Township’s government on Thursday evening January 7, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.

The meeting will be virtual via a Zoom Webinar by clicking here or by phone at 1-646-558-8656.

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