Category: LegacyImport2

Free Coping With the Holidays Support Groups in December

Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice Offers

Marlton, N.J.

– For most people, the holidays are a happy, festive time of year. But, if you are coping with the loss of a loved one this time of year, the season can be lonely, depressing and often difficult to handle.

Holidays or not, it is important for you to find a way to take care of yourself. The Samaritan Center for Grief Support, a member of the

Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice

Family of Services, announces a number of free, one-time support groups to help those grieving the loss of a loved one to cope during the holiday season.

While there is no charge,

pre-registration is required for each session by calling (800) 596-8550.

For supportive information on how to get through the holidays, register for any one of Samaritan’s local

Coping with the Holidays

90-minute sessions outlined below during the month of December:

Monday December 2

6 p.m. – Samaritan Center – Voorhees – 265 Route 73 South, Voorhees, NJ 08043

Tuesday, December 3

6 p.m. – Cinnaminson Library – 1619 Riverton Road, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077

4 p.m. – Virtua Health and Rehab – 100 Long A Coming Lane, Berlin, NJ 08009

Thursday, December 5

1 p.m. – Fountains at Cedar Parke Atco – 114 Hayes Mill Road, Atco, NJ 08004

Thursday, December 12

2 p.m. – Samaritan’s Center for Grief Support – 5 Eves Drive, Suite 180, Marlton, NJ 08053

6 p.m. – Lutheran Church of Our Savior – 204 Wayne Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ 08033

Saturday, December 14

10 a.m. – Virtua Mount Holly – 175 Madison Avenue, Mount Holly, NJ 08060

Please note that the sessions are subject to change. Please click this link to view the most current schedule:

https://samaritannj.org/resources/grief-support-groups-south-nj/

.

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

.

Plastic Bag Ban Bill Up in Senate Budget Tomorrow

S2776 (Smith/Greenstein)

will be up in Senate Budget Committee on Thursday, December 5

th

. The bill prohibits carryout bags made of plastic film, polystyrene foam food service products, and single-use plastic straws and assesses a fee on paper carryout bags.

“This bill is a major step forward in dealing with plastics and plastic pollution. Plastics are a menace and an existential threat to our drinking water, beaches, and wildlife. Microplastics have already been found near our drinking water supply, so we could literally be drinking plastic. Animals like fish and birds can ingest plastic, and plastic bags have been known to clog storm drains and fill up detention basins, affecting our water quality,”

said Jeff Tittel.

“This bill is important because it will ban single-use plastic bags and polystyrene containers. It also should not allow fake reusable bags. It will also allow paper bags during the transition before phasing them out slowly.”

The bill would prohibit the use of single-use plastic carryout bags in stores and food service businesses, and would ban food service businesses from offering single-use plastic straws. It would also ban the sale of polystyrene and would prohibit food service businesses from selling or providing food packaged in polystyrene containers.

“We need this legislation because it not only bans plastic bags, but also polystyrene and the offering of plastic straws. Polystyrene is dangerous to human health because it contains carcinogenic chemicals such as benzene and styrene, and it has been found in breast milk. It is harmful to the environment because it is not recyclable and does not degrade. Plastic straws pollute our oceans and beaches. Last year, New Jersey found that more than 80% of their trash is plastic and found an increase in plastic straw waste by 59%,”

said Tittel.

“By reducing how much plastic we use, we can also reduce fracking and fossil fuel use. Plastics are made from natural gas, which means more fossil fuel use, more pipelines, and more fracking.”

Plastics have become a bigger and bigger problem that affects our environment. Rutgers scientists found densities of about 28,000 to more than 3 million plastic particles per square kilometer in the Passaic and Raritan River. In New Jersey, towns like Paramus, Bayonne, Hoboken, and Jersey City are all passing plastic bag ban ordinances. The Sea Bright Council passed a strong ban on plastic bags and balloons last night.

“People are fed up with plastic pollution filling up their storm drains and threatening their drinking water. More than 40 towns have started taking action with local plastic bans, isn’t it time for New Jersey’s Legislature to stand up and be as bold as places like Jersey City and Sea Bright? We need this comprehensive statewide ban to more effectively combat our plastic pollution,”

said Jeff Tittel. “

By reducing how much plastic we use, we can also reduce fracking and fossil fuel use. We cannot wait any longer. Our legislature needs to move quickly before our plastic waste problem gets worse.”

Mount Holly\’s Holiday Tree Lighting, Celebration Friday

Mount Holly, NJ

– Come celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Mount Holly’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 6, 2019 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mount Holly’s downtown district will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland for this family-friendly event, sponsored by Mount Holly Township.  This event is free and open to the public.

