David Shepherd - ML

05/25/2020

A Message From The Mayor
Mountain Lakes Community,

It is unfortunate that we will not be able to gather together during these challenging times for our annual Memorial Day parade and ceremonies as we experience first hand how precious our freedoms are.

Please take a moment to remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. As we continue to honor the fallen, let’s also pause to remember those who have sacrificed their lives while serving others.

A short Memorial Day tribute can be found at the link below. While out enjoying the community today, please pass by Memorial Park and please keep all those who are currently serving our Country in your prayers.

Memorial Day 2020 Ceremony Video

Taps Across America
Today at 3 pm, listen for Taps Across America, an opportunity to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. CBS News “On the Road” correspondent Steve Hartman and retired Air Force bugler Jari Villanueva have teamed up to keep the spirit of Memorial Day alive during these unusual times.

Steve and Jari are inviting veterans, musicians, teachers, and students of all abilities and ages to sound Taps on their front lawns, porches, and driveways today at 3 pm local time.

If you’d like to participate, either by playing or listening, here’s how:

Who can participate?
Anyone who can sound Taps on a trumpet, bugle, or similar instrument.

When should I sound Taps?
Today (Memorial Day) at 3 p.m. in your time zone.

How do I sound Taps?
Villanueva recommends playing in the key of B flat, if possible.

Where should I play?
Your front yard, porch, balcony, driveway, etc. – anywhere you can be socially distant from neighbors and passerby. Feel free to alert your neighbors so they can come to listen from a safe distance.

What should I do if I hear Taps?
If you hear Taps being sounded, you should respond as you do for the national anthem: Stand, face the music and place your hand over your heart.

For more information on Taps Across America, click here.

Have a safe Memorial Day Weekend

Mayor, David Shepherd

04/17/2020

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Expand Family Leave Protections During COVID-19 Outbreak

TRENTON — Governor Phil Murphy today signed legislation (S2374), which expands protections of the Family Leave Act to allow employees forced to take time off to care for a family member during the COVID-19 outbreak with up to 12 weeks of unpaid family leave in a 24-month period without losing their jobs.
Under the bill, employees will be eligible for leave to care for a family member as a result of an epidemic of a communicable disease, or efforts to prevent spread of a communicable disease. These job protections will extend to employees requiring leave to provide care or treatment for their child if the child's school or place of care is closed in response to a public health emergency.
“New Jerseyans should not have to make a decision between caring for a loved one with COVID-19 and keeping their job,” said Governor Murphy. “Our state is already home to the nation’s most comprehensive Family Leave Act, and it’s only right that we expand these protections to meet the unprecedented health crisis we are facing.”
“This public health crisis is putting enormous strains on families, especially those that need to care for a loved one who is infected,” said Senate President Sweeney, who authored the original family leave law. “They should not be forced to choose between an ill family member and their job. While we are experiencing emergency circumstances that could not have been anticipated, this is what the law should be covering.”
"Workers throughout the state with ill family members at home in need of care, or who have children at home because of school closures, are struggling to balance the responsibilities of their personal and professional lives,” said Senator Linda Greenstein. “Family always comes first, and the benefits of our family leave law should be afforded to those who have had no choice but to stay home to care for their families.”
In a joint statement, Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker, Assemblyman Joseph Egan and Assemblywoman Linda Carter said:
"Countless New Jersey residents have needed to take time off from work to care for family members due to the health crisis created by the spread of COVID-19, and many more will need to do so in the future. There’s never been a more important time to strengthen our family leave program.
"In a time of growing uncertainty, every worker deserves to know they won’t lose their job if they use family leave. This law also expands family leave for parents of school aged children who need to take time off due to school closures during this crisis.
"New Jersey has one of the most robust family leave laws in the nation. Today we make our program stronger to address the challenging times we are in.”

03/06/2020

Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update 3-6-20

MORRIS COUNTY GOVERNMENT COORDINATING RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS

The Morris County Office of Emergency Management and Office of Health Management, in coordination with officials in all 39 Morris County towns, school districts, and major healthcare providers, are closely monitoring the situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19).

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.

In addition, county OEM officials urge residents not to be alarmed if they see first responders wearing high levels of protective gear, such as masks, hoods, suits and respirators. Out of an abundance of caution, they may wear this gear for the safety of the patient and fellow responders.

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;
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;
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:

CDC’s COVID-19 website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html

N.J. Department of Health COVID-19 website:
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml

NJ COVID-19 Information Public Call Center: 1-800-222-1222.

For your local health department, call you town hall or visit your municipal website:
https://mtnlakes.org/

02/14/2020

Congrats to the Laker students, Ian Matty and all involved in this innovative program where they could apply what they are learning to help others. Great job everyone. Keep up the good work.

The partnership benefits the New Jerseystudents, who are learning accessible design and to create with empathy and imagination, as well as the blind and visually-impaired kids, who not only get to play the games but have a voice in the process.

01/20/2020

As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Day, we would be wise to remember that ultimately we are more alike than different. We honor Dr. King and those who use this day to serve others and make the world a better, more just place for all.