Category: SOUTH JERSEY

New Jersey American Water to Start Annual Spring Cleaning

Water main flushing begins this month and continues through the fall

New Jersey American Water’s Travis Serles flushing a hydrant in the company’s Delran service area. (Photo Credit: New Jersey American Water)

CAMDEN CITY, N.J. – FEB. 26, 2020 –

Beginning March 2 and into the summer months

,

New Jersey American Water

will perform the annual cleaning of its water distribution system to ensure customers continue to receive high-quality, reliable water service. Flushing the system helps to clean out any buildup of mineral deposits and sediment inside the pipes. The company also flushes its hydrants to make sure they are operational and to check fire flows in the system.

Flushing involves simultaneously opening fire hydrants in a specific area to create increased water flows. The service areas and dates when flushing begins are posted at www.newjerseyamwater.com, under

Alerts

.

While water mains are being cleaned, customers may notice short periods of low water pressure or discolored water. If customers experience temporary water discoloration, New Jersey American Water recommends running the cold water until it is clear. The following steps are also encouraged:

Draw water for cooking prior to the flushing period.

Store a large bottle of water in the refrigerator for drinking.

Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher.

If water pressure or water volume seems low after flushing has been completed, check faucet screens for trapped particles.

In addition to

viewing the schedule

on the company’s website, customers also have the option to be updated on the local flushing schedule via phone call, text or email by enrolling in New Jersey American Water’s CodeRED customer notification system at

www.amwater.com/myaccount

.

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.8 million people. For more information, visit

www.newjerseyamwater.com

and follow New Jersey American Water on

Twitter

and

Facebook

.

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit

amwater.com

Altman sells out Cory Booker Says James Beach & Barbara Holcomb

Last week, instead of standing with New Jersey\’s progressive champion Cory Booker, paid political protester and lifelong Republican Sue Altman decided to stand with his opponent.

Cory has been a persistent advocate for South Jersey and true progressive in the Senate on issues such as civil rights, social justice, and environmental protection. When Donald Trump abused his power as President, Cory stood up to Senate Republicans and fought for a fair impeachment trial. We are proud to support Cory Booker for another term in the Senate and disappointed that Altman once again put her personal political calculations ahead of reelecting one of the most progressive leaders in New Jersey. Although we find Altman\’s stance disconcerting, it is unsurprising considering she failed to vote for Cory Booker in 2013 as he became our first African American United State Senator from New Jersey. In fact, Altman failed to vote in the Primary Elections for Democrat candidates Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, John Kerry, Barbara Buono, Jon Corzine, and Jim McGreevey because she had been a lifelong registered Republican.

Sincerely,

James Beach & Barbara Holcomb

NY Man Charged with Seeking Sex Online with ‘Underage Girl’

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a 42-year-old Staten Island man has been charged with attempting to arrange a sexual encounter with someone he

met online and believed was a 14-year-old girl.

In reality though, John Emilio, of the 600 block of Wooley Avenue, was communicating with a detective from the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit. During the investigation, Emilio sent nude pictures of his genitals, said he was very excited that he would be having sex with a girl so young, and looked forward to taking her virginity.

Emilio was charged with Attempted Luring (Second Degree), Providing Obscene Material to Person Under 18 (Third Degree) and Attempting to Debauch the Morals of a Child (Third Degree).

Emilio became a suspect in November during a BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit proactive investigation into the exploitation of children in cyberspace. He had discussed coming to Burlington County to have sex with the girl, either at a Route 130 motel or inside of his vehicle, but the trip never materialized.

Emilio was taken into custody yesterday at his residence following the execution of a search warrant. He waived extradition and will be brought to New Jersey in the near future. The case will now be prepared for presentation to a Burlington County Grand Jury for possible indictment. Emilio will be prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Remy.

The investigation was a cooperative effort involving the New York City Police Department Computer Crimes Squad, which is a member of the New York City Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistance was provided by United States Homeland Security Investigations – Cherry Hill Office, the Cinnaminson Township Police Department and the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office in New York.

The lead investigator was BCPO Detective Sergeant Dave Kohler, who oversees the High-Tech Crimes Unit.

The Prosecutor’s Office High-Tech Crimes Unit and the Cinnaminson Township Police Department are members of the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The BCPO also belongs to the New Jersey State Police Cyber Terrorism Task Force.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Gloucester City PD Issues Road Closures/Parking Restrictions for St. Patrick\’s Parade

February 25, 2020

On Sunday, March 1

st

. the 5

th

. annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin on Johnson Blvd. at Monmouth Street at 1:00 pm.

The parade will proceed west on Monmouth Street to King Street, then south on King Street to Cumberland Street.

In order to accommodate the parade, the following road closures/ no parking will be in place from 10:30 am until the Highway Dept. finished sweeping the parade route following the parade. When viewing the attached maps, all streets highlighted in yellow are closed to traffic and parking.

