Big second half lifts Baruch men past Raptors

CAMDEN

, N.J

. (

Dec. 9

, 201

) –

Baruch College junior guard Adnan Bajrami scored 25 of his game-high 30 points in the second half to rally the Bearcats past Rutgers University-Camden, 71-59, in a non-conference

men’s basketball game here Monday night.

Baruch improves to 5-2 with its second straight victory, while Rutgers-Camden falls to 3-5 with its fourth consecutive loss.

The Bearcats and Scarlet Raptors have played

a non-conference game for

three straight

seasons, with Baruch winning

all three games.

Behind six points from sophomore forward

Jake Petrik,

the Scarlet Raptors raced to a quick 12-3 lead to open the game. They led by as many as 10 points (15-5) before the Bearcats whittled the lead down to one on two occasions in the opening half (25-24 and 30-29).

Rutgers-Camden took a 32-29 lead into the break, but Baruch came out in the second half and scored the first four points on a layup by Bajrami and a layup by freshman guard Sean Donnellan. That gave the Bearcats their first lead of the night, 33-32. The lead changed hands four more times and the score was tied twice

before a three-pointer by Bajrami gave Baruch the lead for good, 49-46, and sparked a seven-point Bearcat run. Bajrami had five points in that sequence.

Baruch took a double-digit lead at 61-50 on a layup by Donnellan and kept the margin in double figures the rest of the way, with the biggest margin coming at 71-56.

Bajrami shot 12-for-17 from the floor, including 4-for-8 from three-point range, and also led the Bearcats with seven rebounds and a game-high five steals. Donnellan added 14 points for the visitors.

Senior forward

Isaac Destin

paced the Scarlet Raptors with 17 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for a double-double. He also added six assists to tie teammate

Arian Azemi,

a junior guard, for game-high honors.

Azemi finished with 16 points and nine boards, while

Petrik

had 12 points on 4-for-8 shooting from three-point range.

Baruch shot 25-for-55 from the floor (45.5 percent), while Rutgers-Camden shot 20-for-48 (41.7). Although the Scarlet Raptors had a 35-30 edge off the boards, they also made 30 turnovers to the Bearcats’ 20.

The Scarlet Raptors

play one more game before the holiday break. They host Kean University Saturday at 3 p.m. in a New Jersey Athletic Conference contest.

Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Named a 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospital

Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital

Named a 2020 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospital

Prestigious designation awarded by Watson Health national benchmark series

Camden City, NJ — Virtua Health is proud to announce the inclusion of Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital on Watson Health’s list of 2020 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals. The list is based on an annual study identifying hospitals that

demonstrate the highest performance in hospital cardiovascular services.

The 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals designation is part of Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals® program, which uses objective public data and proprietary analytics to evaluate hospital and health system performance. The ranking of cardiovascular programs is based on the measurement of hospital outcomes and the calculation of a composite score for certain cardiovascular admissions. The evaluation is respected for its independence and integrity in the industry.

According to Watson Health, “The 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals study identifies U.S. hospitals that have achieved the highest performance on a balanced scorecard of performance measures. This year, based on comparisons between the study winners and a peer group of similar hospitals that were not winners, we found that our study winners delivered better outcomes while operating more efficiently and at a lower cost.”

“It is extremely gratifying to be recognized as a top cardiovascular hospital—and the only one in New Jersey,” said Hans Bauer, MD, Chief, Division of Cardiology; Chairman, Department of Medicine at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. “The excellence of our cardiovascular program is a direct result of our team’s outstanding medical expertise and exceptionally caring nature. We want to assure our patients that we are continuing to work toward even greater improvements in cardiovascular medicine and that we are always committed to their health and well-being.”

Virtua Health President and CEO Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE, agrees, “Recognition like this reinforces the patient-centric and accountable care we strive for each day at Virtua Health. I applaud the cardiovascular group for its teamwork, continuous learning, and ongoing pursuit of excellence.”

Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital has often been recognized for its programs and services. Previously, the hospital was designated as a Truven Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospital (prior to Watson Health’s purchase of Truven). In November 2019, the hospital received the highest ranking, an A, in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade report.

