Yup, another Covid-19 masking article. Why? Because this thing ain't over folks?

Good Afternoon People of Lawrence!

ok, let's get down to business...

Each morning I receive a brief Covid-19 report from our Health Officer, Keith Levine, and receive reports from the NJ Office of Emergency Management about statewide trends. In the past couple of weeks, it has become increasingly clear that things are trending the wrong way in our fight against the virus. Keith wrote the following to me:

__________________________________________________________________

Kevin:

Omicron is competing with Delta in our region (meaning NY, NJ, CT area) w/ about 13% of cases being Omicron, which is not high but increases with time. We still do not know how Omicron will affect things, more on that as it develops. Hospitalizations and cases requiring a ventilator are also steeply rising in NJ, Mercer County has experienced a 250% increase in cases since early November so holiday season illness spread is in full swing right now and will only get worse.

For perspective, deaths due to COVID (in the USA) are higher in 2021 than they were in 2020 (hard to believe but true). Mercer Co. deaths are at about 1060 and NJ as a whole is around 30k last I saw. Hard to keep up with all the stats but I check them every so often.

12/9: 19

12/10: 17

12/13: 10

12/14: 12

12/15: 12

12/16: 9

This brings us to a total of 3320 confirmed cases and 96 deaths to date.

Keith

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I think it is always good to allow the community a check "under the hood" and share some internal communications that I think are important for you to see.

I am not an alarmist, but clearly, the virus is gaining strength again with this new strain. It is coming at a time when families are making plans to gather and celebrate the holidays. So, I simply offer to you all, to remain diligent and not let your guard down. Keep a mask with you at all times. When you go into a store or a public place when social distancing is not possible or realistic, wear your mask to protect yourself and others. Although we all want this covid thing to be over, it isn't. We need to remain focused on doing what we know is the right thing to do. Despite political opinions to the contrary, the right type of mask protects us from the spread of the virus. https://www.mayoclinic.org/.../coronavirus-mask/art-20485449

Here are some trends we need to be aware of in our state:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/map/new-jersey?fbclid=IwAR1h3KCIPi9KZGQLd6SDlGWia7iPG7VI0EpOZjtujXvTcWjk_U9s0z9h3Fw

Here is some good information for those that remain unvaccinated:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vaccine/art-20484859?fbclid=IwAR3_UUxaBD4wrpmAt15x2rTJOPJdZjiHpdE38CsEBjIS4W5YQ1iJQy9S3Ao

Peace and love.... Peace and Love

Lawrence Township Grant Matrix to December 2021

From time to time I share our internal Township grant matrix which tracks all of our applications for grant funding and their status.  Below is a link to the Lawrence Township Grant Matrix to December 2021.  In summary, in 2021 we applied for $3,124,802 in County, State and Federal grant funding for various projects.  We received $1,895,200 in awarded funds and still have some applications pending decision.

Our grant "game" is critical to keeping our municipal tax rate as low as possible.  We will continue to work hard to find and apply for grants that work for our community.  Please know that many grants require a match from the applicant.   A "match" is money required from the applicant that equals (or is a percentage) of the amount being awarded.  For example, if we apply for a grant to assist us in developing a recreational site (like a dog park), we most likely will be required to commit to spending a certain amount of our own money on the project.  As a result, we need to make sure that the grant fits our needs at the time it is to be awarded because it will impact our budget.  

Here is the link to our most current grant matrix as prepared by our Grant Czar Brenda Kramer: 

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:60549e3f-9671-463f-b1b2-62b7adfcb315

Masks are a drag.....but the virus is much worse!

Greetings, People of Lawrence!

Ok, moving right along....

As all of you may know, the municipal building is open to the public to conduct business with our various departments. Since the Pandemic still exists, we require that all persons wear masks while in the common areas of the building.  We are doing this because (1) people are still getting the virus, (2) people are still being hospitalized (and some are dying), (3) people are still unvaccinated, and (4) people who are vaccinated are still susceptible to getting the virus and passing it on to others.  We are 22 months into this Pandemic, and we should all be well informed of the standard safeguards being implemented to protect the health and safety of OTHERS.

From time to time, our attendee at the reception desk is met with displeased visitors who do not wish to wear a mask. Not wanting to wear a mask is ok. We have a locked box outside the North Entrance (with an envelope and pen station) where one can deposit their tax payments or other forms to whatever department they are conducting business with so they don't have to enter the building and wear a mask.   If a visitor needs to discuss and issue with a staff member, that discussion can be by phone, or the staff member will meet the visitor outside the North Entrance to have the conversation (at a safe distance). Easy peasy….we can accommodate you if you do not want to wear a mask. 

Yesterday, our attendee at the reception desk was rebuked by a visitor who refused to wear a mask and proceeded into the building, failing to stop as requested.  He continued to his destination in the building because "he was a taxpayer" and "requiring a mask violates his rights." Both reasons are wrong and unacceptable. The masking requirement is not up for discussion and is not optional. It applies to all who enter the building.  The purpose is to protect those that are in the building working or visiting.

