2011 Volume I, Issue V

AN ELECTRONIC NEWLETTER TO HELP OUR RESIDENTS BE PROUD, BE INFORMED, AND BE INVOLVED!

Mayors Message By Mayor H. Scott Rosenbush

If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please contact me at srosenbush@morristwp.com After Hurricane Irene, many of you are still without power and some without water (except perhaps in your basement). We continue to follow up with JCP&L to make sure that Morris Township residents get their power restored as quickly as feasible. Despite few details coming from the power company, we have attempted to reach everyone with updated information as it becomes available. We were recently advised power should be restored to all customers in the Township by the end of this weekend we hope its true! JCP&Ls response to the storm has attracted comments from both the public and the President of NJs Board of Public Utilities. See page 3 in this issue. You can send your own comments to the BPU at either of these e-mail addresses: lee.solomon@bpu.state.nj.us or eric.hartsfield@bpu.state.nj.us. We have asked for your patience while the water recedes, roads are re-opened, and the clean-up started. You have been more than understanding and it is greatly appreciated! Please move storm debris such as fallen branches to the curb so that we can begin to collect it during next weeks yard waste pick up.

Inside this issue:

Page 2 FEMA Assistance Update Morris Schools Update Page 3 BPU President Message Township Clean-Up Effort Page 4 Avoid Disaster Related Scams Page 5 Neighborhood Watch Expansion Underway From Your Deputy Mayor NJ Blood Supply At Critical Levels Page 6 Revised Recyclables Guidelines

For additional storm related information, please go to: www.morrisoem.org/.

Reminder our Recycling schedule has been changed. Beginning Monday, August 15, 2011, the Township stopped the practice of alternating weeks for pick-up of your recyclables. See the related article on page 6 in this issue for more details. While the storm has monopolized our attention I would like to ask that you take a few moments next week to remember the disaster of 9/11. Six of our neighbors were lost on that day. Many of us lost friends, loved ones, or know families that suffered this loss. Let us remember them and use the memory of the events of that day to keep us ever vigilant to prevent a recurrence.

There are many other issues that we will have to deal with in the aftermath of the storm. Safety is our first concern Do not play in flood waters. Do not touch downed wires or trees that are touching power lines. Do not go closures. around road

Do dispose of spoiled food immediately. If you have extra garbage for disposal, please bring it to the curb. We will have an additional pick up this Saturday, September 3, 2011, to assist with the removal.

Your Township Committee:

H. Scott Rosenbush, Mayor Bruce D. Sisler, Deputy Mayor Daniel Caffrey Peter Mancuso Ray Snyder

***BEWARE!! Of Scams***
Your Township Police Department warns of possible scam artists posing as JCP&L contractors. While there are no documented incidents here in our community, there have been incidents in other parts of Northern New Jersey. To keep up-to-date with Police Department news, please follow them on Twitter: MorrisTwpPD. The more followers we have the easier it is to get the word out about these and other related police issues. See page 4 for Tips on How to Avoid Disaster Related Scams.

Acknowledgements
Volunteer Senior Editor Linda K. Murphy Township Editors Karen Carman, Admin. Assistant Timothy Quinn, Morris Twp Administrator Questions and/or comments may be sent to kcarman@morristwp.com

Township of Morris
P.O. Box 7603 Convent Station, NJ 079617603 www.morristwp.com 973-326-7400 Monday through Friday 8:30 am 4:30 pm
Please share this electronic newsletter with your neighbors, friends, and family. To sign up to receive this newsletter, call (973) 326-7360 or send your e-mail address to

messenger@morristwp.com.

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AN ELECTRONIC NEWLETTER TO HELP OUR RESIDENTS BE PROUD, BE INFORMED, AND BE INVOLVED!

FEMA Assistance Update from Congressman Frelinghuysen

At the urging of both state and federal lawmakers, the President signed a Major Disaster Declaration on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 for the State of New Jersey. It was determined that New Jerseys government's resources are overwhelmed by the disaster based on the information from joint damage assessments. This declaration opens the door for additional federal assistance. Public Assistance provides assistance to state and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities. It also encourages protection of damaged public facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process. For more information, visit www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm. Individual Assistance provides assistance to individuals and business owners affected by the disaster. Individual assistance provides funds directly from FEMA, or through Small Business Administration low-interest loans, to fulfill unmet needs such as housing for disaster survivors, disaster unemployment assistance, legal services, and other disaster-related needs from survivors or small business owners. Often times, individual assistance covers a portion of the uninsured losses of homeowners and business owners. For more information on the Individual Assistance program, visit www.disasterassistance.gov/ or www.fema.gov/assistance/process/assistance.shtm and the Small Business Administrations website at www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/starting-managing-business/managing-business/running-business/emergencypreparedness-and-disaster. The federal agencys programs include: Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance. Grants to replace personal property and to help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disasterrelated needs not covered by insurance. Unemployment payments for temporary job losses caused by the storm. Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations impacted by the storm.

Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. If you want to apply by phone rather than the Internet, you can call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362).

Morris School District Update By Thomas J. Ficcarra, Superintendent

Like much of our community, several Morris School District schools have been affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. As of September 2, 2011, Morristown High, Alexander Hamilton, and Hillcrest Schools remained without electricity; and Woodland and Normandy Park continued to experience sporadic power outages. In addition to power problems, Alexander Hamilton School suffered significant damage to the lower level. Water has been found inside the boiler room and under the gym floor. It is possible that this area of the building may not be usable until renovation and repairs are completed. The Morristown High School turf field was damaged by storm water and will be repaired in the near future. We also have learned that the recent earthquake may have caused a leak in the MHS swimming pool, though that has yet to be confirmed. While our Buildings and Grounds Department has done a great job addressing these issues, our decision to postpone the opening of school until Wednesday, September 7, 2011 will provide much needed additional time for cleaning and repairs. We are continuing to identify and repair all facilities problems as quickly as possible and we will continue to do so throughout the weekend and around the clock.

Due to storm damage and power outages at several schools, the opening of school has been postponed until WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2011.

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AN ELECTRONIC NEWLETTER TO HELP OUR RESIDENTS BE PROUD, BE INFORMED, AND BE INVOLVED!

BPU President Responds to Concerns About JCP&L Power Outages

Reprint of Media Release by Lee A. Solomon, President, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Trenton, NJ - In response to emails that were received, the following was sent out today by Board of Public Utilities President Lee A. Solomon. I received your e-mails regarding JCP&L's performance, or lack thereof, during the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and at other times. I have reviewed all of them, and I am appalled by what you describe. I am sorry that some of you inferred from the article in the Star Ledger today, that I was "apologizing" for JCP&L. As a former prosecutor, I am always reluctant to reach conclusions before the evidence is gathered, and reviewed. As a former judge, and as a Commissioner in a quasi-judicial position, I may not make a determination until the evidence is in, and a record established. Nevertheless, I have expressed your feelings, and mine to Tony Alexander, President and CEO, First Energy Corp. (the parent company), and Don Lynch, President, JCP&L. While my main interest, at this time, is seeing to it that electric service is restored to all residents as quickly as possible, we will investigate and review thoroughly the conduct of all utilities, and their parent companies during this crisis. This process will be noticed, and public. If adequate preparations were not made in advance of the storm, or adequate resources not dedicated to deal with its aftermath, we will determine that and hold the utility(ies) accountable.

