Category: CONSUMER NEWS

*MVC Facilities will be Closed in Recognition of Presidents Holidays

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) customers are advised that only state centralized vehicle inspection stations will be closed on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 in recognition of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. All other MVC facilities, including agencies, suspension and restoration centers, and driver testing sites,

will be open

on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 during regular business hours.

Additionally,

all

MVC facilities, including agencies, suspension and restoration centers, driver testing sites, and state centralized vehicle inspection stations will be

closed on Monday, February 17, 2020

in recognition of Presidents Day.

Regular business hours will be in effect for the rest of both weeks at all facilities.

Regular Agency hours:

Monday – Friday

8 am – 4:30 pm

Saturday

8 am – 3 pm

Regular Vehicle Inspection Station hours:

Monday – Friday

8 am – 4:30 pm

Saturday

7 am – Noon

The MVC reminds customers to always check our website before visiting a local office and to take advantage of driver license renewal and other online services, such as vehicle registration renewals, driver abstract requests, and surcharge and restoration payments.

For more about the ongoing positive changes at the MVC, please visit

njmvc.gov

.

Warhawks Release New EP ‘Stardust Disco’

Gloucester City, NJ (February 2020)–The Warhawks, a local band from Gloucester City announced the release of their new  EP ‘Stardust Disco’ which is available on all music platforms. It was released on New Rivals Entertainment.

The six new songs were recorded, mixed, mastered, and produced by Dave Downham at Gradwell Recording House in Haddon Heights, NJ during the summer and fall of 2019.

If you’re interested in a physical copy (CD), contact the band at thewarhawksnj@gmail.com. CDs will also be available at all shows.

The band would like to thank Stephen F. James for the phenomenal co

ver artwork. Also thanks to Doug Green of New Rivals Entertainment and Kevin Day of Part Time PR for all of the hard work.

Listen to

Stardust Disco

below and connect with The Warhawks on

Facebook

,

Instagram

and

Twitter

.

Related:

Entertainment

American Water Implements Temporary Treatment Change in Water Treatment Plants

February, 2020

CAMDEN City, N.J.–(

BUSINESS WIRE

)–As part of an annual maintenance program for its water distribution system, New Jersey American Water will temporarily change the water treatment process from a chloramine (combined) residual to free chlorine residual at the company’s Raritan-Millstone and Canal Road Water Treatment plants. These surface

water treatment plants serve New Jersey American Water customers in the following counties: Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union.

“This periodic, scheduled change in disinfectant is a standard water treatment practice that allows us to continue to ensure safe, high-quality water for our customers,” said Matthew Csik, Director of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance, New Jersey American Water. “We perform this distribution system maintenance program every year as an added measure to further disinfect the pipelines in our distribution system.”

The temporary treatment process will begin on Monday, February 10, 2020, and continue until the end of April 2020. During this period, some customers may notice a slight taste and smell of chlorine in their water. This is normal and will only be temporary until the system maintenance is complete. Customers who wish to reduce the taste of chlorine can place water in an uncovered glass container in the refrigerator overnight to dissipate chlorine faster.

“As always, we will continue to monitor water quality in the system to ensure that customers receive water that meets or is better than federal and state drinking water standards,” Csik said.

The temporary treatment change applies to New Jersey American Water customers in the following communities. (Communities with an asterisk purchase water from New Jersey American Water.)

Essex County

:

Irvington, Maplewood, Millburn and West Orange

Hunterdon County

: Flemington Borough*, Raritan Township, Readington Township and Tewksbury Township

Mercer County

: Hopewell Township, Lawrence Township, Princeton Borough, Princeton Junction, Princeton Township, Trenton* and West Windsor Township

Middlesex County

: Cranbury Township, Dunellen Borough, Edison Township, Jamesburg Borough, Middlesex Borough, Monroe Township, North Brunswick*, Piscataway Township, Plainsboro Township, South Brunswick Township and South Plainfield Borough

Morris County

: Chatham Township, Florham Park Borough, Long Hill Township, Mendham Township and Mendham Borough

Somerset County

: Bedminster Township, Bernards Township, Bernardsville Borough, Bound Brook Borough, Branchburg Township, Bridgewater Township, Far Hills Borough, Franklin Township, Green Brook Township, Hillsborough Township, Manville Borough, Millstone Borough, Montgomery Township, North Plainfield Borough, Peapack & Gladstone Borough, Raritan Borough, Rocky Hill*, Somerville Borough, South Bound Brook Borough, Warren Township and Watchung Borough