The celebration will feature live performances from a variety of acts, including but not limited to the Lumberton school of music, Mount Holly Township School children’s choir, Dansation School of Dance and more.

Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves will also make an appearance, helping to light the township’s Holiday Tree, located at the intersection of Washington and High Streets, with more than 3,000 lights. Once the tree is lit, all will be invited to have their pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Several roads will be closed throughout the evening’s event to accommodate pedestrian foot traffic. Road closures begin at 5:00 p.m., and include: High Street from Rancocas/Garden to Washington Street; and Mill Street from Pine to Park Drive. Alternate routes will be made available, and Mount Holly Police Officers will be onsite to direct traffic around the closures, and will provide members of the media guidance as to where they should park.

Media will have access to closed roads – Pine Street/Mill Street to Washington Street/Park Drive – and will be allowed to pull right into the event for easy loading/unloading and use of equipment. Please note: free, designated Media parking will be available in municipal lots – ideal lot location is the far back municipal lot, one block away from tree lighting location.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

5:00 p.m. – Roads Close (High St. from Garden to Mill/Washington & Mill Street at the T)

6:00 p.m. – Announcements, words from our Sponsors

6:00 p.m. – RCBC Chamber Choir

6:35 p.m. – Dansations School of Dance

6:45 p.m. – Santa and Mrs. Claus Arrive

7:00 p.m. – Tree Lighting with Santa Claus (Free Hot Chocolate and cookies, while supplies last)***Sponsored by The Woman’s League

7:00PM – The Bolongos

7:30PM – Mount Holly Township School Children’s Choir

7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Take a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus

8:45 p.m. – Last Chance to see Santa

9:00 p.m. – Event Ends

Speaker Nancy Pelosi Endorses Norcross

December 4, 2019

Cherry Hill — U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has endorsed Congressman Donald Norcross for re-election.

“From working tirelessly to provide our children with a high-quality education to protecting our national security and advocating for lower drug costs, Congressman Norcross always ensures that the issues of his constituents are at the forefront,” said Speaker Pelosi. “Congressman Norcross is a relentless champion for labor

and progressive issues who is fighting to increase Americans’ paychecks at a time when the wages of our workers are falling further and further behind. His patriotic service in the Congress is respected throughout his state and the country. I am proud to support Donald Norcross’ reelection.”

Congressman Norcross strongly supports Speaker Pelosi’s efforts to defend our democracy, support working families, lower prescription drug costs, and hold President Trump and his administration accountable.

“Speaker Pelosi and I share a deep commitment to standing up for what is right – including fair wages for working men and women, affordable access to health care, quality education and a sustainable environment – and we are working tirelessly to defend our democracy against President Trump and his administration’s divisive, dangerous agenda,” said Congressman Norcross. “I sincerely thank Speaker Pelosi for her trust and support as we work side–by–side to uphold America’s values for the people we are elected to serve.”

Congress’ only electrician, Norcross serves as the Vice-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and its liaison to the Labor community. He is a lead sponsor of the Raise the Wage Act to responsibly raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Norcross has long supported opening impeachment proceedings for President Trump, having voted to advance articles of impeachment as early as 2017. In addition to Speaker Pelosi’s endorsement, Norcross has earned the support of a diverse group of organizations that represent the interests of working people and our rights to education, health care and environmental justice, including the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the National Education Association (NEA / NJEA), the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and the Sierra Club.

Claire Gustafson To Challenge Norcross

Gustafson releases video announcing campaign for Congress

COLLINGSWOOD – Former Collingswood school board member Claire Gustafson announced today, via video, that she has entered the race to challenge Congressman Donald Norcross in New Jersey’s First Congressional District.

Gustafson announced on November 12th that she formed an exploratory committee “to gauge interest and support into a possible candidacy for Congress” and said today, “The exploring is done. I spent the past few weeks talking with friends, family and colleagues and am confident we will be able to raise the funds necessary to run an aggressive campaign against Congressman Norcross and the political machine that has a stranglehold on South Jersey.”

In her announcement video Gustafson makes it clear she is a pro-President Trump Republican saying, “I am unapologetically Republican and proudly stand with President Trump. I am a Republican because I believe in hard work, self-reliance, smaller government, the preservation of our Judeo-Christian values and the free-enterprise system that has made America the envy of the world.”

Gustafson’s announcement video can be viewed at,

or

https://gustafson2020.com/

.

About Claire Gustaafson: Active in her community, Claire is currently the President of Camden County New Jersey Republican Women, a former school board member in Collingswood, a former soccer and Little League coach and a member of Collingswood’s historic commission. She’s owned her own small business for over 30 years and is married with four sons, one daughter and several grandchildren.