As I have said many times before, the municipal services we provide are far different from those provided at retail establishments (i.e., restaurants, stores, etc.).  If a retail establishment must close down because its employees become sick or must quarantine, you can take your business, most likely right down the street, to another similar establishment.  If our staff become ill or must quarantine, which requires the building to close, you cannot go down the street and obtain whatever service you were receiving from our municipal offices.  We provide the residents, property owners, and businesses with essential services that other offices do not duplicate.  As a result, we must take the reasonable and necessary precaution to have masks worn (and temperatures taken) to keep us open and operating.     

Please, please be respectful of others and of the municipal staff that provides services to our community. Even if you don't think masks work or the requirement is stupid and violates your rights......Just know that we will continue to follow the established science that proves masks do limit the virus from spreading, and we all want to keep our work environment safe and healthy for ourselves, family, and friends (that we return home to).  While you are at it, show the same respect and concern for the private businesses that require masks to be worn.  They are doing it to protect their employees and customers---to keep their stores open so their employees can work and earn a living and pay their bills.  You know, the ol' pursuit of the American dream thing!  

Wearing a mask for the brief period you are in a building should not and is not too much to ask.  No one wants to wear a mask, but sometimes in life, there are challenges that we all must face together....for the good of everyone. We are in the midst of a public health crisis, not a political dispute.

Stay Positive, test Negative!

Peace and love... Peace and love.... 

Lawrence Township's Grant Matrix for October 2021

       For those that are interested in the Township's efforts in obtaining grant funds to support our various projects, you will find our up-to-date October 2021 Grant Matrix here:

Grant Matrix October 2021.pdf(Review)- Adobe Document Cloud

       As always, thank you to our municipal engineer, Brenda Kraemer, for spearheading our grant program and putting this together to keep us all informed about our grant game!

Further thoughts on the decision to vaccinate to help fight against the virus......

Good Morning People of Lawrence!!!!

This post reflects my personal opinion on vaccinations. If you have no interest in my opinion....please just move on..... I am aware of my detractors and, as a result, I am not posting this on any of our community FB pages (just on my own FB timeline).

Ok....let's get to some business. As some of you may know, I have been hesitant to personally appeal or encourage anyone to get vaccinated. I just don't think I have the background and expertise to prompt anyone to inject the vaccine into their bodies. Having said that, I have also been clear that I rely on trusted sources for my information to make decisions for myself and to keep Township employees as safe as I can while meeting our mandate to serve our community. The Mayo Clinic website is where I go daily to keep informed. For those that do not trust the government or are bent towards conspiracy theories (and seek something different), this source may be for you. To find out more about it: https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic

It is a world-respected, non-profit medical treatment and research institute, and during this pandemic, is a valued source of current and trusted information. As with any hospital providing treatment, you will find negative reviews from patients if you do a search, but my focus is on its medical research......which is unquestionably respected.

For those that are unvaccinated, please take some time to view this site: https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/why-get-vaccinated.

I understand everyone has an opinion on this topic. Tragically, some have allowed politics to enter into our fight against a world health pandemic. And it is "our" fight because our actions impact the health and safety of others.

The one and only fact that really resonates with me right now is that more than 90% of the covid-related hospitalizations and deaths are for the unvaccinated. Some will say that is their choice and they will suffer the consequences. But that falls well short of common sense. When our hospitals are filled with unvaccinated people, using our medical resources (human resources, testing resources, and treatment resources), it jeopardizes the health and treatment of those who require hospitalizations for medical conditions unrelated to the virus.

I simply can't imagine the mindset of the doctors, nurses, and all those providing comfort and care to the unvaccinated knowing that science has produced a vaccine to help fight this virus. Yet people are still being hospitalized, ventilated, and at times, tragically dying, when it most likely was avoidable if only they trusted enough to protect themselves and others by getting vaccinated.

I hear people all the time say that they have done their research on this topic, and they have decided that the vaccine is not for them. Fair enough.....but where did they do their "research?" There are too many sites available on the internet where you can go to find the answer that supports where you want to "land" on this issue. That can prove to be a tragic mistake....and it has for many already. I suggest you direct your "research" to objectively (non-political) trusted sources of science-based information. If you still say "no" to the vaccine.... you have then made an informed decision and no one can fault you. The decisions we make on this issue are not personal, they affect others. The responsibility extends beyond the individual. Good luck!

Peace and love.... Peace and Love!

Shelter from the Storm: Ida and Our Response

 

"Now there's a wall between us, 

somethin' there's been lost

I took too much for granted, 

I got my signals crossed

Just to think that it all began on an uneventful morn

Come in, she said I'll give ya

shelter from the storm."

 (B. Dylan "Shelter from the Storm") 

            Clearly, if given a chance to quote from a Bob Dylan song, I will do it.  Also, if allowed to shine some light and love on the employees and volunteers who work for our community in the most challenging circumstances, I will do that too.   Hurricane Ida trampled through our town in a way that past storms have not in a good long while.    The winds and the flooding did extensive damage, and while most of us were sheltering in place, our firefighters, emergency medical technicians, police officers, and public works employees were out in the thick of it doing what was necessary to protect life and property.  This article is a public and collective "Thank you" to them.