Union County

: Berkley Heights Township, City of Rahway*, Clark Township, Cranford Township, City of Elizabeth (Liberty)*, Fanwood Borough, Garwood Borough, Hillside Township, Kenilworth Borough, Linden City, Mountainside Borough, New Providence Borough, Plainfield City, Roselle Borough, Roselle Park Borough, Scotch Plains Township, Springfield Township, Summit, Union Township, Westfield Township and Winfield Park Township*

New Jersey American Water has used

chloramines

in its water treatment process since the 1970s. For more information, visit

newjerseyamwater.com

.

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.7 million people. For more information, visit

www.newjerseyamwater.com

and follow New Jersey American Water on

Twitter

and

Facebook

.

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit

amwater.com

and follow American Water on

Twitter

,

Facebook

and

LinkedIn

.

Democratic Candidate Harrison Supports Legalization of Marijuana

[February 5, 2020 – Longport, New Jersey] – Last week, Brigid Callahan Harrison, Democratic candidate for Congress in New Jersey\’s second congressional district, met with leaders at the

National Cannabis Industry Association

. The following is a summary statement Brigid provided regarding her stance on the legalization of cannabis and criminal justice reform:

I support the legalization of regulated buying and selling of marijuana.

The federal government should decriminalize marijuana by removing cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, because families should not be torn apart due to a loved one being incarcerated on a minor marijuana charge.

It is imperative that the federal government take the lead on this issue. Currently, because of varying state laws, over 31,000 New Jerseyans and 660,000 Americans are arrested each year for doing something that many states have legalized. Federal, state, and municipal governments invest $3.6 billion enforcing marijuana laws, costing governments about $4390 per arrest, while ten states have legalized marijuana. This perpetuates an unequal system in which the poor are often subject to different rules than those who can travel to use marijuana recreationally, and one in which taxpayers are forced to bear the enormous fiscal burden of enforcement.

For me, the most important component of legalization centers on issues of social justice and legal fairness: I support policy that directs the federal courts to expunge prior convictions, allows prior offenders to request expungement with the help of an

expungement attorney

, and requires courts to conduct re-sentencing hearings for those still under supervision. Today prior convictions create a form of economic discrimination that prevent those convicted of low-level marijuana possession charges from attaining employment and may be used against those convicted in civil matters, including in custody

determinations and adoption decisions.

I want to ensure all people are given the same rights and are not discriminated against, so in Washington I will support legislation to prohibit the denial of any federal public benefit because of the possession of marijuana or prior conviction of a marijuana offense.

Another important consideration of legalization centers on social justice and economic fairness. As Congresswoman from the second congressional district, I would support the levying of a 5 percent sales tax on marijuana and marijuana products to create a dedicated revenue stream to assist those negatively impacted by the policy of criminalized marijuana, including job training and re-entry and other services needed by those returning to their communities.

Communities, too, need to be made whole, and small business development grants should be funded to ensure that communities that have paid the price for criminalized marijuana are given the opportunity to thrive and prosper through legalization.

Finally, an important component of legalization involves the creation of a regulatory structure that serves to address the public policy concerns of each cannabis product that would be available to consumers. In Congress, I would support the creation of such a structure housed in existing government agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration and the Tobacco Tax Bureau, which are specifically and uniquely qualified address the important public policy questions associated with the legalization various cannabis products.

Arrests for low level marijuana possession have disproportionately decimated the lives of people of color. High levels of incarceration have torn apart families, wreaked havoc on communities, and burdened municipal governments that often are not only charged with enforcing existing drug laws, but then also providing the support for those left behind when a loved one is sent to jail for a low level drug conviction. The implementation of a legalization policy must lead attempt to remedy the injustices that have been perpetrated in the past.

Celebrate Gloucester Catholic Pride on Maroon & Gold Day

By

gostrum

/

January 2020

/ Comments are Disabled

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ–Join us in a celebration of Gloucester Catholic pride as GC will sponsor a Maroon & Gold Day Exposition on Saturday, February 8, 2020 in which Ram students will display their talents in the arts. During the day’s activities, come view beautiful art work displayed by Gloucester Catholic students, who are mentored by GCHS faculty member Mr. Dave Sipple. Art work will be on display on the first floor of the St. Mary’s Building from 12 noon through 2 pm.

