Visit Philadelphia & Megabus Offer $2.29 Fare to Philly on Leap Day

Visitors Can See The Flower Show, Celebrate Black History Month & More on February 29 & March 1, 2020

Saturday, February 29, 2020 is Leap Day, and to celebrate the once-every-four-years occasion, VISIT PHILADELPHIA

has partnered with Megabus to

offer $2.29 fares from New York and Washington, DC to Philadelphia. A limited number of $2.29 fares will also be available for departures from Philadelphia on Sunday, March 1, 2020. The deal is bookable

here

Those who take advantage of the offer can partake in the expected (Liberty Bell, cheesesteaks, Rocky steps) and the unexpected (public art, breweries galore, tax-free clothing shopping) fun in Philadelphia. They can:

Celebrate the last day of

Black History Month

at the African American Museum in Philadelphia at Belmont Mansion, Johnson House Historic Site, Mother Bethel A.M.E. and National Marian Anderson Museum, to name a few.

Enjoy the first day of

PHS Philadelphia Flower Show

See

Hello Dolly!

at the Academy of Music.

Experience the Selma and suffrage exhibits at the

Brandywine Museum of Art

Spend the night in Philadelphia by booking the perks-packed

Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package

More trip ideas for Leap Day and every day are available at

visitphilly.com

and

uwishunu.com

VISIT PHILADELPHIA

is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog,

visitphilly.com

and

uwishunu.com

, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.

CNB BUSINESS NEWS

Gloucester County Animal Shelter is calling for volunteers

(Clayton, NJ)—Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger and Freeholder Deputy Director Frank J. DiMarco want to remind Gloucester County residents of volunteer opportunities at the Gloucester County Animal Shelter (GCAS).

The GCAS handles over 3,000 domestic animals a year. Volunteers are a huge help in making the shelter successful and keeping foster pets happy.

“Volunteering at the Gloucester County Animal Shelter is an amazing way to assist the animals we currently house,” Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said.

Volunteers will assist in a number of different ways including walking dogs, socializing cats and kittens, escorting potential pet parents through our adoption areas and assist with light cleaning. Volunteers must be of 18 years of age to apply.

Freeholder Deputy Director Frank J. DiMarco, Liaison to the Gloucester County Animal Shelter, encourages all pet lovers to apply.

“There’s something for every volunteer to do at the shelter,” said Freeholder DiMarco. “We know the age requirement for volunteers limits a lot of our animal lovers from helping at the shelter, but there’s other ways to get involved like donating items to the shelter or fostering animals with your family.”

To get started, fill out a volunteer application at

http://bit.ly/volunteerGCAS

For more information on the Gloucester County Shelter or any questions on volunteering, visit

http://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/depts/a/shelter/default.asp

or call (856) 881-2828.

Some South Jersey Mayors, Legislators, Sheriff Work Together to Fight Sanctuary State Policies

The District 1 legislative team joined Cape May Sheriff Bob Nolan and local municipal officials for a conference call with local mayors to discuss the impact of New Jersey’s sanctuary policies on law enforcement and efforts to challenge the intrusive directives from the attorney general.

Last September AG Grewal said New Jersey is not a sanctuary state but in March 2019 the New Jersey

Immigrant Trust Directive

went into effect—essentially ending any cooperation between the State and Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) on immigration enforcement matters. See related articles below

“The refusal of Murphy and his attorney general to enforce federal and state immigration laws continues to endanger law-abiding citizens,” said Senator Michael Testa (R-1). “Not only is the Murphy Administration evading our laws, they are treating illegal aliens to drivers’ licenses, college financial aid, and lawyers to fight deportation. Sheriff Nolan has my unyielding support in his struggle to protect New Jersey families from crimes committed by illegal aliens who have no respect for our laws and no fear of the consequences.”

Sanctuary

directives

from Attorney General Grewal prevent law enforcement agencies from honoring federal detainer requests to hold illegal immigrants who have been arrested or jailed for criminal activity in New Jersey until they can be transferred to federal immigration authorities.

“Politics should never interfere with public safety, but these ‘liberal policies’ handed down by the progressives in Trenton are handcuffing law enforcers and preventing them from doing their jobs,” said Assemblyman Antwan McClellan (R-1). “We will continue to stand with the Sheriff and all members of the law enforcement community who work every day to keep our communities safe.”

Grewal’s directives also restrict other types of cooperation between local, state, and federal authorities that could help keep New Jersey families safe and blocks federal immigration authorities from accessing local law enforcement databases.

“Hard-working residents who follow the rules and do the right things are being treated like second-class citizens,” said Assemblyman Erik Simonsen (R-1), whose family includes immigrants who came here legally. “The governor and attorney general should be working on behalf of state residents, not putting them at risk.”

