Category: SOUTH JERSEY

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.

DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation hosts First Day Hikes across Delaware

DOVER (Dec. 27, 2019) – New Year’s Day is a great time to kick the 2020s off on the right foot with one of 18 First Day Hikes hosted by DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation. First Day Hikes is a national movement sponsored by America’s State Parks to encourage the celebration of fitness in the nation’s great outdoors.

There’s no need to register for any of the hikes listed below; just show up prepared to walk! Items hikers may want to bring along include comfortable hiking/walking shoes, a camera, a bottle of water, appropriate layers for the weather, a hat, sunglasses, a backpack, and snacks. Some hikes may require water-resistant shoes, or have age or pet restrictions. Not all hikes are suitable for strollers.

Check out one of the following hikes to celebrate the New Year at a Delaware State Park.

10 a.m. – Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington – 2 to 3 miles – Easy/Moderate

Meet at Blue Ball Barn. Leashed, well-behaved dogs welcome.

10 a.m. – Fort Dupont State Park, Delaware City – 1.1 miles – Easy

Meet at the parking lot closest to the river, at the end of Wilmington Avenue/Old Battery Lane.

10 a.m. – Trap Pond State Park, Laurel – 2 miles – Easy

Meet at Baldcypress Nature Center.

11 a.m. – Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes – 1.5 miles – Moderate

Park in the Point Comfort Station Parking lot and walk north to the Point parking lot. Minimum age: 7 years old with an adult.

12:30 p.m. – Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington – 1/4 mile – Easy

Meet at the gift shop.

12:30 p.m. – Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area, Lewes – 1.7 miles – Easy

Meet at Fort Miles Parking Lot. Minimum age: 7 years old with an adult

1 p.m. – Bellevue State Park, Wilmington – 1.5 to 3 miles – Easy

Meet at Bellevue Arts Center. This hike is for all ages and is stroller friendly.

1 p.m.

–

First State Heritage Park, Dover – 1/4 mile – Easy

Meet at the John Bell House.

1 p.m. – Holts Landing State Park, Bethany Beach – 1.7 miles – Easy

Meet at Holts Landing Picnic Pavilion

1 p.m. – Killens Pond State Park, Felton – 1 to 3 miles – Varying Difficulty

Meet at the Nature Center.

1 p.m. – Lums Pond State Park, Bear– 2.5 miles – Easy/Moderate

Meet at Area 1 Pavilion/. Pets are permitted but must be on a 6-foot leash.

1 p.m. – Auburn Valley State Park, Yorklyn – 1.1 miles – Moderate

Meet at 1516 Snuff Mill Road Trail lot.

1 p.m. – Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington – 2-2.5 miles – Moderate

Meet at the Nature Center.

1 p.m. – White Clay Creek State Park, Newark – 1 to 2.5 miles – Multiple Difficulties

1.3 miles – Moderate – Millstone Pond Trail. Meet at Carpenter Recreation Area.

2 miles – Moderate/Difficult – Arc Corner Monument Loop. Meet at Nature Center.

2 miles – Moderate – PennDel/Pomeroy Trail. Meet at Nature Center

2.5 miles – Moderate/Difficult – Twin Valley Trail. Meet at Carpenter Recreation Area.

3:30 p.m. – Auburn Valley State Park – Easy – 1 mile

Meet at the Paper Mill Parking Lot on Benge Road.

For more information about the Delaware State Parks First Day Hikes and to see maps of the park trails beforehand, go to

https://destateparks.com/firstday

or call 302-739-9220.

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

th

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.

YOUNG CATHOLICS TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH MIDNIGHT MASS

PHILADELPHIA PA–Faithful throughout the Archdiocese are invited to gather at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul for a prayerful, holy, and unique way to ring in the New Year. It will be hosted by members of the Cathedral’s Young Adult Group and the Catholic Center for Young Adults.

