DNREC-sponsored ‘Butterflies and Clean Water’ presentations March 2 and 30

LAUREL DELAWARE (Feb. 2020) – The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship’s Reclaim Our River Program – Nanticoke Series, in partnership with the Delaware Nature Society’s Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, and the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, will host two free presentations in March on saving the monarch butterfly, gardening for butterflies, and the importance of clean water.

The presentations will address the monarch butterfly population’s decline of more than 90 percent worldwide over the past 20 years. This is a critical environmental loss, since flowering plants depend on pollinators, including butterflies, to reproduce. Pollinators enable flowering plants to purify water and prevent erosion, through roots that hold the soil in place, and provide foliage that buffers the impact of rain.

On March 2, butterfly enthusiast Mike McFarlin of Milton will speak about his efforts to help repopulate Delaware\’s monarch butterfly population, by raising hundreds of them each summer. In addition, he will explain how attendees can volunteer as stewards, and adopt an area of land that supports pollinator habitat.

The second presentation, on March 30, will be led by Alice Mohrman of the Delaware Nature Society’s Abbott’s Mill Nature Center and focus on gardening for butterflies. She will also provide tips on how to landscape yards with attractive native plants that support wildlife habitat, and help reduce waterway pollution.

A limited number of free milkweed seeds will be available to participants, along with information on activities that support clean water. Attendees also will learn about the 2020 Reclaim Our River–Nanticoke Series, which offers numerous opportunities to learn techniques for keeping local waterways clean. Participants are encouraged to arrive early.

Both presentations will begin at 6 p.m. at the Laurel Library, located at 101 East 4th Street, Laurel, DE 19956.

For more information about the presentations, contact Alice Mohrman at 302-422-0847, or

alice@delawarenaturesociety.org

. For more information on the Reclaim Our River Program, contact Philip Miller at 302-608-5468, or

Philip.miller@delaware.gov

Making The Knights of Columbus More Appealing

Written by Peter G. Sánchez/

The Camden Diocese

BRIDGETON, NJ–Don Olbrich is nothing if not persistent.

Wherever he goes, he carries with him Form 100s, which are membership documents for the Knights of Columbus. Which is not surprising, as he is Grand Knight of his council, Liberty Council 1910 out of Bridgeton’s Parish of the Holy Cross.

“I took a Form 100 to my doctor’s office,” he says, but it wasn’t blank.

“I had already filled out his name and phone number, all I needed was his address,” he continues.

And then there was the time he tried to get his son, D.J., to join the council.

“He kept telling me no, so I told some of my brother Knights that if they could get him to sign up, I’d give them $100. It worked,” he says, laughing.

Olbrich’s methods have no doubt rubbed off on his brother Knights. From July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, his council gained 40 new members, 800% of their recruitment goal. The effort made Liberty Council 1910 second in the country in recruitment for any Knight’s council.

Today, the 101-year-old council is 113 men strong, in ages ranging from 19 years old to the mid-80s, Olbrich says.

“We set monthly membership goals,” he says in explaining how the council achieved the milestone.

His doggedness and determination speak to his love of the church where he has been a Knight for 10 years.

“It’s all about helping the parish,” he says.

The Liberty Council Knights are a constant presence around the Holy Cross community, be it cooking for the annual fall parish festival, organizing a donation drive of baby wipes and diapers for single mothers and their children, or repainting lines in the church parking lot.

Olbrich was thankful for the leadership and guidance of Holy Cross pastor, Father Matthew Weber, who has shown “tremendous support” for the council.

“The Knights have been a wonderful blessing,” says Father Weber, himself a Fourth Degree Knight.

In addition to “stepping up” to help the parish in whatever needs to be done, such as helping out with maintenance issues or being extra hands at parish events, the Knights of Columbus are “leading men to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, and with each other,” he says.

As well, he is pleased that the council reflects the diverse nature of his Bridgeton parish — a bilingual community with a faithful and collaborative mix of Anglo-Saxon and Hispanic members.

“The Knights have been a beautiful bridge” between these communities, he says,

“I’m glad this council has blossomed. These men are pillars of charity, fraternity, unity, and patriotism,” Father Weber said, echoing the Knights of Columbus’ mission.

