MORRIS COUNTY — Visual/Graphic Arts teacher at Morris Catholic High School in Denville, Arlene Sullivan, delivered 200 transparent medical masks to facilities in need this past week.  Masks were given out to Wayne healthcare workers in Care One, thanks to the request of Gary Marchese, a dedicated volunteer and to Preakness Healthcare Center/WPU testing site, thanks to Passaic County Freeholder, John Bartlett.  In addition, masks also went to The Chelsea in Montville and the Kessler Rehab Hospital in Saddle Brook, due to direct requests for help.

Sullivan has been 3D printing Prusa 3 parts practically nonstop since the shut down began in mid-March.  Working with a grassroots organization in Newton which started out with robotics teachers in three Sussex County high schools, Newton High, Lenape Valley, and Vernon and has now expanded to over 50 participants, Sullivan has been delivering printed parts weekly to Jim Hofmann in Newton where they are assembled, packaged in bundles of 25 and delivered to hospitals in need.  “Originally the goal was 1000 but with all the volunteers joining in, we have distributed over 5000 and the number is growing because the need for safety equipment for healthcare workers is still so desperate. I am honored to be able to do something positive in these terribly frightening times.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (A3966), authorizing the sale and delivery of alcoholic beverages by the holders of certain retail consumption licenses and concessionaire permits during the COVID-19 state of emergency

Under the bill, the holder of plenary retail consumption licenses, hotel or motel licenses, seasonal retail consumption licenses, or concessionaire permits, generally issued to bars and restaurants, would be permitted to sell and deliver alcoholic beverages in original containers or in closed and sealed containers and mixed cocktails in closed and sealed containers for consumption off the licensed premises during the state of emergency.

The bill would also allow craft distillery licensees to sell for consumption off the licensed premises distilled alcoholic beverages that are manufactured on the licensed premises and mixed or blended with other alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages and sold in closed and sealed containers.  Additionally, the bill would allow craft distilleries to sell distilled alcoholic beverages in original containers accompanied by one or more nonalcoholic beverages or foodstuffs that may be combined by the consumer to prepare a mixed drink.

“New Jersey’s restaurant and hospitality industry, like so many other businesses, has suffered tremendous financial losses due to COVID-19,” said Governor Murphy. “Allowing business owners with certain licenses and permits to sell beverages directly to consumers is a creative way to alleviate some of their financial uncertainty.”

“Local restaurants and bars that relied heavily on taproom revenues are finding it tough to make ends meet,” said Assemblyman John Burzichelli. “This bill gives throws them a lifeline. It offers a chance to create more sustainable cash flow, so we can see the industry rebuild as we come out of this COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Despite their own struggles, distilleries have come to our aid and established themselves as selfless partners in this fight by shifting some of their production to hand sanitizer,” said Assemblyman Roy Freiman.“Giving them some financial leeway is how we thank them for their role in helping keep us all safe.”

“During my communications with our restaurant owners, they repeatedly asked for us to get this done,” said Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso. “This will help increase their sales and revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Restaurants and our hospitality businesses have been uniquely impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, and we need to do all we can to help this vital industry stay afloat,” said Senator Vin Gopal. “With dining rooms and bars closed across our state, it makes no sense to ban restaurants and craft beverage manufacturers from offering alcoholic beverages for takeout and delivery, especially when liquor stores are already empowered to do the same. Allowing them to continue selling cocktails and other beverages directly to customers will be a small way to help this hard-hit industry regain some of the revenues they’ve lost.”

“Responsible residents who have been prisoners in their own homes can now buy cocktails made by their favorite bartenders for virtual happy hours with friends, and remote socializing,” said Senator Declan O’Scanlon. “Eliminating some of the confusion in the marketplace helps restaurants and other enterprises, and provides desperately needed opportunities for out-of-work New Jerseyans – particularly bartenders. Small businesses with liquor licenses can use the help while the lockdown remains in effect.”

“Allowing restaurants to expand their opportunities to serve their customers will generate the much-needed revenue they need,” said Marilou Halvorsen, President & CEO of the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association. “We appreciate the bill sponsors, legislature, and Governor’s support on this bill.”

The bill would expire six months following the date on which the state of emergency has ended; or on which the coronavirus-related occupancy or customer seating restrictions no longer apply to the licensed premises, whichever occurs later.

MORRIS COUNTY — In an effort to protect all New Jersey voters from the spread of COVID-19, Governor Phil Murphy today signed an executive order to create a modified vote-by-mail election for the July 7 Primary. The order requires that each county’s elections officials send vote-by-mail ballots to all registered Democratic and Republican voters and send VBM ballot applications to unaffiliated and inactive voters. All VBM ballots and VBM ballot applications will come with pre-paid postage.

