American Legion provides over $1.1 million in grants to veteran families

The American Legion

In January 2019, The American Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program broke a single-month record in grant distribution – $1,030,163. Of the grants distributed, $1,000,500 assisted children of active duty Coast Guard servicemembers who were financially affected by the federal government shutdown.

The government shutdown created a critical need of monetary assistance for active-duty U.S. Coast Guardsmen. And The American Legion answered their call for help by providing immediate financial support through the TFA program.

But the financial need for veterans and their families across the country was still there long after the government reopened.

Subject to an audit, so far 2019 numbers for TFA show that $1,143,000 was provided in cash grants that assisted over 3,000 children of nearly 1,700 veteran families. And these grants are non-repayable.

The American Legion distributes one-time grants of up to $1,500 to eligible active-duty military and American Legion members in need. Grantees must have minor children in the home and the funds are designed to help meet the cost of shelter, food, utilities and health expenses so that children have a stable environment during a time of hardship. Since 1925, TFA has awarded more than $16 million

The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance program is funded through the generosity of donations made by American Legion members and the public to The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation. National Commander Bill Oxford has made the Veterans & Children Foundation his primary fundraiser to help the foundation reach the goal of $25 million.

Donations to The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation are tax deductible and can be made online at

www.legion.org/donate

Sewell Resident Barbara Glass Honored as Volunteer of the Year

Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice’s Andrea Kinsey, Volunteer Coordinator; Barbara Glass, Volunteer of the Year; and Linda Brennan, Volunteer Coordinator at the Volunteer Center of South Jersey’s Spirit of Community celebration. Glass was awarded the 9th Annual Volunteer of the Year Award for her volunteer efforts with Samaritan.

Marlton, NJ –

Barbara Glass of Sewell, N.J. was recently honored with the 9

Annual Volunteer of the Year Award through her volunteer efforts with Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice. The Volunteer of the Year Award, given by the Volunteer Center of South Jersey (VCSJ), is one of the most prestigious not-for-profit awards in the South Jersey community and provides not-for-profit organizations like Samaritan the opportunity to highlight a volunteer for outstanding contribution to the organization. The award was presented to Glass during VCSJ’s Spirit of Community celebration.

Glass, a retiree, has been a volunteer with Samaritan since 2011, visiting with patients receiving hospice and palliative care from Samaritan. Glass has also stepped up to take on the responsibility of serving as a vigil volunteer, spending time with patients and during their final hours and comforting their families.

“Visiting hospice patients can be a difficult but tremendously important task. Not everyone can do it,” says Mary Ann Boccolini, President and CEO of Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice. “The entire Samaritan team is lucky to be able to rely on Barbara’s strength and compassion. She brings comfort and dignity to our patients, and I cannot think of anyone else more deserving of this reward.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice, contact Sally Cezo, Director of Volunteer Services at 856-552-3235.

Barbara Glass (center) and her family and friends enjoyed the 2019 Volunteer Center of South Jersey’s Spirit of Community celebration, where Glass was honored as Volunteer of the Year for her volunteer efforts with Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice.

About Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice:

Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice is a not-for-profit, non-sectarian, independent organization locally founded in Moorestown, New Jersey in 1980. Samaritan is the regional leader for hospice care, palliative (comfort) medicine, grief support and counseling, end-of-life education, and advocacy. Samaritan serves people in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer counties who are coping with the stresses of aging, serious illness or grief in their homes, assisted-living, or nursing home communities and through two inpatient hospice centers: The Samaritan Center at Mt. Holly and The Samaritan Center at Voorhees. Two thrift shops, in Westmont and Pitman, support Samaritan services and programs. Samaritan is accredited by The Joint Commission; a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO); the Home Care & Hospice Association of New Jersey; and is a four-star-level hospice in NHPCO’s We Honor Veterans program, created in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For more information, visit

www.SamaritanNJ.org

Gloucester Township Celebrates 325th Anniversary!

