Rutgers University–Camden Named “Best Bang for the Buck” University

By Mike Sepanic

Rutgers University–Camden

once again has been recognized by

Washington Monthly

magazine as a great value, while also earning high overall rankings among research universities across the nation.

Among schools in the Northeast, Rutgers–Camden is named 24th in the “

Best Bang for the Buck

” category, which recognizes those institutions that help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.

Washington Monthly

’s overall 2019 ranking for national universities, which emphasizes such factors as social mobility, research, and promoting public service, Rutgers–Camden is ranked 57. This is the first year that Rutgers University–Camden appears in this category due to its recent elevation to R2 research university classification by Carnegie.

“Rutgers–Camden is committed to access and affordability,” says Rutgers University–Camden Chancellor Phoebe Haddon. “We pride ourselves on providing students with a world-class Rutgers education at an affordable price. Our students are guided in the classroom and outside in internships, research, and civic engagement projects in the supportive, personalized setting which is a hallmark of Rutgers–Camden. We are pleased organizations recognize that Rutgers–Camden is a great value. Being recognized on

Washington Monthly

’s Best Bang for the Buck list affirms our commitment to our students and the wider community we serve.”

Factors that

Washington Monthly

utilizes to formulate its rankings include the percentage of low-income students who receive federal aid, the net price of attendance after financial aid, the number of students involved in the Peace Corps and ROTC, and faculty awards for research.

More than 7,350 students are enrolled at Rutgers University–Camden in undergraduate and graduate programs, led by faculty committed to excellence in research and teaching. Nearly 40 majors, including special programs and an Honors College, comprise the

undergraduate academic experience

. The campus also offers 27

graduate programs

, including three interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs, a doctorate in nursing practice, an MBA, and the only

law school

in southern New Jersey.

In 2016, Rutgers University–Camden received a signature honor when it was named as New Jersey’s first

Purple Heart University

by the Military Order of the Purple Heart in recognition of the university’s commitment to supporting its student-veterans. In 2015, Rutgers University–Camden was selected by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching to receive its

Community Engagement Classification

designation in recognition of Rutgers–Camden’s strength in civically engaged learning and community service.

Support veterans and families who need our assistance

Dear American Legion Family and Friends,

It was a year ago when American Legion members, posts and staff members worked together to collect, process and distribute more than $1 million in

Temporary Financial Assistance

(TFA) grants for Coast Guard families who were ensnarled in the

Bill Oxford, National Commander

federal government shutdown.

Fortunately at this time, we don’t have to step in for the federal government to ensure the brave men and women of the Coast Guard are compensated for keeping our nation safe. But there are other urgent needs that we will address now and throughout 2020 through The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF).

Grants from the foundation not only provide vital support for military and veteran parents in unexpected financial crises, they also support American Legion service officers in their tireless efforts to obtain care and due benefits and opportunities for disabled veterans and families.

These service officers provide free expert assistance to more than 700,000 veterans, widows and families as they navigate the complexities of VA benefits and services they have earned through their service.

Sadly, service officer support and TFA grants often go unnoticed in local communities.

But their importance cannot be overstated.

The Veterans & Children Foundation

improves lives for veterans, servicemembers and their families. It is essential that the foundation remain a resource for our comrades in need in communities throughout the nation.

Whether funds are used to assist Coast Guardsmen who are missing paychecks or a veteran and her spouse who lost their home to a fire or a military family struggling to make ends meet, the Veterans & Children Foundation needs your support.

For the remainder of my term as national commander, I will be focusing on my fundraising goal of $25 million for V&CF. That may sound like a lot of money. Just remember that in 1924-25, Legion members created the original American Legion Endowment Fund by raising $5 million — that’s about $72 million in today’s dollars, adjusted for inflation.

I am confident that with your kind contributions, we will indeed assist veterans, support military families and build a strong foundation for the future.

Robert W. J. Kain, 92, WW II Navy Veteran, KofC Council 674, GCHS Alum

Robert W.J. Kain (Bob/Beans) of Deptford, NJ died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 9, 2020. Age 92. Beloved husband of Ruth (nee Brill). Loving father of Maureen Underwood (Harry) of W. Deptford, Theresa Kain-Henry (Tom) of W. Deptford, Vincent Kain (Beth) of Glassboro, Julie McHenry (Pat) of Gloucester, Ronnie Kain-Beckett (Pat) of Deptford, Edward Kain (Cathy) of Somerdale, Marie Poloney (Adam) of Pitman and the late Robert J. Kain. Robert was blessed with fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Robert was a 1945 graduate of Gloucester Catholic H.S. where he was captain of the basketball team. He was a WWII Navy Veteran and a 1952 graduate and “Golden Hawk” of St. Joseph’s University. He was an Honorary Life member of Gloucester City Knights of Columbus Council #674. Robert worked at Koppens Beer Distributor for 25 years as an accountant and general manager before starting his own business – RJ Kain Fundraising. Robert loved his business and continued working well into his 90’s.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing Wednesday, January 15, 10am to 11:45am at St. Mary’s Church, 426 Monmouth St. Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Mass of Christian Burial 12pm at the church. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gloucester Catholic Alumni Association, 333 Ridgeway Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030.