Features of Real Estate Insurance in the USA

Gloucestercitynews.net (February 6, 2020)–The US insurance market is considered the most developed in the world. Thousands of insurance organizations work in the country. Relations in the field of property insurance are regulated in each state separately, and not by federal laws. This system, along with geographical and climatic features in different regions, has led to the formation of various tariffs and features of the damage coverage package. In addition to property insurance against fires, residents of different states try to protect themselves from floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Many take the opportunity to insure title rights to real estate in order to avoid problems when disputes arise with other applicants. Therefore, if you plan to secure your property, make sure to visit

www.americaninsurance.com

.

Volunteering and Obligations

According to the law, the conclusion of an agreement with insurers is an exclusively voluntary decision. But many people are simply forced to purchase policies. The grounds may be the following:

Tenant association requirements;

Bank conditions when applying for a mortgage.

Residents of regions prone to frequent natural disasters ensure real estate so as not to stay on the streets after another natural disaster. Many also seek to protect themselves from damage caused by fires. According to statistics, they are the most common reason for contacting insurers for payments.

Many states have special natural disaster insurance programs that commercial structures have traditionally been abandoned. This includes floods and earthquakes. They are being developed at the federal level and with the local government. Home or other property insurance is conditionally voluntary for participation in such programs. Anyone can refuse to do this. But in the event of natural disasters, such people will not be able to rely on state aid, loans, and subsidies if the building was damaged during a devastating event typical of the region.

A real estate insurance policy takes effect only 30 days after its conclusion. This reduces the chances of attempts to pay security fees only when an immediate threat arises. For example, if you were insured against a hurricane and it erupted in a week, you will not be able to receive compensation.

Title Insurance

Here we are not talking about an honorary title, but about the right to a specific property. As a rule, after acquiring property, people receive identification documents. Before the transaction, the legal purity of the object is checked. But this does not exclude a dispute. After all, sometimes documents that no one has seen for hundreds of years can come up, and the court will review the rights of the owners, giving the recently acquired property to other people. Title insurance protects against such cases.

The cost of the policy is less than one percent of the value of the object. However, if an insured event occurs, the damage is calculated based on the prices that exist at the time the payment becomes necessary. For example, a house is worth a million. When buying, the price was 50,000. In case of loss of ownership, the owner who insured the title will receive a million.

Things to Do to Keep Safe While Traveling by Air

Gloucestercitynews.net (February 6, 2020)–At a time when the entire world has gotten under the grip of the Coronavirus, it becomes important to talk about the ways in which we can handle ourselves and look after our health while traveling by air. Air travel is one of the easiest ways and the most convenient means of moving across long distances. But the same convenience and comfort can turn to ashes in the mouth when you have a virus at large, floating freely across volumes of air. It is not just about battling Coronavirus when you are traveling by air; it is about staying safe by all means and under every circumstance. The outbreak of this particular virus might not be a long-term affair. It shall subside like every other epidemic after a short while, but that is not a blank check to throwing caution to the air and not paying much attention to one’s health while traveling via air.

The article that we have put together talks about the ways in which we can stay safe while catching that plane, not just from a virus but also from unforeseen circumstances like the loss of documents and valuables while traveling.

Take Care of Your Health While Traveling:

You cannot hope to survive the ravages of any demanding situation if you have to keep worrying about your deteriorating health. It is imperative that you pay the utmost attention to your body while traveling by air. We shall, therefore, talk about the ways in which you can look after your health and then move on to the other aspects of air travel. Traveling by a domestic flight or not, booked via

Jettly

, prioritizing your health is primal.

Remember to Wear Masks-

You might not understand the importance of wearing masks while traveling by air, but it is time that you do. The air surrounding us is a disease-carrying vector, and it only takes less than a second to fall prey to the nuisance of a virus. Therefore, always use a mask even if you are seated within the confines of the aircraft.

Wash Your Hands Before and After Using the Toilet in the Plane-

You never know the kind of diseases that people are capable of carrying in them. Therefore, you must make it a point to sanitize your hands or at least wash it with plain water after you use the toilet. The toilet is the place where you are more prone to getting infected, and thus, you cannot afford to take any chances.