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP NJ–June 2020 marks the 325th anniversary since Gloucester Township’s incorporation in 1695. Gloucester Township has big plans to celebrate its anniversary with various exciting events that will continue throughout the year to celebrate the past, present, and future of our town. The township along with members of our community’s service organizations are currently coordinating activities to celebrate this commemorative

event.

To kick off the anniversary festivities, we will be hosting an anniversary parade in early May as a way to commemorate our town’s rich history and we’d like you to join us! Local groups, organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate in the parade and enter their own unique floats. The parade is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd with a rain date of May 9th. Stay tuned for more information.

The second event will be a time capsule burial which will take place on Saturday, June 13th at the historic Gabreil Daveis Tavern. Items of significance to the township will be buried at the tavern to be dug up by future generations. The purpose of the time capsule is to allow Gloucester Township’s heritage to live on for many years to come.

Last but not least, to honor our six fire companies which are a significant part of our town’s history, Gloucester Township will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest Bucket Brigade. Bucket brigades were a method used in firefighting before hand-pumped fire engines in which firefighters would pass buckets to each other to extinguish a blaze. In order to break the world record and appear in the Guinness Book of Records, we need YOUR help! We are looking for 6,500 volunteers to line up and pass a bucket on Saturday, September 12th. More details and information regarding registration is coming soon.

We look forward to having you join us in the grand celebration of 325 years of our beautiful Gloucester Township!

For more information, please visit

https://www.glotwp325.com

Address/Location

Gloucester Township, NJ

1261 Chews Landing Rd

Gloucester Township, NJ 08021

Contact

Emergency: 9-1-1

Non-emergencies: 856-228-4000

UPPITY: THE WILLY T. RIBBS STORY (video)

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 8, 2020)

– Chassy Media announced today that

UPPITY: THE WILLY T. RIBBS STORY

, the incredible true story of Willy T. Ribbs, the first Black driver to win a Trans-Am race, test a Formula One car and race in the Indy 500, is now available for purchase at

Chassy.com

. The film is co-directed by podcaster and comedian Adam Carolla and Nate Adams (

THE 24 HOUR WAR and SHELBY AMERICAN: THE CARROLL SHELBY STORY

Willy T. Ribbs was the Jackie Robinson of auto-racing who shattered the color-barrier in the all-white sport. Willy was referred to as \”Uppity\” behind his back by mechanics and other racers. He overcame death-threats, unwarranted suspensions and engine sabotage to go after his dream. Ultimately, Willy beat the haters and became the first Black driver to win a Trans-Am race, test a Formula One car, and race in the Indy 500.

“Willy T. Ribbs is an extraordinary racer who overcame adversity throughout his career. Willy’s determined spirit and desire to prove his naysayers wrong serves as a beacon of light and hope that one should never give up on their dreams and to continue to fight regardless of what others think,” said co-directors Adam Carolla and Nate Adams. “We are thrilled to share his amazing story and are very excited for audiences to learn more about this incredible man!”

UPPITY: THE WILLY T. RIBBS STORY is produced by Adam Carolla, Nate Adams and Mike August and features interviews with Willy T. Ribbs, Paul Newman, Bernie Ecclestone, Dan Gurney, Bobby Unser, Al Unser Jr., Robby Unser, David Hobbs, Caitlyn Jenner, Wally Dallenbach Jr., and Humpy Wheeler.

ABOUT CHASSY MEDIA

Founded in 2014 by Adam Carolla and Nate Adams, Chassy Media is an award winning, one-stop-shop production company that specializes in feature films, premium documentary films, comedy specials, branded content, and much more. Whether it’s the story of the first Black driver to race the Indy 500, the real story of Ford v. Ferrari or a comedy special about the rags to riches tale of Adam Carolla. Chassy creates story-driven, character rich content that connects and resonates with audiences everywhere. Our skilled team of professionals, from producers to editors, works tirelessly with our partners in order to deliver the highest quality content that best suits their brand.

