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Parsippany Leaders’ Frontline Strategies and Actions During Pandemic
“In the last 14 months, we learned how to do more with less. We learned to listen to scientists especially while making policy decisions for people,” said Michael Soriano, Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
As COVID was spreading in early 2020, his key challenges were maintaining the community’s health and enforcing the best sanitization practices in the most populous township in Morris County.
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“As a team, keeping egos out and doing what’s best for the community was important,” Mayor said. He proudly mentioned an example demonstrating how help was extended to local businesses: “Working with the building department’s director, site plans were approved quickly and outdoor dining permit fees were waived for restaurants.”
“Township community-supported leaders and the youth spirit was uplifting,” Mayor Soriano remembers. Residents and community organizations raised money, donated food, and created masks.
This report focuses on how such local leaders outside the healthcare profession adapted during the COVID pandemic.
At the Board of Education, superintendent Dr. Barbara Sargent prioritized transition to virtual classrooms to minimize interruption in learning. “To find out who had a device and internet connection, we conducted a survey and made the necessary equipment available.” To communicate the BOE’s decisions about school schedules consistently and regularly, during rapidly shifting information, she started a Friday Letter to all parents.
As her proudest moment, Dr. Sargent notes, “Our teachers, principals, BOE members, and administrators — Wow! They rolled up sleeves and worked with sheer will, dedication, determination, innovation, and collaborative attitude!”
“Post-pandemic,” she said, “instructional technology innovations, such as online interactions with classroom guests, will continue.”
“Thinking ahead and planning for what we know today while anticipating the change was critical,” recalled Dr. Sargent.
Police Department Chief Andrew Miller said, “Accurate inventory and sanitization of Personal Protective Equipment were critical.” The Police Department managed budgets and secured emergency funds creatively. Community members provided help by sharing business contacts and donations.
The Police Department reduced indoor staff interactions by minimizing overlapping schedules. He emphasized, “Until late 2020, there was no COVID positive case in the department!”
Aadit Tembe, a 5th grader at the Lake Hiawatha Elementary School
Because people worked from home, burglaries went down and Calls-For-Service (CFS) was reduced by 70%. This provided additional time to officers for COVID-related training. “Officers read complex medical materials and routinely consulted with experts,” recalled Chief Miller. Sometimes, officers operated with full PPE gear for 10-12 hours which was stressful.
“I am a proud Chief!” He continued with appreciation, “The officers showed great professional attitude in serving the community while overcoming stress.”
In summary, by quickly adapting during the pandemic, these leaders continued to serve and help maintain the well-being of their communities.
This article was written Aadit Tembe, a 5th grader at the Lake Hiawatha Elementary School (LHS). He enjoys singing as well as playing musical instruments. He was the winner of LHS variety show 2020 organized by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Additionally, he enjoys playing cricket & soccer.
WHAT IF YOU’RE THE ONE?
If you’re holding this magazine in your hands right now, you ARE the one. You’re the one who knows the importance of a strong education. You value your environment. You hold doors for people and offer a smile when someone holds one for you. You know people deserve to be happy, healthy and safe. We know how you feel because we feel that way too. And we know you’re the one. You’re the one who can change the world. Right now. Right this moment. How do we know? Because we know that everyone has that power within them. Really. You do. One simple act of kindness toward another changes the world. Can you imagine the power you’d have if you joined forces with others who are also the one? You are the one. It’s you. This is an amazing world. Let’s continue to make it better by helping children and families live their greatest lives. Join Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46 East, Parsippany on Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. to learn how you can change the world. For more information visit www.parsippanykiwanis.org. Visit www.parsippanykiwanis.org for meeting details
Blue Foundry Bank, a financial institution that offers a full service, crafted banking experience, celebrated the opening of its administrative offices at 7 Sylvan Way in Parsippany on Thursday. Attendees included community officials, local nonprofit and business leaders, and Blue Foundry Bank employees and board members. The opening of the new corporate hub not only signifies the bank’s reinvention but also reinforces its commitment to its employees and communities.
The fully integrated space was designed with the employee experience top-of-mind. Crafted to inspire ideation and encourage collaboration, the state-of-the-art Administrative Offices allows employees to build teams, expand products and services and provide customers with an outstanding banking experience personalized to their needs and goals.
“In creating this collaborative workspace, our goal was to open doors to our employees and to reimagine how we can work together as a team,” said James D. Nesci, president & CEO at Blue Foundry Bank. “This experiential and comfortable office space is the key to keeping our employees engaged and excited, so they can continue to provide the Blue Foundry Bank experience that our customers have come to recognize as a uniquely crafted banking relationship tailored to their needs.”
Blue Foundry Bank’s new offices were designed to reflect current cultural context, supported by the addition of cutting-edge technology to keep team members connected, whether they are working in-office or at home. This forward thinking, technologically innovative environment reflects the bank’s culture of collaboration, flexibility and connectivity, offering a stimulating team-environment no matter how and where an employee chooses to work.
To celebrate the opening of Blue Foundry Bank’s administrative offices, a donation was provided to the Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry by the Blue Foundry Charitable Foundation.
Manasquan is large sized American Bulldog Pit Bull mix.
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He gets along with other dogs, but not sure about cats. He is house trained and has good leash manners. He is smart with a happy personality. Manny is the man! Who wouldn’t want to hangout with this guy? He will happily watch TV with you (animal planet is his favorite) or go on an adventure! He loves to snuggle as closely as he can next to you! You would be surprised how small he can curl up into a ball. He enjoys playing with his doggy foster siblings and going on walks. He LOVES everyone he meets and is so sweet!!
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The Community of St. Ann Church in Parsippany is hosting its tenth annual Fall Festival (formerly the Craft Fair) on Friday, November 12 from 5:000 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
St. Ann’s has booked a number of new and repeat vendors, including Stitching Queens, Avon, and Pampered Chef who will be here along with numerous other vendors offering various handmade crafts. The fair will also include a Ministry Table, bake sale, Tricky Tray, and a 50 – 50. St. Ann’s is located at 781 Smith Road, Parsippany.
