MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblyman Anthony Bucco is hosting an exhibition in his Randolph office of artwork created by County College of Morris (CCM) visual arts students.

The exhibition, at 1040 Route 10 West, Suite 104 in Randolph, runs through August. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Nine students from Professor Todd Doney’s Drawing II course were selected to have their pastel paintings of Morris County displayed in the reception area of the office. Doney says that the exhibition represents the ongoing partnership between Bucco and the Visual Arts department to continue to showcase the outstanding work of CCM’s visual arts students.

The students who created the pieces on exhibition are Veronica Gancher, of Riverdale; Lily Naylor, of Sparta; Anna Rodrigues, of Randolph; Lia Scherr, of Rockaway; Jorge Jarmilla, of Dover; Phebe Kressler, of Livingston; Aileen Beehler, of Long Valley; Quincy Penn, of Morris Plains; and Alex von Aulock, of Lake Hopatcong.

Also on display in the assemblyman’s office is a pastel painting by Doney and still life paintings by Professor Marco Cutrone.

Bucco over the years has hosted numerous exhibitions of CCM students’ artwork.

To learn more about the Visual Arts Program at CCM click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and New Jersey State Police Acting Superintendent Patrick Callahan announce the Indictment of Hudy Muldrow, 78, of Woodland Park.

The Indictment charges Hudy Muldrow with two counts of Reckless Vehicular Homicide, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5a, crimes of the second-degree, and 25 counts of Assault by Auto, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1c, crimes of the fourth degree. Muldrow is also charged on summons-complaint 2019-000052-1427 with 16 counts of Assault by Auto, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1c, disorderly persons offenses.

The Indictment stems from a motor vehicle crash that occurred on May 17, 2018 on Route 80 in Mt. Olive Township.  It is alleged that Hudy Muldrow’s reckless operation of a school bus caused the deaths of 10-year-old Miranda Vargas and teacher Jennifer Williamson Kennedy and caused injuries to 40 additional bus passengers plus the driver of a dump truck.

The matter is tentatively scheduled for an Arraignment before the Hon. Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr. at the Morris County Courthouse on April 29, 2019.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp announces the hiring of Rocco L. Miscia, Jr. to fill the position of Chief of Staff following the retirement of former Chief of Staff Dan Pfeiffer.

Chief Miscia’s career in law enforcement began in 1977 as a member of the Seton Hall University Campus Police and soon after the Rutgers University Police Department. He served at Rutgers University until he was recruited by the Montclair Police Department and joined their office. During Chief Miscia’s time with the Montclair Police Department, he worked in every unit and was named Investigative Bureau Commander as his last assignment. In 2002, he retired as Captain after serving for 25 years.

Chief Miscia previously served 14 years as the Director of the Essex County College Public Safety Academy. Throughout his decorated law enforcement career, Chief Miscia has remained a member of the International Assoc. of Chiefs of Police, FBI LEEDA, FBINAA NJ Chapter, and International Police Association.

Prosecutor Knapp said, “We are excited to have Rocco join our organization as the new Chief of Staff. His wealth of knowledge of the law enforcement field will aid the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in continuing in our goal of protecting the wonderful residents of our county”.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Boy Scouts of America honored Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco of the 25th Legislative District with a lifetime achievement award at their annual Morris County awards dinner on Tuesday, April 9 at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany. 

The lifetime achievement award is presented to respected leaders who uphold the principles of the Boy Scouts of America and have outstanding community service records.

“There is no greater reward than being able to serve the community I call home,” said Bucco (R-Morris). “We are so fortunate to live in place where there are many people who truly want to help others and make a difference by giving back.”

Bucco, a lifelong resident of Morris County, was elected to the state Assembly in 2010 and has served with the Boonton Volunteer Fire Department since 1980. He is also a co-founder of Daytop New Jersey, an outpatient and residential substance abuse treatment provider for adolescents with locations in Morris, Hunterdon, Ocean, Salem and Somerset counties.

“A peer committee of community leaders chose Assemblyman Bucco to receive this award for his good work in the community and beyond,” said Jennifer Volz, Senior Development Director for the Patriots’ Path Council of the Boy Scouts of America. “This annual event spotlights people who serve as exemplary role models for the youth of our community and country through their vocations or avocations and who live their lives according to the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law. Assemblyman Bucco fits this profile very well.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Tax day is less than a week away. Taxpayers have until Monday, April 15 to file their federal and state returns.

If you haven’t filed yet and are feeling pressed for time, you may want to consider getting an extension. Filing an extension will allow you to push your deadline back six months to October 15, 2019. It’s important to keep in mind an extension only pushes back the due date for the filing of your tax documents. It does not give you extra time to pay on any taxes you may owe.

It’s important to file on time or get an extension so you don’t get hit with a late-filing and/or late-payment fee. The IRS doesn’t care what your reason is – procrastination, lost documents or a family emergency – you’ll automatically get six months more time with an extension.You can e-file an extension for free using any of the Free File software offered by the major tax preparation companies. These often help you estimate your tax due so you can make a payment. Click here to print out Form 4868 and mail to Internal Revenue Service Department of Treasury, P.O. Box 931300 Louisville, KY 40293-1300 by April 15, if you are including a payment.  If you are not required to submit a payment send the form to Internal Revenue Service, Department of Treasury, Kansas City, MO 64999-0045.

Morris Focus suggests you contact your accountant for additional details.

PARSIPPANY — Twenty-three children who have experienced neglect or abuse in their young lives made decoupage pinwheels on canvas as part of NewBridge Services’ second annual Child Abuse Prevention Month Family Art Night.

Parents and other caretakers took part in the event, held April 1 in NewBridge’s Sparta location and April 2 in the NewBridge Parsippany Center. The nonprofit’s Child and Family Services department reinforced parenting skills that help adults develop the confidence and resiliency to properly care for children.

“It’s so important for parents to build a support network they can turn to in tough times, and to educate themselves about child development so they can anticipate changes in children’s behavior as they grow,” said NewBridge Child and Family Services Program Director Nicole Bolognini.

“Parents and caretakers who develop good problem-solving skills are able to get through difficult times, so the family can thrive,” said Bolognini, a licensed clinical social worker. Last year, NewBridge helped 437 abused and neglected children and their families.

Data released in January showed the number of children who were neglected or abused nationwide decreased slightly between fiscal years 2016 and 2017. Three-fourths of victims were neglected, 18.3 percent were physically abused, and 8.6 percent were sexually abused, according to the 2017 Child Maltreatment Report issued by the U.S. Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families.

New Jersey saw a 19-percent drop in child abuse cases between Fiscal 2016, with 8,264 victims, and Fiscal 2017, with 6,698, the report showed.

Artwork made by children in NewBridge’s program will be on display at the nonprofit’s Sparta and Parsippany offices throughout the month. Participants enjoyed and pizza and dessert, and each went home with a blue pinwheel, the symbol of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Bolognini said.

“By bringing awareness and skill-building programs to the community, we can support families at risk, helping them build social connections and knowledge of parenting,” said NewBridge Services Chief Operating Officer Michelle Borden, a licensed clinical social worker.

Child abuse can be prevented when families receive support and interventions are available. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2019 Prevention Resource Guide includes tip sheets for parents covering an array of parenting issues.

According to the Prevention Resource Guide, risk factors include:

• Parenthood at a young age, and without a support system
• Lack of understanding about normal child development that can cause anger and frustration toward the child
• Poverty, unstable housing, unemployment and divorce, all which cause stress on families
• Abuse of alcohol and/or drugs
• A parent’s history of being abused as a child
• Isolation and lack of family and community support

Signs that child neglect may be occurring include:

• Poor hygiene
• Weight loss
• Physical/medical problems that go unaddressed
• School absenteeism

Signs that physical abuse may be occurring include:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or welts
• Injuries that are at different stages of healing
• Child appears frightened of a parent or caregiver

Signs that a child may be sexually abused include:

• Knowledge of sex that is age-inappropriate
• Regressing to behaviors like bedwetting
• Becoming withdrawn, or clingy
• Avoidance of a certain person

Signs that a child may be emotionally abused include:

• Worrying constantly
• Experiencing delays in learning and emotional development
• Suffering depression and low self-esteem
• Doing poorly in school
• Having unexplained headaches and stomachaches

Anyone who has reason to believe a child is being abused should call the New Jersey Child Abuse Hotline at at 1-877 NJ ABUSE (and 911 if a child is in imminent danger). Reports can be made anonymously and callers are not required to provide evidence of the allegation. More information is available by clicking here. Contact NewBridge Services by clicking here  or (973) 316-9333.

MORRIS COUNTY — Preschool Advantage is pleased to announce that on October 16, it will honor The Peck School of Morristown at its annual Turning Leaves Benefit Dinner.

The Peck School students and community have supported Preschool Advantage in a variety of ways in recent years.

Each fall, The Peck School’s seventh grade students organize a family-style pasta dinner fundraiser, “Pasta for Preschool” to support Preschool Advantage, which the students have chosen as their service learning partner. According to Molly Dunn, Executive Director of Preschool Advantage, “In just the last two years, the Peck School has raised enough money to fund the tuition of five children, enabling them to attend a quality preschool. The efforts of Peck students, staff, parents, and faculty have truly had a positive impact on our community.” The students also provide volunteer support for Preschool Advantage events including the annual Family Fun Day.

The Peck School, an independent kindergarten through eighth grade co-educational day school, is located in Morristown. The school emphasizes service learning, and instills and reinforces a sense of social awareness in their students by having them connect with local and global communities.

“We are so humbled to be recognized for our five-year partnership with Preschool Advantage,” said Andy Delinsky, Head of The Peck School. “Our faculty, staff, students, and parents are all inspired by the exceptional work Preschool Advantage does, and we believe so strongly in the program’s mission. Preschool Advantage changes lives for the better, and we are so glad our community is able to help this vitally important effort. At Peck, we are guided by a belief in “Consideration of Others,” and share the Preschool Advantage vision that all children deserve the benefits of a high-quality education.”

The 2019 Preschool Advantage Turning Leaves Benefit will be held on Wednesday, October 16 at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by dinner and a program.

For ticket and sponsorship information, please call Preschool Advantage at (973) 532-2501. All proceeds will support tuition for students in need in Morris and Somerset Counties to attend quality preschools in the 2019-2020 school year.

Preschool Advantage is a non-profit organization with the vision that all children should have access to high quality early education. Since its inception over 20 years ago, almost 1,500 tuitions have been paid, and it is the organization’s goal to fund 100 tuitions in 2019. Additional information can be found by clicking here or by calling (973) 532-2501.