The Morris County Division of Transportation wants to make parents aware of two car seat inspection stations that are located in the area.

One is the Chester First Aid Squad building, 100 North Rd., in Chester, and the other is the Atlantic Ambulance building, 120 Dorsa Ave., in Livingston.

The inspection stations are a free service sponsored by Northern NJ Safe Kids/Safe Communities, a coalition of county and state government, law enforcement, hospitals, the education community, local businesses and concerned citizens working to reduce fatalities, injuries and property damage due to unintentional injuries on the road, at home and at play.

State law requires that children under 8 years of age or 80 pounds must be restrained in a child safety seat, or a booster seat. The law additionally requires that children over 8 years old or 80 pounds must wear a seatbelt, regardless as to where in the vehicle they are seated.

Trained, certified child passenger safety technicians are on hand at the inspection stations checking child safety seats and providing parents and caregivers education and hands-on assistance with the proper use of child restraint systems and safety belts. According to the technicians, it is best that the child be present so the proper fit in the safety seat can be assessed.

The car seat inspection station in Chester is open the first Tuesday of the month from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the third Thursday of the month from 7 a.m. to noon, and may be reached by calling 980-879-5560.

The Livingston car seat inspection station is open every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and may be reached by calling 973-971-6477.

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The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has announced that by June 30 it hopes to re-open enrollment to its medical benefits package to approximately 265,000 Priority Group 8 veterans whose incomes exceed the current VA means test income threshold by 10 percent or less.

Under the current rules, for example, those veterans whose income is below $29,402 or whose income is $35,284 or less with one dependent, receive free care. Under the new law, this amount would be increased by 10 percent or $2,940.

Veterans with income levels above this amount but not exceeding $43,050, or $49,200 with one dependent, pay a co-pay of $15 for a doctor visit or $50 co-pay for a specialist. Under the new law, this income limit would be increased by $4,305. Income in excess of this amount would be denied health care coverage in the VA System.

The income amounts are based on last calendar year and are the basis for determining levels of care and deductibles.

All veterans who wish to apply for the first time or re-apply as a result of this relaxation of income limits must complete Form 10-10EZ, according to Charles Jurgensen, Morris County Veterans Coordinator.

Jurgensen said the VA will allow a veteran to apply for health benefits prior to the anticipated effective date of July 1, but that veteran will be assigned a sub category until his or her application has been reviewed. They will then be requested to reapply by the VA. The sub categories have been set up to keep a record of income levels.

Further clarification on levels of income together with income levels for free drug care may be obtained by contacting Charles Jurgensen, Morris County Veterans Coordinator, at 973-285 6866 or the VA regional office in Lyons, N.J., at 908-647-0180

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Two county government agencies working together have discovered and removed for recycling approximately 51,500 illegally dumped tires from various locations since in less than eight years.

Crews from the Morris County Mosquito Commission and the Municipal Utilities Authority have been searching for, finding and removing discarded tires from streams, roadsides and wooded areas throughout the county since October 2001.

Kristian McMorland, superintendent of the Mosquito Commission, said removing the abandoned tires are part of the commission's year-round mosquito control activities.

"Tires can hold standing water creating the perfect habitat for many mosquitoes," McMorland said. "Removing abandoned or illegally dumped tires not only helps to reduce mosquito levels and the threat of West Nile virus, but it improves environmental quality." McMorland noted abandoned or illegally dumped tires can contaminate waterways and surface water run-off.

While many of the 51,500 tires were collected during the early days of the program, McMorland said 1,300 were removed between November 2008 and March 15. Among the trouble spots that still remain is Waterloo Valley Road in Mount Olive, where the number of tires removed is more than 3,000 and rising.

Under the program, Mosquito Commission crews find, collect and transport the tires to a trailer supplied by the MUA. The tires are then brought to a registered recycling facility where, according to Kathleen Hourihan, MUA district recycling coordinator, the tires are shredded and the byproduct sold for various uses including playground cover.

Anyone knowing of a location where tires have been dumped or discarded may call the Mosquito Commission at (973) 285-6450.

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The North Jersey Planning Authority has authorized a study that will help improve the efficiency of freight movement and guide smart growth in Morris County.

The Morris County Freight Infrastructure & Land Use Analysis is one of 11 county and city studies slated for funding in the NJTPA's work program for the fiscal year 2010-2011.

The NJTPA said Morris County's interstate highways and freight rail network play a vital role in the region's economy. Companies in the county employ over 86,000 workers in manufacturing, wholesale and retail trades that rely on efficient goods movement. The study seeks to identify future opportunities for freight-related development and infrastructure improvements, with a particular emphasis on facilitating connections between trucks and trains.

"This study will help our county make decisions that ensure goods are moved in a safer, more reliable way in the years to come," said Morris County Freeholder Director Gene F. Feyl. "A thriving freight industry means a stronger economy and a better quality of life for residents."

Feyl represents Morris County on the NJTPA Board and serves as NJTPA Second Vice-Chairman.

The study is projected to cost $300,000, which will be paid for through $240,000 in federal funds provided by a NJTPA grant and $60,000 from a local match. Funding will start July 1.

