Category: COMMUNITY EVENTS

Love Your Money: U.S. Spends $113.5 Million to Give Rural America High Speed Internet

In the last few weeks alone the U.S. government has spent a whopping $113.5 million to help bring

Gloucestercitynews.net graphics

high-speed broadband to several rural areas throughout the country. In some of the cases multi-million-dollar investments will provide high-speed internet service to just a few hundred households, raising serious questions about the taxpayer investment. The money flows through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) via a Trump administration program known as

ReConnect

that will ultimately dole out hundreds of millions of dollars for the cause.

The program was launched as a result of President Donald Trump’s

Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity

established in April 2017 to identify legislative, regulatory, and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. Headed by USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, the task force includes 22 federal agencies and local leaders typical for bureaucratic government adventures. The government officials made dozens of recommendations

outlined in a

lengthy report

that essentially asks American taxpayers for a monstrous investment. The goal is to provide rural America with world-class resources, tools and support to build robust, sustainable communities for generations to come, according to the USDA.

Key among the issues preventing this is high-speed internet availability, the task force found. It also recommends modern utilities, affordable housing, efficient transportation and reliable employment to improve quality of life as well as economic development and a better workforce. So far, most of the taxpayer investment has gone to internet, though it may not seem like the most urgent of the issues pressing rural America. This may be especially true since rural America includes around 46 million of the nation’s roughly 325 million people, according to the task force figures, which also reveal that rural America includes 72% of the nation’s land. “Rural America is home to many different racial and ethnic demographics and a wide array of economic activities,” the task force report states. “These residents live in a variety of settings, from counties bordering suburbs to remote and isolated areas.”

Is high-speed internet really so essential that the Uncle Sam must spend such huge sums of money? Does lack of broadband connectivity create a crisis? Broadband is defined by law as 10 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream and 1 Mbps upstream. The government’s initial funds “will generate private sector investment to deploy broadband infrastructure to provide high-speed internet e-Connectivity to as many rural premises as possible, including homes, community facilities for healthcare and public safety, schools, libraries, farms, ranches, factories, and other production sites,” according to the USDA. ReConnect offers unique federal financing and funding options in the form of loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in the targeted areas.

Let’s take a look at some recent examples of how the money is being allocated. So far this month alone the government doled out $113.5 million to bring rural America high-speed broadband, though it’s not certain when the projects will be completed so that roughly 14% of the population can surf the internet. The first investment, for

$23 million

, will improve rural e-Connectivity for 2,643 households and 78 businesses in North Dakota. The USDA’s North Dakota Rural Development director says broadband technology is a utility as important as water, sewer and electricity. Two days later the USDA announced another

$48 million

investment to bring high-speed broadband infrastructure to 22,600 rural households in Virginia. About a week later another

$11 million

went to similar projects in Minnesota and northern Iowa that will serve 1,395 rural households and more than 100 business. “When Americans are connected to high-speed internet, productivity and prosperity skyrocket,” according to USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky. “This task of providing rural Americans with broadband is of the highest importance for President Trump and his Administration. We cannot leave millions of Americans out of the successes of this booming economy simply because they do not have access to the internet.”

Capping off the month were allocations of

$5.7 million

for high-speed broadband projects that will serve 489 households, 24 farms and eight businesses in Nebraska and

$18.7 million

to bring 6,300 households and 383 farms in West Virginia internet. The last disbursement, announced just two days ago, is a

$7.1 million

grant to improve e-Connectivity for 1,250 households in north central Arkansas. It may seem like a hefty price tag, but the USDA assures it’s important because it will connect residents to opportunities in education, health care and economic development.

source

Judicialwatch.org

Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament May 17, 2020

Beautiful Weather Ushered In the 28

th

Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament

The annual

Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament

is held on the third Sunday in May at

Island Beach State Park

.

In 2020 the tournament will be held on Sunday, May 17.

A variety of species are eligible for entry in the tournament each year. Overall length determines the winner. All fish must meet minimum length tournament requirements. Tournament fishing hours are 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the \”Governor\’s Award,\” and has his/her name engraved on the Governor\’s Cup, which is permanently displayed at the park. Fishing equipment is awarded to winners who catch the largest fish in each species category. Winners from the early entry drawing and the tournament must be present during the afternoon awards ceremony to claim their prizes or they will be forfeited.

