Congregation Beth El in Voorhees Receives Support from the Investors Foundation Grant Program

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ

–

A $15,000 grant from the Investors Bank’s Foundation is helping Congregation Beth El complete safety and security projects at its Voorhees campus.

Representatives from Investors Bank recently presented a check from the Investors Foundation for $15,000 to Congregation Beth El in Voorhees. Pictured from left, Investors Bank Voorhees branch supervisor Sayantani Bhattacharya, Investors Bank assistant vice president and Voorhees branch manager Barry Epps, Congregation Beth El Executive Director Josh Laster, Investors Bank’s senior vice president business lending Christopher P. Warren, Senior Rabbi Aaron Krupnick, Associate Rabbi Andy Green, Hazzan Alisa Pomerantz-Boro, and Congregation Beth El Board President Karen Schlessel.

Congregation Beth El applied for the grant from the Investors Bank Foundation, which supports non-profit organizations that enrich the diverse communities served by Investors Bank.

Congregation Beth El has a rich history in southern New Jersey, beginning with its organization in the Parkside section of Camden in late 1920. The congregation grew significantly over the next 50 years, requiring a move to a larger facility in the late 1960s, and then onto the current location in Voorhees in 2009.

Congregation Beth El is an egalitarian Conservative Synagogue of more than 800 families and is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

seeks to create a unique, shared space where everyone can discover what it means to be human and to be part of a sacred community.

Investors Bank’s Christopher P. Warren, senior vice president business lending; Barry Epps, assistant vice president and Voorhees branch manager; and branch supervisor Sayantani Bhattacharya, presented the check to the leadership of Congregation Beth El.

“We are proud to present Congregation Beth El with this grant in support of its efforts to ensure the safety of its members,” said Warren. “Everyone should feel secure in their ability to participate in worship, education, and the other activities available through Congregation Beth El.”

Congregation Beth El Executive Director Josh Laster said, “We are grateful to Investors Bank Foundation for providing the necessary funds to increase security at Beth El. With their support, we were able to implement new protocols offering additional protection to our education programs.

”

“I know I speak for the leadership of our congregation when I say that Investors Bank is aptly named,” exclaimed Senior Rabbi Aaron Krupnick. “They are investing in our shared future by helping to make our children, and their parents, safe and comfortable here at our school. Our children are our future, and we are proud to be investing in them together.”

“Investors Bank believes in supporting organizations and activities that strengthen the communities where our customers and employees live and work,” said Epps. “Congregation Beth El plays an important role in our community and we believe we have an obligation to support its efforts.”

About the Investors Foundation

Investors Bank created the Investors Foundation in 2005 to support the communities Investors Bank serves. The Investors Foundation supports initiatives in the arts, youth development, health and human services, education and affordable housing. The Investors Foundation works to improve the lives of its customers and neighbors.

About Investors Bank

Investors Bank, headquartered in Short Hills, New Jersey, is a full-service community bank that has been serving customers since 1926. With nearly $27 billion in assets and a network of more than 145 retail branches, Investors Bank delivers personalized services and products tailored to the needs of its customers. Investors Bank’s banking services include complete deposit, loan and cash management products for consumers and businesses.

Investors Bank: Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

About Congregation Beth El

Congregation Beth El seeks to create a unique, shared space where members can discover what it means to be human and to be part of a sacred community. Grounded in ex

ploration of Jewish tradition, text, and ritual, Beth El aspires to enrich the lives of its members to celebrate Conservative Judaism at its creative best, and to bring Jews closer to God, Torah and Israel. Congregation Beth El is proud to say it is a community of communities. The congregation is diverse and robust, with many people from many different walks of life. Congregation Beth El welcomes all levels of background and knowledge. For more information, please go to

www.bethelsnj.org.

Ancora Psychiatric Patient Charged with Escaping

Camden City, N.J. – A Camden City man has been charged after running away from Ancora Psychiatric Hospital staff Feb. 18, according to Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer and Berlin Township Police Chief Leonard

Check.

Marvin Smith, 41, is charged with Third Degree Escape from Parole, Fourth Degree Contempt of Court, Third Degree Burglary and Disorderly Persons Theft.

Smith was being taken back to Ancora after receiving treatment at an area hospital for a minor injury around 10:30 p.m. When the car Smith was in stopped at a red light at the intersection of Rt. 73 and Cross Keys Road, hospital workers said he took off running.