The NJTPA is the metropolitan planning organization for 13 northern New Jersey counties including Morris.

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The Morris County Clerk's Passport Division will be on the road this spring for people who may not be able to come to the passport office in Morristown.

According to Morris County Clerk Joan Bramhall, any Morris County resident in need of a new or renewed passport may go to the Rockaway Township Library, 61 Mt. Hope Rd., on Tuesday, April 14; the Montville Municipal Building, 195 Changebridge Rd., on Monday, April 20; and the Community Meeting Room in the Lincoln Park Municipal Building, 34 Chapel Hill Rd., on Monday, April 27.

Bramhall said passport division staff will process applications from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at each of those locations. Proof of citizenship, including a birth certificate with a raised seal of the town or state of birth, or naturalization papers; two identical passport photos; and proof of identification, such as a valid driver license are required.

The passport fee established by the U.S. Department of State and payable with two checks is $100 for an adult and $85 for children 15 years of age and under.

Significant changes in passport laws now require a passport for all air, sea, land or border crossings to or from the United States, Bramhall said. She also warned customers to allow a sufficient amount of time to receive their passports before traveling, since the processing time for a passport may take four to six weeks or longer.

In addition to the "on the road" program, the county clerk's passport office is open from 8 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday with Wednesday evening hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The county clerk's office is on the first floor of the Morris County Administration and Records Building on Court Street in Morristown.

More passport information may be obtained by calling the Morris County Passport Office at 973-285-6161.

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The Morris County Park Commission is gearing up for another golf season at its four nationally recognized courses, with opening day scheduled for Saturday, March 28, weather permitting.

The Park Commission's courses include Berkshire Valley Golf Course in Jefferson Township, Flanders Valley Golf Course in Flanders, Pinch Brook Golf Course in Florham Park, and Sunset Valley Golf Course in Pompton Plains. These award-winning Four-Star Rated courses offer challenging play, a wide range of popular programs for golfers, and all at a reasonable price.

Berkshire Valley is the newest 18-hole addition that consists of 600-acres, unique challenges and magnificent views. Flanders Valley has been ranked among the "Top 75 Public Courses." With 409 acres of land, this 36-hole course is the site of the USGA Women's Public Links Qualifier held annually. Designed by the world renowned development firm of Rees Jones, Inc., Florham Park's Pinch Brook Golf Course is a popular 18-hole course where junior and women's clinics are held. Sunset Valley, another outstanding 18-hole course, offers one of the most breathtaking views in Morris County.

These four courses offer a variety of play for every kind of golfer. The programs offered at these top ranked public courses include tournaments, private and group lessons, junior golf programs, clinics and group outings. Information and telephone numbers for each course are available on the Park Commission Web site, www.morrisparks.net.

All courses are handicapped accessible and feature a golf shop, snack bar and locker rooms.

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The board of trustees of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority has endorsed a set of road, rail, bridge and other transportation investments that will use more than $750 million in federal stimulus funds.

The "ready to go" projects to be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act include about $8.9 million for locally led projects in Morris County, according to Freeholder Director Gene Feyl, a member of the NJTPA executive committee.

Those projects include $5.8 million for rehabilitation work to the Chester Branch Railroad, a county-owned freight line in Roxbury; $2.4 million for various milling and resurfacing projects throughout the county; $350,000 for intersection improvements to Ridgedale and Deforest avenues and Ridgedale Avenue and Troy Road in East Hanover; $200,000 for signal work at Parsippany Road, Route 202 and Parsippany Boulevard in Parsippany; and $200,000 for signal work at West Hanover Avenue and Burnham and Stiles roads in Morris Township and Morris Plains.

As the federally endorsed Metropolitan Planning Organization for a 13-county area in northern and central New Jersey, the NJTPA must approve all federal transportation investment in the region, Feyl said.

In addition, Feyl said several state road, bridge and NJ TRANSIT projects in Morris County will be funded by the stimulus act. These include $14 million for resurfacing Rt. 80 westbound east of South Beverwyck Road to west of the Rt. 23 Interchange; and about $15 million for bridge deck replacement or rehabilitation projects on I-80 east and westbound over Berkshire Valley Road; on I-287 northbound over Route 46; and on Salem Street over Rt. 10.

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The Morris County Office of Emergency Management has scheduled two public meetings on the county's Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The first will be Thursday, April 9, 2009, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Ave., in Parsippany. This meeting will give the public the opportunity to comment on the draft mitigation plan.

A second public meeting Thursday, May 14 at 7 p.m., also at the academy, will allow for a final municipal review and will also provide information on adopting the plan.

Morris County's OEM has been working with the county's 39 municipalities to develop a comprehensive hazard mitigation plan that will include a risk assessment and a hazard-mitigation strategy that will identify hazard mitigation projects that can reduce the risk of loss of life, injury and property damage from future natural and manmade disasters. According to the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, creation of this plan will allow the county and the participating municipalities to be eligible for future mitigation funding from FEMA.

