Category: SOUTH JERSEY

TRUMP VISITS WILDWOOD

WILDWOOD, NJ (February 14, 2020)(CNBNews.net)–Local resident Scott MacAdams (above) was in Wildwood for the Trump Rally on January 28.  He writes, \”We were in line for 10 grueling hours, and still didn\’t get in and ended up watching on one of the Jumbotrons.  It was a totally awesome day, and we met tons of great \’Deplorables\’. Here are some photos taken that day, please share them with your readers.\”

RELATED

Wildwood Boardwalk Taken Over by Trump Backers

Democrats Holding Event in Cape May to Counter Trump Rally in Wildwood

photos by Scott MacAdams

Burlington County Operation Helping Hand Program Expanded Services

Defendants with offenses related to drug use will be offered treatment services

MT. HOLLY, NJ (February 13, 2020)–Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that the Burlington County Operation Helping Hand program has expanded services into the municipal court that

serves Burlington City and Burlington Township, with outreach and treatment options being offered to those arrested on nonviolent offenses related to their drug use.

In partnership with the Burlington Township Police Department, the City of Burlington Police Department, and Solstice Counseling and Wellness Center (“Solstice”), the County Prosecutor’s Municipal Court Diversion Initiative (MCDI) seeks to provide intervention to those arrested for drug-related disorderly persons offenses or petty disorderly persons offenses by presenting the opportunity to enter treatment and have their court matter adjourned for a period of time.

At the successful conclusion of treatment, the defendant will return to court to face the charges, hopefully on the path to recovery so that the municipal prosecutor and municipal judge can consider their progress when determining the appropriate disposition or sentence in the case.

“We will continue to explore different options to provide support and assistance to people struggling with addiction,” Prosecutor Coffina said. “Being arrested puts one at a crossroads, and through the MCDI, we will present the opportunity for a person struggling with substance use to start down the road to recovery. We cannot relent in this effort if we hope to conquer this horrific opioid epidemic, which continues to destroy so many lives.”

Prosecutor Coffina emphasized that the MCDI is not a get-out-of-jail-free card, and

enrolling in a treatment program is no guarantee that the charges will be dropped or reduced. However, the municipal prosecutor and judge will give consideration to program participants who make a good-faith effort to pursue treatment, participate in counseling and embrace the recovery process. Assessments, referrals to an appropriate treatment program for each participant, and assistance with aftercare will be provided by Solstice.

The MCDI program is focused specifically on defendants charged with nonviolent offenses in municipal court. Eligible defendants must be referred by a police officer from the City of Burlington or Burlington Township police departments, or by the municipal prosecutor who prosecutes cases in the joint municipal court.

“We are grateful to Burlington County Assignment Judge Jeanne T. Covert, Municipal Court Presiding Judge Dennis McInerney, Municipal Prosecutor Dan Gee, Burlington Township Public Safety Director Bruce Painter, and City of Burlington Police Chief John Fine for their enthusiastic support of this initiative,” Prosecutor Coffina added. “We look forward to working with them and their agencies to offer help to people whose offenses are driven by addiction rather than malice, while still holding them accountable for their actions.”

more…

Page 2

This is the third round of Operation Helping Hand that has been launched in Burlington County by the Prosecutor’s Office. During May and August last year, recovery specialists responded to calls around the clock from local police officers to offer support and access to treatment to individuals soon after they had been revived with naloxone following an overdose, were arrested or were simply struggling with addiction.

The pilot MCDI is expected to run through at least August 2020. In addition, this month the Prosecutor’s Office and law enforcement agencies throughout Burlington County are again making recovery specialists available on a 24/7 basis to anyone they believe could benefit from substance abuse treatment or counseling. This initiative, in partnership with the nonprofit City of Angels, will run throughout the month of February, and be reprised in May and July 2020.

Last year, City of Angels recovery specialists had a greater than 80% success rate in having people agree to recovery coaching, and ultimately, over 33% of the people with whom this connection was made went into treatment.

Operation Helping Hand is a law enforcement-initiated outreach program funded through grants from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and administered by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. The Prosecutor’s current Operation Helping Hand program also includes recovery coach training (see here for more information), a veteran’s initiative, and support for the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department’s Hope One mobile outreach program and the County’s forthcoming recovery resource center, which is expected to open in the summer.

Operation Helping Hand is one of three BCPO initiatives aimed at combatting the opioid epidemic.

Operation Safe Overnight, which began in November 2018, focuses on saving lives and increasing enforcement activity at hotels and motels that have experienced overdoses and drug-related criminal activity. Through this program, with the support of Virtua Health, the BCPO has provided Narcan to county hotels and has also trained hotel employees how to use it to reverse an overdose and save a person’s life.

Straight … to Treatment is a program that allows people to walk off the street and into police stations in three municipalities to seek treatment for drug addiction, regardless of whether they are insured or live in Burlington County.

The Straight … to Treatment program began in Evesham Township in early 2018, expanded to Pemberton Township in September 2018, and to the City of Burlington in April 2019. It has helped connect over 200 people to treatment so far.

Straight … to Treatment Locations and Hours of Operation

Evesham Twp. Police Department, 984 Tuckerton Road, Evesham Township Mondays: noon – 7 p.m.

Pemberton Twp. Police Department, 500 Pemberton-Browns Mills Road, Pemberton Twp. Tuesdays: noon – 6 p.m.

City of Burlington Police Department, 525 High Street, City of Burlington Wednesdays and Thursdays: noon – 6 p.m.

Opioid Treatment

Edward T. Ellis \”Tommy\”, of Gloucester City; Retired Army Veteran, American Legion Post 135

Edward T. Ellis “Tommy”, 83

of Gloucester City, NJ passed away peacefully on February 1, 2020.

Edward

was survived by his daughter, Sara

Prepsel

(Scott); granddaughter, Samantha

Prepsel

;

brother, David Ellis; sister, Caroline

Ippolitto

; niece,

Maureen (Ellis)

Gorlewski

;

and nephews

, Howard E. Ellis, Jr., Michael J. Ellis and James R. Ellis

.

He

was predeceased by h

is

parents

,

Edward B. and Emma L. (Voorhees) Ellis

and his brother, Howard E.V. Ellis

.

Edward

proudly severed his county starting in 19

56

in the Marine Reserves follow

e

d by 4 years in the U.S. Navy. He then was transferred to the National Guard in Cherry Hill where he worked as a Supply Sargent/Clerk

in a civilian position while maintaining his

active

military duties. On March 4

th

, 1998 he retired from the U.S. Army.

Edward

was a member of the Masonic Lodge #

160,

Elmer, NJ

and

the American Legion Post #

135,

Gloucester City

.

Relatives and friends are invited to h

is

vi

sitation on Thursday

, February

20

th, from

10 to 11:30

AM

a

t the

McCANN

-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Funeral Service 11

:30

AM

in the funeral home. Interment will

follow

in BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ

.

Memorial donations may be made to

Fisher House Foundation Inc.

, 12300

Twinbrook

Parkway,

Ste

#41

0

, Rockville, MD 20832

or Willis Eye Foundation, 840 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

. Please memo,

Edward T. Ellis

.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of

Edward T. Ellis

. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through:

McCANN

–HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City

Ph

:

856-456-1142

Booker, Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand School Nutrition Education

Proposal would increase investments in hands-on projects for student health, nutrition

Roughly 15 percent of New Jerseyans experience food insecurity

WASHINGTON, DC

—U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced a bipartisan bill to establish a new pilot program for school nutrition programs to fund nutritional education in schools. The

Food and Nutrition Education in Schools Act of 2020

would allocate federal funding for projects that educate students while connecting them to healthy food practices, with a priority given to schools in neighborhoods with high rates of childhood diet-related illnesses and those in which 40 percent of students qualify for free or reduce-priced meals.

Nutritious, healthy foods are critical to the wellness and academic performance of students. Several studies have shown that children are more likely to eat healthier foods when given the opportunity to participate in hands-on lessons that let them try a food multiple times and connect the dots between the classroom, the cafeteria, and the school garden. . Because dietary illnesses can adversely impact school attendance and academic performance, equitable access to nutrition education can better prepare students for success in the classroom and beyond. Yet the typical elementary school student receives less than 5 hours of nutrition education per year. This legislation seeks to reduce barriers to hands-on food and nutrition programs that help get more kids to eat the food already available to them at school and to continue to improve the food as kids learn to love it.

“As Ron Finley, an inspiring black leader and urban farmer in South Central Los Angeles once said, ‘In South Central, we got drive-bys and drive-thrus, and the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys.’ Countless studies have demonstrated that a lack of access to nutritious food – particularly in underserved communities – manifests itself in all areas of human development, from increased rates of diet-related diseases to reduced academic performance,”

Booker said.

“We must do more to ensure our kids have consistent and equitable access to healthy foods, and the education that will help them make healthy diet choices throughout their lives. By prioritizing communities disproportionately impacted by food insecurity and diet-related illnesses, this bipartisan legislation would bring equitable access to food and nutrition education to children across the country.”

“Teaching students how to prioritize their health by choosing nutritious foods is an invaluable lesson that will serve them for years to come,”

said Sen. Cornyn.

“This legislation would invest in programs that educate Texas children to make healthy choices, which can help lower the incidence of disease linked to obesity and, in turn, save taxpayer money.”

“As a food service director, I wholeheartedly support the bill to establish food and nutrition educators in schools,”

said Warren DeShields, Director of Food Services at Bridgeton Public Schools.

“This will bridge the gap between education and nutrition programs in an effort to increase the acceptance and consumption of healthy appetizing meals in our cafeterias. It will also be exciting to see students encouraged to participate in evidence-based interventions like school gardens, farm to school initiatives, and nutrition education that can be built into their everyday curriculum for learning!”

\”The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics believes that well-coordinated, comprehensive, integrated nutrition programs in preschool through high school are essential to improve the health, nutritional status and academic performance of our nation\’s children,\”

said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy President Terri J. Raymond

. \”This legislation is a good step in supporting efforts to make food and nutrition education a priority in our country\’s schools.\”

“Together with communities, FoodCorps envisions a future in which all our nation’s children––regardless of race, place, or class––know what healthy food is, care where it comes from, and eat it every day,”

said Kumar Chandran, Policy Director at FoodCorps

. “We have seen firsthand how food and nutrition educators can make a difference by delivering high-quality hands-on opportunities in classrooms, cafeterias, and gardens, changing kids’ relationship with food for the better. Students in FoodCorps schools with more hands-on learning activities are eating up to three times the amount of fruits and vegetables as students who receive less of that hands-on learning. This bipartisan bill proposes to expand evidence-based food and nutrition education resources and programming to even more schools, ensuring school nutrition professionals have greater support to get kids excited about eating healthy school meals. We applaud Senators Booker and Cornyn for their leadership and vision to lift up the health and well-being of students by investing in food and nutrition education, and we look forward to collaborating with them to build support for the bill to be passed into law.”

The Act provides grant funding to local educational agencies for projects that (1) hire full-time food and nutrition educators to implement programs in schools that have the goal of improving student health and nutrition and (2) that fund school gardens or other evidence-based interventions relating to student health and nutrition to create hands-on learning opportunities for students.

Pilot programs must incorporate teaching techniques proven to maximize healthy food consumption, including hands-on learning, school gardens, taste testing, student engagement and farm-to-school practices. Projects must be in a variety of rural, suburban, and urban settings and at least one project must be located on an Indian reservation or at a school in which the majority of students are members of an Indian tribe.

The

Food and Nutrition Education in Schools Act of 2020

is endorsed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Advocates for Children of New Jersey, Afterschool Alliance, American Heart Association, Community FoodBank of New Jersey, FoodCorps, Hunger Free New Jersey, National Farm to School Network, and New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children.

As Mayor of Newark, Booker witnessed first-hand how our broken food system harmed local residents, as large sections of Newark were essentially “food deserts,” where communities had no access to healthy foods. He was instrumental in

helping to bring several supermarkets

to the area that helped increase access for Newarkers to healthy foods. He also

spearheaded the creation of community gardens

.

Gang Arrested for Conspiracy to Sell Sanctioned Oil to China Refinery

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers announced that the following defendants were arrested and charged by Complaint on charges of conspiracy and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) based on their attempt to transact in sanctioned Iranian oil:

Nicholas Hovan, age 33, of New York, NY;

Zhenyu Wang, a/k/a “Bill Wang,” age 39, of Dallas, TX;

Robert Thwaites, age 30, of Dallas, TX;

Nicholas James Fuchs, age 26, of Dallas, TX; and

Daniel Ray Lane, age 38, of McKinney, TX.

The defendants are each charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of violating IEEPA, based on allegations that from July 2019 to February 2020 they conspired in Philadelphia and elsewhere to arrange for the purchase of oil from the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of United States economic sanctions imposed on Iran, for sale to a refinery in China.

The Complaint alleges that defendants Nicholas Hovan, James Fuchs, Robert Thwaites, and Daniel Ray Lane arranged to purchase the illegal oil and sell it to a refinery in China represented by defendant Zhenyu Wang, a/k/a “Bill Wang.”

According to the Complaint, defendant Lane offered to further the conspiracy by laundering money through his company, STACK Royalties.  The charges further allege that the defendants agreed to use a Polish shell corporation as a straw seller of the illicit oil, and that they planned two shipments of oil per month going forward, all for an expected profit of roughly $28 million-per-month.  In addition, the charges allege that defendants Fuchs and Wang agreed to apply for foreign passports in order to set up offshore accounts that would not be reported to U.S. authorities.

“The defendants in this case allegedly committed serious federal crimes that are in direct contradiction to the United States’ national security interests,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain.  “By devising a scheme to purchase oil from Iran, conceal its origins via a refinery in China and make tremendous profits, the defendants were attempting to enrich both themselves and the nation of Iran — thus jeopardizing the safety and security of the United States and our allies.  This type of subversion of U.S. policy and law will not be tolerated: these defendants will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“With the goal of illegally enriching themselves, the defendants conspired for over eight months to devise a scheme to violate U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran, particularly the ban on foreign oil sales,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers.  “The sale of oil is the lifeblood of the Iranian economy.  At the same time the United States was increasing its sanctions in order to pressure Iran to stop its malign activities, these defendants put greed ahead of country.  I commend the efforts of the agents and prosecutors who investigated and uncovered this brazen evasion of U.S. law.”

“These defendants allegedly conspired to circumvent economic sanctions enacted to protect the United States’ national security,” said Tara A. McMahon, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “In their minds, sanctions weren’t so much an impediment as an opportunity. They thought they could make their millions and escape the United States Government’s notice. Well, as these charges show, they were wrong. The FBI takes sanctions violations extremely seriously and will bring all our investigative resources to bear, to end such harmful and illegal activity.”

If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum possible sentence of 25 years’ incarceration, as well as a maximum possible fine of $1.25 million.  Four of the arrests occurred in Philadelphia and one occurred in Texas.  The four defendants arrested in Philadelphia had initial appearances in federal court today.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Rinaldi and First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams, in partnership with Trial Attorney David Recker of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterespionage Section.

An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Help Wanted: Seasonal Jobs at NJ State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites

TRENTON – The New Jersey State Park Service and the State Park Police are accepting applications for hundreds of peak-season jobs throughout state parks, forests and historic sites, the Department of Environmental Protection announced today.

Available positions include lifeguards, trail stewards, naturalists, historic educators, general maintenance, visitor service assistants, office workers and State Park Police visitor service assistants.

Applicants for all positions are encouraged to check with the park office of their choice by Monday, March 2 about specific positions, scheduling and other job-related inquiries. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible.

\”The New Jersey State Park Service and State Park Police rely on seasonal employees to ensure our visitors have an enjoyable visit to our state parks, forests, recreation areas and historic sites during our most busy time of year,\” said Division of Parks and Forestry Director Olivia Glenn. \”Besides having the opportunity to work outside during the summer months, these positions provide valuable experience for all age groups who are looking to further their careers.\”

Peak season is Memorial Day through Labor Day, although some parks fill positions April through October depending on operational need. The State Park Service and State Park Police will work with applicants, such as students and teachers, whose availability may be limited to weekends during certain periods of the year.

The type and number of positions vary by location, depending on the types of recreational opportunities each site offers. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older to apply. Salary rates start at $11 per hour for most positions.

Seasonal staff are required to work weekends and holidays because park facilities are open seven days a week. Most jobs are outdoors.

Lifeguard positions are anticipated at 13 swimming areas across the state. Lifeguard salaries begin at $12 per hour in most areas. Oceanfront guards at Island Beach State Park start at $13 per hour.

While candidates must pass running and swim tests prior to employment, prior experience is not necessary. The State Park Service will train lifeguards in cardiopulmonary resuscitation/Automated External Defibrillators, first aid and other medical matters. Each lifeguard will also receive a U.S. Lifesaving Association certification. State swimming areas open Saturday, May 23.

Trail Steward positions are available in D & R Canal State Park, Liberty State Park, Ringwood State Park, Wawayanda State Park and Worthington State Forest. Eligible applicants must be 18 years of age or older and able to hike strenuous distances daily. Applicants should be assertive and professional as they work with intense crowds and educate visitors on the Leave No Trace concept and park regulations. Trail stewards must be able to work 40 hours per week, on shifts from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. or noon to 8:30 p.m. The starting salary is $14 per hour.

Office workers and visitor service assistants help register campers, answer phone calls, provide recordkeeping, handle sales transactions, and do other customer service duties as required. Naturalists and historic educators work with park naturalists and historians at interpretive centers to educate visitors. Typical activities include leading or assisting with programs, demonstrating or explaining a craft, and preparing materials. These positions may also be assigned specific projects by their supervisor. General maintenance helps to maintain grounds and buildings and remove litter. The starting salary for these positions is $11 per hour.

State Park Police visitor service assistants patrol assigned areas, direct both pedestrians and vehicular traffic, and report unlawful acts to appropriate State Park Police personnel. Other duties may be required as under State Park Police supervision. Applicants must be 18 years of age and able to work weekends and holidays. The number of positions vary park to park based on the type of recreation at each location. Salaries start at $11 per hour for most positions but can be increased based on experience.

The Division of Parks and Forestry oversees more than 50 state parks, forests, recreation areas, battlefields, historic sites and marinas that annually draw millions of visitors and are a key contributor to the state\’s tourism economy. The State Park Police protects the natural and historic resources of New Jersey\’s state parks, forests and historic sites, and the safety, security and well-being of all visitors.

To learn more about which locations are accepting applications or to apply for a specific position, visit

http://www.nj.gov/dep/workinparks

or your local park office. The lifeguard testing schedule is also posted at this link.

NEW JERSEY SPORTSBOOKS HAVE NEVADA IN REACH WITH IMPRESSIVE JANUARY

(ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.) — After a month of milestones and a new record handle that topped $50 million, New Jersey’s online and retail sportsbooks are positioned to overtake Nevada for the first time since August 2019, according to analysts from

PlayNJ.com

.

“New Jersey could very well top Nevada, not just in January, but for the foreseeable future,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for

PlayNJ.com

. “And assuming that happens, we could be seeing the beginning of New Jersey’s more permanent place as the top market in the country.”

Spurred by basketball, New Jersey’s online and retail sportsbooks generated $540.1 million in bets, up 71.3% from $385.3 million in January 2019, according to official reporting released Wednesday. In December 2019, sportsbooks generated $557.8 million in bets.

With the NFL Playoffs and college football’s national championship, football generated $129 million in bets. But basketball generated $177.5 million, or 32.9% of the state’s January handle.

Nevada has outdone New Jersey in monthly handle for four consecutive months, beginning with the kickoff of the NFL season. But New Jersey appears to be tracking ahead of Nevada, which generated $497.5 million in January 2019 and has never enjoyed a $500 million January in its history.

“While still the most popular sport in New Jersey, football does not quite command the same share of the sports betting market as it does in Nevada,” Gouker said. “Meanwhile, basketball has proven to be a big winner for the state. That puts New Jersey in prime position over the next few months in its race to become the country’s largest legal sports betting jurisdiction.”

January’s handle yielded a record $53.6 million in revenue, up 285% from $18.8 million won in January 2019 and up from $29.4 million in December. January resulted in $6.6 million in tax revenue for the state.

During the month New Jersey reached three impressive milestones: $6 billion in bets ($6.4 billion), $400 million in revenue ($447.1 million), and $50 million in sports betting taxes ($53.4 million) since the industry launched in June 2018.

Online betting remains the key vehicle for growth, generating $471.1 million, or 87.2% of the state’s January handle. In addition, new betting opportunities could help grow New Jersey’s market in February, including online-conducive Super Bowl prop bets, Oscars betting, and even a modest spike in interest from the XFL.

“New Jersey has been on the leading edge since the sports betting market first launched in 2018,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for

PlayNJ.com

. “No market has been as innovative, and that is a significant contributor to the rapid maturity of New Jersey’s sports betting industry.”

FanDuel Sportsbook/PointsBet topped the online market once again with $22.2 million in gross revenue, up from $12.1 million in December. Resorts Digital, which is anchored by DraftKings and Fox Bet, generated $15.9 million, up from $9.1 million.

The online market leaders were followed by:

Monmouth/William Hill/Sugarhouse/TheScore ($2.8 million, up from $1.9 million in December)

BetMGM/Borgata ($2.5 million, up from $995,096)

Ocean Casino/William Hill ($2 million, up from $1.2 million)

Caesars Sportsbook/888sport ($491,164, up from $64,759)

Golden Nugget/BetAmerica ($431,643, up from $102,524)

Hard Rock/Bet365/Unibet ($340,933, up from -$294,442)

Tropicana/William Hill ($74,379, up from $32,958)

FanDuel Sportsbook at The Meadowlands continued to take advantage of its proximity to New York — posting $4.3 million in gross revenue, up from $2.4 million in December — to continue its hold on the retail market. FanDuel was followed in gross revenue by:

Monmouth Park ($883,716, up from $617,410 in December)

Borgata ($723,927, down from $1.3 million)

Ocean Casino ($377,369, up from -$68,035)

Bally’s AC ($164,575, up from $108,437)

Resorts AC ($163,436, up from -$406,493)

Golden Nugget ($116,266, up from $66,306)

Harrah’s AC ($107,424, up from -$107,646)

Tropicana Casino ($100,288, up from $71,460)

Hard Rock AC (-$4,467, up from -$51,182)

ONLINE CASINOS BLOW PAST $50 MILLION IN JANUARY

New Jersey’s online casino and poker industry enjoyed a $50 million month for the first time, generating a record $55.1 million in January. The total is up 64% from $33.6 million in January 2019.

After posting eight record months in 2019, the market is showing no signs of slowing down. The state’s online casinos recently launched live online slots, adding a new avenue for growth. If online casinos continue their current trajectory, the industry will easily generate more than $650 million in revenue in 2020. That would smash 2019’s record of $482.7 million.

“$700 million in revenue is within reach in 2020, which would have been inconceivable just a few years ago,” Ramsey said. “The industry’s ability to find new areas of growth, along with the symbiotic relationship that exists with online sports betting, will keep online casino gambling moving forward.”

Some other important online casino and poker data from the January report:

Online casinos injected $8.3 million into state coffers.

The Golden Nugget generated a record $21.2 million in online revenue to lead the market. That again outpaced its own New Jersey casino, which produced $15 million in revenue.

Online casinos and poker generated $1.8 million per day during the 31 days in January, up from $1.1 million per day in January 2019.

Online casino games attracted $53.3 million in bets, up from $31.7 million in January 2019. Online poker posted $1.8 million, down from $1.9 million in January 2019.

For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting and online gaming in New Jersey, visit

PlayNJ.com/news

.

About the

PlayUSA.com

Network:

The

PlayUSA.com

Network is a leading source for news, analysis, and research related to the market for regulated online gaming in the United States. With a presence in over a dozen states,

PlayUSA.com

and its state-focused branches (including

PlayNJ.com

and

PlayPennsylvania.com

) produce daily original reporting, publish in-depth research, and offer player advocacy tools related to the advancement of safe, licensed, and legal online gaming options for consumers. Based in Las Vegas, the PlayUSA Network is independently owned and operated, with no affiliations to any casino — commercial, tribal, online, or otherwise.

The Garden State Film Festival

ASBURY PARK, NJ

– Celebrating its 18th Anniversary, the artistic philosophy of the

Garden State Film Festival

is rooted in the celebration of the independent film genre and celebrates this spirit through dramatic screenings and unparalleled film collaborations attracting a diverse audience from around the world. From

Wednesday, 25

–

Sunday, 29 March 2020

in

Asbury Park, New Jersey

, GSFF unveils world premieres, Hollywood stars, industry panels, and as a nonprofit enterprise, serves as an added economic engine for Asbury Park’s vitality through art, commerce and culture. Make your plans to be a part of intriguing panel discussions and can’t miss parties, all held in numerous locations all over the city by the sea.

This year\’s notables include

Linda Hamilton

(

Terminator

) who will receive the

Icon Award

,

Matthew Modine

(

Stranger Things

) who will receive the

Lifetime Achievement Award

,

Robert Patrick

(

Terminator

)

Patriot Award

,

Ashley Platz

(

Grey’s Anatomy

)

Rising Star Award

, director

Tara Wood

Independent Spirit Award

,

David Burke

Home Grown Hero  Award

,

Perry Lang

Renaissance Award

,

Rock & Roll Forever Foundation

Broader Vision Award

,

Arianna Bocco

Exceptional Women in Film

,

Robin Kampf

Educator of the Year Award

,

Nick Falcone

MVP

,

Jack Ford

Honorary Chair

, alongside films that feature

John Goodman

(

The Big Lebowski

),

Harry Shearer

(

Spinal Tap

),

Jodie Foster

(

Taxi Driver

),

Dash Mihok

(

Ray Donovan

),

Uzo Abuda

(

Orange is the New Black

),

Vanessa Williams

(

Ugly Betty

),

Richard E. Grant

(

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

),

Devon Bostick

(

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

),

Frank Stallone

(

Rocky

),

Cathy Moriarity

(

Raging Bull

),

M Emmet Walsh

(

Blade Runner

),

Xander Berekely

(

The Walking Dead

),

Jessica Siposa

(

DC’s Legend’s of Tomorrow

),

Joel McHale

(

Ted

),

Jason Mewes

(

Clerks

), Supermodels

Chanel Iman

,

Elsa Hosk

,

Jessica Stam

,

Nadine Leopold

,

John Carter Cash

(

Walk the Line

),

Sam Waterston

(

Law & Order

),

Catherine Hardwicke

(Director,

Lords of Dogtown

),

Lou Gossett Jr

(

Officer and a Gentlemen

), E

van Handler

(

Sex and the City

),

Gary Pastore

(

The Sopranos

),

Barry Primus

(T

he Irishman

),

Charles Dance

(

Game of Thrones

),

Chad L. Coleman

(

The Walking Dead

),

Kevin Kane

(

Inside Amy Schumer

),

Natalia Dyer

(

Stranger Things

),

Tate Donovan

(

Argo

), memorial music video for

Avicii

by

Chris Martin

(

Coldplay)

, original music by

Patrick Carney

(

The Black Keys

),

The Bouncing Souls

, members of

Gaslight Anthem

,

Travis Barker

(

Blink 182

),

James Arthur

(musician), NBA superstar

Shaquille O’Neal

’s award-winning film

Foster Boy

and many more.

This 5-day event brings a large number of producers, directors, actors, investors, distributors, and industry talent to the State of New Jersey, the birthplace of American filmmaking.

In one weekend, you can enjoy over 240 films on all subjects, in a variety of lengths, showing in numerous locations all around Asbury Park, plus parties, celebrities, seminars, networking, free shuttle rides, and lots more. It’s a fast-paced weekend of non-stop fun for all ages. Films are shown in two-hour-long screening blocks that include a variety of works like shorts, feature-length, music videos, and trailers. Each screening block concludes with a question and answers session with the filmmakers and actors. Other events held throughout the festival include panel discussions and seminars on topics such as

SAG-AFTRA Contracts 101 for Filmmakers

,

ESports & Virtual Reality

,

Demystifying SAG-AFTRA for Actors

, Directors Panel entitled

Small Screen, Big Screen: Directing Choices Different or not,

and film distribution. Planning ahead and using the Garden State Film Festival App will help you not miss a thing. For more information including schedule, tickets, and travel visit

Home

Jersey City Woman Sentenced To Prison Smuggling Fentanyl Into Prison, Resulting In Inmate Overdose

NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County, New Jersey, woman was sentenced today to 135 months in prison for her role in conspiring to distribute fentanyl, which resulted in the overdose of an inmate at a New Jersey State prison, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Jasmir Humphrey, a/k/a “Jasmir Jackson,” 31, previously pleaded guilty to an information charging her with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Noel Salgado, a/k/a “Kuko,” who is the leader of the “Loyal Hoody Gang” subset of the Neighborhood Rolling 20 Bloods, a nationwide street gang, was previously incarcerated as an inmate at Bayside State Prison. While incarcerated, Salgado directed Humphrey, gang members, and associates to provide narcotics proceeds to him and his associates and to smuggle narcotics and other contraband into the prison in order to distribute to other inmates.

In particular, on October 17, 2015, Salgado called Rodgerick Garrett, a/k/a, “Fif,” a/k/a, “Boo,” from prison to arrange for the purchase and smuggling into the prison of heroin and fentanyl. Humphrey picked up the narcotics from Garrett and smuggled them to Salgado on October 18, 2015. The following day, an inmate of Bayside State Prison, to whom Salgado had distributed the narcotics, was found unresponsive in his cell suffering from a drug overdose. Despite rescue breathing efforts, the inmate remained unconscious for approximately 20 minutes. The inmate only regained consciousness after medical personnel administered an opiate antidote to revive the inmate. The inmate was hospitalized for two days following his overdose. Law enforcement’s investigation revealed that Humphrey had smuggled in drugs for Salgado on prior occasions. Charges against Salgado and Garrett are still pending, and they are both presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Humphrey to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, and investigators with the N.J. Department of Corrections, Special Investigations Division, under the direction of Commissioner Marcus O. Hicks, with the investigation leading to the charges resulting in today’s sentencing. He also thanked the Jersey City Police Department and the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher D. Amore and Elaine K. Lou of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.

Defense counsel: Joseph M. Corazza, Esq.

Fairmount & Spring Garden Neighborhood Guide

Because of their proximity to the renowned arts and cultural institutions along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia’s Fairmount, Spring Garden (and increasingly the nearby Francisville and Brewerytown neighborhoods) are often referred to as the “Art Museum area.” The personalities of these historic, laid-back, diverse communities are distinct in their own right.

Fairmount is residential, a sort of urban suburb, with many pubs and restaurants and a massive former prison-turned-museum,

Eastern State Penitentiary.

Between the Parkway and Fairmount, Spring Garden has beautiful Victorian architecture and a decidedly relaxed vibe. Bordering neighborhoods include

Logan Square

to the south, the Schuylkill River to the west and

North Broad

to the east.

The Main Attraction

:

Eastern State Penitentiary –

Once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, the massive, Eastern State Penitentiary operated from 1829 to Today, the historic site opens year-round for tours that explore its history, along with modern social justice issues that surround incarceration. During the Halloween season, the venue’s Terror Behind the Walls experience frightens even the most daring souls. 2027 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 236-3300,

easternstate.org

A Mano –

Under the direction of restaurateur Townsend Wentz, chef Michael Millon prepares seasonal, handcrafted (

a mano

means “by hand”) Italian dishes at a bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spot that earned three out of four bells from

The Philadelphia Inquirer

. Cash only. 2244 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 236-1114,

amanophl.com

Engimono

–

A new sushi BYOB from Kabuki Sushi owner Albert Zheng serves traditional and signature rolls named after Philly institutions like the 76ers and Drexel. 1811 Fairmount Avenue, (267) 273-0303,

engimonosushi.com

Fare –

Healthy, local (and when possible, organic) food comes in small plates, salads and main courses at brunch and dinner. In warmer months, patrons enjoy their food on the outdoor patio, which has a vertical herb garden. 2028 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 763-5500,

farerestaurant.com

Figs –

Still a relatively well-kept neighborhood secret, this cozy corner BYOB dishes out Mediterranean food in an authentic Moroccan setting. Cash only. 2501 Meredith Street,

(215) 978-8440,

figsrestaurant.com

The Greyhound Cafe –

Vegan food with mass appeal — Buffalo wings, burritos, pizza, Impossible sliders, cheesesteak chimichangas, stuffed shells, Italian bowls — makes the reverse commute from Malvern, home to Greyhound’s first location, just north of Fairmount in Francisville. 1839 Poplar Street, (215) 232-2234,

thegreyhoundcafe.com

Jack’s Firehouse –

Set in a 19th-century firehouse — the fireman’s pole is still standing — Jack’s has been serving American cuisine, along with impressive whiskey and scotch selections for nearly 30 years. The restaurant has a prime view of the imposing Eastern State Penitentiary across the street. 2130 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 232-9000,

jacksfirehouse.com

La Calaca Feliz

–

This highly praised, brightly colored spot is known for modern Mexican cuisine and a few dozen tequilas. Not to be missed: the carnitas tacos. 2321 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 787-9930,

lecalacafeliz.com

Pizzeria Vetri

–

Awarded three out of four bells by

The Philadelphia Inquirer

, this upscale pizzeria serves traditional, wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, salads and more. Patrons can choose from a variety of beverages on tap, including four rotating beers and red and white wine. 1939 Callowhill Street, (215) 600-2629,

pizzeriavetri.com

Trio

BYOB –

A charming converted row home cranks out Pan Asian cuisine, especially traditional Thai dishes: fragrant, curry-like

khao soi

, made with cooked egg noodles and entrees featuring lemongrass meatballs. One block from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it’s especially convenient for museumgoers. 2601 Pennsylvania Avenue, (215) 232-8746,

triabyob.com

Umai Umai –

This small Japanese BYOB serves some unusual maki: The Godzilla, for example, features shrimp tempura, eel, avocado, honey, macadamia bits and strawberry; the Spartan combines miso-marinated beef tenderloin, cucumber, mozzarella cheese, shrimp tempura and paprika aioli. 
533 N. 22nd Street, (215) 988-0707,

umai-umai.com

Casual Neighborhood Eateries & Cafes

:

Buena Onda –

A member of chef Jose Garces’ family of restaurants, this Baja Peninsula-inspired, do-good eatery is known for mahi mahi tacos and tofu chorizo quesadillas served on house-made tortillas. Fifty cents from every guacamole or bottled water ordered goes to the Garces Foundation, a nonprofit that helps Philadelphia’s immigrant community access health and educational services. 1901C Callowhill Street, (215) 302-3530,

buenaondatacos.com

Dessertcrazy –

Philly’s first brick-and-mortar keto bakery offers wholesome treats that clock in at fewer than five net carbs per serving. Guests can opt to eat their cupcakes, brownies or cookies onsite with coffee or tea in hand, or have these goodies delivered. 1925 Fairmount Avenue, (267) 764-1411,

dessertcrazy.com

Doma

–

This 35-seat Japanese BYOB with Korean influences serves lunch and dinner to in-the-know neighbors. Regulars swear the hot-stone bibimbap rivals anything found in Chinatown. 1822 Callowhill Street, (215) 564-1114,

domarestaurant.com

iPho

–

Van Nguyen brings traditional Vietnamese noodle soups, vermicelli, broken rice, banh mi and bubble tea to a corner bistro. Diners have the option of eating in or taking out. 1921 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 763-7777,

iphophilly.com

Nine –

Thai street food is the motto and menu of this sleek BYOB, known for

khanom jeep

(pork dumplings), flavorful tom yum soup, cilantro-dressed noodles and mango sticky rice for dessert. 2829 W. Girard Avenue, (267) 703-6699,

ninephilly.com

Rybread –

Father and son team up to share their passion for food at this all-day cafe. The sandwich and panini menu is based on the son’s seven-week road trip across the country; salads, smoothies and ice cream are popular too. 1711 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 769-0603,

rybreadcafe.com

Sabrina’s Café & Spencer’s Too –

South Philadelphia’s 9th Street Italian Market brunchtime darling operates this outpost, where hungry diners fill up on oversized portions of comfort food during lunch, brunch and dinner. 1804 Callowhill Street, (215) 636-9061,

sabrinacafe.com

Stockyard Sandwich Co.

–

This farm-to-table — and nose-to-tail — spot offers seasonal breakfast, lunch and dinner by chefs Mike Metzger and Will Lindsay, who previously worked together at University City’s White Dog Cafe. 1541 Spring Garden Street, (215) 977-9273,

stockyardphilly.com

Sweet Nectar Dessert Kitchen

–

Baker Robin Broughton-Smith was Jay-Z’s accountant before she opened this spot, known for its cakes, cupcakes, cookies, baked doughnuts and muffins — all made with locally sourced produce and no artificial food dyes. The shop also offers BYOB cupcake-decorating classes. 547 N. 20th Street, (267) 318-7143,

sweetnectardk.com

Tela’s Market & Kitchen –

Beloved specialty corner store also serves three rustic gourmet meals a day. Early crowds rave about the egg sandwiches and piled-high bagels, while hearty brisket and butternut squash lasagna fill bellies through 8 p.m. on weeknights. 1833 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 235-0170,

telasmarket.com

Whole Foods Market –

More than just Amazon’s supermarket, this Whole Foods hosts Philly-based food stalls:

hummusiya

Dizengoff, falafel specialist Goldie and Federal Donuts. 2101 Pennsylvania Avenue, (215) 557-0015,

wholefoodsmarket.com

Zorba’s –

Loved for its traditional Greek cuisine — the chicken souvlaki and chargrilled whole fish stand out — and atmosphere, including three generations of Greek owners speaking in their native tongue, this spot is one of the neighborhood’s well-kept, most reasonably priced secrets. 2230 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 978-5990,

zorbastavern.com

Bars With Great Food

:

Bar Hygge

–

Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga; Danish for “cozy camaraderie”) brings together the couples behind Conshohocken’s Baggataway Tavern and Mount Airy’s Earth – Bread + Brewery. The stylish and rustic neighborhood brewpub focuses on beers, wines and seasonal small and large plates. 1720 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 765-2274,

barhygge.com

The Black Taxi –

Smithwick’s and Harp are regularly on tap at this corner Irish bar showing English Premier League soccer and serving bangers and mash, rasher-topped burgers and shepherd’s pie along with typical American bar fare. 745-747 S. 25th Street, (215) 232-1086,

theblacktaxi.com

Crime & Punishment Brewing Co. –

Inspired by Russian literature, this brewery reps Brewerytown with painstakingly crafted IPAs, pilsners, stouts and lagers, and a deliciously refined menu of pickled beets, caramelized cauliflower, sour cherry dumplings and creative brunch options. 2711 W. Girard Avenue, (215) 235-2739,

crimeandpunishmentbrewingco.com

Era Bar and Restaurant –

Serving Ethiopian food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this laid-back spot also offers beer, wine, drink specials and pool. 2743 Poplar Street, (215) 769-7008,

theerabar.com

The Fairview –

The Belgian Café got a complete makeover into an airy gastropub for local craft beers and chef Beth Fox’s American comfort fare, including vegan green chili cheeseburger empanadas. During the warm-weather months, outdoor seating makes for prime people-watching. 601 N. 21st Street, (215) 235-3500,

thebelgiancafe.com

McCrossen’s Tavern –

This neighborhood staple — and close neighbor of the Barnes Foundation — is known for stepped-up tavern favorites, a progressive beverage program and friendly, polished service. 529 N. 20th Street, (215) 854-0923,

mccrossens.com

Rybrew –

This Brewerytown pub, sibling operation to Rybread (see above) and just north of Fairmount, serves awesome sandwiches, along with craft beer (available in growlers to go too). 2816 W. Girard Avenue, (215) 763-1984,

rybrew.com

St. Stephen’s Green –

This multi-level Irish gastropub has plenty of beers and ciders in bottles and on draft, nightly dinner service and Irish brunch on Saturday and Sunday. 1701 Green Street, (267) 239-8968

Thirsty Dice –

Philly’s first board game cafe and bar charges a flat rate ($7) for unlimited play of more than 800 board games (Yahtzee, Life, chess, Apples to Apples, Cards Against Humanity, Codenames, Pandemic, Catan, etc.). Staff helps with choosing and instructions, and serves coffees, local beers, French bread pizzas, mac and cheese and spiked Cinnamon Toast Crunch milkshakes. 1642 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 765-2679,

thirstydice.com

VISIT PHILADELPHIA

®

is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog,

visitphilly.com

and

uwishunu.com

, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.