Sheriff Nolan signed on to a federal program, committing to coordinate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies when illegal immigrants are processed through Cape May County’s jail.

In October, Grewal moved to block the program. The issue is currently in the courts.

“I appreciate the support of the District 1 legislators who share my concern with irresponsible immigration policies that make illegal immigrants a protected class immune from our laws,” said Nolan. “Together, we will continue to fight for the interests of the residents of Cape May County and the rest of the state.”

The LD 1 team of Testa, McClellan and Simonsen said they will continue to provide Cape May County constituents with updates on legislative efforts to fight sanctuary policies and the ongoing court case.

AG GREWAL:

STOP CALLING NEW JERSEY A SANCTUARY STATE

It’s Official: New Jersey Is a Sanctuary State

Fairy Godmother\’s Boutique Fashion Show

DETAILS:

DATE: Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 4 PM – 8 PM

LOCATION: Elizabeth\’s Ballroom, 419 Highland Blvd.

Gloucester City

, 08030

Tickets are limited, and will not be sold at the door.

Ticket donation is 40.00. Tickets include a buffet dinner, a fashion show and a basket auction.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS

TICKET RESERVATION

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.

Lines on the Pines ~ 15th Annual Event ~ \”Owls of the New Jersey Pine Barrens\”

Galloway

, NJ

–

Lines on the Pines

INDOOR

event

celebrat

ing the New Jersey Pine Barrens returns

, for the third time,

the

Stockton University

AMPUS

CENTER

located

101

Vera King Farris Drive

, Galloway, NJ,

08205

The

Annual Event

will be held

on Sunday, March 15, 2020

fro

m 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

15 YEARS on the 15th of MARCH!

This

popular

book-

signing

history

, arts

, humanities,

craft

show

and everything NJ Pine Barrens

FREE

and open to the public

. It

is presented by

It’s a Sign of the Pines

a 501

) (3)

NJ non-profit corporation dedicated to sharing the wonders of our

Pine Barrens.

It\’s a Sign of the Pines

began as a conversation among friends sitting in a Piney bar: how could we bring like-minded people together to celebrate and maintain the cultural richness of the New Jersey Pine Barrens?

Fifteen

years ago our first weekend gathering, entitled

Lines on the Pines

, brought together

a few authors, an

archaeologist and a photographer

whose work reflected or was influenced by the Pines. The annual event has become a much anticipated networking opportunity for presenters and for local community members who attend by the hundreds to talk with authors about the newest Pine Barren\’s themed book,

and now

to look over hand-made jewelry made from nineteenth-century Jersey glass slag, or just chat about the Pines.

Nine

years ago

It\’s a Sign of the Pines

began a second event,

Lines on the Pines for KIDS

Goes to College

! During a one-day event, Pinelands-themed classes

were

offered to children aged 6-12 in Stockton\’s Kramer Hall in Hammonton, NJ. Both events reflect

the core mission of

It\’s a Sign of the Pines

: to celebrate the

authors,

history,

and the

arts and humanities of the NJ Pine Barrens.

Now

the

two

events are combined

into

one

big event

Lines on the Pines

is proud to offer

once again

–

The PB&J\’

The Pine Barrens and Juniors

program

. This is a unique opportunity for KIDS to learn about the NJ Pine

Barrens and earn a patch at this

annual event. Mi

McCormick, of South Jersey Trails, has developed a booklet for Junior Explorers detailing the mission and the pledge of the

PB&J Program

his year the theme for KIDS is \”

Owls of the

New Jersey

Pine Barrens

\”

which

encourages

KIDS

of all ages,

to learn about

owls

Shannon Askins, a

local

graphite artist

has

put together a stunning

collection of original drawings of

owls

in a

book,

\”Owls of the New Jersey P

ine Barrens

\”

This book

will be available for folks to purchase. During the day, KIDS will have different activities that will enable them to learn more about

owls and other

live animals, snakes, birds of prey,

in the Pine Barrens

as well as meet our mascots, the crisis response dogs.

In addition, some fun activities will include basket weaving,

face painting

use

of the giant Word Board to create words relatin

g directly to the Pine Barrens and making pine cone owls.

Our sponsors, AtlantiCare

– A member of Geisinger,

Stockton University School of Arts and Humanities and the South Jersey Culture & History Center, ACUA,

Plexus Publishing,

NJM Insurance Group

and others

offer support in

making the

event a huge success.

This year

we welcome

back,

Paul Evans Pedersen, Nicki Giberson,

Kathy English

, Rich, Mary & Steven Carty

, Josh Westcott, Nance Jo Luciani

, Heather Hires, Holly Doyle,

Kirk Jarvis

d over 8

0 more artists, authors, historians

, historical socie

ties and groups.