“No one should have to choose between their health and exercising their right to vote,” said Governor Murphy. “By providing vote-by-mail ballots and applications, New Jersey voters will be able to safely participate in our democracy as the pandemic continues to threaten our public health.”

“As a state at the center of the COVID-19 crisis, New Jersey has to modify to our primary to ensure that our voters have access to free, fair, and safe elections,” said Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “By providing every voter access to a vote by mail ballot, we are protecting our residents and democracy. As our state embarks on the road to recovery, voters will have the opportunity to choose our leaders without risking their health.”

The order also requires opening a minimum of at least one polling place in each municipality and provided that there are enough poll workers, a minimum of 50 percent of polling places in each county to provide New Jersey voters who may need access to in-person voting opportunities. Polling locations will be required to follow public health standards including ensuring six feet of distance, requiring poll workers to wear face coverings and gloves, frequent sanitization of high-touch areas, and providing sanitization materials to all individuals at a polling place.

MORRIS COuNTY — The New Jersey Department of Human Services has received more than $2.8 million in federal funding to support behavioral health services during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA) funding will be used to expand access to counseling and other supports during the pandemic. The funding was awarded to the Department’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).

“These funds will help New Jerseyans facing behavioral health issues during this crisis get the emotional support they need,” Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson said. “We are here to help. We have launched the NJMentalHealthCares helpline at 1-866-202-HELP to provide New Jerseyans a safe space to connect and discuss the anxiety we all feel in this challenging time.  With this new funding, we will be able to add additional services and supports.”

These resources will enable us to implement critically-needed mental health support and are another example of the strength of New Jersey’s partnership with both FEMA and SAMHSA,” DMHAS Assistant Commissioner Valerie Mielke said.

With the $2 million in SAMHSA funding, Human Services is funding Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, which will serve as the coordinating entity to provide treatment, supports, and referrals to treatment through expanded access to tele-mental health.  These resources are expected to help serve as many as 2,500 individuals statewide.  The SAMHSA funding also will allow Human Services to work with the Department of Children and Families to provide peer recovery supports.

The $882,035 grant from FEMA will help fund the NJ Hope and Healing Crisis Counseling Program, which will be run by Human Services with services provided by Catholic Charities, Family Services Bureau of Newark, and the Mental Health Association in New Jersey.  To date, DMHAS has been providing virtual training and drop-in support sessions to first responders, among several other groups.

The additional FEMA resources will support the training of more counselors, appropriate social distancing outreach, informational materials, and increased linkages to resources.

Department resources for those concerned about their mental health, the mental health of someone they love, or someone who just needs a safe place to talk about their anxieties in this uncertain time include the NJMentalHealthCares helpline 1-866-202-HELP (4357), available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. seven days a week for free, confidential support by live trained specialists.

Also, a videophone mental health helpline is available to deaf and of hearing individuals in partnership with ACCESS at St. Joseph’s in Paterson. New Jerseyans can call the videophone helpline at (973) 870-0677 for free, confidential support in American Sign Language from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

MORRIS COUNTY — First Bank announced that it has donated $30,500 to help communities hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The community bank, which has 18 full-service branches throughout New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, has made contributions to more than a dozen nonprofits that will be allocated to fight the mounting medical, social, and economic impact of the pandemic.

“There are many people sacrificing on the frontlines today,” said First Bank President and CEO Patrick L. Ryan. “From health care systems that heal and police departments that protect to nonprofits that serve, we support them. No matter the crisis, we are in this together.”

The NJ Bankers Charitable Foundation effort is the one that kicked off First Bank’s charitable giving campaign. NJ Bankers has agreed to match every dollar donated by NJ Bankers member banks up to $50,000. At the time of this writing, more than $112,000 has been raised (matching included) for the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund.  Based in Morristown, the NJPRF raises funds and coordinates resources in response to COVID-19.