###

About Virtua Health:

Virtua Health is committed to helping the people of South Jersey be well, get well, and stay well by providing the complete spectrum of advanced, accessible, and trusted health care services. Virtua’s 14,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including a renowned cardiology program, complemented by a community-based care portfolio. In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, and more than 280 other locations, Virtua brings health services directly into communities through home health, rehabilitation, mobile screenings, and its paramedic program. Virtua has 2,850 affiliated doctors and other clinicians, and its specialties include orthopedics, advanced surgery, and maternity. Virtua is affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience, and the Children\’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics. As a not-for-profit, Virtua is committed to the well-being of the community and provides innovative outreach programs that address social challenges affecting health, from addiction and other behavioral issues to lack of nutritious food and stable housing. A Magnet-recognized health system ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Virtua has received many

awards

for quality, safety, and its outstanding work environment. For more information, visit

ThisIsVirtua.org

. To help Virtua make a difference, visit

GiveToVirtua.org

Kathleen C. Del Vecchio of Sewell formerly of Fairview

On December 6, 2019, Kathleen C. Del Vecchio (nee Duffy) of Sewell, NJ (formerly of the Fairview section of Camden) passed away surrounded by her loving family. Kathy or “Kath IRISH” (as she was known by all of her family & friends) is survived by

Kathleen C. Del Vecchio

the “love of her life”, her husband, Robert “Bach” Del Vecchio. Kathy & Bach were married on September 14, 1968 and recently celebrated their 51

Anniversary. In addition, Kathy is survived by her children, Anthony (Tatiana) Del Vecchio, Christopher (Kellie) Del Vecchio and Michelle (Scott) Frampton; her grandchildren: Christopher Del Vecchio, Jr., Emily Del Vecchio, Nicholas Del Vecchio, Joelle Del Vecchio, Tyler Frampton and Ava Del Vecchio; her sisters: Rosemarie Stanton, Peggy Carty & Mary Bocchino. Kathy is pre-deceased by her mother & father: Joseph M. Duffy & Mary Higgins Duffy Gallagher, her step-father, John Gallagher and her brother, Joseph Duffy. Aunt “Kassie/Aunt Kaffy” is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kathy Del Vecchio grew up in Collingswood & Fairview and graduated from Camden High School in 1966. She loved being part of Camden High Avalanche Majorette Team. A few years later, Kathy worked as part of the secretarial pool at Penn Mutual in Philadelphia, PA and Cooper Hospital, in Camden, NJ. Upon starting a family with Bach, they resided in Oaklyn, NJ and planted strong roots in Fairview, from 1973-1999. In that time, Kathy was a member of the St. Joan of Arc PTA & SJOA Carnival Committee and for many years, the Office Secretary at St. Joan of Arc School, in Fairview. In addition, Kathy was a big part of the Fairview Athletic Association, Organizations of Fairview and the Fairview Little League Ladies Auxiliary, serving as President for several years. It goes without saying that all of the “Fairview Kids” were a big part of her life… and everybody called her “Mom or Mrs. D.” Whether it was coaching basketball or softball, working the refreshment stand and SJOA Carnival… Kathy loved every minute. And, of course, Kathy loved attending the many Camden High Reunions, Fundraising Socials (dancing to 60’s & 70s music), and the many Fairview Reunions and luncheons.

Kathy was very proud of the life she built with “her Bach” and equally proud of the lives her children have created. In addition, Kathy never missed an opportunity to boast about her grandchildren. Ranging in ages from Nineteen (19) to four (4) years old, Kathy loved attending her grandkids’ school events and athletics. Kathy was always one to a send a little note or card (a.k.a. her “smiles from across the miles”) to her children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. The messages always seemed to come at just the right time. Kathy Del Vecchio was loved by many and touched the lives of so many more. She will be missed.