Morris Township Clean-Up Effort After Irene Edited Reprint of Media Release August 30, 2011
Morris Township Mayor H. Scott Rosenbush asked on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 that the residents be patient as clean-up efforts commence all over the State of New Jersey. JCP&L is working around the clock to provide service to all our residents. We have been in constant contact with JCP&L and are working with them to ensure Morris Township is back on line as soon as possible. The majority of the power loss issues are related to the flooding of the Ridgedale Avenue sub- station which serves 18,000 customers in the greater Morristown area. JCP&L is working to move customers to other sub-stations until repairs can be made to the Ridgedale facility. There will still be some areas of outage that are caused by wires down or trees on wires. We do not have any specific information or control as to when a residence or a neighborhood will be restored, said Rosenbush. Residents may see utility trucks pull up to a location and leave without doing any work. These are company representatives doing assessments as to the resources needed to restore the utility, he added. JCP&L hopes to have all customers moved to the other substations in the very near future. They have begun the assessment process as to where wires are down and resources needed to replace them and clear them from downed trees. The restoration process shall continue through the weekend with priority given to areas that affect the greatest number of customers. JCP&L has brought in crews from Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia to assist. The Mayor reiterated Mondays request from Police Chief Dennis Reilly, Please do not touch any downed wires and do not circumvent police barricades. Do not assume the wires are not live. There have already been a number of fatalities up and down the coast where people have been electrocuted; we do not want Morris Township to be on that list. Use caution. Wherever you have to go is not more important than your safety. Additionally, do not enter or try and navigate streams and areas with moving water and stay away from areas that have been washed away by storm water. If you need water pumped out of your basement, call 973-3267459 (non-emergency number) and speak with the police and fire dispatcher. You must have at least six inches of water. The Fire Department will provide this service without charge; however, it may take some time as there are numerous requests. The Mayor also urged all residents to dispose of any perishable food that may have been above 40 degrees for two hours or more. Food will stay cold in the refrigerator for about 4 hours if it is unopened. If you plan to eat refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish, or eggs while it is still at safe temperatures, it is important that each item is thoroughly cooked to the proper temperature to assure that harmful bacteria is destroyed. Discard any food that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with flood water. Food containers that are not waterproof include those with screw-off caps, snap lids and pull tops. Discard any food in damaged cans. Can damage is shown by swelling, leakage, punctures, holes, fractures, extensive deep rusting, or crushing/denting severe enough to prevent normal stacking or opening with a manual, wheel-type can opener. For infants, if using formula, try to use prepared, canned baby formula that requires no added water. The Department of Public works at 10 Jane Way will accept spoiled perishable food for disposal from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and on Saturday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Mayor also cited some other helpful information: Destroyed Personal Property - If you have large items or a significant amount of items damaged by water that need to be picked up for disposal please call the Department of Public Works 973-326-7398 for assistance. Raw sewage backup - If you have any sewage backup, please contact your insurance company and make arrangements for professional service clean up. Please notify our Sewer Department at 973-326-7363. Trees down - Trees down are the responsibility of the homeowner. If a tree down is on the right of way the Township will remove the contents on the right of way and if need be open access to driveways or streets. Our municipal departments are working hard to assist in the clean-up efforts. During the initial 25 hour period (starting at 8:00 pm Saturday), our Emergency Operations Center handled 500 calls for assistance by Police, Fire, OEM, MMM FAS, Engineering, DPW, WPCU and Health and Information Technology Departments to assist our residents. For any questions or assistance you may also call the Mayor and Township Administrator's office at 973-326-7360.

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AN ELECTRONIC NEWLETTER TO HELP OUR RESIDENTS BE PROUD, BE INFORMED, AND BE INVOLVED!

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AN ELECTRONIC NEWLETTER TO HELP OUR RESIDENTS BE PROUD, BE INFORMED, AND BE INVOLVED!

Neighborhood Watch Expansion Underway By Dennis Reilly, Chief of Police

Decades ago crime rates across the U.S. increased at an alarming pace. Citizens and law enforcement agencies focused on developing crime prevention programs to help reduce this growing trend. Begun in 1972, the National Neighborhood Watch Program was designed to enlist the participation of citizens with law enforcement to help reduce and prevent crime. Since then Neighborhood Watch has become one of the most effective means of addressing quality of life issues in our community. This is because you and your neighbors are the ones who really know what is going on in your area. You are the ones who most likely will be the first to see a crime, code violation, unsafe street condition, or other situation that degrades the quality of life in your area. By joining a local Neighborhood Watch group, you gain the ability to provide a safer environment for you and your children.

From Your Deputy Mayor

So what does it take to start and maintain an effective Neighborhood Watch Program? A Good Leader! You may want to be a Neighborhood Watch Captain if you: Are reliable. Get along well with people. Have good communication and negotiating skills. Do not view the position as a power trip or a chance for personal gain. Are willing to delegate tasks and listen to others' opinions. Are organized and can conduct meetings efficiently. Don't get discouraged easily.

While we are still in the midst of clean-up efforts here in the Township, I would like to take the time to thank all of you that receive the Messenger and forwarded it to your neighbors and friends. As the Chairman of the Communications Sub-Committee, I will be looking into all areas of communications and seeking to improve on all facets. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Please send your thoughts and comments to me at bsisler@morristwp.com.

Don't stop at prevention - have a long-range vision for community improvement. Come join our coalition of Neighborhood Watch Captains so leaders can learn from each other and join forces to address our community-wide issues while opening the lines of communication with your Police Department. If you think you may be interested in being a Neighborhood Watch Captain, or in joining a local Neighborhood Watch group, contact Patrolman Steve Summerer at 973-326-7450 or ssummerer@morristwp.com or me at 973-326-7470 or DReilly@Morristwp.com.

NJ Blood Supply at Critical Levels

The NJ Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) appealed to New Jerseyans this week to donate through their nearest blood center or the American Red Cross.
The State of New Jersey has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations. Due to the Hurricane and the upcoming Holiday Weekend, our blood supply is at critical levels. A number of previously scheduled blood drives were cancelled due to Irene, and the need for blood has increased significantly in area hospitals. Compounding the problem, August is typically a slow month for donations. In the wake of the storm, and in anticipation of the upcoming Labor Day Weekend, the need for blood donations has never been greater. All blood types are needed, particularly RH Negatives and platelets. Residents looking to schedule an appointment to donate blood or find a local blood drive can do so by calling the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 or you can find the regional blood center and access information on donating at http://www.nj.gov/health/njsave3lives/. Please help if you can!

