Virginia G. “Ginny” Giacobbe) of Mt. Ephraim

Virginia G. “Ginny” Giacobbe (nee Vernamonti), on December 9, 2019, of Mt. Ephraim. Age 86.

Beloved wife of 66 years of Dominic Giacobbe. Devoted mother of Charles (Linda), Christopher (Pamela), Thomas (Margaret), James (Lisa), Dominic (Jackie) and Elaine Colton (Paul). Loving grandmother of 15 and great grandmother of four. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Giacobbe was a member of the PTA in the Mt. Ephraim schools. She was also a volunteer for Mt. Ephraim midget football and little league.

There will be a viewing from 6 to 8pm Sunday eve and 9:45 to 10:45am Monday morning at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.

Funeral Mass 11:30am Monday at St. Rose of Lima RC Church, Haddon Hts.

Entombment New St. Mary’s Mausoleum, Bellmawr.

Holiday Events in Camden County

12/13/19

Collingswood’s First Holly Jolly Trolley

December 13, 2019

Corner of Haddon Avenue and Woodlawn, Collingswood, NJ 08108

Collingswood’s first Holly Jolly Trolley lights tour! See the magnificently decorated business districts and homes registered for the residential decorating contest each Friday in December. Guests can take a free, festive trolley tour and enjoy block after block of homes trimmed in holiday cheer! The trolley will board in Collingswood’s downtown, giving guests an opportunity to plan a night to enjoy the trolley then shop and dine in the Borough’s “winter wonderland” which includes caroling, free visits with Santa and free parking!

12/14/19

Santa Brunch

Saturday, December 14th, 10 AM

Gloucester Twp.

Gloucester Township Recreation Center

On Saturday, December 14th, visit Santa and enjoy bagels, donuts, fun & games at the Gloucester Township Recreation Center. This event is FREE! Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need.

https://www.facebook.com/events/538430613393995/

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 14th, 9:00 AM

Magnolia

Donald E. Wilson Community Center, 425 W. Brooke Ave, Magnolia

On Saturday, December 14th, all Magnolia children and families are invited to our Breakfast with Santa. Starting at 9:00 AM, there will be food, crafts and other activities for all. This year’s theme is “Candy Land”. All children up to and including 8th grade will receive a gift. Seating is limited and tickets will need to be purchased in advance at the Borough Hall. There will also be a drop-off for expired or unused prescriptions all day. The event will be held at the Donald E. Wilson Community Center (425 W. Brooke Ave.).

www.magnolia-nj.org

Holiday Resident Luncheon

Saturday, December 14th, 2:00 PM

Magnolia

Donald E. Wilson Community Center, 425 W. Brooke Ave, Magnolia

Also on Saturday, December 14th, the borough will hold its Holiday Resident Luncheon at 2:00 PM. There will be a drop-off for expired or unused prescriptions all day. This year’s entertainment will feature various performing arts groups from Sterling High School. There will be free gifts for those who attend. Any Magnolia resident who is at least 55 years “young” is welcome to attend consider this FREE event. Seating is limited and reservations need to be made in advance at the Borough Hall. The event will be held at the Donald E. Wilson Community Center (425 W. Brooke Ave.).

www.magnolia-nj.org

Merchantville Breakfast with Santa

Saturday December 14th, beginning at 10:00 AM

Merchantville

Merchantville Senior Center, 212 Somerset Ave, Merchantville

Christmas Parade of Lights

Saturday December 14th, 7 PM

Mount Ephraim

12/15/19

Make It, Take It, Fry It, Try It – Chanukah Event

Sunday December 15th, 2-3:30 PM

Katz JCC

Katz JCC, 1301 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

At this inter-generational Chanukah family fun day with Chef Jerzy Gonzalez! Design a unique family latke recipe and recipe card, prep and take home to fry! Children will enjoy decorating aprons and an oil-themed STEM activity!