Relatives & Friends are welcomed to attend a visitation on December 14, 2019 at 9AM to 12PM at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Memorial service at 12PM also at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathy’s honor are encouraged to a choice of your favorite charity.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Expands CAPP+ Program

PHILADELPHIA PA–Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is proud to announce a partnership with

The Enterprise Center

, in conjunction with Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC), to build the number of licensed contractors in Philadelphia and expand CHOP’s

Community Asthma Prevention Program Plus Home Repairs (CAPP+) initiative.

This effort will offer training and resources to local contractors interested in scaling up their business and create economic opportunity for minority contractors as the partners build a pipeline of PHDC-approved contractors for CAPP+.

CHOP, in partnership with PHDC, launched the CAPP+ Home Repairs Program in 2018. The program addresses the impact of unhealthy housing on pediatric asthma outcomes in West Philadelphia neighborhoods, where asthma affects approximately one out of four children. CAPP+ expands the focus of CHOP’s award-winning

CAPP program

to include home repairs aiming to further reduce asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations by removing asthma triggers in the home.

“To-date, CAPP+’s pilot program has successfully renovated 10 homes with plans underway to renovate another 29 homes within the first phase of our program. We are confident that by helping to build the supply of qualified contractors in Philadelphia, we will be able to complete even more renovations,” said Peter Grollman, Senior Vice President for External Affairs at CHOP. “In the pilot phase of the program, the average time from clinician referral to the program to final home inspection was 111 days. With our new Enterprise Center partnership and scaled up workforce, we anticipate reducing this time dramatically so that families can get into renovated homes faster, with less disruption to their daily lives.”

“The Enterprise Center is partnering with CHOP’s CAPP+ program to provide technical assistance to participating construction and construction-related businesses remediating and repairing homes to fight asthma,” said Seulky McInneshin, PhD, Executive Vice President, The Enterprise Center. “We will provide resources to help contractors achieve all of the requirements needed to make them eligible to compete for PHDC jobs, including support to obtain a contactors license, offering classes in lead containment during repairs and opportunities to boost insurance coverage.”

“The Enterprise Center will funnel contractors through to PHDC and track metrics for 5 years to watch how the businesses grow,” added McInneshin.

“With the CAPP+ Program, we’ve created the need for a construction market that didn’t exist a year ago, and we need more qualified contractors in the pipeline,” said David S. Thomas, President & CEO, PHDC. “This is the ideal opportunity for someone who wants to grow their business; we are looking for trade specialists, as well.”

After successfully meeting all of the requirements for a PHDC job, the companies can also become certified as a women/minority-owned business, and be eligible to bid on additional construction opportunities throughout the city.

CAPP+ is a component of

Healthier Together

, CHOP’s umbrella initiative that focuses on some of the most pressing health and economic needs in neighborhoods surrounding the hospital’s campus.

Interested contractors can apply here:

bit.ly/TECBusinessSupport

Hilt sets two program marks as Raptors open indoor track season

STATEN ISLAND

, N.Y

(

Dec. 6

, 2019

) –

Sophomore

Emily Hilt (photo)

had

a record-setting debut as a member of the Rutgers University-Camden women’s indoor track team as the Scarlet Raptor men and women opened their season at the Fastrack Season Opener

Friday at the

Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex

Hilt, a transfer from Rowan College at Gloucester County, broke the Rutgers-Camden

women’s

indoor records in both the

shot put (11.58 meters) and the weight throw (

14.43

meters) to lead a strong opening-day performance. Hilt, an All-American at RCGC who set the Roadrunners’ indoor program record with a shot put of 13.12 meters,

finished fourth out of 29

athletes

in Friday’s shot put competition. She broke the old Scarlet Raptor mark of 11.51 meters, set by Mariah Brown on Feb. 24, 2012 at the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships.

Hilt finished

third

out of

athletes in the weight throw while

shatter

ing the old Raptor mark of 12.93, set by Brianna Kearse on Jan. 15, 2016 at the Golden Bear Invitational.

Another former RCGC All-American, junior

Jude Misko,

also had a strong start to his season, finishing fourth of 29 in the weight throw. Misko, who set Rutgers-Camden’s indoor weight throw mark of 15.80 last season in his first year at the school, had a throw of 15.08 on Friday.

