Category: CONSUMER NEWS

Hesgeth meets with South Korea at DMZ

(South Korea Defense Ministry)

Hegseth meets with South Korean counterpart along DMZ, Ukraine receives more U.S.-made Patriot systems, and need for support in military communities grow as government shutdown continues.

1.      U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas on Monday as he began a two-day visit to ally South Korea for security talks. Hegseth and South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back received a briefing from military officials at Observation Post Ouellette, a site near the military demarcation line that past U.S. presidents, including Donald Trump during his first term in 2019, had visited to peer across the border into North Korea and meet with American soldiers. Hegseth and Ahn also visited the Panmunjom border village, where an armistice was signed to pause the 1950-53 Korean War. Ahn’s ministry said the visit “reaffirmed the firm combined defense posture and close coordination” between the allies. Hegseth did not mention North Korea, which has ignored Washington and Seoul’s calls for dialogue in recent years while accelerating the expansion of its nuclear weapons and missile programs.

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Karen Ruth Maston, 73, of Clayton

Karen R. Maston, age 73, (nee Gassler), of Clayton, went home to be with the Lord on October 20, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Brian E. Maston. Survived by her daughters, Karrie Lamb (Jeff) and Kimberly Maston; grandchildren, Joey Dementri and Kyle Hemple; siblings, Karl W. Gassler, Jr., Robert Gassler and Barbara Bowers; her companion, George Dougherty and her beloved cat, Mr. Gray.

A devoted Christian woman, she found great joy in her faith and in listening to Christian music. For more than 25 years, Karen worked as a Certified Home Health Aide for Cardinal Village in Sewell, NJ, where she cared deeply for her patients and formed many lifelong friendships. She was known for her kind heart, her gentle spirit, and her willingness to serve others.

In her free time, Karen, enjoyed Bible study, working on puzzles, and coloring. Her quiet strength and compassion touched everyone who knew her.

At the family’s request, cremation was held privately. Interment will be held at a later date in Gloucester County Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Karen Ruth Maston. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home, Gloucester City. Ph: 856-456-1142

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Karen Ruth Maston, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Meet Fern — Our Pet of the Week!

Fern is a beautiful 5-month-old dilute tortoiseshell kitten looking for her forever home! 

She came to the Gloucester County Animal Shelter after suffering a broken pelvis, and has shown amazing strength and resilience during her recovery.

Now, this playful, curious, and affectionate little girl is ready to start the next chapter of her life — hopefully with you! 

Gloucester County Animal Shelter, 856-881-2828. Apply to adopt: gloucestercountynj.gov/223/Our-Pet-List

Congratulations to Gloucester County’s Own Public Health Nurse of the Year

On October 16, Gloucester County Department of Health’s Director of Nursing, Dittymae Jankauskas, was honored as the 2025 NJ Local Boards of Health Association Public Health Nurse of the Year! 

For the past 19 years, Ditty has been dedicated to promoting nursing excellence and advancing public health across all 24 municipalities in Gloucester County. Her leadership, compassion, and commitment to community wellness have made a lasting impact on residents and colleagues alike.

Let’s celebrate Ditty’s outstanding achievement and thank her for her years of service to the health and well-being of our community! 

All NJMVC Facilities to Close for the State Holiday on Tuesday, November 4th

TRENTON — All New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) facilities, including agencies, road test sites, and inspection stations, will be closed Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in observance of the state holiday.

The Commission’s website at NJMVC.gov is open 24/7, allowing most motor vehicle business to be completed online at the customers’ convenience. Over 25 online services are available, including driver license renewals and replacements, vehicle registration renewals and replacements, address changes, fee and surcharge payments, specialty plate requests, driver record requests, and more.

New Jerseyans seeking motor vehicle services should always visit the NJMVC website first to utilize online services, schedule required appointments for in-person services and driver testing, and resolve the most common NJMVC-related customer concerns.

Commissioner Frank J. DiMarco Reminds Residents About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Commissioner Frank J. DiMarco would like to remind residents that Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) often increases during this time of year.  Although this illness can occur year-round, outbreaks are most common in the summer and early fall.