New Jersey American Water Announces Tenth Annual First Responder Grant Program

CAMDEN CITY, N.J. (January 8, 2020)

– Recognizing the bravery and commitment of volunteer firefighters and first responders, New Jersey American Water announces its 2020 grant program for volunteer fire departments and emergency responders (e.g., ambulance and first aid squads) located within the company’s service areas.

“We are proud to continue to support the brave men and women who volunteer their time and risk their lives to protect our communities. This program is just one way we say thank you to these everyday heroes,” said Denise Venuti Free, director of Communications and External Affairs, New Jersey American Water.

Grants may be used to cover the costs of personal protective apparatus, communications gear, first aid equipment, firefighting tools, vehicle maintenance and other materials that will be used to support volunteer firefighter and emergency responder operations. Reimbursement for specific training courses, including the cost of training manuals, student workbooks, and instructors is also eligible.

“We recognize the impact an increase in funding can have on the capabilities of volunteer firefighter and EMS departments. Extra funding helps these groups purchase necessary tools and equipment to keep themselves and their communities safe,” said Don Dunleavy, volunteer firefighter and operations specialist at New Jersey American Water. Dunleavy is one of 20 employees who serve on the committee to help select the grant recipients each year.

The committee is comprised of employees from across New Jersey American Water who are first responders within their local communities.

To apply, organizations must complete the

online application

, located at

www.newjerseyamwater.com

, under News & Community, Community Involvement.

The maximum grant amount awarded to any organization is $2,000 and the deadline to apply is March 13, 2020.

Interested applicants can find more information and apply online at

www.newjerseyamwater.com/community

. Grant recipients will be notified at the end of March.

# # #

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

Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, Commissioner, State of NJ-DOT Elected IBTTA Second Vice-President

WASHINGTON, DC

– The

International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA)

is pleased to announce that

Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti

, Commissioner,

State of New Jersey Department of Transportation

, will serve as the association’s Second Vice-President. IBTTA is

the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that serve tolling.

Gutierrez-Scaccetti was elected Second Vice-President by the membership during IBTTA’s 87

Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Nova Scotia, Canada, this past September. The meeting brought together more than 800 transportation leaders from 23 countries to discuss innovative technologies, policies, funding options and business practices to provide greater mobility for drivers.

“IBTTA is pleased that Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, Commissioner, State of New Jersey Department of Transportation will serve as our Second Vice President this year. Diane will bring her bold leadership and vision to our association and industry,” said

Patrick D. Jones

, Executive Director and CEO of IBTTA. “In New Jersey and around the world, tolling is providing greater mobility options for millions of customers. Diane’s extensive work in transportation comes at a critical time when communities and nations worldwide are looking at new ways to fund and finance vital transportation infrastructure.”

“I am thrilled and honored that my fellow IBTTA members have entrusted me with this leadership position,” said Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “My involvement as a member of the Board of Directors for IBTTA has allowed me to engage with members across the U.S. and around the world. I look forward to using my experience to address the many challenges and opportunities facing the transportation industry as well as learning from others and applying solutions and best practices that we can use here in New Jersey.”

A native of New Jersey, Gutierrez-Scaccetti is a transportation professional with more than 30 years in the industry, and 36 years in government service. She possesses extensive executive, operational, and planning knowledge. Most recently, the Commissioner served as the Executive Director and CEO at Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, a part of the Florida Department of Transportation. Under her leadership, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise managed more than 460 centerline miles and a 5-year capital program in excess of $6 billion, supported by $1 billion in revenues.