https://katzjcc.org/event/make-it-take-it-fry-it-try-it-chanukah-event/

Holiday Parade of Lights

Sunday, December 15th at 6:00 PM

Magnolia

The parade will begin at Camden and Davis Ave. It will proceed down Camden Ave., make a left on Maryland Ave., a right on Warwick Rd., right on Evesham Ave., and right on Albertson Ave., and end at the Donald E. Wilson Community Center (425 W. Brooke Ave.). Another event which has become an annual tradition in Magnolia is our Holiday Parade of Lights . This year’s parade will begin at 6:00 PM on Sunday, December 15th. The Recreation Committee would like to encourage all fire departments, ambulance squads, residents, civic organizations, and local businesses to participate. Prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories. The parade will begin at Camden and Davis Ave. It will proceed down Camden Ave., make a left on Maryland Ave., a right on Warwick Rd., right on Evesham Ave., and right on Albertson Ave., and end at the Donald E. Wilson Community Center (425 W. Brooke Ave.). Please go to the Borough of Magnolia website (

www.magnolia-nj.org

) or call the Borough Hall (856-783-1520) for more information.

12/17/19

Teddy’s Toys For Camden Kids

December 17th

Camden City

Adventure Aquarium, Camden

Enlightened Chanukah Cooking Class

Tuesday, December 17th, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Katz JCC

Katz JCC, 1301 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

Enjoy the spirit and tradition of Chanukah with lighter and healthier ingredients! Potato latke cups with assorted fillings, Chickpea tacos with spicy sour cream, Nutty quinoa salad with tangy orange dressing, Banana bread donuts with chocolate, halvah and cinnamon glazes, Chocolate gelt for adults, Apple cider hot toddy. Space is limited

Instructors: Ruth Cohen and Vicky Fox, Authors of Tahini and Turmeric. COST: $40/JCC Member • $50/Guest

12/19/19

STEM LAB: Make an Electric Circuit Menorah

Thursday, December 19th, 1-3PM

Katz JCC

Katz JCC, 1301 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

Join instructor: Michelle Carrera Foster, STEM Coordinator, Katz JCC. Impress your children and grandchildren by bringing home a circuit menorah that you make, all while learning about electricity!

COST: JCC Member: $10 / Guest: $15

https://katzjcc.org/event/stem-lab-make-an-electric-circuit-menorah/

12/20/19

Collingswood’s First Holly Jolly Trolley

December 20, 2019

Corner of Haddon Avenue and Woodlawn, Collingswood, NJ 08108

12/25/19

Character Breakfast

Wednesday, December 25th, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Katz JCC

Katz JCC, 1301 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

Enjoy a morning full of food and fun for the whole family at our annual character breakfast! Characters include Curious George, Elmo and a princess! Also enjoy special Chanukah crafts and games! EMAIL US TO REGISTER – erichman@jfedsnj.org

https://katzjcc.org/event/character-breakfast/

12/26/19

Community Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration

Thursday, December 26th, 6:00 PM

Collingswood

Lumberyard Garden found at the corner of Collings and N. Atlantic Ave Collingswood’s annual community Menorah lighting on Thursday, December 26 at 6 pm. The lighting takes place at the Lumberyard garden found at the corner of Collings and N. Atlantic Ave. Connect with the community and enjoy an evening of fun for the whole family with music, latkes, donuts, dreidels and choco-gelt! Sponsored by Chabad of Camden and Burlington counties For more information please visit

www.thechabadcenter.org

12/30/19

Kwanzaa Celebration

December 30th

Camden City (location TBD)

Throughout the Season

Merchantville Santa House

Friday and Saturday Evenings

Merchantville

Park and Centre Street, Merchantville

Santa will be at his house for a photo

Mt. Laurel Man Receives Prison Term for Causing Son’s Death While Driving Impaired

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a 27-year-old Mount Laurel man was sentenced today to seven years in New Jersey state prison for driving impaired earlier this year and causing a crash in Willingboro that killed his 4-year-old son and injured the boy’s twin

brother.