Drink Up-

As some would say, water solves everything. And the need for water by your body increases all the more when you are traveling. Therefore, make sure that you are hydrated; enough to sustain the long haul by air.

Keep One Eye On Your Travel Documents, Always:

Now that we have covered the discussion on how to take care of your health while boarding the flight, it is time to pay attention to the travel documents. You cannot afford to lose your documents or your valuables while traveling via air. Therefore, it is essential to understand how you could keep your documents safe or at least deal with a situation where one or more of your documents go missing.

Always Keep a Backup of Your Documents-

A photocopy might not serve the exact purpose as that of an original, but you could rest assured that the photocopies can at least serve as pieces of vital evidence. In case your documents go missing, you can always furnish your photocopies and apply for a set of new ones.

Keep Your Passport Handy-

Keep your passport safe, but do not pack it with your clothes. Keep your passport in your handbag so that you can always keep an eye on it and reach out for it when required. You cannot afford to lose your passport while flying.

Do Not Keep Your Documents in the Check-in Baggage-

Airlines take the utmost care in keeping your check-in baggage safe. But there is always a slim chance of losing a piece of your luggage or two. Therefore, you must avoid keeping your important documents in the check-in baggage.

Conclusion:

It is important to be safe while you are traveling by air. Airlines might have their own sweet ways of taking care of their passengers. But, you, as an aware and responsible passenger, must take up the measures of keeping yourself safe and protected against threats of all kinds.

Philadelphia\’s Sensory-Friendly Attractions & Performances

PHILADELPHIA, PA–Inclusivity is embedded in the original promise of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. Today, the region keeps that promise to residents and visitors with sensory sensitivity. Some of Philly’s most popular attractions, including

The Franklin Institute

and

Please Touch

Museum

®

have sensory-friendly policies and programming. So, too, do eminent arts organizations such as

Pennsylvania Ballet

and

The

Philadelphia Orchestra.

Much credit for the region’s expanding sensory-friendly offerings goes to professor

Roger Ideishi

and

Art-Reach

,

who, together, facilitate arts and cultural environments that respect both the needs of people with cognitive disabilities and the expression of the artists and attractions themselves.

Here’s a look at Philadelphia venues and groups that have recently expanded their sensory-friendly programming:

Sensory-Friendly Attractions

:

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University –

Philadelphia’s dinosaur museum offers children with autism and their families exclusive Access to Science six Saturday or Sunday mornings (9-11 a.m.) per year. For these occasions and any day, visual, easy-to-follow pre-visit Museum Stories help prepare visitors of all developmental abilities for exploring the museum, including the exhibition

Survival of the Slowest

(February 15 – September 20, 2020)

.

January 26, February 23, May 2, June 7, July 11, August 23, September 26, October 24, November 18

and

December 29, 2020.

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 299-1060,

ansp.org

Brandywine River Museum of Art –

A bucolic campus surrounds galleries known for three generations of Wyeths, which open select mornings for free Sensory-Friendly Saturdays. Registered families receive pre-visit social stories and enjoy hands-on activities, along with support from experienced volunteers, fidgets, noise-cancelling headphones and sensory break areas. Any day, visitors may borrow a sensory-friendly museum pack containing social stories, fidgets, noise-cancelling headphones and activities suggestions.

March 28, 2020

.

1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-8120,

brandywine.org

The Franklin Institute –

On five Sensory-Friendly Sundays per year, the tri-state area’s most-visited museum opens its doors early (8 a.m.), modifies exhibits and employs trained staff and volunteers to create a comfortable environment for visitors on the autism spectrum. Guests who pre-register are admitted free of charge, as are visitors who arrive before 9:30 a.m. The event ends at noon. Every day, sensory alert maps are available for permanent and temporary exhibits.

March 15, June 14

and

October 4, 2020.

222 N. 20

th

Street, (215) 448-1200,

fi.edu

LEGOland Discovery Center

®

Philadelphia –

At Special Sensory Days (really, early evenings, 5-7 p.m.) at this indoor Montgomery County attraction, staff trained with The Ruttenberg

®

Autism Center help create a calm, quiet, gentle environment for children to play with the world’s most popular toys. Break rooms, reduced light, music therapy from Keep Music Alive and pre- and during-visit social stories are available to families, along with a reduced ticket price.

February 4, May 5, July 7

and

November 3, 2020.

