Category: LegacyImport2

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

.

Report: Job Growth in Pennsylvania Projected at 0.5 Percent

The Center Square

Job growth in Pennsylvania is expected to reach 0.5 percent by the end of 2020, down from the state’s 2019 job growth of 0.7 percent, according to

a new study by Kiplinger

that assessed state economic outlooks.

Pennsylvania ranked in a tie for 35th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on its projected job growth this year, according to the Kiplinger analysis. The state’s current jobless rate is 3.9 percent.

Generally, tax revenues flowing to states should remain healthy in the next several quarters thanks to rising incomes, modest inflation and low unemployment, Kiplinger reports. State spending should rise only modestly in the coming year, according to the report, and states are putting more money in their rainy-day accounts.

But regions also are struggling somewhat because of a number of financial challenges. The trade war between the United States and China is hurting Midwest farmers, while New England growth is slowing because of a lack of skilled workers, the report said.

published here with permission of

The Center Square

———-

2020 Economic Outlooks, State by State

Overdose Prevention Act Provides Instructions on How to Administer Naloxone

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS AT RISK FOR A HEROIN/ OPIOID OVERDOSE?

CAMDEN CITY, NJ–The Overdose Prevention Act provides an opportunity for those in a position to help and assist someone during an overdose by administering Naloxone. The law eliminates civil and criminal liability

to anyone who administers Naloxone.

Free trainings and education on how to administer Naloxone to reverse a heroin/opioid overdose will be provided in Camden County. Participants who successfully complete the training will receive a free Naloxone kit.

All trainings will be provided by credentialed substance abuse counselors. The trainings are open to the public however, space may be limited. Pre-registration is required.

TRAININGS INCLUDE

Addiction education and treatment options

Overdose prevention techniques

Signs and symptoms of overdose

Steps to take when an overdose occurs

Rescue breathing

How to administer naloxone, self-help, family support, and other important resource information

TRAINING DATES

Trainings are held on the last Tuesday of each month starting January through November, 2020. 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Camden County Library – Ferry Avenue Branch

852 Ferry Avenue

Camden, NJ 08104

REGISTER TODAY

Registration is required

To register, contact Patty DiRenzo at

(856) 374-6137

or email Patty.Direnzo@CamdenCounty.Com

Camden County Freedom Medal 2020 Nominees

CAMDEN CITY, NJ–Camden County residents will be honored for the unselfish contributions to improving their community at the 2020 Camden County Freedom Medal Ceremony

on

January 22nd

.

The award, created by the Freeholder Board in 2001, is presented to civic leaders who demonstrate the ideals and actions that reflect the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Every year since 2001, the Camden County Freedom Medal has been presented to honor extraordinary Camden County citizens who have generously contributed their time and effort to better their community while espousing the ideals indicative of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “These exemplary citizens have demonstrated significant contributions in the area of community service. They serve as a model to us all.”

The ceremony will take place at the Collingswood Ballroom, located at 315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, NJ. The reception will

start at

5:30 PM

and dinner will be served

at

6 PM

with the award ceremony immediately following. Tickets are available for $40 each. Please RSVP your attendance by clicking here or by calling or emailing Scott Petrozza at

(856) 216-8217

or

Scott.Petrozza@camdencounty.com

.

2020 Freedom Medal Nominees:

Vedra Della Chandler

Leona Davis

Chief Harry Earle

Marc Goldstein

Bishop Anthony J. Harley

Abe Karetny

Mary Anne McFarland

Michael Mignogna

Ian Dublin Mosley

Raheel Nayyer

Orlando Pettigrew

Rubab Sameer Sarfraz

Dominic Vesper

Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi & The Cherry Hill Free Clinic Team, MLK Congressional Medal

Click here

to read bios for each nominee.

GTPD Community Bulletin: Emergency Needs Preparedness Registry

Many people may need extra help during a time of emergency including people who:

• Use life support systems such as oxygen, respirator, ventilator, dialysis, pacemaker, or are insulin dependent;

• Have mobility disabilities and use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, cane, or other mobility device;

• Are visually impaired, blind, hard of hearing, or deaf;

• Have speech, cognitive, developmental or mental health disabilities; or

• Use assistive animals or prosthesis.

The Gloucester Township Police Department (GTPD) has created a voluntary Gloucester Township Emergency Preparedness Registry that will let police, fire and other first responders in our community better prepare for, and respond to your needs during a hurricane, storm or other major emergency.