Officers from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Berlin Township Police Department, N.J. Transit Police and Camden County Office of Emergency Management all responded to search for Smith. The Voorhees Township Police Department, Cape May County Sheriff’s Department and N.J. State Department of Corrections responded with K-9 units to track Smith’s scent. The Human Service Police also deployed a drone.

Detectives said they received multiple tips on Smith’s location around 7 a.m. Feb. 19 after a reverse 911 call was made. When officers responded to Franklin Ave. in Berlin Township, Smith was riding a bike and was taken into custody.

Throughout the investigation, detectives learned Smith broke into a resident’s shed before sleeping in another resident’s car. Police said he then went back to the shed and stole the bike he was later caught on.

Smith is in the Camden County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.

All persons charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Topping Off Ceremony Held for $184M Patient Tower at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital

Jefferson Washington Township Hospital reached a major milestone on Thursday, February 20th, as a “topping off” ceremony was held for its new $184 million patient tower, slated to open in summer 2021. Jefferson leadership and staff — including Dr. Stephen Klasko, President of Thomas Jefferson University and CEO of Jefferson Health — were in attendance, along with NJ state and local officials, as the final beam was lifted by a crane and put in place.

The 7-floor, 243,500-square-foot tower, being named in honor of Jefferson board member and benefactor John P. Silvestri and his family, will feature 90 private patient rooms, a two-story lobby, Same-Day Surgery Unit, roof helipad, café with outdoor dining, and more. The $222 million overall Washington Township hospital campus transformation began in 2018, with construction of an 8-level enclosed parking facility, completed in April 2019.

Shown at the Topping Off ceremony, from left, are

: Stephen M. Sweeney, New Jersey Senate President; Joseph W. Devine, President, Jefferson New Jersey Division and Chief Experience Officer, Jefferson Health; John P. Silvestri, Vice Chairman, Jefferson Health New Jersey Hospital Board of Trustees; Joann Gattinelli, Washington Township Mayor; and John W. Graham, Chief Administrative Officer, Jefferson Washington Township Hospital.

*Gloucester City St. Patrick\’s Parade, Sunday, March 1

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ– The NJ Irish Society presents events and initiatives year-round as part of paying tribute to our strong history of tradition. Based in the heart of Gloucester City, NJ Irish Society was formally founded in 2019 after serving the community as a whole for decades, with our event roster featuring the sensational

“can’t miss” Irish Parade

and growing series of cultural programming and festivities.

The New Jersey Irish Society is vested in sustaining a vibrant community with excellent quality of life for the residents and visitors. Gloucester City has a rich history of Irish heritage dating back to the 1600’s when Irish Quakers first settled in the Town of Gloucester, now known as Gloucester City. That tradition continues today with the City ranking 9th in the nation for Irish American population.

The New Jersey Irish Society is working closely with the City of Gloucester, Camden County, area businesses, community groups and residents to keep these traditions alive in our community. \”We began in 2016 with our inaugural St. Patrick’s Day parade, which brought thousands to the City and its businesses to celebrate the holiday. We are thrilled to be celebrating our 5th Anniversary as South Jersey’s not-to-be-missed parade extravaganza, featuring the best in entertainment!\”

This year\’s parade is being held on Sunday, March 1, 2020 starting at 1PM. The parade route begins at Martin\’s Lake, Johnson Blvd and Baynes Avenue to the end of Monmouth Street ending at King Street.

The Irish of Gloucester City Celebrate The 100th Anniversary of Irish Independence

Sunday, March 06, 2016

UPDATE SEE MORE PHOTOS Photo (s) Credit CNBNews Staff The Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, Bishop of the Camden Diocese, (center) and Monsignor William Hodge, (left) Pastor of St. Mary\’s Parish, Gloucester City lead the…

You\’re Invited: Rally for Progress 2020

BLACKWOOD, NJ–Congressman Donald Norcross is holding a rally to kick-off his 2020

campaign on February 29 at the Camden County College, Blackwood campus. The event is being held in the Papiano Gymnasium. Doors open at 1PM, event begins at 1:30PM. S

Special guests include NJ Governor Phil Murphy and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

\”Donald Trump says South Jersey is \”Trump Country\” – Let\’s prove him wrong\”, said Norcross.

Admission is free but RSVP is required – Click here!