Following the call from Supreme Director Carl Anderson to make the Knights more appealing, the Bridgeton Knights will hold a public initiation ceremony after the 4:30 p.m. Mass at Saint Mary Church, Rosenhayn on Saturday, Feb. 22, with a spaghetti dinner afterward. All are welcome.

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Why You Should Vacation to Luxury Safari Lodges in KZN

Gloucestercitynews.net (February 18, 2020)–South Africa is home to some of the most vibrant wildlife, immersive landscapes, and interesting people in the world. Zulu means “heaven” to the local people, who have named themselves the “people of heaven.” This is why the

luxury safari lodges in KZN

have become some of the most sought-after business and vacation retreats in the world.

For romance or recreation, these luxury safari lodges offer the unique opportunity to commune with the landscape of KZN in style. Their many guided tours, luxury accommodations, environmental conservation efforts, and community outreach programs guarantee any of its select guests the vacation of a lifetime.

Here are just a few of the luxury safari lodges available in KZN.

Thanda Safari

In the welcome video on its website, Thanda Safari describes itself as a “love story” between its royal guests and the wild but beautiful Zulu environment. It stands as a shining example of South Africa’s luxury lodges, where pleasure meets preservation.

Offering an array of accommodations, the Thanda Private Game Reserve is known worldwide for its luxury and hospitality. Its decadent common areas and main suites are safe for children and its private meeting areas provide secluded space for business meetings. Its self-sustaining tented camps provide exclusive access to nature unmatched by other reserves.

There’s a reason its suites were voted the World’s Leading Luxury Lodge at the 2011

World Travel Awards

Experienced environmental advisors and trackers conduct safari tours on the Thanda Game Reserve in order to educate its guests and give them the experience of a lifetime. Its educational programs seek to preserve the future while reconnecting with the past.

Partnering with many government organizations in a concerted effort to save the endangered rhino population, Thanda Safari embodies preservation, even as it offers its guests unmatched luxury accommodations.

Thula Thula

People visit the Thula Thula Private Game Reserve for a more personal touch. It is family-owned and operated and represents the oldest private game reserve in KZN, a treasured sanctuary for many of the endangered big game populations in South Africa, including leopard, rhino, and elephant.

Thula Thula is the former home of the famed conservationist Lawrence Anthony, whose book “The Elephant Whisperer” continues to inspire conservation efforts around the world. Thula Thula represents his integrity, his connection with nature, and his work.

Famed for its colonial decorative style and fine dining, the luxury suites are perfect for family vacations and honeymoons alike. For a more rugged experience, their tented camp situates you right in the bush with viewing decks, outdoor facilities, and authentic South African cooking.

Experienced guides will lead you on game drives and local outreach where you will be given the opportunity to experience the local people hands-on. There are luxury spa accommodations as well as cooking classes. Thula Thula is a feast of variety for those that want a connected, diverse experience in KZN.

Rhino Ridge

The Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge prides itself on connecting its guests with a true experience of the wilderness of South Africa. Its bush trails are to be experienced for those wanting a guided tour of nature’s great wonders, including one of the highest concentrations of white rhino in the world.

Though it is self-proclaimed “The Home of the Rhino,” Rhino Ridge also boasts

bird watching

that encompasses half of the entire region’s diverse species (over 400, according to its website). Its expert trackers guide guests on walks through the bush and gorges of the reserve, offering a connective experience with nature unlike any other.

Even though its natural experiences and rhino conservation are at the forefront of the mission of the Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, its luxury accommodations are no less significant. Contemporary architecture that situates you within viewing distance of the gorgeous watering hole and game herds of the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park is sure to provide you with the luxury accommodations you seek, no matter if you’re on safari with your family or on honeymoon with your spouse.

The Takeaway

Few places in the world can boast as diverse a combination of decadent accommodations and community outreach as KZN. Its luxury lodges have something for every vacation, from world-renowned restaurants and spas to suites fit for royalty.

Its educational and community outreach programs connect guests to the surrounding Zulu people. Its guided safari tours put you within reach of some of the most breathtaking wildlife and natural vistas in the entire world.

Luxury safari lodges in KZN have something for everyone. They may represent the awe-inspiring vacation experience that you never knew you needed.

Dorothy E. Griffin, member of Bellmawr VFW Post 9563 Ladies Auxiliary

Dorothy E. Griffin (nee Herrmann), on February 13, 2020, of Bellmawr, formerly of Philadelphia. Age 88.

