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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recording artist CC Miles

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT CC MILES

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

Almost

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

Instagram

and

YouTube

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

www.ccmiles.com

ABOUT FOOD BANK OF SOUTH JERSEY

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

www.foodbanksj.org

USDA Approves Plans for Domestic Production of Hemp by Louisiana, NJ, and Ohio and Three Indian Tribes

(December 28, 2019)–The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved the first set of plans submitted by states and Indian tribes for the domestic production of hemp under the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. The plans were submitted by the states of Louisiana, New Jersey, and Ohio, and the Flandreau Santee Sioux, Santa Rosa Cahuilla, and La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indian Tribes.

image courtesy of

https://www.agriculture.com/

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) directed USDA to develop a regulatory oversight program for hemp and include provisions for USDA to approve hemp production plans submitted by states and Indian tribes. Accordingly, on October 31, 2019, USDA issued an

interim final rule

establishing the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program and the provisions for USDA to approve submitted plans. State and tribal plans provide details on practices and procedures that enable hemp producers in their jurisdictions to operate according to their individual plans and in compliance with federal laws.

To produce hemp, growers must be licensed or authorized under a state, tribe, or USDA production program. The program a grower is licensed under depends on the location of the hemp growing facility. If a state or tribe has an approved plan or is in the process of developing a plan, growers must apply and be licensed or authorized under its hemp program. If a state or tribe does not have a plan and does not intend to have a plan, growers can apply for a license from USDA.

USDA continues to receive and review plans from states and Indian tribes and maintains a list of all on our website, along with approved plans. To check the status of a plan or to review approved plans, visit:

Status of State and Tribal Hemp Production Plans

For additional information about the program and the provisions of the interim final rule, visit the

U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program

web page.

For information or questions related to a specific plan, please contact the applicable state or tribe.

Retiring Paterson Firefighters, Police Officers Receiving $1.2 million Leave Time Payouts Under Tax Deferred Plan

PATERSON, NJ (December 28, 2019)–Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh (photo) and council members have agreed to set up what’s called a 401(a) plan, tax-differed retirement saving accounts, for retiring public safety employees. According to The Paterson Times members of the City Council approved

a measure this past Monday allowing Sayegh’s administration to set up the plan at the request of the police and fire unions.

Under the proposal, the city will deposit the accumulated leave time payouts for police and fire employees into the tax-differed retirement savings accounts. Before the new year, the city is paying $1.2 million to 19 firefighters and police officers. The sum is a partial severance payout for the employees.

Municipal official disclosed the city has to pay approximately $5 million in accumulated leave time payouts to firefighters and police officers. The lot includes approximately 30 employees, said officials.

How to Choose High Quality CBD Oil

Gloucestercitynews.net (December 28, 2019)–CBD industry is expected to grow by $ 1 billion in 2020. It is one of the top players in the health and wellness industry as well. This is no wonder because people across America have realized the therapeutic effects of CBD products.

Even though the research on the health benefits of CBD is fancy, there are numerous cases of common people who have successfully improved their lives with daily dosage of CBD oil. Intrigued to try CBD oil to heal your mind and body? Well, go ahead but keep in mind to choose the

best quality of CBD oil

for consumption.

Now, the question is how to choose high-quality CBD oil? There are a few things you can do to be assured that the CBD oil or any other product for that matter, is of great quality and worth trying.

Before anything else, you should know these things about CBD

CBD or Cannabidiol is derived from the cannabis plant, yes, the parent plant of marijuana. Before you question the legality of it, you should know that CBD, unlike its siblings, is non-psychoactive in nature. This means that it doesn’t comprise or encircles only traces of THC, which is basically the high-inducing compound.

You should know that CBD is also excluded from the list of ‘controlled substances’ in America. Under the 2018 Farm Bill (passed in December last year), CBD is now legal across all 50 states. However, you must learn about local laws of your state as well.

Why is CBD oil a hit among people?

CBD oil is an amazing supplement and considered to be a great alternative form of medication for people suffering from illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, skin problems, indigestion, even cancer.

Here’s a list of diseases that CBD oil is known to treat naturally-

Stress

Depression

Anxiety

Sleep disorders

Epilepsy

Bipolar disorder

Cancer (in some cases)

Inflammation

Skin problems

Indigestion

Hair fall

Migraines

Heart disease

Blood pressure

Parkinson’s disease

Restlessness

Fatigue

Irritability

There are no conclusive studies on humans about the positive benefits on CBD oil on people’s health. However, there are countless anecdotes across the country about people who have healed and still are healing with the help of CBD oil and other products.

Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary information about CBD oil, it’s time to learn about the product that suits you.

Things to keep in mind before buying CBD oil

There are plenty of CBD oil available in the market at affordable prices. However, everybody responds differently to different products. Thus, it is important to do thorough research on the products before you pick the

best CBD oil

for you.

So, are there any signs of quality CBD oil that you can use to determine whether it’s reliable or not? Whether you are a rookie or an expert in buying CBD oil, here are the following points that you must keep in mind to get the best quality of CBD oil-

1. Do your research: The first thing to do before buying a CBD oil is to do a thorough research. Do not incline toward the companies that sell CBD oil at a low price. Understand all the terms related with CBD oil, such as full-spectrum, pure oil, interaction with Endocannabinoid system, THC, etc. Once you learn about the necessary information on the same, go ahead and buy the product.

2. Packaging: Once you are through with the research part, head over to the label of the CBD product you are thinking to buy. Learn the terminology of what is written on the label both at the time of order and delivery. Also, make sure that the material is made of dark ember glass which is impenetrable. A good packaging helps the product to last for long and guarantees a good quality.

3. THC content: According to Federal Law in the United States, the concentration of THC in CBD products shouldn’t go beyond 0.3%. If it is over the limit, then it is absolutely illegal to sell or purchase the same. It is imperative to check the THC content of the CBD oil before buying it, or it might cause more harm than benefit.

4. Make sure that it is third-party lab tested: You might have heard about the phrase ‘third-party lab tested’ but what does it really mean? Well, for starters, it is crucial to know this before buying CBD oil. The quality and dosage of CBD oil is yet not regulated by FDA and the government. The product is tested for purity and quality in private labs. The report worked out by these labs includes content like date of publication, synchronicity with the product label, certificate of analysis, and accreditation. So, make sure that product is tested by a reputable lab party, such as, Think20 Labs.

5. Be assured that CBD oil is additive-free: When it comes to buying CBD oil, fewer additives, the better it is. CBD oil shouldn’t comprise of anything apart from its main ingredients, such as essential oils and cannabinoids. The more natural it is, the more effective it will be for your problem.

6. The knowledge of hemp-growing standards: If you do not find any indication of growing standards in the product, don’t trust its quality. If you are not able to verify the hemp-growing standards, in most cases, it means that the hemp has come into contact with toxic chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers. This will directly affect the quality of the CBD oil.

7. Place of manufacture: Make sure that the product is grown and manufactured in a place where selling and buying of CBD is legal. It is also important to understand that the company you are buying the product from sources its material from the states where the Farm Bill 2018 is applied and accepted. Also, make sure that the company you are buying CBD oil from is quite transparent in terms of money-back guarantee and return policy.

8. Learn how CBD oil is extracted: If you think that learning about the extraction process of the CBD oil isn’t important to know about the quality of the product, listen to this. There are various methods of extracting CBD oil that determine the quality of the end product. The best way to extract CBD is via CO2 at a given temperature and pressure. CO2 is a natural solvent, thus, the end product is generally of high quality and pure in nature. In fact, extraction process also helps in changing the genetic structure of the entire product.

Closing thoughts

At the end of the day, it is important to know why you want to buy CBD oil in the first place. So, the type and quality of the CBD oil also depend on the problem you want to buy it for. For instance, for skin problems, like acne, it is recommended to buy topical ointments of the extremely high quality. In order to treat body pains, it is recommended to

buy full-spectrum CBD oil

. Nevertheless, the quality, potency, and transparency are the top things one must keep in mind before buying CBD oil.

images courtesy of unsplash.com and pinterest.com

\’Nipple By Number\’ Device Helps Plastic Surgeons Perform 3D Nipple Tattoos

Newswise —

December 26, 2019 –

Three-dimensional tattoos offer a new alternative for creating a natural-looking nipple after breast reconstruction.

For most women, accessing this option means finding a tattoo artist with the skill to create these detailed tattoos. Now a new device called Nipple By Number® enables plastic surgeons to perform realistic-looking 3D

nipple tattoos as an in-office procedure, reports a paper in the January issue of

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®

the official medical journal of the

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

(ASPS).