Elizabeth Hiddemen, of Stratford, age 96

Stratford – On February 17, 2020. Age 96. Services and Burial will be private. Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Elizabeth Hiddemen. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN–HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City Ph: 856-456-1142

Route 42 northbound lane closures required as Bridges over Timber Creek project advances

(Trenton)

– New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced overnight lane closures on Route 42 northbound as the Bridges over Timber Creek and Lower Landing Road project advances in Gloucester, Camden County and Deptford, Gloucester County.

Beginning at 10:30 p.m., tonight, Friday, February 21, NJDOT’s contractor, Richard E. Pierson Construction Company, is scheduled to close the left and center lanes on Route 42 northbound in the vicinity of the bridges and shift traffic into the right lane to install construction barrier to prepare for a traffic shift. One lane of northbound traffic will be maintained.

By 5:30 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, February 22, all three lanes on Route 42 northbound will reopen. The left lane of Route 42 northbound will cross into the median and return to the mainline beyond the staged work area. This configuration will remain in place until summer 2020.

The $9.6 million federally-funded project, which began in September 2017, will demolish and replace the two bridge deck spans on the Route 42 Bridges over Timber Creek and Lower Landing Road and make repairs to the piers and abutments. The project has been designed in stages with the bridge deck replaced one side at a time to reduce the impact to motorists. Work is anticipated to be complete in fall 2020.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website

www.511nj.org

for construction updates and real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter

@NJDOT_info

or on the

NJDOT Facebook page

I-295 southbound/Al-Jo’s Curve to Route 42 southbound/ Closed Tonight and Saturday

Signed detour will be in place overnight

(Trenton)

– New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced an overnight closure of the I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County.

Beginning at 10 p.m. tonight, Friday, February 21, until 8 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, February 22, NJDOT’s contractor, South State, Inc., will close the I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo’s Curve, to replace damaged construction barrier. All motorists traveling on I-295 southbound will be directed to stay left onto Exit 26. The following detour will be in place overnight:

I-295 southbound to Route 42 southbound/I-295 southbound detour:

Motorists traveling on I-295 southbound to Route 42 southbound will be directed to exit left at Exit 26/I-76 westbound

Take I-76 westbound to Exit 2/I-676 northbound

Take I-676 northbound to Exit 1/Collings Avenue

Turn right onto Collings Avenue

Turn left onto I-676 southbound which becomes I-76 eastbound

Take I-76 eastbound to Exit 1A/I-295 southbound

The work is part of the $900 million Direct Connection project that will provide a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42. The Direct Connection project has been divided into four separate construction contracts, with completion of the fourth and final contract expected in the fall of 2024. NJDOT\’s project website provides

construction activity schedules and updates

Portable variable message signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website

www.511nj.org

for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter

@NJDOT_info

Montclair State Men Over Scarlet Raptors 75-72

CAMDEN CITY, N.J. (Feb. 19, 2020) – The Montclair State University men’s basketball team rallied from an early 19-3 deficit and went on to outlast Rutgers University-Camden, 75-72, in a thrilling New Jersey Athletic Conference game that was the final

contest of the season for both programs.

Despite their comeback win, the Red Hawks missed the six-team NJAC playoffs, finishing one game behind the three-way tie for seeds 4-6 between Rutgers-Newark, New Jersey City and Rowan, a trio of 10-8 teams. Montclair State finished 9-9 in the NJAC and 11-14 overall.

Rutgers-Camden closed its season with a 7-18 record and a 4-14 mark in the NJAC.

Montclair State leads the all-time series, 56-11, and has won 13 of its last 15 games against Rutgers-Camden, although the teams split their season series this year.

After the two teams split the first six points of the game, Rutgers-Camden rattled off 16 unanswered points, including 12 by junior guard

Arian Azemi.

Senior forward

Isaac Destin

added the other four points in the run as the Raptors took a 19-3 lead. By halftime, the Scarlet Raptors held a 48-34 lead, led by 21 points from Azemi and 16 from Destin.

Playing a must-win game, while hoping for outside help to make the playoffs, Montclair State came out with a purpose in the second half. After a layup by Destin gave the Raptors a 50-34 lead, the Red Hawks rattled off 17 straight points, including a pair of foul shots by senior forward/center Eddie Emedoh, to take a 51-50 lead.

