Category: CONSUMER NEWS

New Year\’s Eve Entertainment in New Jersey

Sahara Sam’s Water Park offers a New Year’s Eve

Midnight at the Oasis

party from 7:00 until 12:30. The park’s water attractions will be open, as well as games, limbo and a Foam Party. Sahara Sam’s also provides food, party goods and a champagne/apple cider toast, all for $68.99. Kids under 2 go for free!

The Adventure Aquarium in Camden

The Adventure Aquarium in Camden’s New Year’s Splash begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. The day includes a DJ dance party, visiting the residents (fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals), a beautiful fireworks display over the Delaware River, and more. Prices start at $21.99 for children and $29.99 for adults. See

Adventure Aquarium

for more.

Ocean City’s First Night

Ocean City offers a First Night celebration with rides at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and fireworks. The 60+ entertainment programs include magicians, puppeteers, Broadway shows, ice skating, games, music, a mentalist, comedy, dancing, inflatables, and skateboarding! The event promises tons of fun for adults and children alike, and there’s jitney service to transport everyone between locations. Buttons are $20 for

First Night Ocean City

.

10th Annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks In New Brunswick

For the tenth year in a row, the town of New Brunswick will be the site of

a spectacular fireworks display at midnight.

Ring in The New Year with a bang and also check out some of New Brunswick’s best bars and restaurants, all in walking distance. From 11:30PM-12:30AM at Monument Square Park on George Street & Livingston Avenue.

Family Overnight On Battleship New Jersey For New Year’s Eve

Military buffs and those looking for a unique experience will enjoy dinner and breakfast served at the chow line, a guided tour of the Battleship, a ride in the Flight Simulator, and trying out a bunk bed where the crew of the USS New Jersey slept. You can also pull the trigger of an historic 5-inch gun. The

New Year’s Family Overnight

is $79 per person.

STRYKE New Year’s Eve

STRYXE in Madison offers 3 hours of unlimited bowling, signature and specialty food items, and unlimited soft drinks. There’s even champagne for guests over 21! You can reserve lanes from 5:30 p.m. -12:30 a.m. ($345/lane or $295/lane) at 6 guests per lane. The event sells out every year, so make sure to reserve soon at

STRYXE

.

Statue Of Liberty Fireworks, Courtesy of Spirit of New Jersey

Spirit Cruises of New Jersey’s New Year’s Dinner Cruise

Celebrate the start of 2020 from the water, with fireworks over the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

Spirit Cruises of New Jersey

’s luxury New Year’s Eve cruise offers a dinner buffet, an open bar, and a DJ. Board the ship at 9:30 p.m. in Lincoln Harbor, NJ and cruise from 10:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. Packages start at $309 per person.

iPlay America in Freehold

Photo Courtesy of iPlay

iPlay America

is a game- and ride-filled destination that will keep your whole family entertained. They offer an Unlimited Ride Pass, $10 game card, party favors, a DJ and light show, prizes, laser tag, mini-bowling, child and adult rope courses, and more! You can even watch the ball drop on one of their 5 monitors. Entry is $39.99 per person in advance, and $49.99 per person at the door.

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson

Six Flags Great Adventure Fireworks, Photo Courtesy Of Six Flags Great Adventure

Six Flags Great Adventure’s

Holiday in the Park

makes for the perfect daredevil’s New Year’s Eve. You and your kids can ride Nitro, Batman: The Ride, or Superman: Ultimate Flight, and then warm up with s’mores and hot chocolate. The park opens at 1:00 p.m. and closes after the 9:00 p.m. fireworks at A Main Street Christmas. General tickets are $24.99.

Ice At The Pier New Year’s Eve at Pier Village In Long Branch

If you’re in the mood to gracefully glide a figure-eight, head to Long Branch. Ice skate by the beach in festive Pier Village from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.! The shops and restaurants will be open and a magnificent fireworks show begins at 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit

Ice At The Pier

.

The price is $10 for children under 12 and $14 for adults. Skate rentals are $4.

source

by

NJ NEXT

Do You Need Health Insurance-You Have Options

(NAPSI)—“We need to find health insurance. Where do we start?” This question will occur to millions of Americans who have lost their employer-provided health coverage—or want to be prepared in the event they do. Some reports suggest

that some individuals may not enroll in health insurance at all, and the health and financial impact of going without could have long-lasting consequences.

