Governor Phil Murphy and Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli hold a coronavirus briefing at the New Jersey Regional Operations & Intelligence Center in Ewing on March 13, 2020.
Florham Park has Closed all Public Buildings to Public Access
FLORHAM PARK — The Borough of Florham Park, in consultation with the Department of Emergency Management, has closed all public buildings to public access until further notice in an effort to prevent social contact and potential transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Borough Hall, the Public Library, the Senior Center, the Recreation Building, and the Little Red School House will all remain closed to public access until further notice. The buildings will remain staffed and contact can be made with Borough officials via telephone and/or email. Visit the Borough of Florham Park website at www.fpboro.net for Department listings, phone numbers, and emails.
Construction permit applications and various paperwork have been placed on a table inside the vestibule of Borough Hall, at the Police Department entrance. The public will have access to this vestibule and any contact with Borough officials will be accomplished through the intercom system located within the vestibule.
The vestibule will also be utilized for those members of the public requiring Marriage Certificates, as well as Court, Tax, Water, and Sewer payments.
Anyone needing to file police reports or in need of police assistance can utilize the Police Entrance to enter the vestibule and contact the police dispatcher via the intercom system.
Please understand the Borough is acting in an abundance of caution to proactively protect its employees and the public from transmission of the COVID-19 virus and asks that all remain patient while this pandemic runs its course and normal operations resume. Updates will continue as the situation evolves.
East Hanover Schools Health-Related School Closure Announcement
EAST HANOVER — In conjunction with the recommendations from health officials and our sister districts, we will utilize a snow day on Friday, March 13, and then transition to our distance learning model beginning Monday, March 16. Schools will be closed through March 27. Prior to our return to school, we will reevaluate and determine if we need to extend the closure.
As we are utilizing a snow day, students and staff do not need to record their attendance or complete any assignments. We will remind all students to take all of their personal belongings home, as only maintenance and custodial personnel will have access to our buildings. All “bolt bags” that have not been picked up will be placed in the offices of the East Hanover Police Department where parents can retrieve them.
Please know that we will be in frequent contact during the duration of the closure. Please contact me through my email address should you have any questions or concerns: [email protected].
Click here for more information.
A Message from Michael J. Wasko, Superintendent of Schools, Hanover Township Public Schools
HANOVER — Mr. Michael J. Wasko, Superintendent of Schools, Hanover Township Public Schools issued the following statement:
In consultation with our local health officials, as well as the Regional Superintendents, out of an abundance of caution, the district will be utilizing a snow day and close tomorrow, Friday, March 13.
We will then transition to our Flexible Instructional Day/Distance Learning Plan beginning Monday, March 16.
Schools will be closed tomorrow and will remain closed through March 27, 2020. Access to our buildings will be for essential personnel only. All activities will be canceled from the period of Friday, March 13 through Friday, March 27.
We will continue to communicate with parents, guardians, and staff via our SwiftK12 notification system, district website, as well as our mobile communication app.
This message applies to all students of Memorial Junior School, Bee Meadow School, Mountview Road School, and Salem Drive School.
CCM to Close Campus Early for Spring Break
MORRIS COUNTY — As part of its efforts to best protect the health of its students, employees and the greater community against a COVID-19 outbreak, County College of Morris (CCM) has decided to close early for its Spring Break. All on-campus classes are canceled for Friday, March 13, and the campus will close at 1:00 p.m. Online and off-campus classes will be held as scheduled.
The college had announced on Wednesday that it had decided to close its campus in conjunction with its Spring Break, which starts Monday, March 16, to allow for a thorough deep cleaning and sanitizing process. The earlier closing has been implemented to provide an even higher level of protection.
Normal campus activities, including office hours and operations, will be suspended during Spring Break, which ends Sunday, March 22.
During Spring Break, individuals can continue to apply to the college, submit financial aid applications and register for classes online on the CCM website by clicking here.