Streets highlighted in pink are open, but parking is prohibited.

Monmouth St. closed from Johnson Blvd. to King St.

Johnson Blvd. closed between Highland Blvd. / Klemm Ave. and Bergen St.

Brown St. closed between Somerset and Bergen Sts.

Somerset St. closed at Johnson Blvd.

Kathryn St. closed at Johnson Blvd.

Frances St. closed

Highland Blvd. closed between Baynes Ave. and Greenwood Ave.

Klemm Ave. closed between Johnson Blvd. and Rosalind Ave.

E. Brown St. closed between Frances St. and Sparks Ave.

Sparks Ave. closed

Baynes Ave. closed between Johnson Blvd. and Barnaby Ave.

S. Railroad Ave. closed at Monmouth St.

N. Railroad Ave. closed at Monmouth St.

Library Parking Lot closed at Monmouth St.

Champion Rd. closed at Monmouth St.

Sussex St. closed at Monmouth St.

Burlington St. at Monmouth St.

Willow St. closed at Monmouth St.

The following parking restrictions will be in place from 10:30 am until 3:00 pm:

Klemm Ave. between Rosalind Ave. and Sylvan Ave.

Rosalind Ave. between Klemm Ave. and Highland Blvd.

Baynes Ave. between Market St. and Barnaby Ave.

King St. between Monmouth St. and Cumberland St. (west side only)

Signs will be posted and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation.

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CNB Business News: Apply Today for South Jersey Gas Game On Grant Program to

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., February 24, 2020 –

South Jersey Gas, a subsidiary of South Jersey Industries, Inc. (NYSE: SJI), today announced the kick-off of its annual Game On Grant Program providing 20, $1,000 grants to recreational organizations in its service territory, serving children ages 4 to 18.

The grants provide critical support needed to sustain local, community-centered athletic programs, leagues, clubs, associations and recreational organizations for children. Winners are selected at random by South Jersey Gas. To qualify, recreational services must be coordinated primarily through volunteer efforts and the grant must support a traditional youth sport including, but not limited to baseball, softball, soccer, football, basketball, wrestling, cheerleading, volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, golf, field hockey, hockey and swimming.

For additional information, to see past winners and apply, visit southjerseygas.com/community. All entries must be received by South Jersey Gas no later than Friday, March 13, 2020.

About South Jersey Gas

South Jersey Gas, subsidiary of SJI (NYSE:SJI), delivers safe, reliable, affordable natural gas and promotes energy efficiency to approximately 385,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem, and portions of Gloucester, Burlington and Camden counties in New Jersey. For more information, visit southjerseygas.com.

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Paramus Inspection Station Closed February 26

TRENTON – New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) customers are advised that the Paramus Inspection Station, located at 20 W. Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652, will be closed on Wednesday, February 26, 2020.

The MVC has been notified by PSE&G that it will be doing electrical work in front of the entrance and exit to the inspection facility that will require closing access points. The electrical work is in connection with a Bergen County bridge refurbishing project that requires PSE&G to relocate its overhead wires and equipment.

The MVC apologizes for any inconvenience.

Alternate inspection stations include:

Wayne

481 Route 46 West

Wayne, NJ 07470

Lodi

8 Mill Street

Lodi, NJ 07644

The MVC reminds customers to always check our website before visiting a local office and to take advantage of driver license renewal and other online services, such as vehicle registration renewals, driver abstract requests, and surcharge and restoration payments.

For more about the ongoing positive changes at the MVC, visit

njmvc.gov

.

Ash Wednesday Services at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez

will be the main celebrant and homilist at the Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Wednesday, February 26, 2020.

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent for Christians throughout the world. Lent is a 40-day penitential time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving from Ash Wednesday through Holy Thursday in preparation for the Easter celebration.

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

12:05 p.m.

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Faithful across the Archdiocese will receive blessed ashes on their foreheads, marked in the sign of a cross, reminding them to repent and believe in the Gospel as the 2020 Lenten Season begins. In addition to the celebration of Mass with the distribution of Ashes, there will be Celebrations of the Word of God and the distribution of Ashes in each of the nursing facilities within the parish boundaries on Ash Wednesday.

The Cathedral Parish offers the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation on weekdays beginning at 11:30 a.m. for the Lenten Season in addition to other scheduled times. Alternative dates and times for this Sacrament are available at individual parishes throughout the Archdiocese.

The Bishops of the United States prescribe that all Catholic persons who are fourteen years of age and older should abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent. Further, all persons eighteen years of age and older, up to and including their fifty-ninth birthday, are bound to fast by limiting themselves to a single full meal on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday, while the other two meals on those days are to be light.

ShopRite of Medford’s Remodeling Project is Finished

Matches Trends for At-Home Meal Prep

The store\’s produce section has been upgraded along with a new catering office,  and the wellness section.

MEDFORD, N.J. – ShopRite of Medford is wrapping up a 6 ½-month major remodel that focused on

matching the store’s features to modern customer needs. Aside from updating equipment, the project reconfigured floor space and doubled size of the kitchen to recognize that many people shop for ready-made foods in addition to pantry staples.

Survey data from Nielsen

captures the trend with two contradictory statistics. In 2018 the data analytics company found that dinner meals are not planned in advance in 3 to 4 households, but also that dinner is prepared at home in 7 to 10 households. In other words,

meals are often tossed together

. That’s the driver behind the demand for grocery stores to stock meal components – both raw and cooked – so busy customers can still enjoy the process and the personalization of cooking at home.

From eight months in the planning stages to another six months of on-site work, ShopRite of Medford’s remodel affected the floor, the ceiling, and nearly every aisle and shelf in between. Management describes it as an intense effort to make ShopRite of Medford very “customer-centric.”

“Some of the aspects of our remodeling project were no-brainers, like installing energy-efficient refrigerated cases and boosting the lighting throughout the store,” said Store Manager Carney Siciliano. “Other pieces required much more thought as we acknowledged how food shopping has changed and how to meet our customers’ expectations.”

Expanded ‘Grab and Go’ Cases:

Several areas of the Deli and Prepared Food sections were overhauled to dedicate more floor space to match the way customers shop. Four new rotisserie ovens are more efficient and expand the store’s capacity to roast whole chickens and other meats to keep up with market demand. Team members will assemble custom sandwiches on the spot. In addition to complete cooked meals, additional cases hold meal components so customers can select a main and sides that will please various palates.

Meals of the Week:

Like a mail-order kit but with customization options, each week ShopRite of Medford showcases two meals consisting of protein + grain + produce. Not only are all the key ingredients available in one place for easy shopping, so are the recipe cards and prep tools such as foil. Customers can select a recipe (or both), swap chicken for fish based on their preferences, and walk into their homes with the prep work done.

Catering Office:

What used to be just a table and chairs tucked next to the deli case is now a bona fide Catering Office connected to the kitchen. The space is quieter and more welcoming, and a result of the strong market growth of customers who seek a little help with their workload.

“Our Catering Department doesn’t just handle large-scale events like bridal showers and office parties,” Siciliano said.  “Catering has evolved to play a role in smaller-scale celebrations; a labor-intensive portion of holiday meal-making; when guests are coming for dinner; or when a guest is expected to contribute to the meal. Our remodeling project really took that trend into account.”

ShopRite of Medford, 208 East Route 70, plans activities throughout March to celebrate the completion of the store’s remodel and as a show of appreciation for their patient and loyal customers. Events will begin with a Grand Re-Opening Celebration on March 1 and continue through March 28 with giveaways, special visitors, a health fair, and several contests.

ShopRite of Medford, 208 East Route 70, is part of the Wakefern Food Corp. cooperative founded in 1946 and based in Keasbey, New Jersey. ShopRite of Medford is the flagship store of the Zallie-Somerset group of stores owned by David and Renee Zallie, which also includes ShopRite of Lawnside and ShopRite of Gibbstown.

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FACE OF DEFENSE: United States’ only Heavy Icebreaker completes Antarctic Treaty Inspections

MCMURDO STATION, Antarctica — The 159 crewmembers onboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) departed McMurdo Station Wednesday after escorting three refuel and resupply vessels and assisting with a five-day inspection of foreign research stations, installations and equipment in Antarctica.

MCMURDO STATION, MCMURDO STATION, ANTARCTICA 02.05.2020 Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer NyxoLyno Cangemi U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area Subscribe41 The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB-10) is moored Feb. 5, 2020, next to the Maersk Peary in McMurdo, Antarctica. The crew of the 44-year-old icebreaker created a channel in the ice near McMurdo Station as a part of Operation Deep Freeze – the U.S. military’s contribution to the U.S. Antarctic Program, which is managed by the National Science Foundation. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Senior Chief Petty Officer NyxoLyno Cangemi

The departure marks the Polar Star’s 23rd journey to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze, an annual joint military service mission to resupply the United States Antarctic stations, in support of the National Science Foundation, the lead agency for the United States Antarctic Program.

The Seattle-based 399-foot, 13,000-ton

Polar Star

created a 23-mile channel through the ice to McMurdo Sound, which enabled the offload of over 19.5 million pounds of dry cargo and 7.6 million gallons of fuel from three logistics vessels. Together these three ships delivered enough fuel and critical supplies to sustain NSF operations throughout the year until Polar Star returns in 2021.

Two scuba divers are lowered to the ice Feb. 1, 2020, from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB-10) approximately seven miles north of McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Scuba divers from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army and the Royal Canadian Navy are serving aboard the Polar Star in order to effect emergency repairs if needed to the 44-year-old heavy icebreaker. The crew of the Seattle-based Polar Star is working near Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2020, the U.S. military’s contribution to the National Science Foundation-managed U.S. Antarctic Program. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Senior Chief Petty Officer NyxoLyno Cangemi

The Polar Star also supported a team of U.S. government officials from the U.S. Department of State, National Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Coast Guard who

conducted a five-day inspection

of foreign research stations, installations, and equipment in Antarctica.

The United States continues to promote Antarctica’s status as a continent reserved for peace and science in accordance with the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty of 1959. The inspection serves to verify compliance with the Antarctic Treaty and its Environmental Protocol, including provisions prohibiting military measures and mining, as well as provisions promoting safe station operation and sound environmental practices.

The team inspected three stations: Mario Zucchelli (Italy), Jang Bogo (South Korea), and Inexpressible Island (China). This was the fifteenth inspection of foreign research stations by the United States in Antarctica, and the first since 2012.

Inspections emphasize that all of Antarctica is accessible to interested countries despite territorial claims and reinforce the importance of compliance with the Antarctic Treaty’s arms control provisions. The United States will present its report on the inspection at the next Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Helsinki, Finland, in May 2020.

“I am immensely proud of all the hard work and dedication the men and women of the Polar Star demonstrate each and every day,” said Greg Stanclik, commanding officer of the Polar Star.

“Maintaining and operating a 44-year-old ship in the harshest of environments takes months of planning and preparation, long workdays and missed holidays, birthdays and anniversaries with loved ones. The Polar Star crew truly embodies the ethos of the Antarctic explorers who came before us — courage, sacrifice and devotion.”

Commissioned in 1976, the Polar Star is the United States’ only operational heavy icebreaker, capable of breaking ice up to 21 feet thick. Reserved for Operation Deep Freeze each year, the ship spends the winter breaking ice near Antarctica, and when the mission is complete, returns to dry dock in order to conduct critical maintenance and repairs in preparation for the next Operation Deep Freeze mission.

If a catastrophic event, such as getting stuck in the ice, were to happen to the

Coast Guard Cutter Healy

(WAGB 20) in the Arctic or to the Polar Star near Antarctica, the U.S. Coast Guard is left without a self-rescue capability.

By contrast, Russia currently operates more than 50 icebreakers – several of which are nuclear powered.

The Coast Guard has been the sole provider of the nation’s polar icebreaking capability since 1965, and is seeking to increase its icebreaking fleet with

six new polar security cutters

to ensure continued national presence and access to the Polar Regions.

In April, the

Coast Guard awarded VT Halter Marine Inc.

of Pascagoula, Mississippi, a contract for the design and construction of the Coast Guard’s lead

polar security cutter

, which will also be homeported in Seattle. The contract also includes options for the construction of two additional PSCs.

\”Replacing the Coast Guard\’s icebreaker fleet is paramount,\” said Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, commander of the Coast Guard\’s Pacific Area. \”Our ability to clear a channel and allow for the resupply of the United States\’ Antarctic stations is essential for continued national presence and influence on the continent.\”

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Kirstin Lynch-Walsh Named 2019-2020 Outstanding Educator of the Year

(Sewell, NJ) – New Jersey Thespians, an affiliate of the Educational Theatre Association, have honored Kirstin Lynch-Walsh as the 2019-2020 Outstanding Educator of the Year. Lynch-Walsh is currently the teacher of Speech Arts & Dramatics for the Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT) School of Performing Arts.

New Jersey Thespians honored theatre educators across the state for their commitment to theatre education and the promotion of the fine arts in his or her community. This is the second year that educators have been honored.

“Kirstin is a prime example of a teacher who goes above and beyond for her students and school,” Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said. “In addition to teaching and directing the Speech Arts & Dramatics program at GCIT, Kirstin also serves as the Outreach Co-Chair for NJ Thespians, advisor for GCIT’s Thespian Troupe 5480 and founder of ACTing Out.”

ACTing Out is a touring company in which students write and produce shows based upon issues such as domestic violence, racism and mental health awareness. Lynch-Walsh has also been a member of the New Jersey Thespians State Board of Directors for more than 10 years.

Although the official awards ceremony recognized Lynch- Walsh on December 8, 2019, Freeholder Jim Jefferson visited her classroom and presented her with a certificate from the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholder’s recognizing her achievement of receiving The NJ Thespians award.

“It was great to meet Kirstin and see the impact she has made on her students,” Freeholder Jim Jefferson said. “This award is well-deserved and I can tell she not only has a passion for theatre but for creating an environment at school where students can learn and master their craft.”