“Choosing the right health coverage may seem daunting since many Americans have never shopped for coverage before or worry that they cannot get affordable health insurance,” said Mark Smith, president of HealthMarkets, one of the largest independent health insurance agencies in the United States. “People should know that there is a wide range of coverage options available to meet their unique care needs and financial situations, some of which are free or subsidized.”

Health Care Coverage Guidance and Enrollment Support

Individuals can find support through health care marketplaces, insurance carriers, insurance brokers and other licensed insurance agents to determine what plan is best for them.

For example, GetCovered is a free service offered through HealthMarkets that provides guidance for people who need health coverage. Call (877) 270-0029 or visit www.getcovered.com to get started. Working with licensed insurance agents, individuals can learn what they are eligible for, including Medicare/Medicaid options or find commercial health plans that best meet their individual needs. Agents can also help them enroll in these plans, where they are able.

Questions to Ask

To find the right coverage, it’s important to know what’s available, what to ask and what information you need to enroll. To narrow your options, be prepared to discuss:

•When does your employer-sponsored coverage end?

•Does your company offer COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act)? Under COBRA, individuals maintain their current plan benefits by paying the total cost of the insurance including their premiums and the amount contributed by their employers.

•Does your spouse’s/domestic partner’s employer provide coverage with a “special enrollment” allowance under certain circumstances?

•What benefits does your family need or want?

•What can your family afford? Think about what portion of your monthly budget can be used for health coverage or other insurance. Your family may be eligible for additional options based on your specific financial situation.

Health Coverage Options

If COBRA and spousal coverage are not available or too cost-prohibitive, here are other options to consider:

•Medicaid/Medicare—While Medicare coverage is primarily available to individuals over age 65, Medicaid eligibility is primarily based on income, disability, family size and other circumstances.

•Individual exchange/marketplace plans-These Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans are available through federal or state enrollment sites. Based on your family’s income, you may be eligible for plan subsidies making one of these plans more affordable. Recent job loss often would be a “qualifying life event” to enroll in an ACA plan outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period.

•Short-term plans—Short-term limited duration insurance coverage provides temporary coverage to bridge the gap between longer-term insurance coverage. These plans have a fixed duration of a few months to even several years and generally will offer less robust coverage than ACA plans.

“Health coverage decisions can be made simpler—and there are resources to help,” Smith said. “Regardless of whether you choose to do your own research and enrollment or engage outside services, determining what you and your family need and can afford will help you find good health coverage that ensures you have access to care now.”

Your Ultimate Guide to Coachella Festival 2020

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(December 31, 2019)–New Year’s just around the corner and lots of us start planning our summer vacations and trips as soon as April rolls in. Why? Obviously, because we know that’s the time for the annual Coachella Festival. This festival is everything a summer festival should be like. From sunny skies to unimaginable moments, this is exactly what you call a fulfilling experience. But wait this can actually go wrong if you don’t plan ahead! So what you can do to make sure it doesn’t?

Well, lucky for you we have compiled a list of all things you need for a fantastic experience at Coachella 2020. Here’s is all you need to know:

Festival Information:

Here are the 6 essential questions you might have in your mind:

Why?

Starting from its first inauguration festival in 1999, this festival has been one of the top-rated, highly crowded festivals. Aside from music in various genres like hip-hop, pop, rock, indie, and electronic festival-goers can enjoy some really awe-inspiring art installations.

What?

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, normally called just Coachella is a music extravaganza. They got multiple stages to hold performances from some of the iconic music celebrities of the time. Popular stages include Coachella Stage, Gobi Tent, Sahara Tent, Mojave Tent, and the Oasis Dome.

Where?

In 2020, it will take place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California located in the Inland Empire\’s Coachella Valley, in the Colorado Desert.

When?

They started at 2 days and now it\’s 2 weekends that should give you the idea of how popular it is. Also, why this festival should be on top in your bucket list of summer 2020. So, the first weekend April 10 to 12, and the second is April 17 to 19.

Who?

There are no words of who will perform at the 2020 festival for now. The headliners are normally announced in January while the full line up is out a month before the festival.