             Most of our residents did not see, first hand, the flooding that occurred in our Route 1 corridor.  When I did, after the winds and rains subsided, I was left speechless thinking about what was happening when we were all safely in our homes, and these men and women were out doing their jobs.   As is a matter of routine, I receive updates from our Director of Fire and Emergency Services.  But for this storm, I wanted the details of our response to get a better sense of it and asked Jack to provide me with a report.  Instead of summarizing, I will share it with you in total:

 "Re:  TD Ida Calls for Service

 The Lawrence Township Emergency Services stood up an operational period in response to Tropical Storm IDA commencing at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, until 4:00 PM on Thursday, September 2, 2021.  During that period, the following incidents occurred:

50 Water Evacuations/Swiftwater Rescues

This included all persons trapped by surging floodwaters in cars, homes, and land with isolated opportunities for movement.  The hotels/motels (Sleepy Hollow, Mounts, Motel 6) were also evacuated due to flooding, and there were over 100 persons placed in various shelters.  Of note was the swift water rescue of a Hopewell Township Police Officer conducted by the Lawrenceville Fire Company members while supplying mutual aid to Hopewell Township.  This officer entered the swift-moving waters of the Stoney Brook to attempt to rescue a stranded motorist and became a victim himself.  The stranded motorist was tragically swept away in the waters and killed.

20 Fire response related incidents

These responses were for investigation of water conditions in homes, fire/CO alarm activations, arcing wires, and a working fire in the Sleepy Hollow Motel discovered during the evacuation of the patrons.

The Career Fire and EMS staff and members from Stations 21, 22, and 23 (approximately 30 members total) provided the coverage and responses during the operational period.  No injuries or deaths were reported in Lawrence during this time.  An estimate of person-hours is difficult to determine at this time. However, I'm sure given the number of incidents and responders present, the number will easily eclipse 13,000 hours.

The performance by the men and women of the Lawrence Township Emergency Services was exemplary and nothing short of heroic.  They should be commended for their actions during this extremely difficult and dangerous storm. Respectfully, Jack Oakley, Director."

            The report by Jack speaks for itself.  It was simply no less than outstanding work by all involved.   When I met with the department heads this week, we discussed the storm and our response.  I must say that our Public Works Director, Greg Whitehead, made sure to commend and make known to all of his staff's hard work during the storm.  In addition to the post-storm clean-up response, our Public Works facility was completely flooded.  This required our employees to respond by taking all actions necessary to minimize the damage done to the building and the equipment during the storm and after.  More so than any other, these employees take abuse from some demanding and unreasonable residents daily, so the opportunity to praise them publicly needs to be done.  On behalf of a grateful community, its elected officials, and me, THANK YOU! 

A follow up to my last article....Covid 19 and the unvaccinated.

Just a brief follow-up on my last article about Covid-19, the data that supports vaccination, and the concerns about the delta variant that research shows is more contagious and causes more severe illness. 

Removing myself from interacting with residents on the various FB pages has in many respects been liberating, but it is also a source of incredible frustration.   Though the number of negative comments between residents has reduced from posts I created, there are times that I find it challenging to allow misinformation to go unrefuted or provide context to decisions made by the municipal government. But we all have our challenges in life!  I remind everyone if they have a question or a concern, please feel free to email me at knerwinski@lawrencetwp.com, and I will do my best to provide a timely response.

My recent article has prompted some on FB to question where I get my information.  As I stated, our Health Officer keeps me informed of current trends in Covid-19 cases.  I also receive daily Covid-19 Situation Reports from the NJ Office of Emergency Management.  But to educate myself on these issues, I have found the Mayo Clinic website to be a great resource.  Its non-profit status (and non-government affiliation) and worldwide reputation as a leading institute for medical treatment and research, to me, make it a trusted source.  (I know full well this will now prompt some to attack the Mayo Clinic….)

For information on the case to vaccinate:   https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/why-get-vaccinated

For information on the delta variant…..which is more contagious and causes more severe illness:  https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-19-vaccine-urgency-as-delta-variant-continues-to-spread/

Everyone who is frustrated by the changing guidance from public officials over these past 18 months (whether from the CDC, the Governor, or the President) should take a step back and remember that Covid-19 presented as a completely new, more lethal virus than the world had experienced in more than 100 years.  Little was known about it, but as the medical researchers and providers did their outstanding work to gain the knowledge needed to fight its spread and treat the infected, their guidance changed as their understanding of the virus increased over time.  This should not be a source of frustration, and changing guidance should be expected as we continue with this fight. 

As for the change in policy for visitors and employees in our municipal building, things are fluid in a world health pandemic, and the data tells us that we are regressing in our fight against the virus.  Not changing or adapting to the data would be a dereliction of duty to the community and our employees.

EVERYONE (visitor and employee) will be required to wear a mask in the common areas of the building.  This should not be viewed as punishment to anyone.  It is a decision made for the health and safety of all who come into our municipal buildings.  As employees and visitors do their business, they will be socially distanced and separated by plexiglass at the counters --- and both visitor and employee will be masked.  If anyone prefers to continue to conduct their business outside at the North Entrance as we have done successfully and effectively for months, they will be accommodated.