\”Nipple by Number® is a simple stencil device that allows consistent, realistic 3D tattooing of the nipple-areola complex [NAC] to complete breast reconstruction,\” comments lead author Solomon Azouz, MD, of Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale. \”It allows plastic surgeons to perform this sought-after procedure in a safe, reliable, and more- affordable manner, without the need for special training or experience.\”

For most patients, mastectomy results in loss of the NAC – the nipple and surrounding tissue.

Breast reconstruction

has important benefits after mastectomy, but the surgical options for NAC reconstruction are limited.

In recent years, 3D breast tattoos have emerged as a new approach to creating a natural-appearing nipple and areola. Developed by skilled tattoo artists, these techniques use subtle effects of light and shadow to create realistic-looking 3D NAC tattoos.

But 3D nipple tattoos may be difficult to access for most patients. Relatively few artists can perform these sophisticated tattoos. Patients and surgeons may have concerns about verifying the artist\’s skill, or about visiting a tattoo parlor to have the procedure performed. In a survey, Dr. Azouz and colleagues found that less than one-fourth of plastic surgery offices can perform 3D nipple tattoos, or even refer patients to a qualified tattoo artist. National average out-of-pocket costs range from $640 for unilateral to $956 for bilateral breast tattoos.

The Nipple By Number device was developed to provide plastic surgeons with a way of performing 3D nipple tattoos as an office procedure. Itself created by 3D printing, the simple device consists of removeable stencil layers with customizable holes to provide a guide for well-controlled and precise tattooing.

\”The device allows a more facile and efficient approach by allowing those not skilled in the freehand artistic techniques of light and shadow to create a 3D recreation of the NAC,\” Dr. Azouz and coauthors write. The stencil includes openings to guide placement of highlights and shadows to create the illusion of a projecting nipple, and even the tiny Montgomery glands surrounding the nipple. In patients whose reconstruction includes a raised nipple, the device can also be used to create \”4D\” tattoos.

Women have the natural appearance of their nipple restored based on preoperative photographs, or choose from a catalog of NAC designs. The authors note that the Nipple By Number device not only provides a guide for performing tattoos, but may also shorten the learning curve for surgeons or other professionals to gain the technical and artistic skills needed to provide high-quality results with 3D nipple tattooing.

Dr. Azouz and colleagues hope their tool will help make the option of 3D nipple tattooing more widely available to women who have undergone breast reconstruction. The authors conclude: \”The Nipple By Number device will decrease the number of patients who are left to independently find a safe and skilled tattoo artist to complete their breast reconstruction and aid more plastic and reconstructive surgery practices in providing this important service.\”

Click here to read \”A Nipple-Areola Stencil for Three-Dimensional Tattooing: Nipple by Number\”

DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006398

# # #

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®

is published in the Lippincott portfolio by

Wolters Kluwer

About

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

For more than 70 years,

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®

(

http://www.prsjournal.com/

) has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. The official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons,

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®

brings subscribers up-to-the-minute reports on the latest techniques and follow-up for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, experimental studies, maxillofacial reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, burn repair and cosmetic surgery, as well as news on medico-legal issues.

About ASPS

The

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 7,000 physician members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the clinicians, nurses, accountants, lawyers, and tax, finance, audit, risk, compliance, and regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with advanced technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2018 annual revenues of €4.3 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 18,600 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

Wolters Kluwer provides trusted clinical technology and evidence-based solutions that engage clinicians, patients, researchers and students with advanced clinical decision support, learning and research and clinical intelligence. For more information about our solutions, visit

http://healthclarity.wolterskluwer.com

and follow us on

and Twitter

@WKHealth

Public Comment Period Extended on Cleanup Plan for the Sherwin-Williams/Hilliards Creek Superfund Site

Gibbsboro

, N.J.

– The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the public comment period for its proposed cleanup plan that includes a combination of technologies and methods to address the former paint manufacturing plant and adjoining areas of the Sherwin-Williams/Hilliards Creek Superfund Site in Gibbsboro to

January 29, 2020

. EPA’s study of these areas shows that soil and sediment are contaminated with arsenic and lead, and soil in other areas are contaminated with paint solvents.