Ossie Thomas must serve 85 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole. He pled guilty in June to one count of Vehicular Homicide (Second Degree), one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Second Degree), and one count of Driving While Intoxicated (Municipal Summons). He was sentenced in Superior Court before the Hon. Christopher J. Garrenger, J.S.C., and was ordered to report to the Burlington County Jail on January 3.

The investigation began after Willingboro Township Police Department patrol officers were called to the area of Rancocas Road and Primrose Lane just before 2 p.m. on January 8, 2019 for a report of a motor vehicle crash. The investigation revealed that Thomas was traveling east on Rancocas Road at a high rate of speed and attempted to turn onto Primrose Lane. He lost control of the vehicle and veered into a wooded area near the intersection.

One of the twins was pronounced dead an hour later at Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County in Willingboro. The other child was taken to Cooper University Medical Center in Camden and treated for a traumatic brain injury.

The results of toxicology tests performed on blood drawn from Thomas after the crash revealed he had marijuana in his system and a blood alcohol content of .125 percent. Thomas did not dispute the results of the report.

“Yet again, we are confronted with a scenario where a child’s life was lost due to a parent’s decision to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol,” Prosecutor Coffina said. “I urge everyone to think ahead about transportation when planning to have adult beverages. Choose a designated driver, call a cab, or use a ride-sharing or ride-hailing service. It’s as easy as sending a text.”

Thomas was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Joshua Dennis, supervisor of the BCPO Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit. The investigation was conducted by the Prosecutor’s Office, the Willingboro Township Police Department and the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit. The lead investigators were BCPO Detective Melvin Rogers and Willingboro Police Detectives Gil Quinones and Monica Podraza.

Bordentown City Man Sentenced for Distributing Child Pornography Online

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that a Burlington County man who had hundreds of items of child pornography on his laptop computer was sentenced to prison today for distributing child pornography online through a peer-to-peer network.

Michael D. Gordon, 34, of Bordentown City, N.J., was sentenced to five years in state prison, including 2 ½ years of parole ineligibility, by Superior Court Judge James J. Morley in Burlington County. Gordon pleaded guilty on July 17, 2019 to a second-degree charge of distribution of child pornography. He will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life. In pleading guilty, Gordon admitted that he knowingly used file-sharing software to make multiple items of child pornography readily available for any other user to download from a “shared folder” on his computer.

Deputy Attorney General Supriya Prasad prosecuted Gordon and handled the sentencing for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Cyber Crimes Bureau. Gordon was arrested in April 2019 as the result of an investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice, conducted with assistance from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Bordentown City Police Department.

A detective of the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Cyber Crimes Bureau was monitoring an online file-sharing network that is popular with child pornography offenders when he identified a computer address that was sharing child pornography. On multiple occasions, the detective successfully downloaded hundreds of items of child pornography being shared from that IP address, which was traced to Gordon’s home in Bordentown City. On April 3, 2019, detectives of the Division of Criminal Justice, assisted by agents of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and officers of the Bordentown City Police Department, executed a search warrant at Gordon’s home, arresting him and seizing his computer devices. The devices were brought to the Division of Criminal Justice Forensics Laboratory, where a forensic examination of his laptop computer revealed over 600 images and videos of child pornography.

“By viewing and redistributing child pornography, offenders like Gordon participate in the cruel sexual exploitation of innocent children— children whose images can never be erased from the internet,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Protecting children is our highest priority, and we will continue to collaborate across all levels of law enforcement to send these offenders to prison.”

“We want offenders who download and share child pornography to know that they may face longer prison sentences based on the extent of their collections and their distribution activities,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “New Jersey has tough child pornography laws, and we will continue to make strong use of them as we investigate and prosecute these offenders.”

