In The Vicinity
10-Digit Dialing Will Change How Those with 908 Area Codes Make Local Calls
FDU Will Now Require Students to Get Vaccine
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switch to a national three-digit suicide crisis hotline will soon change how people in Morris County with a 908 area code call their neighbors. The Federal Communications Commission has adopted 988 as a new three-digit number to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Line. This change means that residents in Morris County will soon be required to dial all 10 digits to make local calls within their area codes. However, it is recommended for 908 telephone users to start getting into the habit now of dialing the 908 area code when making local calls, even if the person being called lives next door. It is important to note that making the switch isn’t as simple as adding the area code to local calls; rather, those affected will also have to reprogram automatic dialing equipment and change email signatures and stationery that don’t include the area code. People making calls on landlines will still dial 1+ for long-distance calls. The change of the hotline number won’t take effect until July 16, 2022, so people should continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK to reach the crisis hotline.
airleigh Dickinson has joined the growing number of universities including Rutgers requiring students to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before returning to campus this fall. In fact, the school recently opened registration for fall courses and requires students to upload a copy of their vaccination card to a private health portal, which also has forms for filing for medical and religious exemptions when warranted. This mandate extends to all students on campus for living arrangements, class or any other in-person activities, at the Florham campus, which has a Madison address but is based where the borough converges with Florham Park. Alternatives to mandates, include making online learning available for students who opt against getting the vaccine. According to FDU President Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D., herd immunity is the goal of this mandate, with the vast majority of students, faculty, and staff to be fully vaccinated by the time school opens in the fall, so as to allow the school to relax space restrictions in classrooms, residence halls, and other areas in accordance with prevailing guidelines. While Drew University, which is located nearby in Madison, hasn’t imposed a mandatory vaccine requirement yet, right now, the school “strongly encourages” the university community to get the Covid vaccine.
Walk to Raise Funds for Adults with Disabilities
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n May 15, the public is invited to support Our House Foundation in its 22nd Annual Our House, Our Run. This year, the event will be held virtually. Proceeds raised will support the programs and services provided to adults with disabilities by Our House. The event will kick off the on morning of May 15th and be open to participants through May 21st at 12 pm. A closing ceremony will take place on the morning of May 22nd. As a virtual event, each participant chooses a 4-mile course to run or walk on the day and time of their choice (within the window stated above). There will also be a variety of virtual information sessions and giveaways available throughout the week on the event’s Facebook page. All the details on how to register, create a team, be a fundraiser or become a sponsor can be found at ourhousenj.org.
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Vicinity Magazine
May 2021