Dinner

following the daylong event

ighlights

speaker Linda Stanton, Founder and President of

It\’s a Sign of the Pine

, who

will

present

\”

2020 Vision Lead

to a Wise Decision.

\”

The presentation will include the development of this 15 year-old program, its accomplishments and history. On hand, will also be several

\”Pine Barrens Celebrities\”

who will speak briefly on what

Line

on the Pines

means to them.

For more information:

Website

www.linesonthepines.org

and Facebook,

Lines on the Pines

on the Pines

~ 1

Annual Event

\”

Owls of the New Jersey Pine Barrens

\”

Galloway

, NJ

–

Lines on the Pines

INDOOR

event

celebrat

ing the New Jersey Pine Barrens returns

, for the third time,

the

Stockton University

AMPUS CENTER

located

101

Vera King Farris Drive

, Galloway, NJ,

08205

The

Annual Event

will be held

on Sunday, March 15, 2020

fro

m 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

15 YEARS on the 15th of MARCH!

This

popular

book-

signing

history

, arts

, humanities,

craft

show

and everything NJ Pine Barrens

FREE

and open to the public

. It

is presented by

It’s a Sign of the Pines

a 501

) (3)

NJ non-profit corporation dedicated to sharing the wonders of our

Pine Barrens.

It\’s a Sign of the Pines

began as a conversation among friends sitting in a Piney bar: how could we bring like-minded people together to celebrate and maintain the cultural richness of the New Jersey Pine Barrens?

Fifteen

years ago our first weekend gathering, entitled

Lines on the Pines

, brought together

a few authors, an

archaeologist and a photographer

and now

to look over hand-made jewelry made from nineteenth-century Jersey glass slag, or just chat about the Pines.

Nine

years ago

It\’s a Sign of the Pines

began a second event,

Lines on the Pines for KIDS

Goes to College

! During a one-day event, Pinelands-themed classes

were

offered to children aged 6-12 in Stockton\’s Kramer Hall in Hammonton, NJ. Both events reflect

the core mission of

It\’s a Sign of the Pines

: to celebrate the

authors,

history,

and the

arts and humanities of the NJ Pine Barrens.

Now

the

two

events are combined

into

one

big event

Lines on the Pines

is proud to offer

once again

–

The PB&J\’

The Pine Barrens and Juniors

program

. This is a unique opportunity for KIDS to learn about the NJ Pine

Barrens and earn a patch at this

annual event. Mi

McCormick, of South Jersey Trails, has developed a booklet for Junior Explorers detailing the mission and the pledge of the

PB&J Program

his year the theme for KIDS is \”

Owls of the

New Jersey

Pine Barrens

\”

which

encourages

KIDS

of all ages,

to learn about

owls

Shannon Askins, a

local

graphite artist

has

put together a stunning

collection of original drawings of

owls

in a

book,

\”Owls of the New Jersey P

ine Barrens

\”

This book

will be available for folks to purchase. During the day, KIDS will have different activities that will enable them to learn more about

owls and other

live animals, snakes, birds of prey,

in the Pine Barrens

as well as meet our mascots, the crisis response dogs.

In addition, some fun activities will include basket weaving,

face painting

use

of the giant Word Board to create words relatin

g directly to the Pine Barrens and making pine cone owls.

Our sponsors, AtlantiCare

– A member of Geisinger,

Stockton University School of Arts and Humanities and the South Jersey Culture & History Center, ACUA,

Plexus Publishing,

NJM Insurance Group

and others

offer support in

making the

event a huge success.

This year

we welcome

back,

Paul Evans Pedersen, Nicki Giberson,

Kathy English

, Rich, Mary & Steven Carty

, Josh Westcott, Nance Jo Luciani

, Heather Hires, Holly Doyle,

Kirk Jarvis

d over 8

0 more artists, authors, historians

, historical socie

ties and groups.

Dinner

following the daylong event

ighlights

speaker Linda Stanton, Founder and President of

It\’s a Sign of the Pine

, who

will

present

\”

2020 Vision Lead

to a Wise Decision.

\”

The presentation will include the development of this 15 year-old program, its accomplishments and history. On hand, will also be several

\”Pine Barrens Celebrities\”

who will speak briefly on what

Line

on the Pines

means to them.

For more information:

Website

www.linesonthepines.org

and Facebook,

Lines on the Pines

Mayor George W. Shivery, Jr. Endorses Mehta For Senate

Shivery: “One thing is clear, Mr. Mehta is conservative.”

GIBBSTOWN – Saying, “I couldn’t sit back and watch my fellow Republicans attack a candidate because they are unhappy their pick for US Senate hasn’t won any county lines,” Greenwich Township Mayor George W. Shivery, Jr. weighed in on the Senate race today.