EPA’s cleanup plan addresses a nearly 20-acre area where the former manufacturing plant operated, the headwaters of Hilliards Creek and adjoining areas, which include approximately six residential properties. At the former manufacturing plant area, the plan includes removing and disposing of approximately 67,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil from the site and backfilling with clean soil, groundwater monitoring, and institutional controls in the form of deed notices.

Floodplain soil and sediment within Upper Hilliards Creek would be excavated and disposed of off-site. Surface water will be monitored. The wetland areas will be restored with vegetation and soil similar in nature to previously existing wetlands.

In areas where paint solvents are present, the EPA is calling for the treatment of harmful chemicals through subsurface treatment. Certain areas containing soil contaminated with paint solvents may also be treated at the site by injecting non-hazardous additives to the subsurface soil to promote the biological breakdown of contaminants. The specific types of additives to be used will be determined by the EPA as part of the design of the cleanup. Soil gas collection systems will also be installed to collect and treat any harmful vapors.

Throughout the cleanup, EPA will monitor and further study the cleanup progress to ensure the effectiveness of the remedy. EPA will conduct a review of the cleanup every 5 years to ensure its effectiveness. Under the proposed plan, the estimated cost of cleanup is approximately $36 million.

Written comments on the proposed plan, postmarked no later than close of business January 29, 2020, may be mailed or emailed to: Ray Klimcsak, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway – 19

Floor, New York, NY 10007, Email:

klimcsak.raymond@epa.gov

To view the EPA’s proposed plan for the site, please visit

www.epa.gov/superfund/sherwin-williams

Veterinarians Offer Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe in Winter

As parts of the U.S. gear up for a powerful post-Christmas

winter

storm–packed with strong winds, heavy snow, and freezing rain—veterinarians at

BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

are offering a few tips to help keep pets safe.

\”Many people think that dogs and cats’ fur make them more resistant to cold weather, but that is not necessarily true. Cold tolerance can vary based on a pets’ size, coat, body fat percentage, activity level, age and overall health,” remarked Harry Weatherson, BVetMed, MRCVS, ER Service Head and emergency veterinarian at

BluePearl in New York City

. “While huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates are more tolerant of cold weather, all dogs and cats are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. As a general rule, if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet.”

While prolonged exposure to cold air, rain, sleet and snow can cause paws to become chapped and irritate your pet’s skin, there are other common winter-related issues pet owners should look out for.

Protect your pet from weather-related health dangers by remembering these eight winter safety tips.

Be mindful of your pet’s tolerance to cold.

Consider shortening walks, especially if your dog is sick, small, short-haired, very young or old. Pets who fall into these categories tend to feel cold faster, and seniors, who may be arthritic, are more prone to falls. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or hormonal imbalances are also more susceptible to developing issues from cold weather due to the inability to regulate body temperature as effectively. If you are unsure of pet’s temperature limits, consult your veterinarian.

Check the paws.

During a winter walk, salt, ice, antifreeze, and coolants can irritate pets’ footpads and/or accumulate between toes. If chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off paws, this can cause GI upset or a potentially more

harmful effect

. After walks, check your dog’s paws for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked or bleeding paw pads. When possible, avoid salt and ice and immediately wash paws with warm water when you are back inside.

Keep an eye out for frostbite.

Sensitive tissues like ears, nose, and paw pads are susceptible to frostbite, so regularly check these areas for signs of cold weather related injuries or damage.

ID, leash, and chip.

It is easy for pets to become lost in winter because snow masks familiar scents that can help them return home. Leash your pet during winter walks—especially during a snow storm—and make sure their ID tags are up-to-date. Consider microchipping to ensure a safe return home if your pet becomes lost.

Honk for sleeping animals.

In cold conditions, animals (especially cats) like to seek shelter and warmth under cars. Honk, open the car hood or loudly slap it to wake up any animal sleeping there. Lastly, visually check beneath the car to ensure that it is clear of all animals.

Never leave your pet in an unattended car.

Car temperatures can drop quickly in colder months. Animals kept in cold cars can develop hypothermia or even freeze to death. Be sure to never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle and always keep the car at a comfortable temperature—both extreme cold and extreme heat can negatively impact your pet’s health.

Consider adjusting diets.

With walks cut short and less time spent outdoors in general, indoor pets can experience unhealthy weight gain. Ask your veterinarian for specific feeding recommendations and supplement the lost time outdoors with indoor playtime. Hide-and-seek with treats is one good way to keep your dog active indoors.