12 New Jersey Residents Win Heartlander\’s Gift Cards to Spot Marketplace in Vineland

(VINELAND, NJ – January 6, 2020

) – Shopping this holiday season was made a little easier for twelve New Jersey residents. The dozen lucky New Jersey Heartlander’s to win a $25 gift card to The Spot Marketplace in Vineland, NJ, included:

Terry Pettit of Minotola

Alison Auble of Linwood

Frank Copeland of Blackwood

Ernestine Ryan of Waterford Works

Anita McMasters Sneddon of Gloucester City

Nate Snyder of Vineland

Cynthia Bodden of Millville

Rose Amoroso of Williamstown

Angie Tarr of Clarksboro

Beth Accordino of Clarksboro

Michelle Reeder of Woodbury

Debby Fox of Pittsgrove

With over 50 shoppes and vendors, The Spot at the Ave was the perfect place to find that perfect gift to brighten the holidays. A dynamic and ever changing marketplace, The Spot is devoted to showcasing local entrepreneurs, artists, designers, specialty shops, as well as antique and vintage dealers, all under one roof, all in one “spot”

The Spot at the Ave is located on 618 E Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360. For additional information about The Spot, please visit

The Spot

or call 856.839.2825.

For additional information about entertainment venues and family fun in New Jersey’s Heartland, or to learn about and enter promotional ticket giveaways, visit

NJHeartland.org

ABOUT NEW JERSEY’S HEARTLAND

Understanding the role financial stability plays in strengthening Whole Families, the Pascale Sykes Foundation funded the creation of New Jersey’s Heartland as part of its South Jersey Economic Initiative. New Jersey’s Heartland promotes the four-county region of Cumberland, Salem, Gloucester and Atlantic Counties as a destination for tourism and business and a great place to live, work and play. Through

NJHeartland.org

and its various social media channels, New Jersey’s Heartland highlights the region’s hidden gems and treasures, venues, events, social service organizations, Heartland Heroes and newsworthy items, which in turn drives tourism, generates business opportunities and creates the jobs Whole Families need to be successful.

St. Vincent DePaul Society and Knights of Columbus support local neighbors in need for Christmas

admin

–

BERLIN, NJ–Local Neighbors-in-need in the St. Simon Stock Parish area are provided with Christmas Food Bags of ingredients for a holiday dinner. Seniors and Veterans at Veterans Haven receive gift cards. Elementary age children in our families-in-need of food assistance receive toys!

St. Simon Stock Conference of

St. Vincent de Paul Society

and the

Archangel Knights of Columbus Council 7429

have collected food, toys and gift cards from parishioners, people, and businesses in our community. A total of 148 families have signed up with 317 of those receiving toys for their children, 99 veterans gifts, 44 senior gifts, $1365 in money donations and approximately $18,400 given in gifts.

They distributed these food bags, gift cards and toys on Saturday, December 21, 2019. Their parish service area includes Albion, Berlin Borough, Clementon, Pine Hill and West Berlin Township. Thank you to all of our Vincentian and Knight Members, volunteers and donors for sharing the spirit of caring and giving to others during this Joyous Season!

The Top 5 New Jersey Lottery Prizes of 2019

TRENTON (Dec. 31, 2019)

– New Jersey Lottery is closing out 2019 and looking to celebrate its 50

anniversary in 2020. More than 40 prizes over $1,000,000 were won in 2019! Here’s a quick look at the top five prizes won by New Jersey players in 2019.

1: $273,000,000 – Mega Millions

The Mega Millions drawing on March 1, 2019, produced a $273,000,000 jackpot winning ticket in Phillipsburg, Warren County. The prize was claimed by Michael Weirsky of Alpha, New Jersey. Michael almost missed the opportunity with his ticket when he temporarily forgot it at the store after purchasing the ticket. A Good Samaritan at the store held the ticket for safe keeping and returned it to Michael – all before the drawing took place.

2: $9,500,000 – Pick-6

The Pick-6 drawing on September 30, 2019, produced a $9,500,000 jackpot winning ticket in Newark, Essex County. As of now, the ticket has not yet been claimed. The lucky ticketholder will have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize. The winning numbers were 14, 22, 26, 29, 36 and 48.

3 & 4: $5,000,000 – Lucky 7’s

Two lucky New Jersey players hit it big with the $5,000,000 Lucky 7’s Scratch-Offs game. The first ticket was claimed in May, and was purchased at the Quick Shop in Franklin Lakes, Bergen County. The second ticket was claimed just two months later in July, and was purchased at Oprandy’s Wine & Liquor in Englewood, Bergen County.