The information submitted to the Gloucester Township Emergency Needs Preparedness Registry can be shared with local first responders and emergency management officials. Your information is held confidentially and will only be accessed to assist in your safety and well-being in the time of an emergency affecting your area of Gloucester Township.

For additional information on this program you may contact the Community Relations Bureau at communityrelations@gtpolice.com or call Police Services at 856-228-4011. #GTPD

Address/Location

Gloucester Township Police Department

1261 Chews Landing Rd

Gloucester Township, NJ 08021

Contact

Emergency: 9-1-1

Non-emergencies: 856-228-4500

Two Neptune Township Teenagers Plead Guilty in Newborn Killing

FREEHOLD – Two teens have pleaded guilty in connection with a March 2019 infanticide in Neptune Township, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Jada M. McClain, 18, of Neptune Township, pleaded guilty to first degree Aggravated Manslaughter. Quaimere Mohammed, 19, also of Neptune Township, pleaded guilty to second degree Disturbing or Desecrating Human Remains in connection with the death of a newborn baby.Under the terms of the plea agreement, Ms. McClain faces a sentence of 10 years in Prison on the Aggravated Manslaughter subject to the provisions of the “No Early Release Act” (NERA) requiring her to serve 85 percent of the sentence imposed before becoming eligible for release on parole. Mr. Mohammed faces a sentence of 5 years in State Prison on the Disturbing or Desecrating Human Remains offense.

On April 4, 2019, the Asbury Park Police Department received a report that Jada McClain, a student at Neptune Township Regional High School, had recently given birth, and that the newborn was deceased. The investigation was referred to the Neptune Township Police Department who, together with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, launched an investigation into the matter.

The joint investigation revealed that McClain had become pregnant by her boyfriend, Quaimere Mohammed, a student at Asbury Park High School, sometime in July 2018.  McClain explained to investigators that she hid the fact that she was pregnant from her parents and that she gave birth to a boy in the early morning hours of March 29, 2019, in her home. After giving birth to the child, McClain pressed her hands on the boy’s chest until he stopped breathing.  McClain contacted Mohammed, and later that morning, the two disposed of the child’s body in a dumpster on Monroe Avenue in Asbury Park.  Investigators later recovered surveillance video which captured Mohammed disposing of the child’s body near the Washington Village apartment complex.

Investigators learned that the contents of the dumpster, including the newborn’s remains, were transported to the Monmouth County Reclamation Center in Tinton Falls, where they were compacted and buried.  The infant’s body was never recovered.

McClain and Mohammed are scheduled to appear in Superior Court for sentencing for their crimes before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge David F. Bauman on March 20. McClain remains incarcerated in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, where she has been detained since her arrest.

“This case is a horrible tragedy. An infant is dead and two young people are going to prison.  None of this should have happened. Young persons who are not yet ready for parenthood need to understand that there are safe, legal and completely confidential ways to give up custody of a newborn,” said Gramiccioni.

On August 7, 2000, the New Jersey Safe Haven Infant Protection Act became law. The law allows a parent who is unable or unwilling to care for an infant to give up custody of a baby who is less than 30 days old, safely, legally and anonymously.  All that is required is that the baby be brought to a hospital emergency room or police station in New Jersey.  As long as the child shows no signs of intentional abuse, no names or other information is required from the person delivering the baby.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Joseph Competello and Stephanie Dugan.  McClain is represented by Thomas Catley Esq. of Ocean Grove.  Mohammed is represented by Stephen Nelson Esq., of Neptune Township.

6 Top Environmental Issues You Need to Worry About in 2020

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(January 15, 2020)–Most people are aware that the environment is changing; after all, it’s almost impossible to avoid all the new stories about climate change and how the ice caps are melting, and huge hurricanes are on the way. But how many people

really

understand what is happening to the natural world around them and the impact it will have on their future, not to mention their children’s future? Probably not that many.

That being said, the environmental issues that our world faces today are not going to suddenly disappear overnight. So, steps must be taken to try to tackle these problems head-on; unless people want the world that they know and love to be irrevocably changed forever. We can start by taking a look at the top six environmental issues that should be on everyone’s radar going into 2020.

The Expansion of Urban Areas

The world’s population is expanding at unfounded rates; people are living longer due to impressive developments in medical science, and the number of babies being born is not decreasing any time soon. This means that more housing is needed, which has led to contractors building more and more new developments, mainly by expanding urban areas.

