I hope, and pray, that this note finds everyone well. These are crazy, unprecedented times and we all need to work together to keep our amazing community safe. We hope everyone is staying home, enjoying family and keeping healthy.

We realize it’s difficult to navigate the state-wide stay-at-home order issued by our NJ Governor, but it is in the best interest of each of us, our families and our community to do just that.

As of this writing, there are 742 cases of COVID-19 in NJ, 18 of which are in Wayne. This virus is indiscriminate. It is affecting young and old alike. It is easily spread person-to-person between people in close contact (within about 6 feet). It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

In NJ, there is a high rate of community spread. Unfortunately, this is where communities like Packanack need to remain especially vigilant. We are an extremely social bunch and under normal conditions, we celebrate this. Today, however, we need to master a different type of social behavior…social distancing. It is critical that we follow the guidelines laid out by our Federal and State Governments.

The NJ Governor has issued a state-wide stay-at-home order and closure of all non-essential retail businesses. To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Governor has directed all residents to stay at home until further notice. The order provides for certain exceptions, such as obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family, reporting to work, or engaging in outdoor activities.

We love that Packanackers are active, outdoor folks and want to take advantage of everything the lake offers but we need your help. We have closed the clubhouse, the parking lots, the basketball courts and Carney Park. We are doing this to protect each and every one of you. We ask that each of you do your part as well. Please get out and enjoy the outdoors. Be with your family, walk your dogs, go for your run/walk, but not in groups that can’t practice social distancing. Please ask your children to not go on the beaches, the clubhouse deck or scale the fence to play in the courts (yes, this is happening). Please do not remove signage or parking lot closure devices. They are there for a reason (yes this is also happening).

We realize many who enjoy our community are from outside Packanack and we are doing our best to manage and discourage bad behavior. That said, please be thoughtful of our use of emergency responders. We are aware of (fish) poaching and gatherings of kids and adults alike. We have/will engage Wayne PD as it makes sense.

Packanack is an amazing community. We all choose to live here for a reason. Let’s remember why we are here and each do our part to get us back to some semblance of normal. The sooner we can flatten the curve, the sooner we can return to our daily lives. In the interim, be good to your neighbors, look out for our elderly, thank your first responders and be a good example for our children.

#PackanackUnite. Let’s get through this together …at a safe distance….of course.

Should you have questions, please feel free to reach out to myself or any of the Board members or the PLCA office at 973-694-0094.

Be safe and stay well,

Jill Sasso

PLCA Board of Governors President