Plymouth Meeting Mall, 500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, (267) 245-9696,

legolanddiscoverycenter.com

National Constitution Center –

The museum dedicated to the four most powerful pages in U.S. history holds Sensory Friendly Days several times a year. Each all-day event comes with pre-visit guides, emotionally safe spaces, modified programming and staff trained to assist all guests.

February 3, 23

and

24, March 9, June 7, September 6

and

December 6, 2020.

525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700,

constitutioncenter.org

Philadelphia Museum of Art –

Sensory-Friendly Mornings take place quarterly before select Sunday Family Programs within galleries of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and on select summer Wednesdays and Saturdays as part of

Art Splash

, an interactive exhibition for children. With lowered lights and volume, fewer crowds, the 1.5-hour session offers sensory break areas, on-hand occupational therapists and hands-on art activities geared toward many developmental levels. Registered participants receive a pre-visit social guide.

February 23, 2020.

Main Building, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway; Perelman Building, 2525 Pennsylvania Avenue, (215) 763-8100,

philamuseum.org

Philadelphia Zoo –

America’s first zoo worked with the Center for Autism Research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to create KidZooU, a hands-on, child-centric exhibit that uses the Universal Design concept to offer an inclusive, enriching experience for children. Pre-visit materials, including a picture-exchange system, are available on the zoo’s website. 3400 W. Girard Avenue, (215) 243-1100,

philadelphiazoo.org

Please Touch Museum

®

–

The premise of this boundless little kid destination: Children learn through play. Every day, Please Touch offers a dedicated quiet space, sound-reducing headphones and staff trained to help everyone. Several Sunday mornings per year, Play Without Boundaries serves children with learning and developmental disabilities and on the autism spectrum with a sensory-friendly, all-access museum experience with Floreo virtual reality, therapy animals and community health experts.

March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2

and

September 6, 2020.

Memorial Hall, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, (215) 581-3181,

pleasetouchmuseum.org

,

pleasetouchmuseum.org/pageblocks/accessibility-play-without-boundaries

Sesame Place –

Just over 25 miles northeast of Center City, this vibrant amusement and water park, home to Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby and Julia, has trained its staff in sensory awareness, motor and social skills, emotional awareness and communication. Sesame Place offers designated quiet rooms and low-sensory areas and a sensory guide for its attractions. 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, (215) 702-3566,

sesameplace.com

Sensory-Friendly Performances

:

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts –

The centerpiece of the Avenue of the Arts select productions with relaxed house rules, designated quiet areas, trained staff and Art-Reach volunteers and sensory-friendly kits (noise-cancelling headphones, weighted bean bags, fidget toys). Audience members are welcome to bring their own sensory-friendly stress relief devices and move about as they wish. New sensory-friendly performances dates TBA. 250 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

LiveConnections –

This music nonprofit prioritizes accessibility across its educational and concert programming, especially

Bridge Sessions,

at its partner venue, World Cafe Live. Skilled teaching artists lead 75-minute educational performances that mix in interactive activities and provide multiple ways for all-age participants to engage in music-making through call-and-response, movement, playing percussion instruments, creating rhythm poems and more. Lighting and sound adjustments, cool-down space, sensory toys and know-before-you-go guides are available. Dates TBA. 3025 Walnut Street, (267) 295-2946,

liveconnections.org

Montgomery Theater –

This intimate venue puts on one relaxed performance per family musical, play or comedy, offering pre-visit materials, partially up house lights, loosened rules, quiet space, sound mitigation and a modified refund policy. The next such performances:

The Marvelous Wonderettes

,

April 11, 2020;

Frozen Jr.

,

May 16, 2020;

The Witches

,

October 17, 2020;

The Carols

,

November 28, 2020.

124 N. Main Street, Souderton, (215) 723-9984,

montgomerytheater.org

Pennsylvania Ballet –

Philadelphia’s eminent ballet company proudly offers sensory-friendly performances throughout the season and during the wintertime run of

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

®

. This spring, the PA Ballet 2 company will perform

Snow White

in a sensory-friendly setting at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center. Pre-show materials guide patrons on going to the theater and tell the stories behind the choreography, music and characters. The theater adjusts sound and lighting and relaxes its rules — free movement and expression are welcome — and adds a quiet space and gluten-free concessions.