We

Morris Township

Volume I Issue 5 Page 6

AN ELECTRONIC NEWLETTER TO HELP OUR RESIDENTS BE PROUD, BE INFORMED, AND BE INVOLVED!

Revised Guidelines for the Collection of Recyclables Edited Reprint of Media Release August 5, 2011
In a continuing effort to provide the best services possible to the residents of Morris Township we are adjusting the manner in which recyclables are collected on a weekly basis. Beginning Monday August 15, 2011 the Township will collect all recyclables aluminum cans, glass, plastic, newspapers, nd rd th magazines, cardboard and paper on a weekly basis. Recyclables will be collected on your normal recycling day the 2 , 3 , 4 and th 5 weeks of the months for August, September and October, and then every week for November and December. This will replace the alternating weeks for commingled (bottles, plastics and glass) and paper (newspapers, magazines, cardboard and paper). Yard waste will be picked up the first full week of the month for September and October, as previously scheduled. The Recycling Depot at the Department of Public Works on Jane Way is open Monday through Saturday. Yard waste may also be dropped off at the Recycling Depot. If you have any questions on Recycling please contact the Department of Public Works at 973-326-7360. Listed below are the guidelines for the collection of recyclables: RECYCLING: Picked up weekly on the day of the week specified for your street. Please refer the changes noted in this newsletter and to the Township calendar for your street schedule. All recycling should be placed at curbside by 6:00 am of scheduled pick-up day. (Memorial Day to Labor Day: 5:30 am) PAPER: NEWSPAPER: (INCLUDING INSERTS): Tied in bundles with string (50 pound limit per bundle). For your convenience, the Township has available STACK-N-TIE organizers which facilitate tying newspaper into bundles. They can be purchased for $10 at the Department of Public Works (DPW) on Jane Way off West Hanover Avenue or at the Municipal Building, 50 Woodland Avenue. MAGAZINES/JUNKMAIL: Tied in bundles or put in paper shopping bags. Bundles and bags can be put into a standard trash can with lid appropriately marked. Include JUNK MAIL with MAGAZINES. No hardcover or telephone books please.

CORRUGATED CARDBOARD/CHIPBOARD (CEREAL AND SHOE BOXES, ETC.)/BROWN SHOPPING BAGS: Broken down and tied same as newspaper. COMINGLED: COMINGLED GLASS FOOD JARS/BEVERAGE BOTTLES; ALUMINUM BEVERAGE CANS; STEEL FOOD/BEVERAGE CANS; PLASTIC SODA/MILK/WATER BOTTLES AND OTHER PLASTIC CODED 1 through 7: Rinse and place in a weatherproof container (standard 32 gallon type garbage can with lid and handles); 50 pound limit per container. No plastic or paper bags to be used as containers. PLEASE SEE THE NEW EXPANDED ABCS OF PLASTIC RECYCLING.

RECYCLING DROP-OFF CENTER: All recyclables are acceptable. The Recycling Depot at the Department of Public Works on Jane Way (off of West Hanover Avenue) is open serve you Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm; and on Saturdays between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm. MOTOR OIL: Must be brought to the DPW Recycling Drop-off Center. RECHARGEABLE TYPE BATTERIES ONLY ARE RECYCLABLE: These batteries are accepted at the Recycling Drop-off Center and the Township Municipal Building, Main Lobby, located on Woodland Avenue. PLEASE DO NOT PUT RECHARGEABLE TYPE BATTERIES IN WITH GARBAGE. Examples are: o o Ni-Cad Batteries used in cordless power tools and cordless house phones Lithium Batteries used in cell phones, digital cameras, watches, hearing aides

2011 ELECTRONIC RECYCLING PROGRAM: Morris Township is now recycling electronic equipment at the DPW Yard. All acceptable electronic equipment will be accepted during our hours of operation noted previously. o ACCEPTABLE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: Computers, monitors, wires & cables, keyboard and mouse, telephones, fax machines, cell phones, PDSs, household electronics, small stereos, televisions (32 inches or less), VCR, DVD players, and microwaves. o NONACCEPTABLE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: DVDs, VHS tapes, floppies, CDs, toaster ovens, blenders, vacuum cleaners, or any electronics housed in wood cabinets. USED TIRES: o Drop off at the DPW, a $3 fee applies per tire. No rims please.