Arrangements by BOUCHER FUNERAL HOME, Deptford.

www.boucherfuneralhome.com

ANE Adds Two New Hires in 2020 with Sights on New York Expansion

MONMOUTH JUNCTION, N.J. (January 14, 2020)

– ANE, Agency Network Exchange LLC, announced the addition of Kevin Grove (right) as Regional Director and Frank Vetrano (left) as Director of Membership.

“The quality of ANE is reflective of the caliber of talent we attract,” added Elizabeth Schenk, ANE’s Chief Executive Officer. “Both Kevin and Frank bring a wealth of knowledge and a stellar reputation to our growing staff. They will be instrumental in achieving our aggressive growth plans with our member agencies and carriers as well as expanding our footprint.”

Frank Vetrano brings 43 years of industry experience, previously with the Hanover Group as Regional Vice President for New Jersey and downstate New York. His career path also included Fireman’s Fund, USF&G, and St Paul. Vetrano has a keen understanding of the New York insurance environment and is well known and respected by agencies and carriers. He will lead ANE’s expansion into New York.

Kevin Grove graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BS in business management and a minor in economics. He spent the last 16 years with Travelers as an account executive and most recently, regional director in Pennsylvania. Kevin will manage the relationships with our current members in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, in addition to expanding the company’s footprint in eastern and central Pennsylvania.

About ANE

Established in 2009, Agency Network Exchange LLC (ANE) is a network of independent insurance agencies. It provides its member agencies increased opportunities to grow their revenues and profits. Currently, ANE has over 70 individually owned member agencies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that place more than $750 million in written premium. Visit

www.ane-agents.com

for more information.

One Essex and One Union County Tickets Split $340,778 Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot

TRENTON (Jan. 13, 2020) – Two lucky tickets matched all five numbers drawn splitting the $340,778 Jersey Cash 5 jackpot from the Sunday, Jan. 12, drawing. Each ticket is worth $170,389. The winning numbers were: 05, 15, 19, 28 and 35 and the XTRA number was: 02. The retailers will receive a bonus check for $2,000 for each winning ticket sold. Those tickets were sold at the following locations:

 Essex County: Kings Super Market, 778 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills; and

 Union County: Parkway Exxon, 1601 Route 22 West, Union.

Acting Executive Director James Carey announced that there were 351,851 tickets purchased for the drawing. By adding XTRA, for an additional $1.00 per play, winners are able to multiply their non-jackpot prizes by the XTRA number drawn. For correctly matching four of the five numbers drawn, 68 ticketholders won $399 each and 19 others won $798 each with the addition of XTRA. Moreover, for correctly matching three of the five numbers drawn, 2,473 ticketholders won $12 each and 523 others won $24 each with the addition of XTRA. Lastly 5,528 ticketholders each won $2 for correctly matching two of the five numbers drawn with the addition of XTRA on their purchase.

###

View all New Jersey Lottery game winning numbers and drawings for the Pick-3, Pick-4, Jersey Cash 5, Pick-6, CASH4LIFE and 5 Card Cash games on the Lottery website (www.NJLottery.com) or on the official Lottery Facebook Page. Evening draws, with the exception of CASH4LIFE and 5 Card Cash, can be seen on WPIX-TV (PIX11) in New York and WPHL-TV (PHL17) in Philadelphia. Powerball and Mega Millions drawings can be seen on WABC-TV or WTXF stations.

Millville Woman Arrested for Killing Companion with Nail Clipper

MILLVILLE, NJ–On

January 12, 2020

, at

1:06 am

, officers from the Millville Police Department and the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office responded to the area of Country Meadows, 2300 South 2

Street, Millville

for a reported stabbing victim. Upon arrival on scene, responding

officers located Axel Torres (of above address – Lot#31, age 35 years old), in front of Lot #31, unresponsive and suffering from a knife wound to his left leg. On scene officers began to render aid at which time emergency medical personnel arrived on scene and transported Torres to the hospital, where he was originally listed in critical condition.

It was learned that the victim and Kathleen Ayala, age 30, of the same address, had gotten into a physical altercation at the residence. Torres left the above referenced address and Ayala chased after him where an altercation ensued leaving Torres unconscious with several stab wounds, including one to his leg (allegedly having been inflicted by a nail clipper).

Torres was transported back to Lot #31 and authorities were summoned to the scene.

Based on the above information, officers filed a criminal complaint against Katheleen Ayala, charging her with assault and weapon offenses.