Ariana Grande, Tame Impala, Childish Gambino, Eminem, Beyoncé, The Weeknd, and Lady Gaga are some of the past headliners.

How?

Obviously, if you are planning to visit you need Coachella Tickets 2020. The official sale starts on Friday, June 14 at 11 am. The festival welcomes all ages plus the children age 5 or under can enter free. Here is the price list for the 2020 festival:

GA festival pass: $399

GA festival pass with shuttle pass: $474

VIP festival pass: $929

VIP parking: $140

Car camping: $102

Preferred car camping: $266

Tent camping: $102

Seems a little too much? Want to get Coachella Tickets Cheap? How about getting them at Tickets4Festivals. Here you can get cheaper tickets that are easy to access and are delivered on time. Use the Coachella Tickets Discount Coupon at the checkout and it gets even better.

So what are you thinking? The tickets are on sale right now get them to book fun memories for your summer 2020.

https://www.coachella.com/

https://tickets4festivals.com/coachella-tickets

Getting to the Festival:

Start your journey by booking plan tickets for Palm Springs International, it is the nearest airport to Indio. You can book your tickets from Expedia or Hotwire. What’s after that? We’ve got some great suggestions:

Hotel Shuttles:

if you are planning your stay at one of the nearest hotels to the festival grounds. Then the hotel shuttles will be your best buddies. You wouldn’t have to worry about getting in the line for the parking area so and so. You can get all the information on shuttle passes at Tickets4festival.

Driving a Car:

driving a rental or your own car has some benefits like you can take it elsewhere as well. But it got some cons as well. Be prepared to be stuck in the traffic if you are planning to be on your own.

Taxi:

you can also book yourself a Taxi or Uber to get to the festival. Apparently, the fare might be higher than normal considering the traffic rush and festive season.

Camper Van:

this is probably the most cost-effective of the suggestion. If you have your own that’s good but if not renting a camper van can save you a lot. You won’t have to spend on a place to stay and get around separately. Just get a parking pass from

Tickets4Festivals.com

and you are set.

Where to Stay?

There are tons of options for this as well like:

Hotels:

if you want and if you can afford it booking a hotel is the most comfortable stay. You can look through the nearest hotels to Coachella at Expedia or Travelocity.

Camping:

hotels are comfy but camping on the festival grounds has its own perks. If you want to roll out of bed and get straight to listening to music camping on-site is the best option. However, camping off-site is not bad either. You can even take your RV and chill near Coachella.

Coachella Typical Dress Code:

Since its inception, Coachella has evolved into something more than just a place for music lovers. Festival fashion is so in right now and having a sense of what to wear can bring a lot of change to your experience. Do remember, fashion is good but it is not the most important. You need to be comfortable moving around the festival. Also, you must consider the crowd and the heat at the time of the festival. The normal dress code would be a light dress (if it’s a jumpsuit even better), jeans or shorts or skirts, hats or sunglasses and comfy pair of sandals or boots. Dress lightly and don’t forget to pack extras you might have to take occasional showers as protection against heat.

What to Bring and What to Not:

Here a list of things you can and can’t bring to Coachella:

Bring:

Water, Cash, credit cards, FOOD (there are vendors but you can bring your own too), Poncho, Phone charger, towel, Bug spray, Band-Aids, Bandana, Pocket Flashlight, Chapstick, sunscreen (spray is quicker than lotion), Sunglasses, and Ear-plugs.

Don’t Bring:

Drugs, remote-controlled flying whateves, firework or explosives, chains, guns, knives or any weapon, Aerosol Products, bicycles or chairs.

Maple Shade PD Reminds Residents Alarm Systems Must Be Registered with MSPD Beginning Each Year

MAPLE SHADE NJ–The Maple Shade Police Department would like to remind all homeowners and business owners that burglar alarms, fire alarms, robbery hold up alarms, and duress alarms, etc, must be registered with MSPD. Registration expires on December 31st.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to renew. If you are already registered remember to contact us whenever there is a change in emergency contact information, phone numbers, etc.

Don\’t have an alarm system? If you do not have an alarm system then please fill out an emergency contact form instead. This will allow us to contact you if police respond to an emergency at your business or residence and you are not there. There is no fee to file an emergency contact form.