The plan will identify and lay the ground work for implementing hazard mitigation projects, including those that are eligible for federal funding and those that may not qualify for federal funds but are of clear value to local communities. Additionally, this plan will identify mechanisms for integrating hazard mitigation into other related planning efforts.

The primary natural hazard in Morris County is flooding, but other potential hazards such as drought, extreme cold, extreme heat, snow, ice, hail, windstorms and tornadoes will be included in the planning process.

Following the risk assessment, the county will develop a hazard mitigation strategy that will include the identification of hazard mitigation goals as well as a prioritized list of actions designed to reduce losses.

Information about the mitigation plan is available on the Office of Emergency Web site, WWW.MORRISOEM.ORG.

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The Morris County Freeholders on March 11 presented Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medals to eight veterans in recognition of their service to our nation.

The medal recipients were praised for their service and patriotism by Freeholder Director Gene F. Feyl.

"You bravely protected and served our great nation during conflicts around the world," Feyl told the veterans. "Without question, we are in your debt for your courage and your sacrifices."

Medals were awarded to Army Korean War veterans Gerald DeFranco and John McCarthy, both of Rockaway; Navy Vietnam veteran Christopher Tighe from Randolph; and Army Vietnam veterans Tim O’Connor of Morristown; Gerald Brian Doe, Jr. of Morris Plains; and Dominick D’Andrea of Montville. The freeholders also presented medals to Army veteran Vincent Binkoski of Wharton who served in Panama and in Basra; and Gulf War Navy veteran Russell Sieb of Randolph.

Since the freeholders began the program in 2000, approximately 8,500 Distinguished Military Service Medals have been presented to veterans or to their family members.

Eligibility requirements for the recognition include having served on active duty, not for training, during periods that have been designated by Department of Veterans Affairs and for which a veteran is eligible for battle pins. The individual may be a current or former Morris County resident, but did not have to live in the county during his or her time of active duty. A veteran must have received an honorable discharge, and discharge papers will be required for proof of service.

Veterans or their family members must register with the Morris County Department of Human Services at 973-285-6866.

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The Morris County Vocational School District is encouraging students who will be juniors in high school next year and their parents to consider applying to one of the school's career and technical shared time education programs.

Applications are now available online at www.mcvts.org.

The Morris County School of Technology in Denville offers shared time programs in Auto Body/Collision Repair, Automotive Service Technology, Carpentry, Computer Drafting and Graphics Studio, Cosmetology, Electrical Trades, Plumbing and Welding Technology.

For additional information about Shared Time, or to inquire about Special Needs or Academy programs, call the Morris County School of Technology at (973) 627-4600 ext.277 or visit the school's website, www.mcvts.org.

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The Morris County Heritage Commission has unveiled the first in a planned series of exhibits about the county's history, which may be viewed online.

The first two virtual exhibits, "A Photographic History of the Cultural Center," and "Celebrating Exceptional Women from Morris County's Past," may be viewed on the Heritage Commission Web site, www.morrisheritage.org.

"These online exhibits are designed to enhance topics about our history that are usually presented in static displays," said Carrie Fellows, Heritage Commission director. "They provide an exciting, new way to learn about Morris County history."

Those viewing the online exhibits will be able to see what the Cultural Center looked like when it was built as a health farm in 1928. The building, now part of the Morris County Park System, houses the Heritage Commission, the Park Police, the Municipal Utilities Authority and the Park Commission's Visitors Services and Recreation offices.

Among the women featured in the online exhibit "Celebrating Exceptional Women from Morris County's Past," are Col. Ruth Streeter, the first woman to hold the rank of major in the U.S. Marine Corps, and Louisa Sanderson Macculloch, who in 1813 founded what is now Family Services of Morris County.

Additional information about the online exhibits or any of the programs offered by the Morris County Heritage Commission may be obtained by calling the Commission at 973-829-8117 or by visiting the Heritage Commission Web site, www.morrisheritage.org.

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Morris County 4-H is kicking off its first Science-Sational Day at the County College of Morris in Randolph on Saturday, April 4 for children in grades 1-6.

According to Theresa Yost, Morris County 4-H program associate, 4-H Science-Sational Day is a day of fun and science activities that will give youngsters a taste of science in different workshop settings to help encourage them to explore science in a fascinating way. Workshops will include themes such as the science of color; rocketry; pollution and recycling; hydogels; and building bridges.

"Kids will have the opportunity to try fun experiments like building a bridge out of masking tape and making it high enough for a 1 gallon jug to pass under yet sturdy enough to hold the jug," said Yost.

Parents must register their children by March 15 by calling the 4-H office at (973)285-8300, Ext. 3, or by registering online at http://morris.njaes.rutgers.edu. Children do not have to be in 4-H to register and participate in activities.

The cost of the program is $20 student and $15 for each additional sibling.
Children may bring there lunches or pre-order a boxed lunch for the event.

The Morris County 4-H Program is doing its part to help in increasing science awareness among young people by hosting eight 4-H clubs that include science related activities.

For more information about 4-H in Morris County visit the 4-H website at http://morris.njaes.rutgers.edu or contact the 4-H office (973) 285-8300, Ext. 3.

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