The Scarlet Raptors regained the lead on a layup by junior guard

Keysean Simmonds,

setting the stage for a wild final 15 minutes, which featured five lead changes and five ties. With 4:49 remaining, a layup by Azemi gave the Scarlet Raptors their final lead, 66-65. Montclair State took the lead for good moments later on a three-pointer by junior forward Joseph Radi, making it a 68-66 game.

The Red Hawks’ lead fluctuated from 2-5 points the rest of the way. In the final minute, Montclair State held a 75-70 lead before the Raptors’ freshman forward

Dylan Trow

hit a late layup to make it a 75-72 game. After a turnover, the Raptors had one last chance to tie the game in the final 10 seconds, but missed a pair of treys.

Senior forward Jalen Parham finished with 17 points to lead three Red Hawks in double figures. Radi scored 16, and added a team-high nine rebounds, while senior guard Nate Nahirny tallied 14 points.

Azemi scored a game-high 27 points, while Destin finished with his 10th double-double of the season, scoring 26 points and adding 10 rebounds. Azemi also had a game-high six assists, while tying Montclair State junior guard Tim Algenio for game-high honors with four steals.

The Red Hawks shot 29-for-60 from the floor (48.3 percent), while the Raptors were 27-for-52 (51.9). Rutgers-Camden held a 34-32 edge off the boards, but also made two more turnovers (23-21).

Destin’s 26 points helped him edge past Cetshwayo Byrd (1,300 points from 1990-94) and finish in sixth place on the program’s career list with 1,302 points. He also finished fifth in career rebounds (604) and third in blocks (68).

Isaac Destin and Azemi finished 1-2 on the team in scoring with averages of 20.0 and 18.8, respectively. Azemi also set the program’s single-season record for steals with 81.

Big first half sparks MSU women past Raptors in season finale

CAMDEN CITY, N.J. (Feb. 19, 2020) – Freshman guard Nickie Carter scored 22 of her 32 points in the opening half as the Montclair State University women’s basketball team opened up a 20-point halftime lead and the Red Hawks went on to defeat Rutgers

University-Camden, 74-59, in the final regular-season game for both New Jersey Athletic Conference teams here Wednesday night.

Montclair State earned a first-round bye in the NJAC playoffs, which start Saturday, and will take a 20-5 overall record into the conference semifinals next week. The Red Hawks finished their regular season with a 15-3 NJAC record, earning the second seed in the six-team NJAC playoffs.

Rutgers-Camden closed its season at 12-13 overall and 5-13 in the NJAC.

MSU, which heads into the post-season having won 15 of its last 16 games, is 46-17 in its all-time series against the Scarlet Raptors. The Red Hawks have won 26 of their last 28 games against Rutgers-Camden.

Carter was on fire in the first half, shooting 8-for-11 from the floor, including 4-for-5 from three-point range, as her 22 points helped Montclair State take a 49-29 lead at the break. Junior guard Taylor Brown added 11 first-half points for MSU. Freshman guard/forward

Jalissa Pitts

notched 11 points in the first half for Rutgers-Camden, while senior guard

Fatimah Williams

added 10.

Rutgers-Camden opened up an early 13-7 lead, sparked by six points from Williams and five from junior guard

Shane Holmes,

but Montclair State answered with 15 straight points to take the lead for good. That run included 11 points from Brown, including three consecutive three-pointers, the first of which gave the Red Hawks the lead at 14-13. It was their first lead since opening the game with the first five points, and it was the last lead change of the night.

Montclair State led by as many as 26 points (55-29) in the second half.

Carter finished with 12-for-20 shooting from the floor, including 6-for-9 from three-point range, on her way to 32 points. Junior forward Kayla Bush added 15 points and nine rebounds for MSU, while Brown finished with 11 points. Senior guard Cerys MacLelland had game highs of 11 rebounds and four assists, while Bush notched a game-high four steals.

Williams caught fire in the second half to finish with 34 points as she finished her stellar career with 1,240 points, tying Ta-Wanda Preston (1989-92) for sixth place on the program’s career scoring list. She finished the season with 508 points, becoming only the 10th player in program history to score over 500 points in one season. Her 20.3 scoring average for the season was the 10th-highest single-season mark in program history.

Williams also had team-high totals of nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks and three steals.

Pitts finished with 11 points for the Scarlet Raptors, capping her stellar rookie season with an even 11.0 scoring average, second on the team to Williams. Pitts also led the Scarlet Raptors in rebounding during the season with an average of 7.5 per game.