Freshman

Emmanuel Lewis

finished 11th in the weight throw (12.73 meters) and 20th of 35 in the shot put (11.48 meters) in his Rutgers-Camden debut. On the women’s side, senior captain

Nicole DeMarco

joined Hilt with a stellar performance in the shot put, finishing eighth (9.95).

Sophomore

Kirstin Slater

had a pair of strong finishes, placing 19th of 33 in the mile run (5:52.35) and 10th of 16 in the 1,000-meter event (3:35.05), while sophomore

Kayana Clue

and freshman

Imani Johnson-Young

led the women’s sprinters. Clue finished 31st of 55 in the 200-meter dash (28.23), followed by Johnson-Young in 32nd place (28.49). In the 63-athlete 60-meter dash competition, Johnson-Young was 43rd (8.42) and Clue was 46th (8.46).

On the men’s side, sophomore

Desmond Howell

finished 23rd of 75 in the 200-meter dash (23.03) and 12th of 55 in the 400-meter dash (51.09). Junior

Vinny Maine

finished 21st in the 400-meter event (52.05).

In the 48-man competition of the mile run, freshman

David Morrow

finished 30th in a time of 4:57.96.

Rutgers-Camden returns to the Ocean Breeze facility on Friday, Dec. 13, to compete in the Wagner College Shootout.

Fri.

Fastrack Season Opener

(at

Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex, Staten Island

, NY

)

MEN:

No Team Scoring

WOMEN:

No Team Scoring

Rutgers-Camden School Records:

* Women’s Shot Put, Emily Hilt, 11.58 M (Old: 11.51 M by Mariah Brown, Feb. 24, 2012 at the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships)

* Women’s Weight Throw, Emily Hilt,

14.43

M (Old: 12.93 M by Brianna Kearse, Jan. 15, 2016

at the Golden Bear Invitational)

Steve James of Gloucester City; Volunteer Fireman, City Worker, Youth Coach, GHS Alum

Steven Thomas James “Worm”

Gloucester City – On December 4, 2019, Age 56. Cherished Son of the late William F. James and

Rosemary James

(nee Keoghan).

Cherished Brother of Therese (Mike) Smollock,

late William P. James

(surviving Virginia), Michael (Jo-Ann) James, Kathy James, Patrick James, Maria (Tom) Kerchersky, David James, Christopher James and Marybeth (Scott) Jeffries. Survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Steven was a lifelong resident of Gloucester City and a 1982 graduate of Gloucester City High School. He worked as a laborer for the Gloucester City Water Department from 2013-2019. Steven was a

former

coach for youth baseball and midget football in Gloucester City.

He was a former volunteer firefighter in Gloucester City. Steve was a former member of the Broomall String Band.

Most importantly, Steven was a kind and gentle soul with a super huge heart. He was always generous to his family and friends. Steven is now reunited with his beloved brother Bill, his dad and mom.

Relatives, friends and

the Gloucester City Water Department are kindly invited to attend his visitation on Tuesday, December 10 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at McCANN – HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12 noon at Saint Mary’s R.C. Church: 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. Interment New Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.

Family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Steven’s memory to the Msgr. Lucitt’s Needy Children’s Christmas Fund: P.O. Box 87, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Please write in memo: Steven Thomas James.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of

Steven Thomas

mes

. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through:

McCANN-

HEALEY FUNERAL HOME:

Gloucester

City

: 856-456-1142.

Bill James, the Longest Serving Mayor in Gloucester City History

Mrs. Rosemary James, Longtime Gloucester City Resident

Christmas Comes Early for Pediatric Patients at Virtua Health

Annual Toy Run to Deliver Gifts and Smiles to Local Children

Young patients at Virtua Voorhees Hospital will receive a touch of holiday magic

on Saturday,

Dec. 7

when the Joseph Lacroce Foundation hosts its ninth annual toy delivery. That morning, a caravan of classic and collector cars will travel to the

hospital, where an assembly line of volunteers will unload dozens of donated gifts.