Tuesday, December 31, 2019 – Wednesday, January 1, 2020

11:00 p.m. Holy Hour

12:00 a.m. Midnight Mass

1:00 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. Celebration

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Reverend G. Dennis Gill,

Rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and Director of the Archdiocesan Office for Divine Worship,

will be the principal celebrant and Father Shaun Mahoney will be the homilist at the Midnight Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Following the Mass, there will be a celebration in Drexel Hall.  The theme is Art Deco and 1920s period attire is welcomed. Refreshments and music will be provided at no cost and all are welcome to attend.

You can find information about the event through the Facebook event page

https://www.facebook.com/events/453854045322662/

or CCYA’s Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/CatholicCenterForYoungAdults

.

Malcom Wilfong, age 28, of Allentown, Pa Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on December 19, 2019, Malcom Wilfong, age 28, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 55 months’ imprisonment for participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy that operated in Schuylkill and Berks Counties.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Wilfong previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine between July 2016 and May 2017.

Wilfong is the fourth defendant connected to the methamphetamine ring to be sentenced in federal court. Anibal Rodriguez, the leader of the drug conspiracy, was previously sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment. Ernest Schaeffer received a 15-year prison sentence. David Castro was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Shenandoah Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.

This case is part of

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)

, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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:

03

. 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.

Harry W. Hofflinger, Sr. of Westville

Harry W. Hofflinger, Sr.

On December 24, 2019.

Age 72, of Westville. Born in Woodbury, he was the son of the late Harry M. and Mary T. (Bowe) Hofflinger. Harry is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia R. (Butler) Hofflinger, his loving children, Sharon Hofflinger (Gill), Harry W. Hofflinger, Jr., Joe Brown, Dawn Colofranson (Tony), Janet Goetz (Pete); 13 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; brothers, Bob Hills (Diane), Barry Hills (Vicki), Brian Hills (Sean) and his sisters, Karen Jones, Barbara Robbins, Regina Morrison and Karen Hills. Harry was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Colleen Brown; brothers, Roger and George Hills and his sister, Ruth Nail.

Harry worked for many years as a Pipe Insulator for the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. He was a parishioner of St. Mary’s R.C. Church, liked hunting, fishing and was an avid Eagles and Phillies fan. He was a family man who loved spending time with his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 31st, at 11 AM in St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, where family and friends may visit from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hurffville, NJ

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Harry to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN

38105. Please write: Harry W. Hofflinger in the memo.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Harry W. Hofflinger, Sr. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through:

McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City

Ph: 856-456-1142

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

y

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:

Protecting Animals, Serving Society

RELATED:

PETS ARE THE BEST

DAWN WATSON\’S PET TIPS

NJ Senator Singleton to Kick-Off 2020 Community Projects Jan. 20

Event will be held as a Day of Service in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

MAPLE SHADE, NJ

– Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Senator Troy Singleton (photo) is partnering with Habitat for Humanity for his January community service project. The “Serve with Senator Singleton” event will be held on Monday, January 20, 2020 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore located at 530 Route 38 East in Maple Shade.

The Senator and a group of volunteers will participate in a “Building Blitz” where they will help assemble furniture and other items for sale in the ReStore showrooms.  Volunteers must be at least 15 years old. Anyone interested in volunteering can sign-up on the Senator’s website:

https://www.senatorsingleton.com/habitat_for_humanity_restore_2020

“Over the past two years, we have joined with dozens of volunteers to donate over 1,000 hours to community service projects that benefit residents throughout Burlington County,” said Senator Singleton. “This is our third time returning to Habitat for Humanity to hold a Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Habitat’s mission to provide affordable housing for deserving residents makes it the perfect partner to kick-off our 2020 service events.”

This will be Senator Singleton’s 26

th

“Serve with Singleton” event since becoming State Senator in 2018. Previous volunteer efforts include: indoor and outdoor clean-up days, animal welfare projects, various clothing and supply drives, painting projects, and community event set-up and staffing.

The ReStore is Habitat for Humanity’s home improvement store open to the public that offers new and used items for 50-90% off the retail price. Proceeds from the store go back to the construction of affordable houses in the community.

“As Dr. King said, ‘Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve…You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love,” said Singleton.