What effect does this have on the environment? By covering the natural landscapes to concrete and bricks, contractors are interrupting the ground’s natural water cycle by stopping water from being absorbed into the ground, leading to

flooding

. Not to mention the fact that an increase in the number of homes being built leads to an increase in gas emissions, resulting in more air pollution.

An Increase in Waste

There are currently 2,000

active landfills

in the U.S., with the average person throwing out 4.4 pounds of trash a day. However, America is in danger of running out of space in their landfills in the next 15-20 years, and then where will the trash go?

Reducing the amount of waste that households throw away is vital, with every person needing to actively try to recycle or compost their waste whenever possible. With more people throwing out nearly twice as much waste compared to a few years ago – most of which is recyclable – the excessive landfills are posing a big risk to our climate.

Endangered Species

Did you know that one out of every 10 plant and animal species will be extinct by 2050? As our ecosystems continue to diminish, the list of endangered species will only continue to get longer; because where are these animals going to live if their habitats become lost? Who can forget the shocking and haunting image of a polar bear balancing on a small piece of ice in the middle of the ocean? We must work to avoid situations like this by supporting conservation efforts.

When we look at success stories of conservation efforts, such as the work being done by

Eric Mogensen

, CEO of Gulf Breeze Zoo, it becomes apparent that we need to do more to protect endangered species. Anyone can donate or volunteer for a conservation group to support this cause.

Climate Change

Whether you want to admit it or not, climate change is real, and it is happening right now, with a majority of experts stating that both natural and man-made greenhouse gasses are to blame. Greenhouse gasses impact so many elements of our planet, from wildlife habitats to the ocean to natural disasters such as hurricanes and tsunamis. So, how can climate change be reduced?

There are, in fact, several actions that can be taken to reduce the threat of climate change. These include:

·

Building more sustainably

·

Using

renewable energy sources

·

Reducing waste

·

Reducing pollution

Deforestation

Around 15% of greenhouse gas emissions come from deforestation, which might not seem like a huge amount but is still significant. And, as more rainforests are cut down for wood, this number is only set to increase.

Furthermore, what about all the animals and plants that live and thrive in the forests? What will happen to them when their homes are chopped down? It’s a vicious cycle where ecosystems are destroyed, species become endangered, and climate change continues to worsen.

Trees are needed to produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, so what will happen when all the forests have been cut down? Rather than waiting to see the negative effects this will have on our planet, we can stop cutting down trees, or at the very least, ensure that every time a tree is cut down, another one is planted in its place.

A Lack of Water

Running water is so simple in today’s developed world that you probably never thought about what would happen if there wasn’t any. However, there is currently a big problem with water scarcity across the globe, with an estimated 780 million people not having access to clean water, and it is most definitely not just a problem for underdeveloped countries.

Water can often become

contaminated

with diseases, toxins, or chemicals, making it unsafe to drink. Luckily, everyone can help with the issue of water shortage by simply being more mindful of the water that they use on a daily basis; for example, have a quick shower instead of a bath and don’t continuously run the tap when doing the washing up.

Saving the environment is not the job of some big corporation, nor is it down to just one man; everyone needs to do their part and start taking active steps in order to make a difference. Starting now.

Following Trump\’s Lead, Cape May County Republicans Rally to Van Drew

In the short time since he announced his intentions to join the Republican party, Congressman Jeff Van Drew has been warmly welcomed by an overwhelming majority of Cape May County Republicans. Following President Trump’s lead, elected officials at the county and local level have lined up in support of the incumbent

Republican’s re-election campaign.

“We now have an incumbent, Republican Congressman, endorsed by our Republican President,” CapeGop Chairman Marcus Karavan declared. “I plan to to follow our President’s lead and work hard to reelect Rep. Van Drew to the US Congress.”

At the County level, all five members of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, along with County Sheriff Robert Nolan and County Clerk Rita Fulginiti, have welcomed Van Drew to the fold and pledged to support his re-election.

Congressman Van Drew has been meeting with county and municipal elected officials over the last several weeks, stressing his long history of service to Cape May county and the many positions he has taken in support of the president’s agenda and the Republican party’s conservative platform.

Cape May County Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton pointed to many years of cooperation with Van Drew on important projects, working across party lines for the greater good.

“No matter his position or party, Jeff has looked to do good work and put politics aside,” Thornton said.  “We have joked with him for years about crossing over and joining the party of common sense. Any past differences pale in comparison to the good work we can now accomplish as partners fighting for a better Cape May County.”