Anglers planning to participate in the tournament should always register early: doing so entitles you to save on the adult registration fee, be eligible for special prizes and avoid delays when entering the park.

The 2020 early entry incentive ends April 24, 2020

. After this date, anglers are required to register at the tournament beginning at 5:00 a.m. at Pavilion #1.

Brochure and Registration Form

(pdf, 3.7mb)

HIGH SCHOOL TEAM CATEGORY

The High School Team Category is for high school aged students, who are part of a formal fishing club, members of a

Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs

group, or a non-formal group.

The tournament entry fee is waived for student teams, and admission to the park is free for registrants. For more information see the flyer linked below.

High School Team Flyer

(pdf, 900kb)

High School Team Registration Form

(pdf, 780kb)

The school team category is supported by the following organizations:

The Fisherman

The Reel Seat

Fish Hawks Saltwater Anglers Club

Shark River Surf Anglers

Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs New Jersey

All tournament anglers need to complete the

NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry

prior to the event.

Questions can be directed to 609-748-4347.

PAST TOURNAMENT INFORMATION

Winners of the Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament, 1992-2019

(pdf, 65kb)

A Day of Family Fun At 27

th

Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament

16 Year Old Wins Governor\’s Cup With 34\” Bluefish At 26th Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament

Bluefish Blitzes Liven 25th Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament

Hundreds Enjoy 24th Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament

Sunny Skies and Lots of Action at 23rd Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament

Anglers See Through Fog to Enjoy Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament

Anglers Enjoy Another Successful 2012 Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament

Beautiful Fall Day Greets Anglers at the 20th Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament

Anglers Brave High Winds and Rough Surf to Make 19th Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament a Success

Anglers Enjoy Family at the 2009 Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament

Anglers Enjoy Beautiful Weather at the 2008 Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament

Winners of 2007 Annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament Announced

South Amboy Man Earns Top Honors at 2006 Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament

Anglers Enjoy Beautiful Weather at the 2005 Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament

Anglers \”Sing the Blues\” at the 2004 Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament

2004 Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament Offers Great Fun for Families, Friends

(feature article)

DEP Commissioner and Governor Celebrate Surf Fishing at 2003 Tournament

11th Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament Sunday Oct. 6, 2002

(feature article – includes complete winners list)

Governor\’s 11th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament a Reel Success

Governor\’s 10th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament a Success

Governor\’s 9th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament a Success

Governor\’s 8th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament a Success

Governor\’s 7th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament a Success

Governor\’s 6th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament a Success

The tournament is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection\’s Division of Fish and Wildlife and

Division of Parks and Forestry

, the

New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen\’s Clubs

,

Jersey Coast Anglers Association

, and the

New Jersey Beach Buggy Association

.

Philadelphia Bar Association’s LGBT Rights Committee to Host Legal Name Change Clinic

for Area Transgender Community

Free Clinic for Philadelphians Seeking a Legal Name Change Due to Gender Transition to be Held this Saturday, February 1

st

at 1pm

PHILADELPHIA, PA –

On Saturday, February 1

st

, 2020 at 1:00 pm the

LGBT Rights Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association

in partnership with the Community

College of Philadelphia will be hosting a free clinic open to the public for members of the Philadelphia-area community seeking a legal name change due to a recent gender transition.

Clients of the clinic are required to register by Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 12:00 PM. A link to the online registration can be found at this web address:

https://forms.gle/aaTZaPvkNBpGbNzp7

.

The clinic will be staffed by volunteer attorney members of the Philadelphia Bar Association and will offer pro bono, culturally competent legal services to those transgender, non-binary and gender nonconforming individuals seeking a legal name change.

Prior to the clinic, from 10:00 am – 12:15 pm the LGBT Rights Committee will be hosting a continuing legal education (CLE) training for members of the Philadelphia legal community, “Legal Name Change in Philadelphia: Serving Low-Income Members of the Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Nonconforming Community.”

The training will focus on equipping local attorneys on how to provide pro-bono representation to low-income Philadelphia residents seeking a legal name change relating to gender identity.  The CLE training is free only to those attorneys who commit to volunteering for the free legal name change clinic and will also take place at the Community College of Philadelphia’s Center for Business & Industry.  Attorneys wishing to participate in the CLE training can

register online

.

