MORRIS COUNTY — The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program at County College of Morris (CCM) has received the Silver Award of Excellence from NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education for its record of success in serving first-generation students.

The national award recognizes programs, policies, procedures, best practices and services that support students who are the first in their families to earn a college degree.

Sponsored and supported by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, EOF provides underserved, low-income and predominately first-generation students with academic and financial support to assist them in completing a college education. EOF students receive a state grant to help defray the cost of their education. At CCM, the program also offers them comprehensive, customized and holistic support services, including a summer orientation on college readiness, academic counseling, tutoring, mentoring, workshops on study and time management skills, and opportunities to develop leadership skills.

At CCM, EOF also collaborates with other campus departments, such as Counseling, Career Services, Campus Life and The Academic Success Center, to ensure the success of its students.

Students who participate in the CCM EOF program have high success rates, both in terms of graduating with an associate degree and transferring to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree. On average, nearly 45 percent of CCM’s EOF students graduate within three years of enrolling at CCM, compared to the 22 percent three-year rate for community colleges nationwide.

“Ultimately, EOF at CCM meets students where they are regardless of their background, academic aptitude, social challenges or needs,” says Dr. Pam Marcenaro, dean of Learning Support and Opportunity Services, who oversees the EOF program. “Our philosophy is to personalize and customize support for students to help them fulfill their academic and professional goals and increase their overall chance of college success.”

“The EOF staff at CCM does an outstanding job of assisting first-generation students so they can improve their lives and positively impact their communities,” notes Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM. “We’re delighted that their work and the success of the students they serve have been recognized with this national award from NASPA. Our EOF students are invaluable members of the CCM community and are leaders in the making. Every one of these students has a dream, ability and the need for a great education. They are our future.”

NASPA serves as a leading voice for student affairs whose mission is to drive innovation and evidence-based student-centered practices throughout higher education nationally and globally.

MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce recently said “I was disappointed in Gov. Murphy’s budget address today because I don’t believe increasing spending by another $2 billion and raising taxes and fees is going to help the hard-working, middle class families of this state; nor will his proposals create jobs or stem the flight of individuals and business from New Jersey.”

The governor’s fiscal blueprint would give our state a $41 billion budget for FY 2021, which is $6.2 billion higher than when he came to office less than three years ago. That represents spending growth of 18 percent per year.  Governor Murphy is driving the state’s financial bus in the wrong direction. In a state screaming for tax relief, there was not one sentence in his address that called for cutting spending on anything. Sadly, his progressive agenda of more spending is simply unsustainable no matter how many rich people you tax.

The governor mentioned the middle class many times in his speech but I cannot find one thing in his remarks that will lift the tax burden on middle class, working families, who are reaching their financial breaking point.

It is ironic that the governor, who says one of his top priorities is to attract business to the state is promoting policies that add another tax on corporations – the corporate responsibility tax — and again lobbying for a tax on top earners who own businesses and create jobs. Increasing corporate taxes will not help New Jersey attract business investment.

New Jersey needs real, sustainable property tax relief and to get that, we will have to reform the way that government operates. We will have to reform our pension and benefits programs and begin the task of cutting spending, or before long, New Jersey will go bankrupt.

MORRIS COUNTY — Bray is about 1½ years old and about sixty pounds.  This is what is foster family has to say about him…”Bray is awesome!  He is a happy, super friendly fellow who loves, loves, loves people!! And he loves comfort…he on our bed and is always on a bed or a couch snuggled up with someone if possible. Bray enjoys running in the yard, playing with toys and going for walks.

He loves his squeaky toys and wants to play tug of war with you. When you him, he will give you lots of kisses!! Bray always wants to be around us!  With his easy going mellow personality he is ready for anything!  Do you want to go for a walk, Bray will go with you. If you want to hang out, Bray will hang out with you!  He is a go with the flow type of dog! This smart dog loves to please and he knows the commands sit, no and he is house trained and good with other dogs. He’s a good watchdog, barks when he hears other dogs or when someone comes to the house, but is not aggressive at all. We Love Bray!”

Someone found Bray and his brother, Billy and took then into into an over-popular shelter in NC. After no one came in to claim the dogs, the shelter reached out to FHDR.  When we heard about their wonderful, easy going personalities, we transport them to live in foster homes in NJ. Bray is looking forward to meeting you!
Please email [email protected] if you are interested in adopting Bray.  You can see more photos and our other adopted pups at FHDR.petfinder.com

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County residents interested in serving on the County College of Morris (CCM) Board of Trustees are invited to send their resumes to a special trustee search committee of the Morris County Board of Freeholders.

Resumes must be received by the search committee by Friday, March 20. The committee will review all of the applications and then submit recommendations to the Board of Freeholders, who will make the appointment for the one current vacancy.

To qualify for consideration by the search committee for the one four-year term, a candidate must be a resident of Morris County for at least four years, and may not hold a current elected office in Morris County or be an employee of Morris County government or CCM.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate independent judgment, distinction in their profession, knowledge of higher education, involvement in their community and a firm commitment to serving the college. A candidate must be willing to commit at least 20-30 hours a month to his or duties as a college trustee to be considered for appointment.

Duties of trustees include appointing, supporting and evaluating the college president; clarifying and, if necessary, revising the college’s mission statement; ratifying long term plans; approving the college’s educational program; insuring fiscal viability; and maintaining the college’s physical plant.

Required: The CCM search committee requests a resume and a background statement from each applicant outlining why he or she wishes to serve as a trustee and what specific skills the applicant would bring to the board.

Applicants must send one copy of their resume and a brief background statement to the Office of the Morris County Counsel, County of Morris, P.O. Box 900, Morristown, N.J. 07963-0900.

The County College of Morris Board of Trustees is composed of eleven Morris County residents from business, education, law and other professional fields, who volunteer their services in four-year terms.

By statute, eight members are appointed by the Morris County Board of Freeholders, and two members are appointed by the Governor. The Morris County Superintendent of Schools is also a member of the Board by statute. One non-voting CCM graduate member is elected for a one-year term by each year’s graduating class. In addition, the CCM President serves as an ex-officio member.

The Board of Trustees sets policy and has final authority over budgets and expenditures, and the President is responsible for internal administrative operations.

For more information on CCM click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — During a difficult financial time, Dauna Thompson knew that paying someone to prepare her taxes wasn’t an option. Despite working hard, the single mom was living paycheck to paycheck.

“Every penny that I was making, I needed,” Thompson recalled of her financial situation several years ago. Looking for ways to stretch her income from temp jobs, the Montclair resident turned to United Way of Northern New Jersey and its free tax preparation program. “I’ve been going there ever since.”

By utilizing this free service, Thompson not only saves the average $270 fee paid tax preparers charge, she also benefits from tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, which help boost her refund.

“Everything that applied to me, I was able to get,” said Thompson, who used her refund to pay utility bills and cover the rent. “That money helped keep me above high waters.”

United Way’s free tax preparation program is designed to help the 38 percent of New Jersey households whose income doesn’t cover the basics. For local individuals and families who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or in poverty, this free service helps them receive the credits and refunds they’ve earned while avoiding the high cost of a paid tax preparer.

“When you are just getting by, every dollar counts,” said United Way Chief Operating Officer Kiran Handa Gaudioso. “That’s why United Way is committed to working with our community partners to provide this invaluable service.”

United Way has teamed up with NORWESCAP RSVP, Greater Providence Missionary Baptist Church, Partners for Health Foundation and the IRS to offer day, night and weekend appointments throughout its five-county footprint. Clients meet in person with IRS-certified volunteers who prepare and file both state and federal returns for free.

To make an appointment at a free tax site in Morris, Somerset, Suburban Essex, Sussex and Warren counties, dial (973) 993.1160, ext. 5 or click here. Households with simple returns also have the option to file their taxes for free online using MyFreeTaxes.com.

Now a full-time receptionist, Thompson continues to use United Way’s free tax preparation services. She appreciates the friendly volunteers and that those who prepare her taxes are trained by the IRS. Most importantly, she is grateful for the free help.

“This program—especially for those who are in need, who may be living paycheck to paycheck and every penny counts—this service will do you good,” Thompson said.

Last year more than 6,000 households filed their taxes using the free program, saving nearly $1.5 million in tax preparation costs and getting back more than $6.8 million.

These free services are available only to low- and moderate-income families and individuals. These services are not available to business owners or landlords.

For more information about United Way’s free, quality tax preparation program click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker and Mt. Olive Chief of Police Stephen Beecher announce the arrest of Mario Reis, 58, Budd Lake, on Identity Theft, Theft by Deception, Forgery, False Government Documents and Conspiracy related charges. Michael Kurzyna, 70, Netcong, was also arrested on Conspiracy to commit Theft by Deception charges.

On July 1, 2019, the Mount Olive Police Department was contacted by the victim who reported that sometime during 2016, an acquaintance of the victim, Mr. Mario Reis, contacted the victim stating that Mr. Reis was in need of financial assistance regarding his home heating oil company J&M Fuel LLC.  The victim then invested $35,000.00 into Mr. Reis’ company.

In 2019, the victim received a letter in the mail from a company by the name of CAN Financial.  The letter explained that the victim’s request for a loan was denied.  The victim had not applied for any loans and further found that multiple loans had been taken out in the victim’s name that totaled approximately $175,000.00.  As a result, the victim’s personal finances were being frozen for lack of payment and other loan related issues, which the victim believed were caused by Mr. Reis.

The investigation found that approximately $531,120.00 in loans were taken out as a result of Mr. Reis allegedly stealing the identity of the victim.  Mr. Reis allegedly utilized the victim’s information and allegedly completed fraudulent applications for loans, which were deposited into his fuel oil business account and were subsequently spent by Mr. Reis on personal and other expenses. Mr. Reis allegedly conspired with and allegedly utilized Mr. Michael Kurzyna, a loan broker at the time out of Netcong, to pass the fraudulent information to the end lender. Mr. Kurzyna allegedly agreed to broker the loans knowing that Mr. Reis was attempting to circumvent certain criteria/requirements within the loans.  At this time, the amount of the defaulted loans are approximately $281,906.20.

The defendant, Mario Reis, has been charged with the following offenses:

1 count of Identity Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17a(1), a crime of the Second degree;
1 count of Theft by Deception, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4c, a crime of the Second degree;
1 count of Criminal Attempt to commit Theft by Deception, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1 and 2C:20-4c, a crime of the Second degree;
1 count of Conspiracy to commit Theft by Deception, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(2) and 2C:20-4c, a crime of the Second degree;
1 count of  Forgery, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1a(2), a crime of the Third degree;
1 count of  Forgery – Uttering, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1a(3), a crime of the Third degree; and
1 count of False Government Documents, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-2.1c, a crime of the Third degree.

The defendant, Michael Kurzyna, has been charged with the following offense:

1 count of Conspiracy to commit Theft by Deception, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(2) and 2C:20-4c, a crime of the Second degree.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Specialized Crimes, Financial Crimes Unit and the Mt. Olive Police Department whose efforts contributed to the investigation of this case.

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 — Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senator Michael Testa have introduced legislation that is designed to give parents more information about the vaccines offered to their children and provide improved legal recourse when adverse reactions to vaccinations occur.

“This legislation is intended to improve upon the haphazard approach to vaccinating our children, which often occurs with no warning to parents and little opportunity to make well-informed choices,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Parents deserve to be told in advance of an appointment about vaccinations that will be recommended, and given information about vaccine ingredients, efficacy, and risk. Vaccines should be treated no differently than any other drugs. They deserve the same scientific scrutiny that we give to all medicines. A parent has a right to know what is being injected into their child’s body and that it has been properly tested.”

The bill, S-1734, requires that health care practitioners provide information to a patient or the patient’s guardian at least 48 hours prior to the administration of a vaccine, including, a copy of the insert for the vaccine produced by the manufacturer for inclusion in the vaccine’s packaging and list of the vaccine ingredients produced by the federal Centers for Disease Control.

The legislation prohibits a doctor from refusing to provide services to a patient or to seek to transfer care or the patient solely on the refusal of the patient or their guardian to receive a vaccine.

“We’re making sure that parents have ample opportunity to understand and ask questions about the purpose and risk profiles of the vaccinations that their children’s doctors are proposing,” said Testa (R-1). “Should parents decline a particular vaccine, doctors would be required to provide a clear explanation of the potential medical risks and impacts on schooling. Ultimately, we want to empower parents with information to make the vaccination choices that are right for their families.”

Additionally, Pennacchio and Testa have drafted a pair of bills that address the rights of patients who experience adverse reactions to vaccinations.

The first measure, S-1791, would make the State strictly liable for damages stemming from certain vaccine-related injuries if the vaccination was mandated by a State law, rule, or regulation as a condition of attendance at a child care center, preschool program, elementary of secondary school, or institution of higher education, or by emergency declaration, at the time of the vaccine’s administration.

The second measure, a Senate Resolution pending introduction, urges the President of the United States and Congress to repeal the federal National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, which has shielded vaccine manufacturers from liability, removed economic and legal incentives for companies to develop safe vaccines, and made it difficult for those injured by vaccines to receive compensation.

“Parents quickly find that the deck is stacked against them when they seek legal recourse for an adverse reaction to a vaccine,” said Testa. “Our State, which mandates some vaccines for schooling, is immune from liability under current State law, while vaccine manufacturers are immune under federal law from lawsuits when people claim injury. Our legislation will help those who are injured by vaccines to get the compensation they deserve and provide manufacturers with extra incentives to ensure their products are safe.”

Pennacchio said he hopes the package of legislation creates a dialogue about vaccinations.

“It’s important for policymakers and the public to engage in an open dialogue about vaccinations and parental rights, and to try to apply reason-based unbiased science to this important issue,” added Pennacchio. “Given the political realities in Trenton, it may be an uphill battle to advance this legislation, but we should at least have the discussion. It’s the right thing to do.”