At the local level, Mayors, Committeeman and Council Members have been meeting with the Congressman, continuing a dialogue centered on infrastructure improvements, lower taxes, small business development and protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms. Several endorsements from local Republicans are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

“Despite some past political differences, we have always been able to work with Jeff, when it comes to helping the folks we represent,” Lower Township Mayor and Assemblyman-Elect Erik Simonsen said.  “A united front of hard-working Republican leaders from top to bottom in our county will be critical if we are to truly push back against the progressive insanity that has infested the Democrat party, both in Trenton and Washington, DC.”

Middle Township Mayor and CapeGOP Second Vice-Chair Tim Donohue echoed Simonsen’s sentiments.

“Politically, we have battled Jeff Van Drew in the past, but every election is about the future,” Donohue said. “In speaking with the Congressman and his staff, I believe our visions for our county, state and country are very much aligned. On the issues that affect our quality of life locally and the principles that are most important to our voters, we stand on common ground.”

Congressman Van Drew stood as one of the few voices for common sense in the current Democrat party.  When told by party bosses that he would lose their support if he dared to oppose impeachment, Van Drew stood on principle, voted NO on impeachment and left the party he no longer recognized as working for the best interests of the American people.

“Let’s be honest, my conservative positions often put me at odds with Democrat leadership,” Van Drew said. “After nearly a year in Washington, it became clear to me that the radical agenda of the far-left elements that now control the Democrat party is inflicting real damage on our country. Like the hard-working, common sense people in South Jersey, my views and vision for a better America are in line with President Trump’s plans to make America great again.”

The congressman officially announced his intentions to join the Republican party from the White House on December 20th with President Trump by his side.

“Jeff will be joining our growing Republican Party and has my full endorsement,” President Trump said in a December 20th tweet. “This is a big win for the GOP and a big win for South Jersey. South Jersey is Trump country, so I know all NJ Republicans will be join me in supporting Jeff Van Drew.”

###

How to Solve Small Business Cashflow Problems

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(January 15, 2020)–The wheel of fortune is a fickle mistress and regardless of how well your business is performing today, tomorrow may bring any number of unexpected hazards and unforeseen encumbrances to challenge your business acumen and your business bank balance. Balancing the books is hard enough for a small business, and so it pays to be prepared for tough times and armed with a strategy for dealing with potential cashflow hiccups as they arise. When times are good and money is flowing freely, that’s a good time to start planning for the unexpected, so that in the event of a financial downturn in your fortunes, you can keep things on track. In this article, we look at a few of the ways you can solve these cashflow problems.

Be better at building a budget for your business

When you are enjoying a successful period, it’s tempting to pay little attention to your budget, keeping only a rudimentary spreadsheet at which you’ll occasionally give a cursory glance every now and then, safe in the knowledge that there’s more than enough coming in to deal with what’s going out. Unfortunately, without a

sensible budget

in place, it can be very tricky to cater for all those new tools, expensive staff parties, and costly resources. Should a downturn occur, this could leave you chasing your tail looking for ways to pay that VAT bill and your corporation tax on tie. There’s nothing like a fine from HMRC to make you wish you’d budgeted more carefully. Preventative maintenance is a great way to solve cash flow problems before they start.

Consider a short-term loan to keep your business running

A sensible short-term loan can be an excellent and productive way of keeping all your business-critical processes moving forwards when cash flow is poor and you would otherwise not be able to afford to keep the business afloat. You could consider liquidating stock or perhaps dip into some savings or even borrow money from a family member or willing business investor. If you’d rather keep hold of your assets and not relinquish any control to a third-party investor, you might look at a short term loan from a reputable lender, such as

biz2credit

, so that there doesn’t need to be any interruption in your business-critical activities.

Engage with a more flexible working environment

Depending on what sort of business you are and what you deliver, you might be able to dispense with some significant costs altogether. Technology today allows for teams to be far more remote than they used to be, meaning that a physical office might not even be a requirement, saving your business a lot of money in the process. Making a move towards a remote working environment doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice productivity or quality of work either. Studies show that staff tends to be

more productive

when able to maintain a more flexible approach to their work-life balance.

With some sensible budgeting, a short-term business loan and a more flexible approach to your working conditions mean you should be able to deal with most cash flow problems.