Beloved wife of 70 years to Jack. Devoted mother of Jim Griffin (Lesa), Diane Griffin and Stacy Griffin. Loving grandmother of Jason Griffin (Carly) and Andrew Pearce and great grandmother of Brady and Dylan. Dear sister of the late Jack Herrmann. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Griffin was a member of Bellmawr VFW Post 9563 Ladies Auxiliary.

There will be a viewing from 7 to 9pm Friday eve and 9 to 10am Saturday morning at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral Service 10am Saturday at the funeral home. Interment Oakland Cemetery, Philadelphia.

Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Mrs. Griffin’s memory to Good Shepherd Penn Partners, C/O Development Office, 1800 Lombard St., Philadelphia, PA 19146.

Wolf\’s Plan to use Funds from Horse Racing for Scholarships Upsetting Horse Owners/Supporters

A horse and rider work during practice on the Penn National Race Course racetrack on a foggy morning Nov. 29, 2006, in Grantville, Pa. Carolyn Kaster / AP photo

By Steve Bittenbender |

The Center Square

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is feeling some heat from horsemen and their supporters after proposing to divert a significant portion of a fund used to support the state’s racing industry toward a college scholarship program instead.

The governor visited West Chester University on Thursday to promote the Nellie Bly Scholarship Program, an initiative he introduced in his budget proposal last week. The $204 million proposal would provide scholarship funding for students attending any of the 14 state-run colleges, filling the gap between grant funding students receive and the actual cost of tuition.

The scholarship is named after Bly, a Pennsylvania native who could not afford the cost of tuition. She became a famous journalist whose work in the 19th century brought about changes to mental health treatment in the U.S.

Wolf said the goals of the program are to alleviate students from college loan debts and retain the state’s best and brightest workers. If a recipient leaves the state, they must repay the money.

“With less college debt, graduates can buy a car and a home, start a family and save for retirement,” Wolf said. “The program also strengthens our public university system and creates a talented labor force that Pennsylvania needs to thrive.”

The program would be funded from money currently going to the state’s Race Horse Development Trust Fund. That money is generated from slot machine gaming revenue.

According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the fund received $240.4 million in 2018, with $152.6 million going to purses for races at the state’s thoroughbred and harness tracks.

Horsemen have attacked the plan since Wolf first announced it, saying the move would devastate the racing industry. Not only would tracks be affected, but breeders and those who raise thoroughbred and standardbred horses in the state.

“Instead of the governor destroying an industry and family farms to create a program that holds our young people hostage by forcing them to stay in Pennsylvania, why doesn’t the governor focus on creating a state that makes students want to stay?” asked Heather Hunter,

according to the Daily

Local

in Chester County.

Hunter, who works at her family’s horse farm, has a son who attends West Chester, the newspaper said.

Some lawmakers have expressed concerns as well, including state Rep. Sue Helm, R-Susquehanna Township. Helm’s district includes the Penn National Race Course near Harrisburg.

“If this account is raided for the furtherment of the governor’s budget priorities, it would essentially bankrupt the industry,” Helm said in a statement earlier this week. “It would mean the end of horseracing in Pennsylvania.”

Still, Wolf’s plan has supporters, and that includes an organization that often criticizes the governor’s policies.

While the Commonwealth Foundation still had several concerns about Wolf’s budget overall, it said the plan to move the funding to support higher education costs was one of the few positives the group saw in the spending plan.

“This is a revenue stream that should be brought into the General Fund, allowing lawmakers to prioritize spending and protect working families from tax increases,” the foundation said in a statement.

republished by Gloucestercitynews.net with permission of

The Center Square

$140,108 Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot Split Between a Gloucester County & a Ocean County Resident

TRENTON (Feb. 18, 2020) – Two lucky tickets matched all five numbers drawn splitting the $140,108 Jersey Cash 5 jackpot from the Saturday Feb. 15, drawing. Each ticket is worth $70,054. The winning numbers were: 05, 09, 14, 23 and 24 and the XTRA number was: 03. The retailers will receive a bonus check for $2,000 for each winning ticket sold. Those tickets were sold at the following locations:

 Gloucester County: Sicklerville BP, 748 Sicklerville Rd., Williamstown; and

 Ocean County: 91 Exit Farmer Market, 34 Lanes Mill Rd., Brick.