Attorney General Grewal commended Deputy Attorney General Prasad and the detectives who conducted the investigation for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Cyber Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Julia Glass. AG Grewal also thanked U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Bordentown City Police Department for their valuable assistance.

Attorney General Grewal and Director Allende urged anyone with information about the distribution of child pornography on the internet – or about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children – to contact the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Tipline at

888-648-6007

9 Ways Going to Church Can Benefit Your Life

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(Dec. 11, 2019)–While church attendance seems to be declining, and a mental health crisis is rising, many people may not realize the many benefits of attending church.

Almost 20% of Americans

report having no religious affiliation in 2018. This is more than double the 8% who had no preference just a decade earlier.

Attending church has several benefits that may have you reconsidering your connection with a higher power. Read on to find out what they are.

1. Mental Health Benefits of Attending Church

This world is a stressful and often confusing place. Depression, anxiety, and stress are challenges facing many as they struggle through life. It often leaves people wondering their place in the universe and what the purpose of their life is.

Studies show that

religion and spirituality can benefit

mental and physical health, and relieve depression, anxiety, and stress by providing an answer to many of those questions about life.

2. Physical Health Benefits

When you\’re less stressed and more content in life (which is often associated with spiritual connections), your physical health also improves.

You can actually lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke, and even reduce your risk of dementia.

Religious affiliation also has some guidelines and spiritual rules that lead to healthier life choices; for example, some religions forbid addictive substances. Some promote no or little meat intake, alcohol, or drugs. These can all lead to a healthier life overall.

Not only does church reduce stress, but it may also

help you live longer

. That\’s right—a study of middle-aged adults showed that there was a link between attending church and mortality that goes above and beyond just reducing stress.

3. Social Connections

Another benefit of church attendance can be the social connections you make with other parishioners. The individuals you meet may become your friends and offer emotional support in your life.

Feeling connected to a community or individuals with similar beliefs and interests is a critical part of actualization and joy in life. The activities, community, and sense of belonging in a church can provide that much-needed

sense of belonging

4. Guidance and Direction

No matter who you are or what your life is like, there are roadblocks, challenges, and tragedies to deal with at some point. Religion and spirituality can help give an individual guidance and direction, as well as comfort.

Many spiritual individuals have thought about and determined their priorities in life because their religion gives them a place to start and a litmus test for choices.

Someone without religion or spirituality may make very different decisions without a moral place to start setting their personal boundaries. While there are millions of good people making good choices without religion, having one can make it easier to make kinder and less selfish choices in your life.

There is no quandary because your religion sets what is right and wrong in your life. While you still have the ultimate choice, you have a personal standard to begin making that choice from.

5. Develop Talents

Attending church can often create opportunities to grow and develop talents a person otherwise would never use.

Many of the top celebrity singers developed their voices and talents while

singing in church

from the time they were young. Justin Timberlake, Aretha Franklin, John Legend, and many more have attributed their talent and love for music to their church attendance.

Some churches have their congregation participate with service projects, leadership opportunities, speaking engagements, and musical performances.

6. A Sense of Purpose

Spirituality often gives individuals

a sense of purpose

in their lives. This can be from the belief of a higher power and from service or good deeds they perform as a result of their religious belief that Christlike service and fellowship are the true purposes of life.

Learn more

about how church attendance can help provide a sense of purpose.

7. Resilience

Spirituality and religion can help a person become more resilient when facing the most painful life experiences. A belief in the afterlife can make the death of a loved one more bearable.

Faith can often help individuals get through a health or financial crisis with more optimism and hope. There\’s a tendency to look for and find a lesson in the challenges of life, which can help reduce distress in times of crisis or tragedy.

8. Confidence and a Sense of Worth

Spirituality not only gives you a sense of purpose, but it can also give you a sense of empowerment and greater self-confidence. The belief that you come from a higher power and were created with a purpose can lead you to set higher goals.