Below is a list of more non-profits that have received support from First Bank:

• Rescue Mission of Trenton, based in Trenton, helps individuals in need with many offerings including emergency shelter, weekend soup kitchen, substance abuse program, and a Mission Store.
• 200 Club of Morris County, based in Morris County, provides care for families of emergency workers affected by the pandemic.
• nourish.NJ, based in Morris County, offers food, housing, work readiness, medical, social, and educational services 365 days a year. During COVID-19, they have been providing bagged lunches free to pick-up for anyone who needs it.
• West Chester University, based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, will help students impacted by the global health crisis through the school’s Emergency Student Aid Fund.
• Chester County Community Foundation, based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, helps provide flexible resources to county nonprofits disproportionately impacted by the outbreak.
• The Decency Foundation, based in Hopewell, works with restaurants to provide nourishment to those impacted as part of the Working Meals fundraising campaign.
• Trenton YMCA, based in Trenton, provides free breakfast and lunch for 1,100 children Monday through Friday while school is out, plus 50 meals to families in temporary housing seven days per week in Mercer County and the northern Burlington area.
• Hopewell Valley YMCA, based in Hopewell, provides emergency childcare for essential workers, now through the summer, plus aid in community food pantry efforts.
• Foundations Community Partnership, based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, helps provide financial resources for nonprofits serving children and families throughout Bucks County.
• Mount Carmel Guild, based in Trenton, assists with home nursing services for low-income seniors citywide and throughout the greater Mercer County region.
• Catholic Youth Organization, based in Trenton, helps operate a food pantry twice per week and distribute about 200 lunches and snack packs each weekday in partnership with the Trenton YMCA.
• Good Counsel Homes, based in Riverside, provides a rescue home for pregnant women, mothers, and children to help avoid homelessness and poverty, many of whom have been hurt by the pandemic.
• Project Paul, based in Keansburg, provides a food pantry and thrift store operation that relies on sales to help fund food pantry efforts. Thrift stores have been closed by the pandemic.
• RWJ Hospital Hamilton Foundation, based in Hamilton, offers a fundraiser to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for hospital staff to help counter COVID-19-related shortages.
• Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, based in Cherry Hill, offers a fund for COVID-19 relief.
• Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County, based in Trenton, provides children age 3-18 throughout the county with social, enrichment, and recreational activities. The group’s biggest fundraising event of the year has been turned into an online event due to COVID-19.

Brenda Rascher, executive director of Catholic Social Services at the Diocese of Trenton, said First Bank’s contributions to the last four listed charities will “go far” in offering much-needed basic services.

“Many people may not be aware that all our Catholic social service agencies are open and serving those in need while also making adjustments for social distancing,” Rascher said. “The four agencies that received First Bank’s donations are all not only serving an increasing number of families at their food pantries, but their usual sources of financial support and food donations have been interrupted or even stopped completely.”

Tobias Bruhn, executive director at the Foundations Community Partnership, echoed similar sentiments.

“Our new COVID-19 Response Grant program reflects Foundations Community Partnership’s long-standing commitment to help the non-profit community in their efforts to serve Bucks County children, youth, and families throughout this public health and economic crisis,” Bruhn said. “We applaud First Bank’s generous support and commitment to our community in times like these. It’s comforting to know that ‘We Are All in This Together.’”

How First Bank Bands Communities Together

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.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County has risen to 5,966 presumptively tested positive cases an increase of 55 cases since last reported on Thursday, May 14. A total of 550 deaths have been reported in Morris County. In New Jersey a total of 143,905 presumptively tested positive cases with a total of 10,138 deaths.

The County of Morris, in partnership with Atlantic Health, is offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the County College of Morris, Dover Chester Road, Randolph, NJ 07869, in parking lot 1. The hours for testings are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on weekdays and is for Morris County residents only. There is no fee for the test.

To be tested, residents MUST:

• have a COVID-19 test prescription from a healthcare provider
• read and acknowledge the consent form
• make an appointment

For information and to make appointment residents should visit the Morris County by clicking here.

The figures reflect COVID-19 positive cases as of the date and time indicated, some cases which may be pending, or have yet to be entered into the system.

Please note the following limitations and provisos related to the data above:

• COVID-19-related deaths are not included in this data. Visit the State of NJ COVID-19 Dashboard for a summary of death totals.
• Pursuant to HIPAA, specific identifying health information of persons testing positive or who have passed due to the virus will not be released.
• Data reflects COVID-19 positive cases on dates and times indicated; some cases may be pending and are not yet entered.
• Data may not include cases with incomplete or incorrect street addresses or PO boxes. Such cases require additional investigation by local health officials.
• Figures do not include persons under quarantine/isolation due to exposure and who have not tested positive.
• The numbers, especially higher numbers, do not necessarily reflect community spread in a specific town. Various factors may be related to high numbers, such as increased testing and facilities with high-risk populations.
• This data should not be used to gauge if heightened precautions are needed in specific towns. Social distancing, hand hygiene, and preventive steps must be followed at all times regardless of the number of cases in a municipality.

Updates from Morris Cou