Executive Director James Carey announced that there were 251,168 tickets purchased for the drawing. By adding XTRA, for an additional $1.00 per play, winners are able to multiply their non-jackpot prizes by the XTRA number drawn. For correctly matching four of the five numbers drawn, 67 ticketholders won $295 each and 17 others won $885 each with the addition of XTRA. Moreover, for correctly matching three of the five numbers drawn, 2,030 ticketholders won $11 each and 461 others won $33 each with the addition of XTRA. Lastly 4,281 ticketholders each won $2 for correctly matching two of the five numbers drawn with the addition of XTRA on their purchase.

State of NJ Sued by U.S. Department of Justice

By Bethany Blankley |

The Center Square

The U.S. Department of Justice has sued the State of New Jersey, Gov. Philip Murphy and Attorney General Gurbir Grewal for refusing to provide information to the U.S. Immigration and Customs

U.S. Attorney General William Barr speaks at the National Sheriffs\’ Association Winter Legislative and Technology Conference in Washington, Monday, Feb. 10, 2020. Susan Walsh / AP

Enforcement (ICE) related to the immigration status and release dates of individuals in their custody.

The move is an attempt by the Trump Administration to reign in so-called sanctuary states and cities that have refused to enforce federal immigration laws.

“Today is a significant escalation in the federal government\’s efforts to confront the resistance of sanctuary cities,\” U.S. Attorney General William Barr said. \”But by no means do the efforts outlined above signify the culmination of our fight to ensure the rule of law, to defend the Constitution and to keep Americans safe.\”

The lawsuit challenges New Jersey Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive 2018-6, which prohibits state officials from sharing information with ICE and requires New Jersey law enforcement to “promptly notify a detained individual, in writing and in a language the individual can understand” if ICE files an immigration detainer request for the individual.

According to the complaint, New Jersey officials failed to provide information regarding the release dates of illegal immigrants who had been charged with or convicted of crimes multiple times last year.

“New Jersey’s decision to obstruct federal immigration enforcement by refusing to provide such information is unlawful under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution,” the DOJ argues.

The complaint states that “Congress has exercised its authority to make laws governing the admission, presence, status, and removal of aliens within the United States by enacting various provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act … the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 … and other laws regulating immigration.

“Congress has also codified basic principles of cooperation and comity between state and local authorities and the United States. Among the tools DHS uses to facilitate the sort of cooperation that Congress contemplated between law enforcement agencies and federal immigration officials is the ‘detainer request.’”

The detainer request is used by DHS to arrest and detain individuals subject to removal or removal proceedings.

In November 2018, the N.J. Attorney General issued a directive, which became effective in March 2019 and revised again in September 2019. The directive prohibits law enforcement agencies from “providing notice of a detained individual’s upcoming release from custody” to assist “federal immigration authorities when the sole purpose of that assistance is to enforce federal civil immigration law.”

republished by the Gloucestercitynews.net with permission of

The Center Square

Moms and Daughters Weekend of Connection at Appel Farm

Elmer, New Jersey – Appel Farm Arts and Music Campus will create a weekend packed with intentional opportunities for connection at this year’s Mother Daughter Art Retreat March 13-15, 2020.

Mother Daughter Art Retreat is an opportunity to laugh, listen, and create while participating in movement, writing, and visual arts workshops that explore the concept of dreams. Mother Daughter Art Retreat creates a supportive and safe environment that fosters community and personal growth for participants as they enjoy time for intentional and meaningful connection and communication.

Moms get to hear about their daughter’s hopes and dreams for the future. Daughters will discover that mom is not only “mom” but a woman just like them, with her own dreams and aspirations.

“This retreat is not only for mothers and daughters. We’ve had grandmothers and grandchildren, aunts and nieces, and everything in between. This retreat is a special place to connect and create,” said Arts Integration and STEAM Education Director, Kristina Hill.

Attendees will spend the weekend sleeping in a cozy, dorm-style bunk and enjoy delicious meals in a spacious dining hall overlooking the Appel Farm organic garden. Moms and daughters will make new friends while getting to know other women in workshops, campfires and even an afternoon wine tasting for moms!