For many, the belief that they\’re a child of God gives them the courage or faith to try things they\’d never believe were possible otherwise.

Priorities and goals may be easier to determine and more centered on fulfilling one\’s potential rather than obtaining worldly power or possessions. The difference in priorities and focus can bring a sense of peace and contentment in life that allows growth in personal areas, rather than always seeking approval from people.

9. A More Compassionate and Optimistic View

Those who have a strong spiritual base will often be more compassionate and optimistic in their view of life and the world. Someone who\’s truly trying to live a more Christlike life will have increased empathy and compassion for their fellow man and see the world with a more optimistic and loving view.

They\’ll often be the first to offer a helping hand and tend to be more willing to serve and help because of a sense of duty to another and to their maker.

Attending Church Can Make Every Day Better

Attending church doesn\’t just have benefits on Sundays. It can have positive effects and benefits in every aspect of your life if you make a commitment and find a community with spiritual beliefs you feel connected to.

Don\’t forget to bookmark our website for easy access to the latest news, tips, and articles.

Seven Individuals Charged in Interstate Scheme

to Steal More Than $235,000 from Three Insurance Annuity Policies

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor today announced charges against seven individuals in an interstate scheme to steal more than

$235,000 from three insurance annuity policies.

An Ohio resident and three New Jersey residents were charged with conspiracy and theft by deception in the alleged scheme to steal money from three annuity policies issued by Lincoln Financial Group. Three others were charged with receiving stolen property in the thefts that occurred between December 2015 and September 2016.

According to documents filed in the case, the thefts occurred when Lincoln Financial Group received death claims benefit withdrawal applications from individuals purporting to be the beneficiaries of the annuity policies.

Charged in a 16-count indictment handed up by a state Grand Jury on November 14, 2019 were:

Gaetanina Nicole Zarbo, 34, of New Albany, Ohio, who was charged with three counts of second-degree conspiracy, three counts of second-degree theft by deception, and two counts of third-degree receiving stolen property.

Zuberu Sumaila, 27, of Newark, who was charged with second-degree conspiracy, second-degree theft by deception, and three counts of third-degree receiving stolen property.

Emmanuel Oppong-Dabankah, 30, of North Brunswick, who was charged with second-degree conspiracy, second degree theft by deception, and two counts of third-degree receiving stolen property.

Kojo Kumah Mensah, 27, of Newark, who was charged with second-degree conspiracy and second-degree theft by deception.

Cecilia Fynn (a.k.a. Cecilia Lemaire), 26, of Somerset, who was charged with third-degree receiving stolen property.

Tashae N. McCray, 23, of Rahway, who was charged with third-degree receiving stolen property.

Latika Busby, 37, of Columbus, Ohio, who was charged with third-degree receiving stolen property.

Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $150,000; third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $15,000.

The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Menjivar presented the case to the Grand Jury. Detective Shawn McDonald coordinated the investigation.

Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Thompson noted that some important cases have started with anonymous tips. People who are concerned about insurance cheating and have information about a fraud can report it anonymously by calling the toll-free hotline at

1-877-55-FRAUD

, or visiting the Web site at

www.njinsurancefraud.org

. State regulations permit a reward to be paid to an eligible person who provides information that leads to a conviction for insurance fraud.

\”Shadow\” A New Resource to Help Catch Horse Racing Cheaters

TRENTON –

Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the New Jersey Racing Commission have deployed a new asset in the effort to prevent cheating in the horse racing industry – a specially-trained scent-sniffing dog named Shadow.

A two-year-old black Labrador, Shadow is New Jersey’s first-ever K-9 horse racing investigator, and is already proving to be a valuable tool in deterring licensees who might seek a competitive or wagering advantage by drugging race horses.

The Racing Commission has put Shadow on regular patrol at New Jersey racetracks, including Monmouth Park, Freehold Raceway, and the New Meadowlands Racetrack. Earlier this year, Shadow made his first find, detecting the presence of a prohibited substance.