“For many members of the trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming community, a legal name change is not merely a choice, it\’s a necessity,”

said Robert Ian Evans, co-chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s LGBT Rights Committee.

“Presenting identification documents that do not match an individual\’s identity can lead to confusion, discrimination, harassment, and even violence. Although some individuals may have the resources necessary to proceed through the legal requirements, many members of our community often face barriers limiting access to a name change and the benefits the come with it.”

WHAT:

Free Legal Name Change Clinic for Philadelphia Area Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Nonconforming Individuals

WHO:

Hosted by the LGBT Rights Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association and the Community College of Philadelphia

WHEN:

Saturday, February 1

st

, 2020 from 1:00 pm until 5:00 PM

WHERE:

Community College of Philadelphia

Center for Business & Industry

1751 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Open House at Camden County Technical Schools

All are welcome to attend Open House at Camden County Technical Schools (CCTS) on Wednesday,

February 5th

from

6 PM to 9 PM

.  Inclement weather date is February 6th. The two high schools that comprise CCTS provide career training programs, academic

courses, and extracurricular activities to students in grades nine through twelve. Parents and their seventh, eighth, and ninth grade children are invited to attend an informational meeting at

7 PM

at either campus to learn more about CCTS as a high school option.  Participants are asked to arrive by

6:30 PM

to register. To learn more, visit our website at

ccts.org

, call the Admissions Office at 856-767-7000, Ext. 5424, or email

admissions@ccts.net

.

NEST Integrated Facilities Management Names Shannon Puckett Chief Operating Officer

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ—January 27, 2020

—NEST, the leader in integrated facilities management and technology solutions serving enterprises in the United States and Canada, has announced the addition of Shannon Puckett to their executive suite as

Chief Operating Officer.

In her new role, Puckett will oversee NEST’s network of over 26,000 independent service providers (ISPs), ensure their compliance to local and national requirements and manage quality assurance, product sourcing and service execution.

“We’re thrilled to have a veteran leader like Shannon joining the NEST family,” said Rob Almond, CEO at NEST. “After a year of continued growth and expansion of our services, 2020 felt like the perfect time to grow our executive team.”

Puckett draws on over two decades’ experience in the facilities management space where her leadership fostered growth internally and externally by implementing innovative techniques to meet organizational goals and process improvements.

She previously served as SVP of Strategy at Amazon for C&W Services and Managing Director at CBRE. She has also held roles at The Home Depot and Toyota Motor Corporation.

“I’m excited to hit the ground running with the NEST team in 2020,” said Puckett. “It’s great to be joining a company that has seen so much growth over the last few years, even as the industry becomes more consolidated than ever. I’m looking forward to seeing us maintain that upward trend.”

###

About NEST Integrated Facilities Management

Since 1994, NEST has been transforming the way modern, multi-site businesses manage their facilities and construction programs by pairing financial acumen and business analytics with a strategic consultative approach.

Real-time data, reporting and analytics technology empower business leaders with the informed insights they need to make smarter decisions. And with access to an extensive network of vetted independent service providers (ISPs) across the country, multi-site organizations with a national footprint experience exceptional service, regardless of where they are located. With NEST, businesses are equipped to address the full range

of their facilities maintenance

and management needs.

Books, Balls, & Blocks: Building Hearts and Minds

CAMDEN CITY, NJ –Sponsored by the Camden County Department of Children’s Services and in collaboration with the Southern NJ

Perinatal Cooperative and the Early Learning Network, Building Hearts and Minds is a free, fun event to track your child’s developmental milestones! Learn about how your child talks, plays, learns, and interacts with their world.

Event will take place on

February 8th

from

10 AM

to

1PM

at the Early Learning Network at Center For Family Services in Camden City.

To register, contact the Camden County Department of Children’s Services at (856) 583-0226, email

Amy.Schmidt@camdencounty.com

or RSVP

online here

.

Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkin\’s Message to Residents

Gloucester Township NJ (January 25, 2020)–As we continue to move into 2020, I am pleased to report that the preliminary data for the crime statistics for 2019 indicate continued good news for the residents of Gloucester Township.  Our community policing initiatives and proactive policing philosophy, have resulted in Violent Crime (Robbery, Murder, Forcible Rape, and Aggravated Assault)

dropping by 18%

(77 incidents in 2018 and 63 incidents in 2019).  The Non-Violent Crime (Burglary, Theft, Motor Vehicle Theft, and Arson) also

dropped by 7%

(948 incidents in 2018 and 881 incidents in 2019).  The overall Index Crimes Total

decreased by 7.89%

(1026 incidents in 2018 and 945 incidents in 2019).