The New Jersey Department of Health has reported an increase in cases at this time. A Few Key Points to Remember:

HFMD is a common viral illness, usually affecting infants and young children, and is characterized by a rash and blisters on the hands, feet, and in or around the mouth.

It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or contact with blister fluid or feces of an infected person. A person with HFMD is most contagious in the first week, though the virus may be shed for weeks to months.

There is no specific treatment — symptoms like fever and pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications, but always consult your physician first.

To Help Prevent Transmission: Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, or coughing/sneezing. Teach and help children wash their hands regularly and keep blisters clean.

Avoid touching your face.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items.

For any questions, please contact the Gloucester County Department of Health – Nursing Division at 856-218-4101.

Stay safe and healthy, Gloucester County! 

Jeanne Mae Lewis, of Haddonfield

Jeanne Mae Lewis, unexpectedly passed away on October 12, 2025 at Jefferson Hospital in Cherry Hil, NJ.  She was the daughter of the late Andrew W. and Agnes Duvak Lewis, born September 9, 1949 living most of her life in Prospect Park, PA.  Jeanne lived at Brandywine Senior Living in Haddonfield, NJ since September 2020 where she found much happiness and made wonderful friendships.

Jeanne attended Elwyn Institute before graduating from Interboro High School.  She worked at Prospect Park Health & Rehabilitation for the next 43 years, retiring in 2013.  Her retirement years were spent volunteering at the Prospect Park Methodist Church and never missed a Philadelphia Phillies or Philadelphia Eagles game.  Outside of volunteering and watching her favorite teams, Jeanne loved being with her family and friends, enjoying a tall glass of iced tea, shopping, and visiting her favorite restaurants and new ones alike. At Brandywine Living, Jeanne was constantly amongst her many friends, whether crafting, spending quality time with them, or inquiring into their or their families’ lives. Jeanne was an incredibly kind, beloved and beautiful person, and she will be deeply missed.

Jeanne is survived by her loving sisters Gail Haines of Haddonfield NJ, and Cindy Lewis-Kessler (John) of Clifton Township PA.  Seven nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews who adored her.

She was preceded in death by her brothers Andrew W. Lewis, Jr., James Patrick Lewis; and brother-in-law David L. Haines.

A graveside service will be held 10:30 AM on November 10, 2025 at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield PA.  Please meet at the center driveway in front of the Chapel at 10:15 am. 

Jeanne’s life will be celebrated at Brandywine Living at Haddonfield, 132 Warwick Road, Haddonfield, NJ 08033 from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jeanne to St. Judes Children Research Hospital:

  Memorial Giving, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 , or Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey, 550 Mickle Blvd, Camden, NJ 08103 https://rmhsnj.org/donate-now/. Please write in memo: Jeanne Mae Lewis

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Jeanne Mae Lewis. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home: Gloucester City, NJ  Ph: 856 – 456 – 1142

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Jeanne Mae Lewis, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Camden County roadwork projects

Several roadway projects will be underway across Camden County during the week of November 3 to November 7. 

“Motorists should plan ahead to take alternate routes and give themselves plenty of time to get to their destinations,” said Commissioner Al Dyer, liaison to the Department of Public Works. “Also, remember that when you’re traveling through a construction area, please slow down and stay alert for crew members and debris.”

Read more: Camden County roadwork projects

Berlin Township

South Jersey Gas will be working on Cooper Road on Monday, Nov. 3, and from Wednesday, Nov. 5 to Friday, Nov. 7 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a full road closure between Route 73 in Voorhees and East Taunton Road in Berlin Township. 

Camden

  • Crews will be working on Haddon Avenue on Monday, Nov. 3, and Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be lane closures between Newton Avenue & Euclid Avenue. 
  • Crews will be working on River Avenue & Federal Street on Monday, Nov. 3, and from Wednesday, Nov. 5 to Friday, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a full road closure on River Avenue between Federal Street & Moro Street and a lane shift on Federal Street between River Avenue & 16th Street. 
  • PSE&G will be working on Mt. Ephraim Avenue on Monday, Nov. 3, and from Wednesday, Nov. 5 to Friday, Nov. 7 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a full road closure between Carl Miller Boulevard & Ferry Avenue.