“A big part of the job for any regulatory and enforcement agency is to stay one step ahead of those who would seek to profit by breaking our laws and rules,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Shadow is an incredible asset in that respect, because cheaters in horse racing can’t cheat without using prohibited substances, and he is specifically trained to sniff them out. Shadow is helping not only to protect horses, but to preserve the integrity of the horse racing industry throughout our state.”

Racing Commission Executive Director Judith A. Nason credits Shadow with having “vastly increased the Racing Commission’s investigatory ability,” and with helping to send a strong cautionary message to would-be horse dopers.

“One very important purpose of Shadow is to deter trainers or owners from even the thought of giving a prohibited substance to a horse,” said Nason.

“We believe Shadow will prove to be an efficient, cost-effective tool in catching and penalizing licensees who cheat,” Nason said. “The Racing Commission already has four human investigators. That’s eight boots on the ground. By adding Shadow, we now have 12 boots on the ground – although four of them are paws.”

Earlier this year, Attorney General Grewal challenged the leadership of every division and commission within the Department of Law and Public Safety to look for ways to better serve the public by identifying new ways to collaborate with each other.

As part of that process, the Racing Commission identified the need for adding a trained, scent-sniffing dog that could detect the presence of substances unique to horse racing that cannot lawfully be possessed by anyone but a licensed veterinarian.

The New Jersey State Police partnered with the Racing Commission in this effort and through its Canine Academy found a two-year-old black Labrador retriever for the Racing Commission and, following a Racing Commission naming contest, the dog became officially known as “Shadow.”

With Investigator Joseph Sczerbowicz manning the leash, Shadow now spends Monday through Thursday patrolling racetracks and licensed farms to ferret out banned chemicals that might be concealed in stalls or barns – sometimes in places where a routine inspection might not uncover them, such as locked drawers, toolboxes or even piles of hay. And on race days – Fridays and Saturdays – Shadow is deployed at New Jersey’s thoroughbred and Standardbred racetracks.

For investigative reasons, Executive Director Nason will not disclose details concerning what substances Shadow is able to detect. However, she confirms that he is trained to find a host of banned chemicals known to be used by cheaters, as well as related paraphernalia such as syringes and hypodermic needles.

“The people hiding drugs and needles have always had an intrinsic advantage, because it’s easier to conceal these things than to locate them,” said Nason. “But Shadow could turn out to be a true game-changer. Not only can he search a lot of territory very quickly, he can also detect banned substances in hiding places where we humans might not find them.”

####

Acting Stratford Republican Club President Backs Gustafson

Former running mate endorses Gustafson

COLLINGSWOOD – Republican candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s first congressional district, Claire Gustafson, announced today she has earned the endorsement of former Freeholder running mate and acting Stratford Republican Club President Rob Stone.

Stone’s endorsement is the second out of Stratford, he joins former Councilman John Dudley in backing Gustafson.

“I’ve never endorsed a candidate in a party primary, but I’m not sitting this one out. I’ve known Claire Gustafson for several years, I’ve worked with her and I’ve run with her. I know no one will out work Claire,” Acting Stratford Republican Club President Rob Stone said. “From her days on the school board to stepping up to the plate every time the party has needed her, Claire has laid the foundation necessary to build the organization needed to compete against the Norcross political machine. I’m proud to join former Councilman John Dudley and others in endorsing Claire.”

“Having run for freeholder Rob Stone knows the difficulties of running against South Jersey’s political machine, I’m thankful for his support and look forward to working with him to win races up and down the ballot in 2020,” Claire Gustafson said.

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.

State Adopts NEW Rules for Fantasy Sports

NEWARK

– Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division) announced today that the Division has adopted its first set of rules for fantasy sports activities in New Jersey, including rules designed to protect children.

The new rules, adopted this month, implement a 2017 law requiring fantasy sports operators to obtain permits from the Division and comply with other requirements to protect participants in New Jersey’s new online sports betting frontier.