This allows us to better serve you and make Maple Shade a safer community. The alarm registration form and emergency contact information form can be downloaded here

Forms

Full text of the alarm ordinance can be found here

https://ecode360.com/6925745

Do you find these NIXLE messages helpful? Please inform your family and friends and encourage them to sign up. Just text MAPLESHADEPD to 888777 or sign up at

https://www.nixle.com/

Follow us on Twitter @MapleShadePD #MapleShadePD

Follow us on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/MAPLESHADEPD

If you need to contact the Maple Shade Police Department remember one call does it all! Call us 24/7/365 at 856-234-8300

Address/Location

Maple Shade Township Police Department

200 N Stiles Ave

Maple Shade Township, NJ 08052

Contact

Emergency: 9-1-1

Non-emergencies: 856-234-8300

New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthier and Happier Pet

Gloucestercitynews.net–Veterinarians from

BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

are encouraging pet owners to make New Year’s plans for pets, because just like us, they can benefit from changes to their wellness routines.

“Pets cannot make resolutions on their own; only you, the owner, can do that. As we come into the new years and the new decade, it is important to remember that pets’ may also need to ditch those bad dietary habits and engage in a more healthy lifestyle,” said Cathy Meeks, DVM, Regional Vice President of Medicine at BluePearl. “This new year, try to set some achievable goals for your pet and stick to them. Ultimately, these resolutions will make for a happier and healthier pet.”

Here are a few New Year’s resolution ideas that will help promote a happier and healthier year for your furry friend.

Consider quitting smoking.

Second hand smoke isn’t only harmful to people; it is also harmful to pets. Smoking around dogs, cats, and birds, especially, puts them at greater risk of numerous health problems. Pets exposed to second-hand smoke tend to have more allergies, eye infections, and respiratory issues, including

lung cancer

. Knock the habit to help keep you and your four-legged friend healthy.

Exercise with your pet and perform a diet audit.

Exercising for both people and pets is a great way to stay in shape. Why not combine it then and start

training with your dog

to make sure he and you stay healthy and in great shape?

The life expectancy of a pet can be significantly increased if they live a healthy and active life. You may also want to evaluate what and when your pet is eating. Avoid overfeeding and weight gain by portioning the food with a measuring cup. Speak to your veterinarian about appropriate food portions and for general diet and nutritional guidance.

Maintain regular visits with your primary veterinarian.

Pets age much faster than people, so it is important to bring your pet in to see a veterinarian at least twice a year. And because pets are inherently deceptive and experts at hiding illness, you may not immediately notice symptoms. By delaying veterinary exams, conditions can be more progressed—potentially resulting in costly and invasive treatment.

Get pet insurance.

Over the past decade, advances in veterinary medicine have given pet owners access to cutting-edge therapies and treatments—but these advanced treatments and therapies also come with a cost. Consider obtaining a pet insurance policy to assist with funding in the event of a veterinary emergency. Companies like

Trupanion

offer pet health insurance, which can cover injuries, illnesses, diagnostic testing, surgeries, medications, and lab work.

Start an emergency fund

. The costs of veterinary medicine can put a strain on any pet owner looking to pay out of pocket. Even the most common injuries and illnesses in pets, like knee ligament rupture and kidney disease, can cost thousands to repair or treat. By setting aside $20 to $40 per paycheck, you can protect both your pet and your finances if you are ever in need of emergency care.

Do You Need a High School Diploma?

Gloucestercitynews.net (December 30, 2019)–In the United States,

90% of the population

has a high school diploma or higher.

Do you need a high school diploma? To answer that question, let’s break down what exactly a high school diploma does for you. How it can help you and whether or not a high school diploma is truly necessary.

Starting off, we can look at tangibles that can be measured by statistics. Then, we will explore the social impacts of not having a degree.

Work Options

If you don’t have a high school diploma, you’ll have fewer options for work. Many employers require that employees have at least passed high school before they are eligible to be hired.

You can

get a GED

to make up for a lack of a high school diploma. This will open a lot of doors, but without either, you’re going to have trouble finding a job.

Construction jobs and jobs with specific apprenticeships are among the few choices. In general, you will have to elect for a more physical job.

Earning Potential

As a general rule, the higher an education you have the more you make. Those who have at least a high school diploma earn more than those who don’t.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the

average weekly earnings

of someone

without

a high school diploma is $493. If you have a diploma, then your weekly earning potential is bumped up to $678.

The more education you receive, the more you are likely to make. The less you receive, the less money you will be paid. Time and experience can turn those tables a bit in your favor.

Social Status

Many people who do not receive a high school diploma feel awkward about it. Over time it can even become something that you will feel embarrassed about.

Most of this reaction comes from how people treat those who do not have high school diplomas. They can be viewed as less intelligent or lazy even if that is not true.

In some cases, it can even affect your ability to get a spouse or significant other. Working low-level jobs that require a lot of physical exertion will keep you from meeting a lot of people.

If you work hard enough and promote high enough at your job, you can escape this stigma. It will require that you put in years gaining experience and the trust of your employer. Hard work can pay off.

Making It Harder on Yourself

Without a high school diploma, you are

making life harder on yourself

. Very few people have viable options to begin their adult lives without having a high school diploma.

You’ll have to work twice as hard as someone with a high school diploma to obtain the same things in life. Education doesn’t mean intelligence, but it does make things easier.

Having the diploma is like having proof that you are a smart, creative and interesting person. If you don’t have one, you will have to prove all of those things to everyone you work for.

Other Options to High School

The question “Do you need a high school diploma?” can be answered another way. It is possible to get a GED which will function exactly the same as a high school diploma.

The difficulty in receiving your GED is that you won’t have anyone keeping you on task. You will have to motivate yourself and work at your own pace to succeed.

Studying is also something that makes the GED more difficult. If you don’t like studying or think you will have difficulty being motivated to study, you might have difficulty getting your GED.

If you are studying for your GED and want to have a diploma, you might consider a realistic diploma. You should

find out more

about realistic diplomas if you feel that might be a good temporary solution.

Do You Need a High School Diploma?

The short answer is not necessarily. There are options such as the GED and manual labor careers that don’t require a high school diploma.

The main thing that having your diploma will do is give you options. If you don’t want to work in a career field that requires heavy manual labor or equipment operation, you will need a high school diploma.

Not everyone will judge you for not having a high school diploma. You can simply not mention it to your friends and colleagues. Eventually, someone might find out, but perhaps by then, it won’t matter.

If you don’t have a diploma, you will make less throughout your life. While you can earn your way up, you will start at a lower pay scale. This will make it more difficult for you to retire at a reasonable age.

Millions of people graduate every year with high school diplomas. Diplomas have lost some value because so many people have them. The problem is this creates a large majority pool.

The size of this population pool means that employers don’t have to lower standards. They don’t have to give a chance to someone that doesn’t have a diploma. They have plenty of people to choose from as-is.

Without a high school diploma, you could potentially still have a good life. Most of what applies to

not

having a high school diploma also applies to having a high school diploma when compared to higher degrees.

In the end, degrees aren’t the end-all of life, but they help tremendously.

You Need a Diploma

Life is difficult as everyone already knows. Challenges and difficulties will continue to confront you throughout your life. As we choose our paths in life, things can be more or less challenging.

Do you need a high school diploma? Yes. If you want to make things easier for yourself and make it further in life, you will. Having a high school diploma, or even a higher diploma, can open doors that otherwise will have to be forced open by long, hard work.

We hope you found this article helpful. If so, please take a moment to browse our site and find other great reads to inform and entertain you.

Lewes wastewater treatment plant resumes full treatment operation

DOVER (Dec. 28, 2019) – The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control was informed today by Tidewater Utilities, Inc. that the Lewes wastewater treatment plant was back online and had resumed normal treatment of effluent following a Dec. 18 system malfunction at the plant. Tidewater Utilities informed DNREC Saturday evening that treatment membranes

contaminated during an automated backwashing process which caused the malfunction had been replaced, ending the plant’s system bypass operation that discharged partially-treated effluent for nine days into the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and the lower Delaware Bay.\”

Installation today of the new and highly-effective treatment membranes by Tidewater Utilities enabled the Lewes WWTP to treat incoming flow as normal and discontinue bypass pumping. During the bypass operation, DNREC staff was onsite at the plant directing Tidewater Utilities’ sampling of the partially-treated effluent for bacteria levels and monitoring the sampling for possible health risks.

When the system malfunctioned and the bypass operation began, DNREC also ordered immediate closure of shellfish harvest areas in the lower Delaware Bay due to health concerns from partially-treated effluent. The closure of shellfish harvest areas will continue for a 21-day period from the time the bypass situation ended and Lewes wastewater treatment plant’s effluent met required discharge standards. The closure ordered by DNREC is based on US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Guidelines under the National Shellfish Sanitation Program, and provides adequate public health protection for pathogens of concern, including viruses. The closure applies only to clams, oysters and mussels – crabs, conch and fish species are not affected.

Route 22 Eastbound Connector to Hillside Ave. to Close Next Week

Safety improvement project begins in Hillside Signed detour will be in place

(Trenton)(December 29, 2019)– – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced that the Route 22 eastbound connector ramp to Hillside Avenue will be closed next week as the Route 22 Hilldale Place/North Broad Street safety improvement project begins in Hillside, Union County. The $10.3 million federally-funded project will replace the existing bridge that serves as the Route 22 eastbound connector. The new bridge will meet current design and safety standards and improve the vertical under clearance over Route 22.

It will also include an acceleration lane for the Route 22 eastbound entrance ramp from Hillside Avenue, a deceleration taper for the Route 22 eastbound entrance ramp to Hillside Avenue, and a right turn lane in the area between N Broad Street and Harding Terrace.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m., Monday, December 30, 2019, NJDOT’s contractor, Anselmi & DeCicco, Inc., is scheduled to close the Route 22 eastbound connector ramp to Hillside Avenue. The ramp from Hillside Avenue to Route 22 eastbound will remain open.

Variable Message Signs will provide advance notification to motorists of the traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT\’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info and on the NJDOT Facebook page.

Recording Artist CC Miles Named Youth Ambassador for Food Bank of South Jersey

PENNSAUKEN, NEW JERSEY – With a focus on increasing awareness of the impact of food insecurity and the importance of healthy eating in the youth community of South Jersey, the Food Bank of South Jersey announces recording artist CC Miles, 18, will serve as Youth Ambassador 2020.

Recording artist CC Miles

As Youth Ambassador 2020 for the Food Bank, Miles will bring the message of food insecurity and hunger awareness to regional schools, communities and organizations, as well as work directly with the Food Bank of South Jersey’s Health & Wellness and Community Engagement & Impact teams to distribute information and resources to support healthy eating, nutrition awareness and an understanding of the many faces of food insecurity in South Jersey communities today.

“I am honored to support the Food Bank of South Jersey’s mission to spread food insecurity awareness and health and wellness strategies and eating habits to young people throughout South Jersey,” CC Miles shares. “Nutrition is a very important topic for me, personally, and I can see no better way to share my enthusiasm for healthy eating and proper nutrition while, at the same time, assist young people in South Jersey in understanding the disaster of everyday hunger that impacts so many children, families and entire communities.”

Currently, in Camden County alone, there are 17,200 food-insecure children, 24% of whom are currently ineligible for federal nutrition programs, and 76% of whom are currently income-eligible for nutrition programs – at least, as of today.

Overall in Camden County alone, the total food-insecure population is over 60,000. Food insecure populations in Burlington, Gloucester and Salem counties are equally sobering. Burlington County currently has 41,680 food-insecure residents, of which 10,960 are food-insecure children. Gloucester County holds 8,180 food-insecure children in a total food-insecure population of 26,860 individuals. Suffering the impact of rural hunger, the less populated farmlands of Salem County shows 8,080 food-insecure individuals, of which 2,550 are children – all of which may live more than 10 miles from the nearest grocery store.

“We are delighted to appoint CC Miles our Youth Ambassador for 2020,” reports Fred Wasiak, CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey. “The message of food insecurity and its impact on children throughout our region is a vital point of understanding for today’s youths – awareness can, and will, create power and change in the effort to end hunger in South Jersey.”

