Route 53 Renamed "Assemblyman DeCroce Memorial Highway"

Parsippany Focus -
It’s official. Route 53 has been renamed “Assemblyman DeCroce Memorial Highway” at a ceremony held, on Tuesday, November 10 in front of Verde Restaurant.

Sheriff Edward Rochford said “This is a fitting Tribute for a person who dedicated his life to public service especially transportation issues.”

“I extend my sincerest thanks to the bill’s bi-partisan sponsors for initiating this measure. Those who knew Alex know he never sought the limelight. In fact, he would be quite uncomfortable over this because he was not one to flaunt his accomplishments. His only goal was to get the job done for the people of his district and the state. Alex was a huge supporter of transportation issues. To have Route 53, which runs through his hometown and district, named for him is truly a great honor to his legacy,” said Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce.

Alex, who devoted his life to public service, was an avid proponent of transportation issues in New Jersey, and was a former chairman of the committee. He was the prime sponsor of legislation that renewed the Transportation Trust Fund. He also was a strong advocate for crime victims’ rights.

Route 53 is a state highway that spans nearly five miles from U.S. Route 202 in Morris Plains, continues throught Parsippany north to Bloomfield Avenue in Denville. The route runs east of New Jersey Transit’s Morristown Line and passes under the New Jersey Transit’s Montclair-Boonton Line near the Denville Station.

The full Senate unanimously approved the legislation, S-2580/A-3789 on September 12, 2013. Governor Chris Christie signed the bill approving the legislation on January 21, 2014.

DeCroce, Cablevision Visit, Honor Parsippany Students

Source: Parisppany Patch -

Assemblywoman Betty Lou DeCroce and Cablevision Power to Learn recognized students at All Saints Academy for their participation in Power to Learn’s Internet Smarts program on Dec. 3.

The program provides students with curriculum and tools designed to teach safe and appropriate Internet use, according to a press release.

“Interacting with others via social media is the norm for young people today and regrettably cyberbullying has become all too common, with many young people not fully understanding the repercussions from such behavior,” said DeCroce. “In this regard, it’s important that we provide students with the latest information regarding responsible Internet use. I applaud Cablevision for its Internet Smarts program that does just that.”

Principal Judith Berg gave welcoming remarks and Cablevision emcee Lou Brogno discussed the Internet Smarts program and introduced Assemblywoman DeCroce who spoke to students about the dangers of cyberbullying.

“One of the goals of Power to Learn is to provide schools like All Saints Academy with cutting-edge technology and interactive educational programs that engage young minds,” said Cablevision Vice President of Public Affairs Jennifer Ostrager. “We are committed to partnering with teachers, students and parents to ensure that, though Internet Smarts, students can navigate and use the Internet and digital technology safely and appropriately.”

Technology Teacher Joel Castillo discussed the students’ use of Internet Smarts and introduced the presenting 6th grade students who presented the topic of cyberbullying through two skits. They prepared the skits using Power to Learn’s online curriculum.

Assemblywoman DeCroce wrapped up the event with a Q&A with students and signed a large “Internet Smarts” certificate for the school; student presenters also signed a large “Internet Smarts” pledge.

According to the release, Power to Learn, Cablevision’s nationally recognized education initiative, is dedicated to integrating technology into education. Through its “Triple Play for Education” technology offer, Cablevision provides its full suite of Optimum video, high-speed Internet and digital voice-over-cable services to schools for educational use. These services are available free of charge to K-12 schools across the company’s service area in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut. In addition to providing the technology, Power to Learn also provides innovative educational curricula and tools designed to make technology useful to teachers, students and parents. More information and content is available at www.powertolearn.com.

DeCroce Visits School to Speak and Learn About Cyberbullying

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce returned to school on Tuesday to listen and learn about the issue of cyberbullying. DeCroce visited the All Saints Academy in Parsippany to speak with sixth graders about the Power to Learn program which is an education initiative sponsored by Cablevision. The program provides advice and information to parents, teachers and students about the dangers of cyberbullying.

“I was impressed with the students’ knowledge and I know everyone who participated came away with a better understanding of this potentially dangerous and harmful issue,” explained DeCroce. “The Power to Learn program is a comprehensive and common sense approach on avoiding and dealing with cyber-harassment. This kind of intimidation extends beyond the classroom and making students aware of the ways to deal with cyberbullying is a positive step that benefits everyone.“In today’s society, the level of sophistication on using the internet and mass media communications does not require a college degree,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “In order to protect students from the dangers of cyberbullying, we need to reach them at an early age. Listening is an important part of learning, and that is exactly what everyone discovered.

“The most important component of dealing with this problem is communication,” explained DeCroce. “Students need to know how important it is to tell their parents or speak to a teacher when they are confronted with this kind of bullying. They are not alone and help is available.”

Part of the Power to Learn program includes tips for students and parents on dealing with cyberbullying, such as:
•Don’t share your login and password – even with friends.
•Think before you post. You can’t control what others do with your information.
•Be careful about loaning your cell phone or laptop to friends.
•Don’t respond to cyberbullying – report it to an adult.
•Keep the evidence of texts and emails as a record.
•Signs that a child is a victim of cyberbullying are: changes in mood, sleep habits and being less social with friends.
•Block the person who is sending the unwanted messages.

Assemblywoman Introduces Bill To Ban Secret Recordings

Source: Parsippany Patch-

A new bill introduced before the New Jersey General Assembly this week would make it illegal to record a conversation or meeting without the consent of all involved parties.

The measure, A-4373, is sponsored by District 26 Asw. BettyLou DeCroce of Parsippany would amend the New Jersey Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act statute. Presently the law requires the approval of only one of the parties to record a communication.

“This legislation tightens up a law passed in 1968 that could not foresee the rapid expansion of recording technology that can be used to harm a person’s character,” said DeCroce, who represents parts of Morris, Essex and Passaic counties. “The proliferation of iPhones, YouTube, email and the Internet have drastically changed the landscape of communications.”

The assemblywoman said her primary concern was to protect ordinary citizens.

“Private citizens involved in a conversation or meeting should all be made aware and consent to its taping,” she explained. “Too often, these recordings are made by people who use them to disparage a person’s reputation or publicly embarrass them. When a recording goes viral, the damage is done and it is extremely difficult to restore a reputation that is tarnished.”

DeCroce said that if her bill passes, those who make “surreptitious tapings” of private citizens would be subject to civil and criminal charges.

ASSEMBLYWOMAN DECROCE JOINS LEGISLATIVE LEADERS FOUNDATION

Source: Parsippany Patch-

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-Morris, Essex and Passaic) of Parsippany was chosen to participate in the State Legislative Leaders Foundation’s (SLLF) “Emerging Leaders Program” at The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

She is one of 50 legislators selected from across the country to participate.

“I am honored to have been selected to participate in this prestigious program which will afford me the chance to learn from and network with fellow legislators from around the nation,” said DeCroce.

“I fully intend to make the most of this challenging opportunity to further enhance my leadership skills and gain new perspectives so that I may better serve my constituents and the residents of New Jersey,” she added.

According to a written statement from DeCroce’s office, the program will be held over the course of four days in July to develop leadership skills focusing on:
•Analysis and feedback on elements of personal leadership style.
•Awareness of the importance of values and ethics in governance and public service.
•Gaining perspective on the importance of the role of the state legislature in contem­porary American politics.
•Recognition of the importance of legisla­tors as consensus builders and facilitators of compromise.

DeCroce was nominated by Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and selected by a committee of senior staff from the SLLF and Darden faculty selected the participants.

“One of the primary criteria for selection is the candidate’s long-term commitment to public service and keen interest in self development,” the statement said.