“I’ve met all the candidates who are still in the Senate race at least once at various events, early on I even took one of the candidates to meet a fellow regional vice president of the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs,” George Shivery said. “It’s time for these candidates to reel in their supporters and have them stop the online name calling.”

“It’s going to be tough enough for the eventual winner of the primary to beat Cory Booker and the name calling is not going to help.” Shivery added, “As a conservative Republican who has managed to win six consecutive elections in a town where the Democrats have a 5 to 1 voter registration advantage I think I know what I’m talking about. The name calling has got to stop!”

Shivery continued, “I was seated with Rik Mehta and his wife at a fundraiser and have spent time with him at other events. One thing is clear, Mr. Mehta is conservative. He is pro-life, opposes sanctuary cities, supports securing our southern border and believes in our right to bear arms.”

“Having met the candidates, heard their speeches and visited with the candidates, some more than others, I have no doubt Rik Mehta is the best candidate in the race.” Shivery said, “I’m proud to offer my personal endorsement of Rik Mehta for Senate and am hopeful Gloucester County’s screening committee sees in Rik the same qualities I see.

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.

Tabernacle Fire Co. Receives Grant from SJ Gas

TABERNACLE, NJ (February 18, 2020)—-South Jersey Gas recently presented a $4,681 grant to Tabernacle Fire Company No. 1 as part of its First Responders Grant Program. Pictured, from left, is Lauren Hurtt, Supervisor of Government Affairs with South Jersey Gas presenting the check to Kate Holden, Al Freeman and Chief Andy Cunard of Tabernacle Fire Company No. 1.

The grant funds, awarded in late-2019, were used by the fire company to purchase a thermal imaging camera and two gas detection meters.

“Our First Responders Grant Program provides crucial financial assistance to support operations, improve safety and provide training to departments throughout the South Jersey region,” said Dave Robbins, president of South Jersey Gas. “Through this investment, South Jersey Gas can help hardworking, courageous first responders and express gratitude for the work they do each day to ensure our communities remain safe. We are proud to partner with Tabernacle Fire Company No. 1 and commend them for their efforts.”

The thermal imaging camera and gas detection meters are vital safety tools that will aid the fire company in various situations. Thermal imaging cameras greatly enhance search and rescue capabilities in zero visibility environments, and gas detection meters gauge the levels of various types of gas, alerting the crew to atmospheric hazards so they can react accordingly.

The First Responder Grant Program will be offered again in November 2020. Program information and eligibility guidelines are available at southjerseygas.com/community.

Moms and Daughters Weekend of Connection at Appel Farm

Elmer, New Jersey – Appel Farm Arts and Music Campus will create a weekend packed with intentional opportunities for connection at this year’s Mother Daughter Art Retreat March 13-15, 2020.

Mother Daughter Art Retreat is an opportunity to laugh, listen, and create while participating in movement, writing, and visual arts workshops that explore the concept of dreams. Mother Daughter Art Retreat creates a supportive and safe environment that fosters community and personal growth for participants as they enjoy time for intentional and meaningful connection and communication.

Moms get to hear about their daughter’s hopes and dreams for the future. Daughters will discover that mom is not only “mom” but a woman just like them, with her own dreams and aspirations.

“This retreat is not only for mothers and daughters. We’ve had grandmothers and grandchildren, aunts and nieces, and everything in between. This retreat is a special place to connect and create,” said Arts Integration and STEAM Education Director, Kristina Hill.

Attendees will spend the weekend sleeping in a cozy, dorm-style bunk and enjoy delicious meals in a spacious dining hall overlooking the Appel Farm organic garden. Moms and daughters will make new friends while getting to know other women in workshops, campfires and even an afternoon wine tasting for moms!

The retreat costs $260 for a pair of participants. This includes 2 nights of overnight accommodations, 5 meals, all workshops and materials, s’mores, snacks, and the afternoon wine tasting for moms. Additional family members are $120 per person.

Mother Daughter Workshops:

Imagine learning some American Sign Language, taught by a mother-daughter duo? Sip some wine during a wine and painting pairing. Try your hand at a sketch journaling class. And that’s just a few of the workshops for this year’s Mother Daughter Art Retreat, with more to come! The ASL Workshop is going to be so special, taught by Hands Up Silent Theatre‘s Kristy Whilden and her daughter! Appel Farm teaching Artist Zoungy will offer a sketch journaling class early on Saturday to encourage attendees to sketch throughout the weekend, and he’s also teaching a painting lesson!

To learn more and register for Mother Daughter Art Retreat, visit

appelfarm.org/mother-daughter-art-retreat

. Contact Kristina Hill with any questions at

khill@appelfarm.org

or 856-358-2472.