Chief David Harkin

While we are very pleased with these results, we know that we can even do better.  We are regularly analyzing any crime trend and are looking for innovative ways to combat and lower crime in our community.  But we need the help of our community members to continue to make Gloucester Township even safer.  No one is better at spotting trouble in a neighborhood than the people who live there.  If you see something out of place, call us.  If you have a surveillance camera system, go to our website at

www.gtpolice.com

and register it with us.  Contact our Community Relations Bureau at

communityrelations@gtpolice.com

to find out what you can do to make Gloucester Township a safer community.

Our officers are committed to your safety, and I am proud of their hard work and commitment to serve our community.  I am proud to serve with the men and women of the Gloucester Township Police Department, and proud to be your Chief of Police.

Address/Location

Gloucester Township Police Department

1261 Chews Landing Rd

Gloucester Township, NJ 08021

Contact

Emergency: 9-1-1

Non-emergencies: 856-228-4500

SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA CELEBRATE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2020

The National Catholic Schools Week Theme:

“Catholic Schools:  Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed”

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will join in the national observance of Catholic Schools Week

January 26, 2020 – February 1, 2020. Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of the Christ-centered, faith-based education that students receive in the 119 elementary, 17 secondary, and 4 schools of special education in the five-county metropolitan area comprising the Archdiocese. The national theme for Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools:   Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.”

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK CORNERSTONE EVENT

MOST REVEREND MICHAEL J. FITZGERALD TO CELEBRATE

MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR DEDICATED TEACHERS

CELEBRATING MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

Teachers who have dedicated their lives to the mission of Catholic education for 25 years or more than 50 years this academic year to be honored.

.

Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will be joined by senior leadership from the Office of Catholic Education as well as teachers who have dedicated their lives to the mission of Catholic education for 25 years or more than 50 years this academic year for a special Mass.

Friday, January 31, 2020

12:05 p.m.

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Chapel

18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Following Mass, Bishop Fitzgerald along with senior leadership from the Office of Catholic Education will join these teachers for a reception in recognition of their commitment to the school communities they have faithfully served.

1:00 p.m.

Archdiocesan Pastoral Center – Auditorium

222 North 17th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Mass and portions of the reception will be livestreamed on the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools Facebook page

www.facebook.com/AOPSschools/

.

ADDITIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK EVENTS

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Saint Joseph/Saint Robert School; 850 Euclid Avenue, Warrington, PA 18976

9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

will host an Open House for prospective families on the opening day of Catholic Schools Week.

The school offers education from Pre-K through 8th grade. The school has an option for five half or full day Pre-K and Kindergarten. Applications are being accepted for all grades. Saint Joseph/Saint Robert 7th & 8th grade students will greet and act as tour guides for interested families.

Bishop Shanahan High School; 220 Woodbine Road, Downingtown, PA 19335 (Chester County)

10:00 a.m. (Mass)

will kick off Catholic Schools Week with a Mother/Son Mass and Communion Breakfast. The breakfast will be held at the Downingtown Country Club; 93 Country Club Drive, Downingtown, PA 19335. The school will also host its annual Father/Daughter dance on Saturday, January 25th from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. This year’s theme is, “Ties and Tiaras.”

Saint Norbert Catholic School; 6 Greenlawn Road, Paoli, PA 19301 (Chester County)

12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

During its Catholic Schools Week Open House, Saint Norbert Catholic School will welcome current and prospective school families for a tour of its school. Additionally, the school will showcase its students work and the lessons they tackle in their classrooms each day with the instruction of their teachers.  Saint Norbert, Upper School’s curriculum is bolstered through 1:1 computing and the use of iPads daily in the classroom and at home, with iPads provided to each Lower School classroom to complement traditional learning approaches.  In 2019, Saint Norbert 8th graders earned $249,000 in scholarships to archdiocesan and private high schools.