Cherry Hill

  • South Jersey Gas will be working on Evesham Road & Haddonfield-Berlin Road on Monday, Nov. 3, and from Wednesday, Nov. 5 to Friday, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be a partial road closure eastbound at the intersection of Haddonfield-Berlin Road and Evesham Road.
  • South Jersey Gas will be working on Cropwell Road & Kresson Road from Wednesday, Nov. 5 to Friday, Nov. 7 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a full road closure of Cropwell Road between Kresson Road & County Walk and a partial road closure southbound on Kresson Road between Cropwell Road & Centennial Boulevard.

Collingswood

Crews will be working on Park Avenue on Monday, Nov. 3, and from Wednesday, Nov. 5 to Friday, Nov. 7 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be a full road closure Dill Avenue & Ogden Avenue.

Gloucester City

  • Crews will be working on Jersey Avenue on Monday, Nov. 3, and from Wednesday, Nov. 5 to Friday, Nov. 7 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a full road closure between Broadway & South King Street.
  • Conrail will be working on Essex Street from Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 7 a.m. to Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7 a.m. for an emergency crossing repair. There will be a full road closure between North Broadway & North Johnson Boulevard. 

Haddon Township

PSE&G will be working on West Park Boulevard on Friday, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a full road closure between West Walnut Avenue & Chestnut Avenue.

Lindenwold

Crews will be working on East Linden Avenue on Monday, Nov. 3, and from Wednesday, Nov. 5 to Friday, Nov. 7 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a full road closure between Irving Avenue & Emerson Street.

Merchantville

PSE&G will be working on Browning Road on Thursday, Nov. 6, and Friday, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be a full road closure between West Maple Avenue & Oak Terrace.

Voorhees

  • South Jersey Gas will be working on Cooper Road on Monday, Nov. 3, and from Wednesday, Nov. 5 to Friday, Nov. 7 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a full road closure between Route 73 in Voorhees and East Taunton Road in Berlin Township. 
  • South Jersey Gas will be working on Cropwell Road & Kresson Road from Wednesday, Nov. 5 to Friday, Nov. 7 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a full road closure of Cropwell Road between Kresson Road & County Walk and a partial road closure southbound on Kresson Road between Cropwell Road & Centennial Boulevard.

Winslow Township

Crews will be working on Erial Road on Monday, Nov. 3, and from Wednesday, Nov. 5 to Friday, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a partial road closure northbound on Erial Road between Sicklerville Road & Vista Court.

The Camden County Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining over 1,200 miles of county roadway, 50 bridges and several dams. They are dedicated to making our area safer for motorists and pedestrians through county highway construction projects and road maintenance, including pothole repairs, street sweeping, grass cutting and storm drainage upkeep. The Public Works Department is located in Lindenwold where personnel are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve the residents of Camden County.

To report concerns on Camden County roadways, call (856) 566-2980 or visit www.camdencounty.com.

Virtua Voorhees Hospital Earns National Awards for Excellence

(VOORHEES, N.J., October 30, 2025) Virtua Voorhees Hospital has earned multiple honors for superior performance in orthopedics, including joint replacement and outpatient orthopedic surgery.

Healthgrades, a national healthcare rating organization, has recognized the Voorhees, N.J., hospital with nine 2026 Specialty Excellence Awards, each for at least two consecutive years.

The new Healthgrades awards for Virtua Voorhees Hospital are:

·        America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Outpatient Joint Replacement

·        Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery Excellence

·        Outpatient Joint Replacement Excellence

·        Top 5% in the nation for Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery Excellence

·        Top 5% in the nation for Outpatient Joint Replacement

·        Top 10% in the nation for Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery Excellence

·        Top 10% in the nation for Outpatient Joint Replacement

·        Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment

·        Five-Star Recipient for Outpatient Total Knee Replacement

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Sophie Rain Donates $121,000 to Provide Meals for Homeless

Sophie Rain is using her platform for something bigger.The Florida-based OnlyFans model and digital creator donated $121,000 in subscription earnings to Feeding America — a gift she says will fund 1.21 million meals for families in need.“I didn’t want to keep a single dollar of that money,” Rain says. “If I can turn attention from my content into food on someone’s plate, then I’m going to do it every time.

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