Morris Plains Borough Weekly Update
Friday, November 27, 2020
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Welcome to the weekly E-mail update from the Morris Plains Borough Website. These E-Mails are intended to keep the subscribers informed of current and upcoming events and activities in and around town that may be of interest.
The Morris Plains Borough Council
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Upcoming Municipal Meetings
12/2 Shade Tree Commission Meeting Cancelled
12/3 Council Meeting
Meeting notices and agendas will be published
Other Key Dates This Week - read further for more info
Scavenger Hunt has started!
11/28 Blood Drive
11/29 Christmas Tree Sale Starts at VFW
12/1 Arbor Terrace Virtual Workshop
11/28 Small Business Saturday
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The increasing COVID-19 pandemic numbers are resulting in serious blood shortages in area hospitals. Because so many corporations, schools, churches and other organizations are in shutdown mode, they can't hold blood drives. Subsequently there are severe shortages throughout the region.
If you are eligible to donate blood, please read the notice below and make an appointment for Saturday, November 28th, between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm at the Morris Plains Community Center.
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This holiday season, we can share our blessings by helping local families who are struggling due to unemployment, health risks, and food insecurity.
Link here to donate to the Interfaith Food Pantry and help make the holidays brighter for your neighbors in the Community of Caring and beyond.
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Provided by the MP Business Development Committee
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Tree Lighting and Menorah Lighting Cancelled
Santa Claus Still Coming to Town on Dec 20th
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Santa and organizers have decided to cancel both the annual public Christmas tree lighting as well as the annual public Menorah lighting. The decision to cancel was difficult and came after much thought and consideration for the safety of the community.
There will be no official gatherings this year; however Morris Plains will still be festively decorated. Both the Christmas tree and Menorah candle will still be on display and lit throughout the holiday season along with the usual holiday displays throughout town.
Although Santa will not be able to make his usual grand entrance at the tree lighting, he will still be making an appearance in Morris Plains on Sunday, December 20th . On that day the Morris Plains Volunteer Fire Department will have an opportunity to drive Santa on a fire truck around town, like they have in the past, to bring the Christmas spirit to the “Community of Caring”.
Stay Safe
Jason C. Karr
Mayor
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Scavenger Hunt is On! Click on fliers to enlarge. |
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Submit by 12/9 for prize drawing! |
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Arbor Terrace Hosts Virtual Workshops
12/1, 2:30 pm Building Resiliency for Today and Tomorrow
Join Diane Lang, Therapist, Educator and Life Coach for the final remaining virtual workshop.
The current crisis is unique in its uncertainty. We are not sure what the future will look like and when the pandemic will end. This creates fear and brings additional challenges to coping with everyday tasks. These are touch times, but they offer an opportunity for growth and to build resiliency. Join us to learn ways to build a resiliency plan in a time of uncertainty.
A link to the workshops will be sent to you for each of the events.
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Coyote Sightings in Morris Plains
Residents have reported an increase in coyote sightings in Morris Plains neighborhoods. As a result, the Borough of Morris Plains reached out to the NJ Fish and Game and the USDA Wildlife Services – NJ Division for guidance on how to protect residents from wild animals.
First off, if you or your family are in immediate danger and/or are being attacked by any wild animal, you are urged to call 911 for an immediate dispatch of police assistance. If you have a concern or want to report a coyote sighting, please call the Morris Plains Police Department at 973-538-2284.
Coyotes are in all 21 counties in NJ. The USDA Wildlife Services has not reported an increase in coyote activity, but they have documented an increase in coyote reporting’s since many people are home more and out in their neighborhoods due to Covid.
The USDA Wildlife Services cannot remove wild animals just because they are roaming in neighborhoods. They will only activate their services if a coyote or other wild animal attacks a resident.
Residents can hire a trapper to come in to remove the coyotes, but there is no guarantee that this will eliminate coyotes in neighborhoods.
To help ward of coyotes, the USDA Wildlife Services recommend the following tips:
- Remove any food items including food left out for out for cats, bird feeders, uncovered garbage as these are often found when coyote come close to homes.
- Cutback any overgrown hedges and remove any leaf piles or brush that may serve as burrow for small animals that coyote prey on like rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks.
- Coyotes are fearful of loud noises, so using an airhorn or banging pots and pans will scare them away. Spraying them with a hose or putting on your lawn sprinkler will deter them as well.
The USDA Wildlife Services has been made aware of the coyote problem in Morris Plains and has set up a dedicated line so our residents can reach out through this direct phone number, (908-735-4513) for any additional questions or information.
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Due to Coronavirus, many services continue to operate under a State of
Emergency. We have been contacted by our garbage hauler who has indicated
we may experience service interruptions. This means that over the next few
months, our garbage company may experience staffing shortages which may
impact our scheduled pickups.
We encourage residents to put their garbage out the night before, as pick-up may begin by 2:00 am. If your garbage is not picked up early in the morning, it may be picked up by the end of the day.
We will alert residents if there are any significant changes to our pickup
schedule. We ask for your patience as we navigate through this challenging time.
Stay Safe
Jason C. Karr
Mayor
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Morris Plains January Rabies Clinic Cancelled
The Morris Plains Free Rabies Clinic that is held each January has been cancelled this year due to Covid concerns. If your pet is due for its rabies vaccination, you can take it to another town within Morris County to receive a free rabies vaccination and get the paperwork that is necessary for renewing your pet’s registration.
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211 is a vital service that connects millions of people to help each year. To get expert, caring help, call 211 or visit Visit 211.org
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Municipal Court Update
In an effort to maintain public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, the municipal court will continue to host remote virtual court sessions. Please contact us to schedule a proceeding and/or provide updated personal information.
If you are disputing a traffic ticket and do not wish to appear in court, many cases are now eligible for review through the Online Municipal Case Resolution System at njmcdirect.com. You may select the option for case dispute and enter your ticket information. Eligible traffic tickets will be reviewed by the prosecutor and you will be notified with their recommendation.
Our office is here to serve you during the hours of 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday. While the building is closed for public entry, you may call the court to schedule an appointment at 973-538-4019. We are committed to delivering exceptional customer service in "The Community of Caring" and strive to provide a satisfying court experience for all.
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Sign up for the Rave Alert System today.
Rave is a notification tool utilized by the Morris Plains Police Department that notifies residents of road closures, upcoming events, impending severe weather and other news related events. Messages will be relayed via text message, phone call and/or email. Use the link provided, select register in the upper right corner, and begin receiving notifications from the Morris Plains Police Department: https://www.getrave.com/login/morrisplainsboro
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Morris Plains Webmaster Melissa Gibson can be reached at morrisplainsweb@gmail.com
Know someone who wants to sign up for the newsletter?
Have them text MORRISPLAINS to 22828
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