Saint Dorothy Catholic School;  1225 Burmont Road, Drexel Hill, PA 19026 (Delaware County)

11:30 a.m. (Mass); 12:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Open House)

Saint Dorothy Catholic School’s  celebration of Catholic Schools Week begins with a special Mass on Sunday, January 26 at 11:30 a.m. Following the conclusion of Mass, current and prospective families are invited to tour the school, view student work, and meet the faculty. Additionally, the school’s Book Fair will be open between the 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. Masses.

Saint Albert the Great Catholic School; 214 Welsh Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 18976 (Montgomery County)

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

To showcase its students array of strengths in STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math), Saint Albert the Great is kicking off Catholic Schools Week with a “Showcase of Excellence.”  The hallways will be filled with it student projects and live demonstrations by students. Visitors will be able to see all the hard work students have put in, so far, for the 2019-2020 school year.

Saint Peter the Apostle Church (Shrine of Saint John Neumann); 1019 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123

9:30 a.m.

Saint Peter the Apostle School will celebrate the Opening of Catholic Schools Week with a Mass at the Saint Peter the Apostle Church, home to the Shrine of Saint John Neumann. Saint John Neumann is one of two local saints in Philadelphia and the founder of the first Catholic School System in America. Immediately following Mass, the school will have refreshments in the Atrium.  Many school families will take part in the Mass and students will assist with the liturgical celebration.

Archbishop Wood Catholic High School; 655 York Road, Warminster, PA 18974 (Bucks County)

2:00 p.m.

For over 30 years, Archbishop Wood has sponsored an “Elementary School Writing Contest” and for the past two decades the awards ceremony takes place on the Sunday of Catholic Schools Week.

In November, writing prompts were sent to all of the surrounding elementary schools. Students were invited to submit an essay. Hundreds of submissions were received and three winners from each grade were selected.  During the Awards Ceremony, the winners will be invited to read their essay. Five eighth grade winners will be selected and two of these winners will receive a $500 scholarship to attend Archbishop Wood for the 2020-2021 academic year. Members of The National Honor Society of Archbishop Wood judged the essays. At the Awards Ceremony, the president of the National Honor Society will also addresses the assembly. Families of participants are invited to attend as well.  Each winner will receive a certificate and a gift card.

Monday, January 27, 2020

Our Lady of Good Counsel School; 611 Knowles Avenue, Southampton, PA 18966 (Bucks County)

8:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Good Counsel School will open its doors on what it has deemed “Parent Appreciation Day” for an Open House.  The school is inviting all parents and guardians to visit with their sons and daughters in their daily learning environment and see students putting their learned skills in STREAM curriculum into action.

Saint Elizabeth Catholic School; 120 Saint Elizabeth Drive, Chester Springs, PA 19425 (Chester County)

11:15 a.m.

Students in fourth through eighth grades will have the opportunity to compete in the school-wide annual spelling bee in the school gymnasium.

Archbishop John Carroll High School and Saint Katherine Day School (Radnor Site); 211 Matson Ford Road, Radnor, PA 19087 (Delaware County)

9:10 a.m.

Archbishop John Carroll High School

and

Saint Katherine Day School

(Radnor Site)

will open Catholic Schools Week with a school wide, student led Mass and Community Service Award vote.

Holy Rosary Regional Catholic School; 3040 Walton Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 (Montgomery County)

1:30 p.m.

On “Patriotic Day” at the school, the Holy Rosary Community will welcome Command Sergeant Major Edward Pfannensteil, who is traveling from his base in Germany to speak with students.  He will thank them and explain how much the 1,000 stockings students, faculty, and staff filled with food for his troops at Christmas meant to the soldiers.  He will also present the school community with a token of appreciation. Students have prepared several patriotic songs, speeches, and poems to fit with the theme of the event.

Blessed Trinity Regional Catholic School; 3033 Levick Street, Philadelphia, PA 19149

9:00 a.m.

The Blessed Trinity School community in Northeast Philadelphia will hold its 6th annual “Community Helpers” breakfast.  They have invited members of the community to the school to thank them for serving and keeping the students safe throughout out the school year.  Representatives of the15th and 2nd Police Districts of the Philadelphia Police Department as well as Engine 52 of the Philadelphia Fire Department will be on-hand. Additionally, school crossing guards and other members of the community who provide support to the school will be shown appreciation by the students through songs, poems, and other tokens of thanks. Many parents and grandparents of students at Blessed Trinity are first-responders.

Father Judge High School for Boys; 3301 Solly Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19136

8:45 a.m.

During a school-wide Mass,

the “Salesian 7 Awards” will be presented to five deserving members of the senior class. These students exemplify the “Salesian 7” virtues, which reflect the moral teachings of Jesus as practiced and promoted by the school’s Patron, Saint Francis de Sales:  Respect yourself and others, Recognize your unique gifts and talents, Be patient with everyone, especially yourself, Be gentle as you go through your day, Be grateful – appreciate all that life offers, Be positive – approach life with an optimistic attitude, and Be confident – believe in yourself.  During this ceremony, the “Salesian Achievement Award” will also be presented to two deserving faculty members.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Saint Bernadette of Lourdes School; 1015 Turner Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 19026

8:00 a.m.

Cardinal O\’Hara High School student and Saint Bernadette Alum, Liam Walsh, will be presenting 8th grade teacher, Mrs. Theresa MacIntosh,  the Cardinal O\’Hara High School “Excelsior Award” at 8am during a morning gathering in front of the student body.

Saint Dominic Catholic School; 8510 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia 19136

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Saint Dominic students will spend the day “Celebrating Our Students” by holding a spirit-wear and school colors dress down day as well as an afternoon social among students through games of skill for older students and toy sharing for younger students.

Cardinal O’Hara High School, 1701 South Sproul Road, Springfield, PA (Delaware County)

9:10 a.m.

Cardinal O’Hara will hold its Student Council Induction Mass and Reception for members of the student leadership who assist with activities and projects within the school community throughout the year.

Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls; 1000 W Lycoming St, Philadelphia, PA 19140

8:15 a.m.

During Catholic Schools Week, Little Flower will honor its alumnae with a token of appreciation at the school Liturgy.  Each alumnae in attendance will be given a rose by current students.  Additionally, faculty and staff will display photos.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School; 815 Cathedral Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128

8:30 a.m.

The entire student body of Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) will gather for a special Catholic Schools Week Mass. Students will serve as lectors, altar servers, gift bearers, and cantors.   Additionally, the student council will show the schools appreciation for its adult volunteers including bus drivers and crossing guards.

Presentation BVM Catholic School; 105 Old Soldiers Road, Cheltenham, PA 19012 (Montgomery County)

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Students will take part in an

American Society of Civil Engineers STREAM activity.  Prior to the start of the activity, students in grades kindergarten through eight  will see a slide presentation on, \”What is Civil Engineering\” and have the opportunity to take part in a Q&A to learn more on the topic. Students will work as a class on the “Slender Tower Challenge.” Participants will draw out a tower and using materials will build from the plan. The culmination of the activity will be measuring the tall towers.

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Saint Agnes School, 211 West Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380 (Chester County)

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Grades 1-4)

1:10 p.m. – 2:35 p.m. (Grades 5-8)

Students will “Celebrate Vocations,” the national theme for Thursday, with a Career Day.  Students will dress to impress emulating a career they may like to hold in the future.   Additionally, students will have the opportunity to learn more about vocations and careers from adults in various fields of work.

Pope John Paul II High School; 181 Rittenhouse Rd, Royersford, PA 19468 (Montgomery County)

1:45 p.m.

Pope John Paul II High School will celebrate a Winter Sports Pep Rally recognizing student athletes competing in Winter Sports including basketball, swimming, and wrestling.

Friday, January 31, 2020

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK CORNERSTONE EVENT

MOST REVEREND MICHAEL J. FITZGERALD TO CELEBRATE

MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR DEDICATED TEACHERS

CELEBRATING MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

Teachers who have dedicated their lives to the mission of Catholic education for 25 years or more than 50 years this academic year to be honored.

.

Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will be joined by senior leadership in the Office of Catholic Education as well as teachers who have dedicated their lives to the mission of Catholic education for 25 years or more than 50 years this academic year for a special Mass.

Friday, January 31, 2020

12:05 p.m.

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Chapel

18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Following Mass, Bishop Fitzgerald along with senior leadership from the Office of Catholic Education will join these teachers for a reception in recognition of their commitment to the school communities they have faithfully served.

1:00 p.m.

Archdiocesan Pastoral Center – Auditorium

222 North 17th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Mass and portions of the reception will be livestreamed on the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools Facebook page

www.facebook.com/AOPSschools/

.

# # #

GLOUCESTER CITY AWARDED $400,000 FROM NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Funds to be used to replace water, sewer lines along Sussex Avenue

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ –

The City of Gloucester was recently awarded $400,000 from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to be used to replace the water and combined sewer lines along Sussex Avenue between Market Street and Cumberland Street, announced Mayor Daniel Spencer today.

“We are appreciative of the DCA’s award and very pleased that our application was so favorably received,” said Spencer.

According to Spencer, r

eplacing the water and sewer lines along Sussex Street is a priority for the City in light of the age and condition of the existing system.

“Much of the infrastructure throughout Gloucester City is over 110 years old,” Spencer stated.

“As a result, it is deteriorating and becoming a financial burden on the City’s budget.”

In the instance of Sussex Street infrastructure, Spencer noted, there are aging water and sewer lines that are also being overused due to the significant increase in residential and commercial growth over the past one hundred years.

Consequently, he said, the existing lines are in need of removal and replacement.

T

he money for this project comes from the DCA’s Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program – an extremely competitive funding opportunity that provides grants to develop or improve public facilities and infrastructure that primarily benefit low-income persons and to rehabilitate housing owned and occupied by low- and moderate-income residents.

Typically, DCA approves approximately two dozen applications each year, totaling roughly $6 million.

Gloucester City’s application was written by Triad Associates of Vineland – a community and economic development firm that has secured nearly $1 billion in funding for its clients over the past 41 years.

“The City of Gloucester has long been committed to improving critical public infrastructure for the benefit of our residents,” Spencer concluded.

“This latest award is a continuation of that commitment, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community.”

2020 Symposium on the Future of Libraries Saturday

PHILADELPHIA PA (January 21, 2020)–Philadelphia leaders and innovators will share their visions for the future at three Libraries Transform sessions during the

Symposium on the Future of Libraries

at the

2020 ALA Midwinter Meeting

.

Libraries Transform: Civic Innovation

, on Saturday January 25th from 8:45 – 10:00am in the Pennsylvania Convention Center Room 201-ABC, considers the future of place, for both

established cultural institutions and for new civic spaces activated throughout communities. Anuj Gupta, General Manager of the

Reading Terminal Market

, will share his experience leading one of the nation’s oldest and largest public markets, keeping pace with the changing needs of customers while staying true to its service to the community. Ariel Ben-Amos, Founder of

StreetBoxPHL

, promotes a vision for placemaking in cities, creating green spaces, parklets, and pedestrian areas that foster development and make neighborhoods healthier and more vibrant.

Libraries Transform: Social Innovation

, on Sunday January 26th from 8:45 – 10:00am in the Pennsylvania Convention Center Room 201-ABC, shifts the focus to the human scale, exploring the societal changes required to create more just and equitable communities. Mariana Chilton, Professor of Health Management and Policy and Director of the

Center for Hunger-Free Communities

at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health, will discuss her organization’s community-engaged approach to research, service, and advocacy, engaging those who have experience with poverty as full partners in developing solutions to hunger and economic justice. Joanna Visser Adjoian, Co-Director of the

Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project (YSRP)

, focuses her organization’s work on mitigation, reentry planning, training, and policy reform to help keep children out of adult jails and prisons and bring home those who were sentenced as children to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Libraries Transform: Education Innovation

, on Monday January 27th from 8:45 – 10:00am in the Pennsylvania Convention Center Room 201-ABC, explores the future of education access, highlighting two programs that provide new opportunities to their communities. Malik Brown, Executive Director of

Graduate! Philadelphia

, will share Graduate! Philadelphia’s model for engaging business, higher education, government, organized labor, and community-based organizations to remove barriers and create new pathways for adults to complete a college degree. Dara Ruiz-Whalen, Chief Learning Officer and Executive Director of the

eCLOSE Institute

, leads a network of scientists, teachers, and students working as scientific investigators in their classrooms, offering students training in professional laboratory research and the problem solving, collaboration, communication, and networking skills for career success.

Sponsored by

ALA’s Center for the Future of Libraries

, the

Symposium on the Future of Libraries

features forty sessions exploring the near-term trends already inspiring innovation in libraries and the longer-term trends that will help libraries adapt to the needs of communities. The Symposium on the Future of Libraries is included with full registration for the 2020 ALA Midwinter Meeting and Exhibits.