Leading the line-up is Virtua’s Mobile Pediatric Unit, a specially equipped van that brings much-needed health services to children in underserved communities. Virtua launched the mobile program in spring 2018 thanks to a $1 million donation from the Lacroce Foundation. Services include developmental screenings, lead testing and education, and flu shots.

The Joseph Lacroce Foundation is a Cherry Hill-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the hospital experience for children throughout South Jersey. President Sam Lacroce established the foundation in 2011 in memory of his son Joseph, who passed away from leukemia in 1975 at age 12.

“Our supporters are always excited to participate in the toy run because it recalls the true spirit of the season,” said Sam Lacroce. “The toys and games do a lot to help make the hospital experience less stressful for the kids. We thank everyone for their generosity.”

“For me, this event marks the start of the holiday season,” said Virtua Health President and CEO Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE. “Few things are as rewarding as watching a child’s face light up with joy; it’s something Sam Lacroce understands better than anyone.”

CC Prosecutors Office High Tech Crimes Unit Meets with Public

CHERRY HILL new jersey—The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit and Cherry Hill Police Department visited the Cherry Hill Mall yesterday

afternoon and manned a table near the Apple Store to share information with anyone interested in purchasing electronic devices for the holidays. While members of the High Tech Crimes Unit shared pamphlets on internet safety and spoke to dozens of interested parents, Sergeant Chris Robinson spoke to a local news station about the importance of a parent’s role in making sure their children are safe in the online world.

The CCPO High Tech Crimes Unit and Cherry Hill Police Department will be in the Cherry Hill Mall near the Apple Store to answer questions on cyber safety on December 12th and December 19th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Cyber-Safety-Tips-for-Children_Philadelphia-565808112.html

Robert J. Hepner “Headcase” of Gloucester City NJ; Truckdriver

On December 3, 2019. Of Gloucester City. Age 65. Born in Fort Monmouth , he was the son of the late Mary Jane Hepner. He is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Maryanne (Raube) Hepner; loving children Jessica McNair (Rob), Lisa St.Clair (Lee), Kelly Reed (John), Roy Bond, Jr. and 8 grandchildren.

Robert worked as a self-employed truck driver for many years before he joined

Double K Transportation in Gloucester City, 5 years ago. A true gear head, he loved to ride his Harley and will be missed by his riding buddies the “Wild Hogs”, Lee St.Clair, Joel Italian, Tony Elam and Robert Dolbow.

Funeral services will be celebrated at 1 pm on Saturday, December 7

at McCann-Healey Funeral Home, 851

Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, where family and friends may visit from 11 am to 1 pm. Burial will be held at a privately later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Robert to the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Ste. 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 or the American Liver Foundation, Mid Atlantic Division, 1528 Walnut Street, Suite 2020, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Robert J. Hepner. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home: Gloucester City: Phone 856-456-1142

Former Freeholder Director Backs Gustafson

COLLINGSWOOD – Republican congressional candidate in CD1, Claire Gustafson, announced today that she has earned the endorsement of Camden County’s last Republican Freeholder Director, Joe Condo.

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet with both announced Republican candidates in the First Congressional District and Claire Gustafson is clearly the better choice,” former Camden County Freeholder Director Joe Condo said. “Claire has repeatedly stepped up for the party, held local office and most recently resurrected Camden County’s Republican women organization. She has the skillset needed to take on South Jersey’s political machine.”

Condo joins Greenwich Township Mayor George W. Shivery, Jr., former Magnolia Mayor Joe Adolf and former Stratford Councilman John Dudley in endorsing Claire Gustafson’s candidacy.

“Former Freeholder Director Joe Condo is a remarkable man who’s proven he knows what it takes to win, I am proud and honored to have earned his endorsement,” Claire Gustafson said.

About Claire Gustaafson: Active in her community, Claire is currently the President of Camden County New Jersey Republican Women, a former school board member in Collingswood, a former soccer and Little League coach and a member of Collingswood’s historic commission. She’s owned her own small business for over 30 years and is married with four sons, one daughter and several grandchildren.