In the Vicinity

10-Digit Dialing Will Change How Those with 908 Area Codes Make Local Calls

Aswitch 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.

FDU Will Now Require Students to Get Vaccine

Fairleigh 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

On 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.

Virtual Cooking Class with Celebrity Chef David Burke

Refine your cooking skills with guidance from world renowned, celebrity Chef David Burke, and create an extraordinary dish for all to enjoy! Learn tips and techniques as you follow his lead, fueled by his artful inspiration the entire way. Proceeds benefit Table to Table, a community-based food rescue program that collects prepared and perishable food that would otherwise be wasted and delivers it to organizations serving the hungry.

Whether as a sponsor or guest, participants can count on an exciting evening filled with great food, wine (for select ticket holders) and an extra special experience right your own kitchen. And most of all, you will be helping the people in our community who need it most. All you need to do is decide the way you’d like to participate and then look forward to a very special evening with Chef Burke!

While showcasing your support of the Table to Table mission, participation in this event allows them to continue to be a reliable source of fresh, healthy food for single mothers, veterans, seniors, young children and poor working families, right here in our own backyard. Thursday, May 13 at 6pm. Reservations should be made by May 7. To review and purchase ticket options visit: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E349640&id=8

Chef David Burke

Morris County AIDS Walk Scavenger Hunt to Benefit EDGE New Jersey

On Sunday, May 2nd, the Morris County New Jersey AIDS Walk Scavenger Hunt will take place starting at 12 pm, with all funds raised to benefit EDGE New Jersey, Morris County’s first and only LGBTQ+ center. Participants will travel together with their family and friends in a safe and socially distanced scavenger hunt throughout Morris County, stopping at 5 designated outside locations. Participants will receive a free giveaway item at each stop. For more information on how to get involved and to get registered, please visit njaidswalk.org.

Support Sea Turtle Recovery

Guests are invited to support the sick and injured endangered sea turtles at Turtle Back Zoo on May 15 at the Sea Turtle Sunrise Event. Participants will enjoy two hours of early Zoo access from 8 to 10 am, a free gourmet donut and beverage, and a free train ride with a ticket purchase of $30 for an adult or $25 for a child under 18. Optional discounted admission for the whole day at the Zoo is available for an additional $10. You can also “adopt” an endangered or threatened sea turtle by sponsoring one for $30. With your donation, you will receive a thank you packet with information about your sponsored turtle, as well as an adoption certificate with a short description of your turtle and a small photo magnet with a photo of the turtle you are sponsoring. This makes a perfect gift for a child. You can register for the event and/or sponsor a turtle at: seaturtlerecovery.org.