Camden City Initiative Wins Nationwide Competition

Secures $500,000 in Grants to Improve Residents’ Health

New \”Roots to Prevention\” initiative will expand healthy food choices for residents

and increase income opportunities for urban farmers

The kick-off team for the Roots to Prevention initiative, from left: Nicole Vaughn, PhD, of Rowan University; Koren Norwood, MS, CHES®, of Camden County Department of Health and Human Services; Jonathan Wetstein of Parkside Business and Community in Partnership (PBCIP); April Schetler, MS, RD, of Virtua Health; Bridget Phifer of PBCIP; and Greg Mayers, MPH, of Virtua Health.

Camden City,  N.J. — January 14, 2020 — A Camden group has won a national grant competition that will increase both healthy food options and income opportunities for city residents.

Roots to Prevention Partnership (RTP)

recently secured the

BUILD Health Challenge® award

. RTP is among 18 awardees nationwide, selected from more than 130 applicants.

The award includes a $250,000 grant — plus a $250,000 matching contribution of cash and in-kind support from

Virtua Health

— to implement a new healthy-food access program. The award will support free and low-cost produce for eligible Camden residents, nutrition education, and city produce farming.

The BUILD Health Challenge aims to reduce health inequities in U.S. communities. It is funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and other prominent organizations.

RTP’s long-term goals are to improve Camden’s food environment and create sustainable solutions. The group’s core partners include Parkside Business & Community in Partnership (PBCIP), Virtua Health, Camden County, Rowan University, The Food Trust, and the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers.

“This award will enable us to encourage local health care providers to purchase produce grown in their communities,” saidBridget Phifer, executive director of PBCIP. “It will help us reduce hunger and the prevalence of diet-related illnesses while also supporting job creation, land redevelopment, and economic revitalization.”

“This is a visionary initiative, and we’re thrilled to support it,” said Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE, president and CEO of Virtua Health, South Jersey’s largest health system. “Social and economic factors have a huge impact on people’s health. The RTP initiative will address the roots of these issues to help the people of Camden live healthier, happier lives.”

RTP will also form a committee of Camden residents to provide insights and help guide the program, such as identifying the challenges residents face in accessing healthy foods.

Improving nutrition, supporting economic growth

The $500,000 in awards will partially fund these key activities for two-plus years:

Launch the “Food Bucks Rx” program at

Virtua Health’s Camden Campus

, to provide vouchers that can be redeemed for fruits and vegetables.

Establish six Food Bucks Rx (FBRx) redemption sites in Camden, to expand access to healthy foods and other program benefits — such as cooking demonstration and health screenings.

Create income opportunities for local food growers by supplementing the FBRx food supply with locally grown produce via an expanded Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

Collect and analyze data on these initiatives to measure their effectiveness and develop long-term solutions that promote economic development through urban farming as well as cultivate a healthier food environment in Camden.

“This is what community health is all about: neighbors taking care of neighbors,” said April Schetler, assistant VP of community health engagement at Virtua Health. “Virtua is deeply committed to the health and wellness of the communities we serve. We are extremely proud to be a part of this movement, and grateful to the BUILD Health Challenge for its support of the RTP initiative.”

RTP will now be able to connect food-growing organizations throughout Camden with a major new customer: Virtua Health’s Food as Medicine programs, including the

Virtua Mobile Farmers Market

and

Virtua Food Pantry

.

Camden City residents work in a city produce garden, which will participate in the Roots to Prevention program. From left are Mike Evans (tan jacket), Cortez Bazan (orange shirt), and Jose Torres (black shirt)

.

Phifer of PBCIP also expressed appreciation for another important partner: Campbell Soup. “If it weren’t for the generous support of the Campbell Soup Company, this cross-sectoral collaboration could not have come together and ultimately completed a successful grant application — now awarded,” she said.

“RTP believes in the health care sector’s capacity to support a healthy local food economy,” added RTP administrator Jonathan Wetstein. “We also recognize the need to bring more partners to the table. The more RTP grows, the more resources and opportunities exist for local food growers and food-prescription recipients to participate in the future of urban farming and ultimately improve community health.”

About the BUILD Health Challenge

BUILD is a national program that supports partnerships between community-based organizations, health departments, and hospitals/health systems that are working to address important health issues in their community. Each community collaborative addresses root causes of chronic disease (also known as social determinants of health) in their local area by leveraging multisector partnerships and working with their local community. To date, BUILD has supported 55 projects in 24 states and Washington, DC.

BUILD stands for Bold, Upstream, Integrated, Local, and Data-Driven, which together form a powerful model to transform community health. The BUILD Health Challenge award provides funding, capacity-building support, and access to a national peer learning network to enhance collaborative partnerships locally and address a city’s most pressing health challenges.