Many of the events that were scheduled to take place at CCM this spring have been canceled, postponed or modified. For a list of those events and their status click here.
It is possible that the campus may remain closed beyond Spring Break. Updates regarding any additional campus closure will be provided by clicking here.
Hanover Park Regional High School Regional will begin “District Learning”
EAST HANOVER — Maria C. Carrell, Superintendent of Schools, Hanover Park Regional High School District, issued an updated statement regarding the Coronavirus:
Out of an abundance of caution, the district is taking precautionary measures continue to clean and sanitize its facilities. At this time, there are no known cases of COVID-19 in the schools.
As a precaution and in consultation with the local health departments, the district will be closed on Friday, March 13, to allow for additional cleaning and sanitization as well as preparation for distance learning.
Distance learning will begin for the Hanover Park Regional High School District on Monday, March 16 and will continue through Friday, March 27. The district will reassess distance learning the week of March 23 to determine if distance learning needs to be extended.
Schools will be closed throughout the distance learning period of Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27. Access to the buildings will be for essential personnel only. All activities and athletics will be canceled from the period of Friday, March 13 through Friday, March 27.
Superintendent of Schools Issues Statement Regarding Coronavirus
EAST HANOVER — Maria C. Carrell, Superintendent of Schools, Hanover Park Regional High School District, issued the following information regarding the Coronavirus:
While there remains no immediate cause of alarm, I would like to provide you with information related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
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- While news of Coronavirus cases in New Jersey has raised public concerns in the past few days, our planning and communication with health officials has been ongoing for several weeks. In addition to our usual precautions, the following actions are in place:
- Regularly disinfecting common areas and high touch surfaces, using electrostatic sprayers when faculty and staff are not present.
- Ongoing communications and meetings with various health officials and emergency management teams at the local, county and state level.
- Administrative planning meetings to develop contingencies for a possible outbreak.
- Ongoing dialogue with local area school districts.
- Daily monitoring of Coronavirus news and information.
Out of an abundance of caution, based upon the information received over the course of this week, the district has made the decision to cancel all field trips, concerts, and activities which include but are not limited to large gatherings of visitors on school property, and staff professional development activities outside of the district through April 9, 2020. After April 9, the district will reassess the situation and make recommendations moving forward.
In addition, please note that the College Board intends to host SATs on the campuses of Hanover Park High School and Whippany Park High School on Saturday, March 14. The district is prepared to have the custodial staff onsite at the conclusion of the SATs to perform a thorough cleaning and sanitization of all areas on Saturday afternoon.
In the event that a school closure is necessary to protect public health, district staff have been working to plan for a potential closure of schools. Through the use of PowerSchool and Google Classroom, teachers will be able to communicate with students in a remote fashion using personal devices from home. If you do not have access to an electronic device for student educational use, please complete this Electronic Device Survey. Our plans will include the delivery of curriculum and practical accommodations for special needs students and English language learners.
If a closure should become necessary, our calendar currently includes the following:
– 2 unused snow days
– 2 additional days on June 24 & 25 leading to graduation
If it becomes necessary to close, these days could provide a buffer for our district to prepare for distance learning. The distance learning days will not begin to count towards the 180-day school year state requirement until the Board of Education is provided with a written directive by either the New Jersey Department of Health or the Health Officer in the local jurisdiction.
As we prepare for possible outcomes, we ask that families join our efforts by doing the following:
– Do not send children who are sick to school.
– Please call the attendance offices to report your child’s absence. Include your child’s name, grade and reason for absence.
– Notify your school if anyone in your family has recently traveled to a highly-impacted area. School personnel should also be notified if any member of the household becomes ill within 14 days of their return from any affected area. Our staff will notify local health officials as necessary.
For additional information, please see the following resources:
– www.cdc.gov
– https://www.nj.gov/health/
Morris County Government Leading Response to Coronavirus
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.
Peter Charles Maynard, 65, Former United Airlines Pilot
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.
First Bank Gives Bank Record $368K to Communities
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 24th 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.