5: $4,500,000 – Pick-6

The Pick-6 jackpot was hit in 2019 for the first time on February 25 in Kearny, Hudson County. The ticket was claimed by Stanley McKelvin of Linden, who was overwhelmed when he realized he won. \”I don\’t want to sound cliché, but they say all you need is a dollar and a dream, and it\’s true,\” Stanley said.

Honorable mentions:

A 200X The Money Bonus ticket worth $4,000,000, sold in Cedar Grove, was claimed in October.

A $3,000,000 Cash Out jackpot-winning ticket, sold in Vineland, was claimed in February.

Another $3,000,000 Cash Out jackpot-winning ticket, sold in Cape May, was claimed in September.

New Jersey Lottery would like to congratulate all of its winners in 2019. We are looking forward to our 50

Anniversary in 2020 and the new winners the year may bring.

How to Plan a Christian Wedding Ceremony

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(January 2, 2019)–There are

2.4 million weddings each year

in the United States. If you\’re engaged, congratulations! Now it\’s time to start planning.

Planning your wedding can be quite a challenge. It\’s important to remember what\’s important to you in order to keep your priorities straight. If you want a Christian-focused wedding, remember to keep it at the forefront of your planning.

Looking to have the perfect Christian wedding ceremony? We\’re here to help. Here are our tips for planning a Christian wedding.

Marriage Preparation Courses

There are several courses offered by churches around the country. It\’s a great way to prepare for the trials of marriage. It will also present a chance to find out more about your future spouse.

Start counseling early and meet often. They\’ll offer you a nice reprieve to talk with your spouse about something other than the wedding.

Choose the Right Venue

The venue is an important part of any Christian wedding ceremony. And it doesn\’t necessarily have to be at a church to be Christian.

There are plenty of

venue options

outside of the traditional church setting. The most important part is making your vows before God in a location you love with the people that you love.

Don\’t Focus Solely on Yourself

Your wedding is a day for not just you and your future spouse. It is also an event joining your two families together. Find a way to involve the family members you love at the wedding.

While those around you will want to serve you, consider serving them as Christ has served you. Get to know your vendors, and bring gifts to those that help you. Be sure to talk with your friends about what\’s going on in their lives, not just about the wedding.

Plan Your Service

Planning your service is worth thought and preparation. Consider what songs and verses are important to you and representative of your relationship.

Here are the important parts of your service.

Processional and Wedding March

: First the grandparents and parents are seated. Then the minister and groom enter, followed by the wedding party. Finally, the bride enters escorted by her father.

Call to Worship and Opening Prayer

: These are opening remarks asking your guests to take part with you in worship. The opening prayer gives thanks and calls for God\’s blessing upon the service.

Giving Away the Bride and Worship Song:

This important part of the ceremony includes your families. Then a song or hymn is played which should be used as an expression of worship.

The Charge and Pledge:

The charge given by the minister reminds the couple of their marriage duties and roles. The pledge is the famous \”I do\” part of the ceremony.

Wedding Vows and Ring Exchange:

The couple promises publicly and before God to help each other grow. The rings are a promise to remain faithful to one another.

Unity Candle:

This symbolizes the union of the couple\’s hearts and lives together.

Communion:

Many couples choose to take communion as their first act in their marriage.

Pronouncement and Closing Prayer:

Here, the minister declares the couple as married. The closing prayer offers a blessing from the congregation.

Recessional:

First the couple leaves, presented as Mr. and Mrs. for the first time. Then the wedding party exists in the reverse order that they entered the ceremony.

Now You\’re Ready for a Christian Wedding Ceremony

Now you know how to plan the perfect Christian wedding ceremony. With these tips, you\’ll be able to focus on what really matters during your big day. For more lifestyle news and commentary, bookmark CNBNews.