The retreat costs $260 for a pair of participants. This includes 2 nights of overnight accommodations, 5 meals, all workshops and materials, s’mores, snacks, and the afternoon wine tasting for moms. Additional family members are $120 per person.

Mother Daughter Workshops:

Imagine learning some American Sign Language, taught by a mother-daughter duo? Sip some wine during a wine and painting pairing. Try your hand at a sketch journaling class. And that’s just a few of the workshops for this year’s Mother Daughter Art Retreat, with more to come! The ASL Workshop is going to be so special, taught by Hands Up Silent Theatre‘s Kristy Whilden and her daughter! Appel Farm teaching Artist Zoungy will offer a sketch journaling class early on Saturday to encourage attendees to sketch throughout the weekend, and he’s also teaching a painting lesson!

To learn more and register for Mother Daughter Art Retreat, visit

appelfarm.org/mother-daughter-art-retreat

. Contact Kristina Hill with any questions at

khill@appelfarm.org

or 856-358-2472.

Jefferson Health Hosts FREE Wellness Programs for Seniors Through May 2020

Join Jefferson Health experts for FREE community wellness programs for seniors through May:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – The Basics

;

Thursday, March 5, 2 p.m.; Kennedy Health & Wellness Center (405 Hurffville-Cross Keys Road, Suite 201, Sewell)

: COPD affects almost 15 million Americans. Learn what COPD is; how it affects the lungs; causes, signs and symptoms; and disease management.

Weight Loss and Fiber – What’s the Connection?

;

Wednesday, March 18, 11 a.m., at the

Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library

(606 Delsea Drive, Sewell)

: Eating enough fiber is essential for a healthy diet. Join Jefferson Health’s Danielle Hall, RD, to learn how much dietary fiber you need, the foods that contain it, how it aids in weight loss, and how to add it to meals and snacks.

Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia

;

Tuesday, April 21, 2 p.m., at Jefferson Stratford Hospital (18 East Laurel Road, 3

Floor, Room L)

: Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Join the Alzheimer’s Association to learn about Alzheimer’s impact, differences between Alzheimer’s and dementia, stages and risk factors, current research and treatments available for some symptoms, and Alzheimer’s Association resources.

Seconds Count when Stopping Strokes

;

Thursday, May 7, 2 p.m., at the

Gloucester County Library Mullica Hill Branch (389 Wolfert Station Road)

: Join Jefferson Health’s Kathryn Donley, BSN, RN, CCRN-K, CNRN, Program Director, Stroke & Life Support Education, for a discussion on ways to reduce your risk, identify early signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke, and when to call 9-1-1. FREE blood pressure screenings are included.

Horticultural Therapy – Creating an Indoor Fairy Garden

;

Tuesday, May 19, 2 p.m., at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital (2201 Chapel Avenue, Rooms 2 & 3)

: Discover the fun in designing your own “indoor fairy garden.” Adults all over are experiencing the magic in constructing them. Inspirational Horticultural Therapy’s Rachelle Hasenberg, will provide step-by-step instructions as participants plant in their own container and choose from a wide variety of items to create their unique miniature “fairy garden.” No experience necessary. A fee of $12 is due by Tuesday, May 5.

These programs are sponsored by Jefferson Health – New Jersey’s PrimeTime, a free health and wellness program for active older adults in South Jersey. All community members are invited. For more information and to register, visit

JeffersonHealth.org/NJclasses

or call

800-522-1965

Jefferson Primary & Specialty Care offices celebrate “Patient Appreciation Day”

There was a sweet treat awaiting Jefferson Primary & Specialty Care patients in New Jersey on Valentine’s Day. Four of our medical practices – Marlton, Voorhees, Regulus (Turnersville) and Kingsway (Sewell) – celebrated \”Patient Appreciation Day” as a well to thank patients for trusting us with their healthcare needs. The all-day events featured snacks, Jefferson “swag” and a chance to win a gift basket. Patients could also learn about the benefits of MyChart, which offers free, online access to their medical record, and allows patients to request medical appointments, review test results and more.

Left to right, at the Jefferson Voorhees Primary & Specialty Care Office: Family Medicine physician Dr. Vishal Phakey; Certified Medical Assistant Briana Cook; Front Office Coordinator Karyn Washington-Brown; and Patient Service Representative Yu Juan Tan.