McKnight Bill Requires NJ Students to Learn Cursive

(TRENTON) – Elementary schools in New Jersey would be required to teach students how to read and write in cursive under legislation recently introduced by Assemblywoman Angela McKnight.

The bill (

A-6010

) would require elementary school curriculum to include activities and instructional materials to help students become proficient in reading and writing cursive by the end of third grade.

Research

suggests that learning to read and write in cursive benefits the development of cognitive, motor and literacy skills, and may help students with learning disabilities like

dyslexia

read and write with greater ease.

However, since cursive was dropped as a requirement under Common Core standards in 2010, many schools have opted not to include cursive in their curriculum.

“In some cases, children are entering middle school without knowing how to sign their own name in cursive,” said McKnight (D-Hudson). “We are doing our children a disservice by not teaching them a vital skill they will need for the rest of their lives.”

Nearly two dozen states have made efforts to reintroduce cursive in schools, including Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas.

“Our world has indeed become increasingly dependent on technology, but how will our students ever know how to read a scripted font on a word document, or even sign the back of a check, if they never learn to read and write in cursive?” said McKnight. “This bill will ensure every young student in New Jersey will have this valuable skill to carry with them into adulthood.”

The legislation would apply to the first full school year following the date of enactment. It now heads to the Assembly Education Committee for review.

Burlington County Young Republicans Endorse Kate Gibbs for Congress

Mount Holly, New Jersey – The Burlington County Young Republicans (BCYR) announced their

endorsement of fellow millennial Kate Gibbs in New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District.

“Kate Gibbs is the leader South Jersey needs in Washington,” said Angelo Lamberto, Chairman of the

BCYR. “As one of the youngest women elected to countywide office, Kate is a trailblazer with a proven

record of cutting taxes, creating jobs, improving county infrastructure, and strengthening our schools.

With her real-world experience and expertise, Kate Gibbs is the best candidate for the job. We look

forward to working to ensure her victory.”

Kate Gibbs, a lifelong resident of the Garden State, is seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S.

House of Representatives in New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District.

The district stretches from the Delaware River to the Atlantic Ocean, encompassing both Burlington and

Ocean counties.

Gibbs previously served as the Director of the Burlington County Board of Freeholders. Holding a B.A.

from American University and an M.B.A. from Drexel University, Gibbs works to promote economic

development and job creation for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825.

“I want Kate Gibbs to be our next Congresswoman and New Jersey’s first woman representative in South

Jersey,” said Abigail Orr, Treasurer of the BCYR. “We are frustrated with Andy Kim’s lack of leadership.

He continuously prioritizes Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s radical platform over the needs of his

constituents, voting with her more than 90% of the time. Kate Gibbs will get New Jersey’s 3rd

Congressional District back on track.”

The Burlington County Young Republicans is a grassroots organization open to those 18-40 years of age

who work or reside in Burlington County, New Jersey.

New Orleans City Council Budget Includes $3M Investment for Early Childhood Ed

The city grows its early childhood education budget from $750,000 in 2017 to an unprecedented $3 million in 2020, as well as several additional key funding initiatives

NEW ORLEANS

– After several weeks of budget hearings, the New Orleans City Council

adopted the City\’s 2020 Operating and Capital Budgets, concluding the annual budget review process and establishing spending levels for the coming year. Prior to the meeting, Nthe City held a special Revenue Estimating Conference to adopt an adjusted 2020 revenue forecast and capture newly identified sources of revenue.

Since October 17, when Mayor LaToya Cantrell appeared before the Council to present a proposed $721.9 million annual operating budget from the City\’s general fund, the Council has held a rigorous budget review process to learn the needs of each department and listen to residents\’ concerns. As a result of the budget revenue process, the Council adopted an amended operating budget totaling $725.9 million, which represents an increase of $4 million.

\”Today is a historic one for the City of New Orleans and our children. We\’re setting an unprecedentedly high bar for the State of Louisiana and the entire country with this incredible investment in our young people. We\’ve gone from $750,000 two years ago, to $1.5 million in 2018, to an unprecedented $3 million for early childhood education in 2020. I\’m extremely grateful to my colleagues, the Administration, and my staff for the months of hard work that went into this budget. Our future and that of our children, has never been brighter,\” said District \”D\” Councilmember and Budget Chair Jared Brossett.