ABOUT CC MILES

Recording artist and songwriter CC Miles has released three albums in less than five years, with her most recent album,

Almost

, released in August 2018. Popular on iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify, CC engages her growing

Instagram

and

YouTube

followers with new releases and original music between touring the country performing live in Nashville, New York, throughout the United States and internationally, including performances in Italy. Whether on stage, on tape, or on-screen, 18-year-old recording artist CC Miles invites everyone into her world. By way of candid lyrics, genuine charm, and undeniable charisma, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist imparts a storytelling sensibility on impassioned and irresistible pop. Driven by her voice as a writer and augmented by personal instrumental prowess, she shines through each side of every song. At first listen, you might just feel like you know her. CC Miles was born and raised in Medford Lakes, New Jersey. For more information, visit

www.ccmiles.com

.

ABOUT FOOD BANK OF SOUTH JERSEY

Marking its 35th year in 2020, the Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) is the leader in providing safe and nutritional food to people in need throughout South Jersey. FBSJ distributes food, provides nutrition education and cooking courses, and helps food-insecure families and seniors find sustainable ways to improve their lives. Throughout 2019, FBSJ distributed 14 million pounds of food, including 75,000 after school snacks, over 200,000 summer meals and more than 15,000 senior food boxes, as well as serving 95 health and wellness programs to more than 6,000 residents. Providing community impact through local support, FBSJ ensures that local donations stay local. FBSJ is a member of Feeding America, our nation’s largest hunger-relief organization. To learn more, visit

www.foodbanksj.org

.

The Sixth Most Charitable State is Pennsylvania

By Dave Fidlin |

The Center Square

Pennsylvanians are more likely to help their neighbors, stick with a volunteer activity and partake in fundraising compared to most other areas of the country, according to a recent

study.

Researchers with personal finance website WalletHub recently combed through various data for the study, “

2019’s Most Charitable States

.” Pennsylvania ranked sixth of the 50 states.

Charitable giving, naturally, is a front-and-center topic amid the holidays. WalletHub asked a number of academics and experts to weigh in on this topic in a broad sense.

Femida Handy, professor and director of the University of Pennsylvania’s social welfare program, offered her insight and views on a number of topics, including the percentage of income households should donate to charity.

“All households, with incomes above the median income, should donate, and they should donate anywhere from 2 to 6 percent of their incomes,” Handy said.

According to WalletHub, study data was analyzed into two overarching categories – the first being volunteering and service, the other under the overarching umbrella of charitable giving. Pennsylvania ranked No. 12 in the first category, and No. 11 in the second one.

However, more granular analyses within both categories were weighted differently, which pushed Pennsylvania into its single-digit position within WalletHub’s analysis.

A look at states’ numbers of volunteer hours per capita carried 12.5 points, for instance, while a metric on the number of charities per capita carried 2.78 points. All told, Pennsylvania notched 65.88 points in both categories.

WalletHub financial writer Adam McCann said multiple sources were considered for the analysis, with data gleaned from such organizations as the Corporation for National and Community Service, Charity Navigator, Gallup and U.S. Census Bureau.

Pennsylvania landed in the top 10 in five metrics. The state tied for No. 1 in the metric of state regulations deemed friendly to charities.

According to the report, 43.61 percent of Pennsylvanians engage in fundraising or sell items to raise money for a specific cause. The statistic landed the state in No. 4 for the individual metric.

Pennsylvania also landed in the top 20 percent of all states in the nation using Google to search for charities (No. 6 ranking). Data also revealed 58.9 percent of the state’s population reported doing favors for neighbors, resulting in a No. 8 ranking in the metric.

Additionally, the state was singled out for having a higher than average volunteer retention rate. Data suggested 69 percent of Pennsylvanians stick with a charity after pledging to volunteer time and money to the cause.

On the other end of the spectrum, Pennsylvania fell into the bottom 10 of all states in one specific metric: share of income donated. According to WalletHub, Pennsylvanians on average donate 1.12 percent of their income – a statistic that landed the state at No. 40.

Neighboring states had across-the-board overall ranks in the analysis. Maryland ranked No. 3, Ohio was No. 5, New York was No. 19, New Jersey was No 29 and West Virginia was No. 42.

The most charitable state, according to WalletHub, is Minnesota, while the least charitable is Arizona.

published here with permission of The Center Square