Snow White

,

April 18,  2020,

Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, (610) 622-1189,

udpac.org

;

Nutcracker

,

December 30, 2020,

Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street,

(215) 551-7000,

paballet.org

,

paballet.org/season-tickets/sensory-friendly-performances

People’s Light –

The mission of this large, nonprofit, professional suburban theater is education through performance. During Relaxed Performances, the house becomes a shush-free zone, so patrons with autism, ADD, ADHA, dementia and sensory sensitivities can freely express themselves during musicals and more. House lights remain low; startling lighting is reduced; sounds levels are lowered; crowds are limited; the lobby opens a quiet area, and fidget, stress- sensory toys and disposable ear plugs are available. Upcoming performances include:

Shakespeare in Love,

March 15, 2020

and

Songs for Nobodies

,

August 28, 2020.

39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, (610) 644-3500,

peopleslight.org

,

peopleslight.org/visit/accessibility/relaxed-performances

The Philadelphia Orchestra –

The orchestra has long shared its talents with children and families during their

Sound All Around

concerts, held on the comfortable carpet of the Academy of Music ballroom. The group also designates the Saturday edition of these popular, intimate performances as sensory-friendly (Brass,

February 8, 2020;

Ensemble,

March 21, 2020

). . The full orchestra’s sensory-friendly performances—and most family concerts—feature a no-shush policy, cool-down spaces, lighting adjustments, trained helpers and both planned and impromptu interaction between musicians and audience members, in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Carnival of the Animals

,

March 7, 2020;

The Life and Times of Beethoven

,

May 2, 2020.

Academy, 240 S. Broad Street; Kimmel, 300 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1900,

philorch.org

Theatre Horizon –

This Montgomery Country theater began offering an Autism Drama Program a decade ago and has served 680 children and adults in six-week, spring-through-fall sessions. Each season brings relaxed performances of major productions, dates TBA. 401 DeKalb Street, Norristown, (610) 283-2230,

theatrehorizon.org

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.

NJMVC to Allow “REAL ID” Walk-ins on a Test Basis

For Renewals only from the 5

th

to the 20

th

of the month

TRENTON – New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Sue Fulton today

announced the Commission will allow customers whose licenses/IDs are close to expiration to get

REAL ID

driver licenses and non-driver IDs without an appointment on a test basis. Such “walk-ins” will be allowed only for renewals, only on selected dates and only at participating locations.

Customers can only take advantage of the “walk-in” policy from the 5

th

through the 20

th

of each month in participating agencies that are fully

REAL ID

-operational.

Only drivers with licenses due to expire within three months of their walk-in visit will be eligible for a

REAL ID

without an appointment.

REAL ID

appointments, which are scheduled online and have been in place since the phased rollout was launched last September, will continue.

“The appointment-only system helped with the phased rollout and was necessary in the early stages for a smooth, controlled, and successful launch of

REAL ID

,’’ Chief Fulton said. “We have steadily built our capacity and are now ready to accommodate walk-ins on a limited basis.”

Chief Fulton said that interest in obtaining a

REAL ID

is high, revealing that over 200,000 New Jerseyans have signed up for appointments so far through

REALIDNJ.com

, the website where customers must make their appointments.

“It is clear to us that right now demand outstrips the number of available

REAL ID

appointments,’’ Chief Fulton said. “That is why we are testing

REAL ID

for eligible walk-ins during these designated days of the month, which are typically less busy than at the very beginning or end of the month.’’

The current participating MVC agencies are:

Bayonne

Camden

Cardiff

Cherry Hill

Delanco

East Orange

Eatontown

Edison

Flemington

Freehold

Hazlet

Jersey City

Lakewood

Lodi

Manahawkin

Medford

North Bergen

Oakland

Rahway

Rio Grande

Runnemede

Salem

Somerville

South Brunswick

South Plainfield

Springfield

Trenton

Turnersville

Vineland

Wallington

Washington

West Deptford

Customers should check back frequently at

REALIDNJ.com

for updates and added agencies.

Chief Fulton noted that

REAL

ID

requires additional identification documents beyond  the six points of ID that have long been needed to obtain a standard driver license in New Jersey. These additional documents must include two proofs of address and one proof of the applicant’s Social Security number.