2020 Budget highlights include funding for the following:

Early Childhood Education programs to expand access to quality early childcare and education in New Orleans (doubling funding by $1.5M to bring the allocation to $3M)

Total Community Action to purchase a food pantry freezer to store food provides low-income vulnerable individuals/families with food supplements ($8,000)

Demolition of the blighted Higgins Gate apartment complex ($800,000)

Algiers Water Management Study ($250,000)

Code Enforcement to address quality of life needs and eliminate blight ($700,000)

Department of Health for mobile decibel monitors to address noise concerns ($45,000)

Department of Health for a Domestic Violence Initiative ($250,000)

\”I\’m very pleased with the collaboration of the budget process,\” said Council President Helena Moreno. \”My colleagues and I on this Council have been laser-focused on making New Orleans a more affordable city to live in since we began in 2018. Today, the Council followed through by lowering – not raising – property taxes at a time when assessments are skyrocketing and potentially forcing long term homeowners out of their neighborhoods. The Council also made clear its priorities: infrastructure and public safety. I\’m also proud that we once again doubled funding for early childhood education and allocated specific funding for domestic violence initiatives.\”

Throughout this year\’s budget hearings, the Council led a negotiation process with the Mayor\’s Administration to ensure critical initiatives and services are funded while minimizing the burden on our residents\’ tax bills. Given that the 2020 tax year is a quadrennial reassessment year, there has been considerable discussion regarding the reassessment process and the rising property tax assessments that resulted, leading to heightened concern among residents about their tax bills and the effect a potential roll forward could have on that bill.

In a reassessment year, the Council may roll forward millages up to the maximum authorized rates. Recognizing the concerns of residents, Councilmember Brossett ensured the redirection of certain millages to fund public safety and infrastructure while reducing (rolling back) other millages during the negotiation process with the Administration. This redirection of millages allows the Council to ensure critical initiatives and services are funded while remaining revenue-neutral.

Key millages being funded:

New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) & Fire Department (NOFD)

Sewerage & Water Board (S&WB)

City Alimony

Neighborhood Housing Improvement Fund (NHIF)

Certain millages being levied below the rollback millage rate:

Economic Development Fund

Capital Improvement Fund

Audubon Park

New Orleans Public Library

\”The extraordinary commitment we\’ve made here today will pay way more dividends for our city in the long-run,\” said Council Vice President Jason Williams. \”Because of Governor John Bel Edwards, and what\’s happened at the State level, we\’re now in a position to receive matched funding to the already historic amount we\’ve approved, doubling the number of young people we\’re able to help with a total $6 million investment. This is a tremendous day in the City of New Orleans as we become the only state providing this level of localized investment in early childhood care and education. Finally, New Orleans is becoming the city on a hill for the State of Louisiana, the South and the entire United States, and our children will be a testament to that for generations to come.

\”Today, we protected funding for vital public services in a smart way,\” said District \”A\” Councilmember Joe Giarrusso. \”Government\’s first job is to provide those public services responsibly. This deal between the Mayor and Council concentrates on quality of life issues with spending for first responders, streets, drainage, maintenance, and other fundamental needs.\”

$449,119 Jersey Cash 5 Ticket Sold in Bergen County

TRENTON (Dec. 3, 2019)

– One lucky ticket matched all five numbers drawn winning the $449,119 Jersey Cash 5 jackpot from the

Monday, Dec. 2

, drawing. T

he winning numbers were: 03, 15, 20, 35 and 36 and the XTRA number was: 02.

The retailer will receive a bonus check for $2,000 for the winning ticket sold. That ticket was sold at Krauszer’s Food Store, 403 Midland Ave., Garfield in Bergen County.

Acting Executive Director James Carey announced that there were 453,181 tickets purchased for the drawing. By adding XTRA, for an additional $1.00 per play, winners are able to multiply their non-jackpot prizes by the XTRA number drawn. For correctly matching four of the five numbers drawn, 61 ticket holders won $573 each and 17 others won $1,146 each with the addition of XTRA. Moreover, for correctly matching three of the five numbers drawn, 2,600 ticket holders won $16 each and 459 others won $32 each with the addition of XTRA. Lastly 5,733 ticket holders each won $2 for correctly matching two of the five numbers drawn with the addition of XTRA on their purchase.

Time for a Hero: Save a Life on Giving Tuesday

Veterans with TBIs are 155% more likely to take their own lives, with SOF at greatest risk. Under the VA, veterans with TBIs aren’t healing, they are dying in record numbers. Suicide rates tripled

in 2018.

Time For A Hero is stepping into the gap left by government’s failure.Our focus is on serving Special Operations Forces who’ve incurred one or more combat related brain injuries.

Right now 221 SOF veterans have submitted applications to Time for a Hero – and the list grows longer every day.

With your support, Time for a Hero can continue to provide personalized treatment plans including modalities like stem cell therapy and a variety of other alternative treatments that the VA doesn’t provide and insurance doesn’t cover.

DONATE HERE

DONATE NOW | #GivingTuesday | HELP SAVE A HERO