Be prepared.

Like humans, your pet will need food and water if power goes out during a cold front or winter storm. Be sure to keep an ample supply of water, food, and medication (plan for five days), and store emergency numbers and addresses in a safe, easily accessible place. Keep copies of these emergency numbers in both your home and car for good measure.

The best way to monitor your pets’ comfort level in the cold is to watch their behavior. If you notice that your pet is shivering/shaking/trembling, whining, acting lethargic or anxious, searching out warmth or shelter, or holding up one or more paws, that is a sign that it is time to head inside.

Pick-6 Rolls to $5.2 Million for Dec. 30 Drawing

TRENTON (Dec. 27, 2019)

– The Pick-6 drawing on December 26 produced

four

winners of

$6,041

for matching five out of six white balls drawn. The $5.2 million drawing will be held Monday, December 30, 2019.

The

winning numbers

for the

Thursday, December 26

, drawing were:

13, 16, 26, 30, 35 and 37

. The XTRA

Multiplier

was:

. By adding XTRA for an additional $1.00 per play, winners are able to multiply their non-jackpot prizes by the XTRA number drawn.

Acting Executive Director James Carey announced that there were 483,331 tickets purchased for the drawing and of those sold, thousands were prizewinners! For correctly matching four numbers, 323 ticketholders won $72 each and 45 others won $216 each with the addition of XTRA. Moreover, for correctly matching three numbers 6,773 ticketholders won $3.00 each and 997 others won $9 each with the addition of XTRA. Lastly 7,941 ticketholders each won $2.00 for correctly matching two numbers with the addition of XTRA on their purchase.

PETS ARE THE BEST: Eight new pups report for duty

Urban, a three-month-old black Labrador retriever, trains with Danielle Berger at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. Berger is leading the training for the U litter, composed of Urban and seven of her brothers and sisters, with assistance from interns including (left to right) Charlotte Kronick, Dominique Andrews, Trevor Vidas, and Tesa Stone. (All images: Eric Sucar/University Communications)

PHILADELPHIA PA–More sure-footed and confident by the day, the U litter puppies of the

Working Dog Center

are not yet 3 months old, yet are already a month into their training to use their agile bodies and sensitive noses to serve society.

These eight pups, all black Labrador retrievers, also fit into a special category: They are WDC legacies, the first to be born to two “

graduates

” of the Center, mom Pinto and dad Boomer.

Since their arrival at the WDC, they’ve been gradually introduced to tasks that will guide them on to careers in search and rescue, disease detection, police work, and more. With help from several interns, lead puppy trainer

Danielle Berger

makes sure the labs, each named for victims of September 11, receive a balanced mix of training, socialization, and rest.

Earlier this month,

Penn Toda

caught up with JUel, Ugo, Uli, Uman, Umar, Upton, Urban, and Uzza on a busy day of training, which, to an untrained eye, looks an awful lot like play—probably because, to the puppies, work and play are one and the same.

Though the U litter is graced with excellent pedigree—Pinto and Boomer both work in cadaver detection—they are still puppies with a lot to learn. “Play dates” with older dogs, such as Lucy, a Dutch shepherd, teach puppies like Ugo good social skills.

The puppies get a mix of one-on-one training, group “puppy play dates,” and frequent snuggles, to ensure they’re skilled and well-socialized. When they’re not at the WDC, each puppy lives with a volunteer foster family.

Cindy Otto, executive director of the WDC, works Casey, an older WDC dog, through training to improve strength, balance, and fitness. Otto drew inspiration to found the Center after caring for working dogs that responded to the 9-11 attacks. Each puppy that comes through the Center’s program is named for a 9-11 victim or working dog.

In a “runaway” drill, Drexel co-op intern Lauren Filipe hides in a crate, encouraging Urban to chase after her. The aim of the exercise is to elicit a bark from Urban, which will be her signal to her handler that she’s found the object of her search. Urban quickly obliged.

Located at Pennovation Works, across the Schuylkill River from Penn’s main campus, the WDC makes use of nearby buildings and open spaces to train the puppies and give them room to roam.

Trainers erect various obstacles and challenges for the puppies to navigate, helping them improve their agility and also conquer any fears. “The genetics are shining through in these dogs,” says Berger, encouraging Uman to cross a narrow plank.

SOURCE: