Category: SOUTH JERSEY

Virtua Health Names Senior VP and Chief Nursing Officer

Marlton, N.J.

— Virtua Health, South Jersey’s largest health system, has promoted Catherine Hughes, MSN, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, to senior vice president and chief nursing officer.

The

West Deptford

resident has been with Virtua for 18 years. She most recently was vice president of nursing integration

and outcomes, while also serving as interim chief nursing officer.

“Cathy has outstanding leadership qualities, which will enable her to work effectively with our nurses and collaborate with our physicians to ensure ongoing advances to Virtua’s care delivery model,” said Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE, president and CEO of Virtua Health.

In her new role, Hughes will lead all aspects of professional and nursing practice, as well as patient care throughout the not-for-profit health system. She will continue to focus on the integration of nursing operations and standards of care across Virtua Health’s continuum of services.

Marlton, N.J.-based

Virtua Health

grew substantially last year, with its acquisition of Lourdes Health System, Pullin noted. Today, Virtua has 14,000 employees working at 280 locations, including five hospitals.

“Cathy will play a key role in aligning our new organization, and in helping us to build an even greater network of care for the people of South Jersey,” he said.

Hughes has held a variety of nursing and senior leadership roles in health care. She joined Virtua in 2002 as vice president for patient care services for Virtua Berlin and Virtua Camden. Previously, she held various leadership roles at Kennedy Health System (now Jefferson Health) in Cherry Hill, Hampton Behavioral Health hospital in Westampton, and Saint Agnes Medical Center in Philadelphia.

Hughes is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (ONL), an elected board member of the N.J. ONL, and chair of the ONL Mentorship Committee. She belongs to the American Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society. A graduate of the Johnson & Johnson Wharton Fellows Program on Management for Nurse Executives, she is board-certified as an advanced nurse executive by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Hughes is also an advisory-board member for the Allied Health Program at Gloucester County Institute of Technology.

Hughes earned a bachelor of science in nursing from Widener University in Chester, Pa., a master of health administration from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, and a master of science in nursing from Thomas Edison University in Trenton.

About Virtua Health:

Virtua Health is committed to helping the people of South Jersey be well, get well, and stay well by providing the complete spectrum of advanced, accessible, and trusted health care services. Virtua’s 14,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including a renowned cardiology program, complemented by a community-based care portfolio. In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, and more than 280 other locations, Virtua brings health services directly into communities through home health, rehabilitation, mobile screenings, and its paramedic program. Virtua has 2,850 affiliated doctors and other clinicians, and its specialties include orthopedics, advanced surgery, and maternity. Virtua is affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience, and the Children\’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics. As a not-for-profit, Virtua is committed to the well-being of the community and provides innovative outreach programs that address social challenges affecting health, from addiction and other behavioral issues to lack of nutritious food and stable housing. A Magnet-recognized health system ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Virtua has received many

awards

for quality, safety, and its outstanding work environment. For more information, visit

ThisIsVirtua.org

. To help Virtua make a difference, visit

GiveToVirtua.org

.

Catholic Charities Partner with Philadelphia 76\’s

A portion of all tickets sold will directly benefit Catholic Charities Appeal beneficiaries providing support to the homeless, special needs students, food cupboards, after school programs, and more.

The Catholic Charities Appeal (CCA), the Archdiocese of Philadelphia\’s single most important fundraiser, benefiting hundreds of thousands of people through countless organizations and ministries in the Archdiocese, will partner with the Philadelphia 76ers to host a night of family fun at the Wells Fargo Center.

Thursday, February 20, 2020

8:00 p.m.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets

The Wells Fargo Center

3601 South Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19148

Each year, CCA helps to ensure the vitality of countless organizations and ministries throughout the five-county Archdiocese. CCA beneficiaries are grouped into five areas of ministries including Education; Social Services; Evangelization, Parish and Spiritual Life; Clergy; and Local Mission Activities.

Those interested in supporting Catholic Charities Appeal can purchase tickets online through a dedicated link at

https://fevo.me/cca76

. If 150 tickets are sold, Mr. James Amato, Secretary for Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), a CCA beneficiary, will be honored on court prior to the start of the game.

Thief Who Stole Pickups From Used Car Dealerships In Gloucester City Arrested: Admits Guilt

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews.net

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (January 22, 2020)–The thief that stole vehicles from C.W. Clarke Auto and Gormley\’s Auto in Gloucester City has been arrested according to

Agent Alex McVeigh spokesperson for the Camden County Prosecutors Office.

One of the thefts occurred January 2, 2020 after 7PM at CW Clarke\’s Auto, located on US Route 130 south near the Gloucester City/Brooklawn border and the other was a week or so before at Gormley\’s Auto, US Route 130 and Klemm Avenue, also in Gloucester City.

There was a Haddon Township gas station robbed at Route 130 and Nicholson Road shortly after the truck was stolen from Clarke\’s.  Police have not confirmed a connection between the theft and the robbery according to

Fox29.

The suspect, Vincent Kerlin was arrested in Brooklawn on January 15, 2020.

Kerlin is scheduled to appear in Camden County Superior Court on Thursday, January 23.

The judge will determine whether Kerlin will be remanded to Camden County Jail pending further court proceedings

or whether he will be released to conditions.

Kerlin was released on his own recognizance as there is no monetary bail in the State of New Jersey as a result of the Criminal Justice Reform Act, which became effective January 1, 2017.

His detention hearing is scheduled for Thursday, January 23, 2020.

He was charged out of Gloucester City with one count of Burglary, one count of Theft by Unlawful Taking, and one count of Criminal Mischief.

According to the Complaint and Probable Cause statement the defendant confessed in a taped statement to stealing the vehicles from C.W. Clarke and Gormley\’s.

RELATED:

Thief Strikes Local Car Dealerships

NJ Residents Receive Degrees from Wilkes University

WILKES-BARRE, PA (01/21/2020)– Wilkes University awarded 302 bachelor\’s, master\’s and doctoral degrees when it held its winter commencement ceremony on January 19. The event was held in the Arnaud C. Marts Center, 274 South Franklin St. in Wilkes-Barre.

Wilkes interim President Paul S. Adams presided at the event. The commencement address was delivered by Paul Riggs, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University. Kristin Donati, who received her master of business administration degree at the ceremony, was the student speaker. Donati is associate director of graduate enrollment at Wilkes University.

Janine Pietrangelo of Cherry Hill (08003) received the Master of Science degree with a major in Education.

Brittany Chan of West Deptford (08051) received the Master of Science degree with a major in Education.

Salvatore Piccone of Mullica Hill (08062) received the Bachelor of Business Admin. degree with a major in Marketing.

Andrew MacDonald of Bridgeton (08302) received the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Accounting.

About Wilkes University

:

Wilkes University is a private, independent, non-sectarian institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence through mentoring in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. Founded in 1933, Wilkes is on a mission to create one of the nation\’s finest doctoral universities, offering all of the programs, activities and opportunities of a large university in the intimate, caring and mentoring environment of a small college, open to all who show promise. The Economist named Wilkes 25th in the nation for the value of its education for graduates. In addition to 46 majors, Wilkes offers 24 master\’s degree programs and five doctoral/terminal degree programs, including the doctor of philosophy in nursing, doctor of nursing practice, doctor of education, doctor of pharmacy, and master of fine arts in creative writing. Learn more at

www.wilkes.edu

.

Texas Man Indicted for Violent, Racist Post in Student Group Chat

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a 21-year-old Texas man has been indicted for posting a comment calling for racial violence in a group chat created by a Northern Burlington Regional High School student in the spring of 2018.

Kenneth Petersen, of the 400 block of North Clinton Street in Stephenville, Texas, was indicted by a grand jury on one count of Bias Intimidation (

Fourth Degree). The indictment was returned January 9 and signed by Prosecutor Coffina.

The investigation began in May 2018 after a Northern Burlington student who had created a group chat to discuss senior pranks using the messaging app GroupMe received a message from a sender she did not know that suggested “all the black people at the school” should be shot.

The student informed her teacher and police were notified. The comment raised particular concern in the school community because it was made as the 2018 graduation ceremony was approaching. The Mansfield Township Police Department immediately provided an increased presence on the campus, and it was quickly determined that the threat had come from out of state and that no students or members of the staff were in immediate danger. The investigation revealed that the message was posted by Petersen, who was attending a university in Texas at the time. He was arrested in September 2019 following a multi-agency investigation.

Access to the group chat was available to anyone with a GroupMe account, and had been discussed by students on other social media platforms. It is not clear what led Petersen to target that particular group chat.

“There can never be any tolerance for racially-motivated threats like this and, especially during recent times when we have seen threats escalate to actual acts of violence, law enforcement must respond with the utmost seriousness,” Prosecutor Coffina said. “You cannot hide behind a cell phone halfway across the country while spewing such hatred.”

The investigation was conducted by the Mansfield Township Police Department, with assistance from the BCPO, the New Jersey State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tarleton State University Police Department in Stephenville, Texas.

An indictment is an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

Dirty Dirt Bill Becomes Law in NJ

Governor Murphy has signed S1683 (Smith/Greenstein) into law. The bill was written to address the regulations of solid waste, hazardous waste, and soil and debris recycling industries and to amend the existing law to expand the

requirements for background checks to a broader range of persons involved in the solid waste industry, such as salespersons, consultants, and brokers.

“Today is an important day when it comes to dealing with dirty dirt in New Jersey. This new law addresses New Jersey’s ongoing problems with illegal dumping of contaminated materials. Illegal dumping in New Jersey is still happening, risking the environment and public health. DEP has not been enforcing against these dumpers like they should have, and this law will go a long way to give them the tools to do their job and protect New Jersey from illegal dumping,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “The Special Commission of Investigation’s first “Dirty Dirt” report in 2016 exposed the rampant problem of soil brokers and dirty dirt. The industry has ties to the mob, and there are serious pollution and health impacts. These unscrupulous dirt brokers are dumping contaminated soil all over the environment. Now the loopholes in the law that gives them less scrutiny have been closed.”

Illegal dumping of contaminated materials is a widespread problem in New Jersey. In Vernon, Joseph Wallace dumped toxic chemicals and materials for over 8 years. Samples taken from the dirt by DEP were found to contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and the pesticide chemical chlordane all at levels above the state’s standard for residential soil. In October, Wallace was sentenced to 90 days in Sussex County Jail and fined $58,500 after months of fighting in court.

“This law will help address illegal dumping in New Jersey, which is a statewide problem. The illegal dumping in Vernon and elsewhere was a wakeup call to our legislature and the Murphy Administration that we need more enforcement power and inspections. In Vernon, the judge did the DEP’s job for them. DEP looked the other way and would not enforce the cleanup at this site for far too long. DEP Polluters not only need to clean up their mess, but they need to pay too. Wallace has been illegally dumping materials in Vernon for over 8 years, and enough is enough,” said Tittel. “Illegal dumping has become a toxic menace to the community. High levels of PAHs, PCBs, and chlordane endanger public health. PCBs have been linked to cancer, as well as pregnancy complications and other health effects. Exposure to chordane can affect the human nervous system.”

In June, the Special Commission of Investigation released their latest “Dirty Dirt” report detailing illegal dumping in Marlboro. SCI reported that New Jersey currently “lacks the authority to properly oversee elements of its recycling program”. Illegal dumping in New Jersey has the potential to impact the environment but also cause public health problems, like in Kearny where New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority illegally dumped liquid sewage sludge.

“We are glad that Governor Murphy signed this bill, but we need to go further. New Jersey needs tighter regulations and restrictions on how our waste is handled. We have a long history of contaminated materials coming into our state, in part because DEP chooses not to regulate these chemicals. DEP needs to set and enforce standards for toxic materials to prevent any more possible dumping,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

(Video) Kansas City Fans Wounded by Gunman, Two Dead

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI (January 20, 2020)—-41Action News reports that two people are dead and 15 wounded after a gunman opened fire outside a Kansas City bar in a \”chaotic scene\” as the city celebrated its

football team\’s big victory

on Sunday night after the game.

Officers who arrived at the scene outside 9ine Ultra Lounge just before midnight Sunday found the bodies of a man and a woman, police said in a statement. Fifteen other people were treated at hospitals, and three were listed in critical condition, police said.

Community Members Invited to FREE Weekly Cancer Wellness Programs

at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township

Sewell, NJ, January 21, 2020

–

People living with a cancer diagnosis are invited to join Jefferson Health cancer experts for FREE one-hour wellness programs held weekly at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township’s Center for Hope and Healing (900 Medical Center Drive, Suite 207, Sewell).

Nourishing Our Bodies During a Cancer Diagnosis

(Mondays, 3-4 p.m.): Danielle Hall, MS, RD, will discuss healthful guidelines, supplements, and nutrient-dense foods to maximize nutrition during a cancer diagnosis.

Keep Moving: Benefits of Exercise for Patients with a Cancer Diagnosis

(Tuesdays, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.): A Jefferson Health Physical Therapy Assistant will discuss the benefits of a regular exercise routine, and the importance of staying active to optimize physical stamina and mental well-being.

Preparing for Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

(Wednesdays, 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.): Open to patients and their caregivers, participants learn how chemotherapy and immunotherapy work, as well as tips and tools for managing common side effects.

Coping with Cancer: Strategies for Managing Life After a Cancer Diagnosis

(Fridays, 11 a.m. – Noon): A cancer diagnosis can cause many emotions, including fear, anxiety, and sadness. Social Worker Abigale Hassel, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, will discuss coping strategies and ways to alleviate stress.

To register, or for more information, call

856-218-5324

or visit

JeffersonHealth.org/NJcancer

.

About

Jefferson Health

: Jefferson Health, home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, is reimagining health care in the greater Philadelphia region and southern New Jersey. Jefferson’s dedicated team of doctors, nurses, health professionals, and staff provides a range of primary to highly-specialized care through 14 hospitals (seven are Magnet®-designated by the ANCC for nursing excellence), more than 40 outpatient and urgent care locations, the NCI-designated Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Magee Rehabilitation and the JeffConnect® telemedicine program. For 2019-2020, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals in eight specialities by

U.S. News & World Report

. Jefferson Health’s mission is to improve the lives of patients in the communities it is privileged to serve through safe, effective, equitable, compassionate care.

South Jersey Gas Employees Honor Martin Luther King Jr. with Day of Service

FOLSOM, NJ, January 21, 2019 – Approximately 100 South Jersey Gas executives, employees and their families assisted local residents with projects for its Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 20 – distributing warm clothes, assisting with resume writing, making hospitality toiletry bags and more.

“South Jersey Gas is proud to participate in the Day of Service for the third year in a row,” said Dave Robbins, president of South Jersey Gas. “As part of our commitment to the communities we serve, we encourage employees to get involved in community service.”

“We are honored to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. together with other local organizations and volunteers,” added Robbins.

South Jersey Gas volunteers partnered with Stockton University for the Day of Service and participated in events at several locations in South Jersey.

No Increase in New Jersey Transit Fares

Today, Governor Murphy announced that his FY2021 budget proposal will not include a fare hike for NJ Transit. This is the fifth year that NJ Transit has not had a fare increase.  Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, released the following statement:

“We are glad that NJ Transit will not be increasing their fares this year. This is good news for commuters. This is important because they cannot and should not balance the budget on the back of NJ Transit riders. Rate hikes unfairly hurt seniors, young people, and the working poor the most. New Jersey commuters pay the most in the nation when it comes to contributing for their share of operation and maintenance. NJ Transit is still robbing capital funds that should be going to improve and expand NJ Transit for operations and maintenance, $460 million this year alone. This is like robbing our future to pay for current expenses, or taking a second mortgage on a house to buy groceries. New Jersey needs a dedicated source of funding for operations and maintenance so we can decrease fares and improve ridership.”

“This is the fifth year that we haven’t seen a fare increase, but keeping fares stable is not enough. We are in a state of climate urgency and we need immediate action to help protect our air. Transit agencies in other states are actually cutting or eliminating fares to encourage ridership. If we reduce and eliminate fares, it would get more people out of cars and would reduce pollution. New Jersey has some of the worst air quality in the nation. NJ Transit needs a stable source of funding for operations and maintenance to lower fares and improve ridership, because next year the fares could go up. They should be helping get cars off the road and making our air cleaner.”