Residents asked to help with mosquito control

Morris County Residents Asked to Join the Battle Against Mosquitoes

Remove Standing Water from Your Property

Morris County Residents Asked to Join the Battle Against MosquitoesA very wet spring created an environment in many parts of Morris County that is quite conducive to the breeding of mosquitoes, which are causing a major nuisance for residents.

This Spring, county mosquito control teams tackled heavy mosquito breeding areas via trucks, ATVs and back-mounted sprayers.

Residents in all 39 Morris County towns also are being asked to help out in this battle. Between what seem-to-be constant rain showers, county mosquito control officials are asking you to thoroughly check the outside of your house, apartment, condominium, or wherever you live in Morris County and drain sources of standing water to eliminate areas where mosquitoes can breed.

Morris County Residents Asked to Join the Battle Against Mosquitoes

Empty water from planters

Try to eliminate all sources of standing water, such as planters, gutters, old tires, wheelbarrows, clogged gutters and other sources of standing water that can breed mosquitoes.

“If everyone would take steps around their own homes to eliminate standing water, it could make a very big difference, reducing the number of mosquitoes by many hundreds of thousands, if not millions, where you live,’’ said Mosquito Division Superintendent Kristian McMorland.

The Morris County Division of Mosquito Control has been active for months preparing for this year’s mosquito battle, but you can make a difference when it comes to mosquitoes around where you live.

“It’s important to remove or clean or repair anything that can collect rain or sprinkler water – such as clogged gutters, old car tires, wheelbarrows, planters, trash can covers, birdbaths, old tarps, or unused swimming or wading pools,’’ said McMorland. “Even just a bit of standing water can produce a huge number of mosquitoes that can have a negative impact on your quality of life.’’

The water in a wheelbarrow can produce enough mosquitoes to infest your entire neighborhood.

The most common backyard species of mosquito travels only about thousand feet from where they are spawned. Mosquitoes spend their juvenile life stage in the aquatic environment and will go from egg to adult in about one week during the summer. So removing standing water near your home can have a dramatic impact on your mosquito population.

In addition to the nuisance of mosquitoes, they also bring the possibility of mosquito borne diseases, such as West Nile virus, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

“Our county team does a great job of working to battle mosquitoes in some of the toughest breeding grounds in the county but they need your help when it comes to making a difference in your yard or neighborhood,’’ said Freeholder John Cesaro, liaison to the County Mosquito Control Division. “What steps you take, or don’t take, can affect families living all around you.’’

Mosquitoes require standing water for 7 days to complete their development.

Steps you can take to reduce mosquito populations include:

  • Morris County Residents Asked to Join the Battle Against MosquitoesAt least once a week, empty water from flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.
  • Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
  • Recycle discarded tires, and remove other items that could collect water.
  • Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.

Look very carefully around your property for anything that could hold water in which mosquitoes can lay eggs. If your home is under construction, make sure standing water is not collecting on tarps or in any receptacles.

Additional tips on how to limit mosquitoes on your property include:

  • Drill holes in the bottom and elevate recycling containers that are left outdoors;
  • Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate;
  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, including those that are not being used. An untended swimming pool can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints;
  • Be aware mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers;
  • Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property.

It is also a good time now to check screens in windows and doors and make any necessary repairs to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

For more details on mosquitoes, visit: https://morriscountynj.gov/mosquito/info/

Also, check out the following videos for advice on dealing with mosquitoes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_ekfQ-F4F4 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiQXLZnU7lA

June 20, 2018 in Environmental, Health

Classic Car Show June 10th

Chester’s 18th Annual Classic Car Show

Take a Stroll Down Memory Lane

On Sunday, June 10th, Chester will be bursting with Classic Cars and Trucks along Historic Downtown Main Street! 

This Thrilling Motor Exhibit is FREE to the public and includes a display of the finest classics, customs, muscle, special interest, antiques, pro street cars and more!

Schedule of Events:

  • 8:00 am – 10:00 am: Exhibitors Register their Vehicles at the Top of Perry Street.
  • 10:00 am – 4:00pm: Show Times
  • 4:00 pm: Trophies awarded at the top of Perry Street.
    (Note: Vehicle must be registered and the owner and vehicle must be present to be eligible for trophy.)

*Plus All Day Shopping, Dining, and Exploring throughout Chester*

Trophy Categories:
• Best Engine
• Best Truck
• Best Paint
• People’s Choice
• Best in Show
• Top 5 Winner

Musical entertainment includes DJ-Doc South. Portion of proceeds to benefit Eric Koby Adoption Fund.

Stroll Chester’s charming, brick-lined sidewalks with over 80 specialty shops featuring antiques, crafts, clothing, jewelry, home furnishings, pet products, confections and wonderful eateries. For brand-name shopping and additional dining, visit The Streets of Chester Shopping Center. There is something for everyone here in Historic Chester, NJ! Visit www.ilovechester.com for complete details.
Questions? Contact Toni Perry at toni@twdirection.com

June 5, 2018 in Community

Chester Craft Fair June 2nd and 3rd

Make plans to attend the 20th Annual Spring Chester Craft Show, being held on Saturday and Sunday, June 2nd and 3rd, 2018 from 10:00-5:00.

Ranked in Top 60 craft shows IN THE COUNTRY, with over 160 ARTISTS from around the region…and 25 NEW ARTISANS!

Admission: $4.00.  No dogs/pets allowed.

****$1.00 OFF* A SINGLE ADMISSION***
PRINT THIS AD AND PRESENT AT THE GATE TO RECEIVE $1.00 DISCOUNT.

Experience a wide variety of handmade items including traditional craft, fine art and country crafts.  Find unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list as well as beautiful handcrafted furnishings for your home.

Be sure to stroll through Historic Chester and visit over 80 unique shops and eateries which are just steps away from the show. You will discover a wonderful selection of antiques, crafts, clothing, jewelry, home furnishings and accessories, gourmet pet products, confections and wonderful eateries. There is something for everyone in Historic Chester, NJ

For complete details, visit www.ilovechester.com

May 31, 2018 in Community

Annual Memorial Day Commemoration May 28th

Annual Memorial Day Commemoration May 28, 11am, Maysey Memorial, Main St. Chester Borough, NJ

Chester will remember those in the Armed Forces who died while serving their country on “Decoration Day,” or as it is better known today, “Memorial Day.” People from the community will gather on Main Street in Chester Borough to watch the procession, listen to inspiring stories, hear moving speeches and patriotic musical arrays. Participants will also experience the rattling rifle salute and moving taps, as we honor those who gave all for our country, on this very important day. The event will take place on Monday, May 28th, 2018 at 11am at Maysey Memorial/Memorial Park in the center of town and will feature Mayor Janet Hoven as the Master of Ceremonies, with remarks from members of the American Legion Post 342 Chester, and Mayor Marcia Asdal from Chester Township. The West Morris Community Band under the direction of Gary Quam will provide music for the event along with vocal soloist & Chester resident, Mary Bolio. Our own Chester Volunteer Fire Company #1, Chester Police, and Chester Volunteer First Aid Squad will be present to honor our veterans, along with local scout troops sporting color guard and full uniform attire. Members of the American Legion will perform the ceremonious Laying of the Wreaths and Roll Call of Chester Fallen Soldiers. The event is sponsored by the Borough of Chester in conjunction with American Legion Post 342, Chester. Anyone who served or is currently serving in the Armed Forces is invited to walk in the procession to pay their thanks and should gather at the Gazebo on Main Street at 10:45am. For more details about the event please contact Recreation Director at: recreationchesterborough.org

May 26, 2018 in Community

Chester Borough Names Property at 50 North Road

The Chester Borough Council Has unanimously voted to name the Open Space property at 50 North Road, the Seward Hill Preserve. The Preserve, purchased by the Borough in 2009 from Alcatel-Lucent, consists of 64 acres, which are restricted to passive recreation. There are an additional 22 acres on the parcel which are owned by the municipality and the buildings house the municipal offices and department of public works in addition to the Chester Board of Education.

The prominent feature of the property is Seward Hill.  The Seward Family dates back to the 1700s in Chester.  According to Chester, New Jersey A Scrapbook of History by Frances Greenidge (1974), Obiadiah Seward was a “Black River Patriot” in the Revolutionary War. The Seward Farm was passed down in the Seward family until it was sold to the pastor of the Chester Congregational Church, sometime around 1801.  A portion of an old “Seward” house can still be seen on Seward Place in Chester Borough.  The original Seward Farm was known as the “Welcome Home Farm.”

In 1928, Bell Telephone Laboratories purchased what by then was referred to as Seward’s Hill, as an outdoor testing site.  According to Mrs. Greenidge, the spot was chosen “for its altitude of over a thousand feet, and for its ‘particularly good wind exposure on open wires.’’’ In 1929, the original “telephone pole forest” was installed.

At some point, John and Willard Apgar, decedents of early settlers of Chester, decided to erect a Christmas Star on the Hill, which remains a tradition to this day.  Mrs. Greenidge also mentioned that the Bell Lab employees enjoyed working on the property and one of them brought in a high powered telescope and placed it on the Hill.  It is said that on a clear day, the men could count 33 stories of the Empire State Building.

Today, the Seward Hill Preserve is home to a trails system which winds its way through Chester Township and Borough.  Native plantings dot the landscape and wildlife freely roam its environs.

April 30, 2018 in Community, Environmental

Prescription Drug Disposal Event Sat. April 28

On April 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Chester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 15th opportunity in seven years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to Chester Police Department at 1 Parker Road, Chester, NJ 07930. The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. If you can not make the event we have a MedReturn Collection box in the police headquarters lobby that can be utilized by Chester residents.

April 23, 2018 in Health

Tennis postponed a week

Chester Borough Recreation announces that this week’s tennis program is going to be postponed a week due to court conditions. Any questions should be directed to the Recreation Director at recreationchesterborough.org

April 16, 2018 in Recreation

Expired: JCP&L Helicopter Inspections

Note: The information on this page represents historical information. As such, it may no longer be relevant or accurate.

From JCP&L: “Please be advised that on approximately April 14th weather permitting, Chesapeake Bay Helicopters will be performing a comprehensive visual inspection (CVI) patrol on the T5020 (Smithburg-Deans) 500kV line and will be performing Routine Patrols on all 230kV and 115kV transmission lines. CBH will be patrolling JCP&L territory full-time until the inspections are completed – inspections will take approximately two weeks for completion. (more…)

April 9, 2018 in Utilities