The new rules require fantasy sports operators to adopt procedures to ensure that no one under the age of 18 participates in fantasy sports activities. Fantasy sports operators also are prohibited from advertising in publications or media aimed exclusively at minors, at K-12 schools and at sports venues used exclusively for K-12 student sports activities. In addition, if an account is found to have been created by a minor, any money held in the account must be refunded.

The Division also took regulatory steps to protect other fantasy sports participants, including limiting the risk that fantasy sports participants will go into debt as a result of their fantasy sports activities. To that end, fantasy sports operators may not extend credit to any participant. Fantasy sports operators also must offer individuals the ability to restrict themselves from participating in fantasy sports activities if they so choose.

Other consumer protections in the new rules include a requirement that fantasy sports operators maintain adequate procedures for processing complaints from participants, and restrictions on participation by employees, officers, directors, and owners of fantasy sports operators. Operators also are required to maintain appropriate reserves so that they will be able to satisfy their financial obligations to participants.

The new rules will supplement statutory requirements that the Division has already begun enforcing. The Division

announced

its first action to enforce the fantasy sports law in August 2019, when the Division entered into a consent order with SportsHub Games Network, Inc. SportsHub agreed to pay a $30,000 civil penalty after the Division found that the company unlawfully operated a fantasy sports site without a permit, and failed to clearly and conspicuously disclose that the company collects personal information from consumers’ social media accounts and shares it with third parties. The company also agreed to modify its business practices.

The rule adoption notice, dated December 2, 2019, is available

here

. The original proposal, dated November 19, 2018, is available

here

NJ Kicks off Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

Holiday Grantee List

NEW JERSEY

– With the busy holiday travel season fast approaching, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (“the Division”) today announced the kick-off of a statewide traffic safety campaign targeting drunk and impaired drivers.

Starting today, law enforcement agencies across the state will be patrolling the New Jersey roads looking for drunk and impaired drivers as part of the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” holiday campaign, which runs through January 1, 2020.

New Jersey’s crackdown on impaired driving is part of a nationwide effort to reduce crash risks during the heavily traveled holiday season. To assist with New Jersey’s enforcement efforts, the Division has provided 133 agencies with grants totaling $596,660 that pay for saturation patrols and high-visibility sobriety checkpoints throughout the state.

“The holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends but if your celebration includes alcohol, leave the driving to someone else – a sober friend, a ride share, or public transportation,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “Being a responsible driver is one of the simplest ways to ensure a safe and happy holiday season for everyone. Our Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is aimed at raising public awareness and saving lives.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (“NHTSA”) Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 10,511 people were killed nationwide in drunk-driving crashes last year, a figure that represents nearly 30 percent of all fatalities recorded for that year. In New Jersey alone, 125 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes in 2018 – more than 20 percent of all traffic fatalities recorded.

According to the NHTSA report, last December 839 people lost their lives in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver, and there were more drunk-driving-related fatalities during the Christmas and New Year’s Day holiday periods in 2018 alone than during any other holiday period that year.

“These fatalities are preventable, and people must remember that driving under the influence of any substance, be it drugs or alcohol, is deadly, illegal, and selfish behavior,” said Eric Heitmann, Director of the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “To promote traffic safety this holiday season, law enforcement officers will be out in force looking for impaired drivers. If you drive under the influence during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization, you can count on being stopped and arrested.”

Last year, more than 76% (372) of New Jersey’s police agencies participated in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday campaign. The 2018 enforcement effort resulted in 1,269 DWI arrests (alcohol and/or drugs) statewide; and participating police agencies issued 5,704 and 3,125 speeding and seat belt summonses, respectively. A number of departments reported noteworthy accomplishments, including 15 agencies making 14 or more DWI arrests during the campaign.

For more information, follow the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, and visit NJSafeRoads.com.