“Many of our customers believe that if they already hold a New Jersey driver license, they don’t need to bring all the documents for

REAL ID,

and that’s just not true,’’ Chief Fulton said. “There’s a user-friendly document selector at

REALIDNJ.com

. We tell everyone, even our own employees, to use that before you come in so we don’t have to send you away without your

REAL ID

.’’

Under Chief Fulton’s leadership, the NJMVC embarked on an ambitious

REAL ID

readiness campaign to prepare for the rollout. Campaign initiatives included:

Hiring and training hundreds of frontline agency employees, increasing window staffing from an average of about 50 percent to nearly 100 percent.

Expanding Saturday hours.

Implementing a take-a-ticket queuing system.

Upgrading to state-of-the-art Point-of-Sale counter capabilities.

Installing new servers in all 39 agencies.

Adding online services, including driver license renewals, to reduce agency foot traffic.

REAL ID

is the federally mandated identification that puts in place stricter federal security standards for driver licenses and IDs. Passengers will need a

REAL ID

to fly domestically in the U.S. as of October 1, 2020; unless a valid U.S. passport or another

federally approved

form of identification is used.

‘‘No one is required to have a

REAL ID

,’’ Chief Fulton said. “However, if you plan to fly domestically after September 30, 2020, you will need either a

REAL ID

, a valid passport, or some other form of ID that the federal government has approved for such travel.’’

“We will continue to offer standard New Jersey driver licenses,” added Chief Fulton, emphasising that those licenses will remain valid for driving. “The standard driver licenses, however, will no longer meet federal standards for boarding commercial airliners beginning October 1, 2020.”

Black History Month Inspired Collection

Philadelphia, PA (February 2020)

– Every February, the celebration of Black History Month observes the importance of African Americans in United States history. Nigerian-born entrepreneur and fashion designer Addie Elabor and her clothing line

D’IYANU

celebrate these achievements regularly by encouraging self expression and empowering individuals to express their cultural pride through all of their collections. With its official release on January 24, 2020, Elabor and her team present

D\’IYANU’s Black History Month Collection.

Inspired by traditional African prints, the Black History Month Collection features fashionable formal wear for men, women, and children. Ladies can make a bold statement in

African print maxi dresses, maxi skirts, peplum blazers, matching pants, and head wraps.

Men are sure to stand out in colorful, African-inspired prints in long and short sleeved tee shirts. The collection also includes matching designs for children to create a photo-worthy family look. The eye-catching patterns and vibrant prints, ranging from

$19.99-109.99

, set this collection apart while still offering the affordable price range of the previous collections.

D’IYANU welcomes customers interested in the Black History Month Collection to visit their Norristown showroom. Located on

910 E. Main St.

, the beautiful showroom is open

Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

and offers guests a uniquely intimate personal shopping experience. Elabor and her team of stylists are available onsite either by appointment or walk-in to answer questions about fit, fabric selections, and help inspire confident and bold D’IYANU wardrobes. The collection is also available

online

.

Connect and follow the latest trends with D’IYANU on

Facebook,

Twitter

, and

Instagram

. Shop the 2020 Black History Month Collection and best sellers on their

website

.

For media inquiries and/or interview requests, please contact

Ta

mara@PhillyPRGirl.com

.

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About D’IYANU

The tough, competitive, and nerve-wrecking fashion industry didn’t stop designer Addie Elabor from following her heart and launching

D’IYANU

in January of 2014. Iyanu translates to “miracle” or “wonderful” in the Nigerian Yoruba language, and D’ means “of” or “from” in French. With the combination of her Yoruba and French background, the name

D’IYANU

, “of something wonderful” was established to remind everyone they are uniquely made and to dress like it. Addie also made it her purpose to help build schools and clinics for underdeveloped communities in Nigeria and other African countries.

The Afua is sure to be your next favorite maxi dress.The gorgeous African Print (Black Gold Mudcloth) is bold and vibrant. At the top, the Afua dress has an off the shoulder cut. It features a unique high-low cut at the bottom which leaves room to show off your best heels.

The Men\’s Bomani African Print Long Sleeve V-Neck Tee in the black and gold mudcloth print is especially made for the culturally confident gentleman. Rock African print in style by pairing the look with dress pants or blue jeans to achieve a day to night look.

Dress your little one in our comfortable Umi African Print Kid\’s Color Block Tee. Your child can represent their heritage while looking dope. From the classroom to the playground, this versatile piece can be worn in any setting.