On Monday morning, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at Cooper Hospital. Thereafter, Ayala was charged with murder and lodged in the Cumberland County jail on 1/13/20.

*If this press release involves the charging, accusation or indictment of a criminal defendant, same is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Anna Green of Gloucester City, NJ

It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Anna Green (Gloucester City, New Jersey), who passed away at the age of 78, on January 6, 2020.

She was loved and cherished by many people including : her husband Walter E. Green; her son David E. Green; and her siblings, Julio DiCresenzo (Joan), Mary Weigner, Frances Shone, Emma Malin (Elwood) and JoAnne Piontkowski (Robert). She was also cherished by nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on January 13, 2020. Interment at the New St. Mary\’s Cemetery (515 W Browning Rd, Bellmawr, NJ).

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary\’s Church. 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, new jersey 08030

MyMedicalShopper Provides Response to DHHS Request for Public Comments

Portsmouth, NH –

January

13, 20

–

MMS Analytics, Inc. dba MyMedicalShopper, the leading provider of healthcare price transparency solutions, submitted a detailed response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding proposed rule making to “give consumers personalized, real-time access to cost-sharing information,” shedding light on the secret world of healthcare pricing and empowering consumers to make more informed care decisions.

The “Transparency in Coverage CMS-9915-P” rule requires most group health plans and issuers to give participants personalized access to provider pricing, including an estimate of negotiated in- and out-of-network cost-sharing liability, via an online tool or paper, upon consumer request. The proposed rule would make consumers fully aware of their insurance issuer’s negotiated prices before receiving care to compare provider costs, include pricing in their decision-making, and promote more competition in the healthcare industry to lower cost.

“This rule would finally put an end to the secret pricing in healthcare and create a fair marketplace for consumers,” said Mark Galvin, President and CEO of MMS Analytics, Inc., the creator of MyMedicalShopper.

“For the past six years MyMedicalShopper has provided users with unparalleled access to negotiated pricing information via its responsive web design (RWD) and mobile application—exactly like those proposed in the new rules. We’re excited to share our expertise with these agencies to ensure consumers have access to the tools and information needed to make better-informed healthcare decisions.”

MyMedicalShopper’s public comments are available on its

website

. (update when published on the web and provide link). To review the full rule and public comments, please visit

Regulations.gov

MyMedicalShopper is a comprehensive platform for employers designed to drive down the cost of healthcare while improving employee benefits. The platform includes the nation’s leading medical price transparency tools for employees, dynamic rewards programs, and robust analytics packages for employers.

MyMedicalShopper is available through benefit brokers and consultants serving both the fully insured and self-funded employer markets. The platform integrates with over 120 health plan member portals providing real-time deductible tracking, in- and out-of-network facility information, and other personalized plan details to help employees manage out-of-pocket expenses and plan for future procedures.

MyMedicalShopper empowers employers and their employees to take control of their healthcare costs on over 10,000 medical tests and procedures tests by making it easy to shop for low-cost, high-quality medical care.

About MMS Analytics, Inc. (

www.MyMedicalShopper.com

)

MMS Analytics, Inc. dba MyMedicalShopper™ is a big data company on a mission to build technology, products, and services to drive meaningful savings from the cost of healthcare in the United States. The company was founded on the belief that fixing the broken healthcare marketplace required a focus on the alignment of financial incentives, medical price transparency, and the reduction of administrative overhead. The company empowers employers and their employees with the ability to choose care based on price, quality, and convenience with unprecedented access to the previously secretive prices negotiated between insurance carriers and providers. Experts document that as much as $1 trillion could be slashed annually from the cost of healthcare in the United States. MyMedicalShopper aims to help transform the healthcare industry into a fair market for consumers.

BUSINESS: Alex Hogan Assigned as General Assignment Reporter for FoxNews

NEW YORK–(

BUSINESS WIRE

)–FOX News Channel (FNC) has signed WFMZ-TV, an independent television station, reporter Alex Hogan as a general assignment reporter. She begins her new role today.

Since 2017, Hogan has served as a morning news reporter and fill-in anchor for WFMZ-TV in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In this capacity, Hogan covered various breaking news stories, including the trial of Bill Cosby, the 2017 Cosmo Dinardo murders and the 2018 Allentown car bombing. Previously, Hogan worked as a general assignment reporter for CBS affiliate WTAJ-TV covering the Altoona, State College and Johnston, Pennsylvania areas.

Hogan got her start in the industry interning for Bloomberg TV where she field produced and contributed to the weekend version of Bloomberg Intelligence’s

Equity Market Minute

. She also interned at NBC O&O WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., where she assisted with coverage of local debates, hearings and the 2014 Navy Yard Shooting Remembrance.

A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Hogan holds a Bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and was awarded a regional Emmy award for her work at the school’s Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. Born and raised in Switzerland, Hogan is multilingual and has lived in Spain, Israel and seven states across the United States.

FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service delivering breaking news as well as political and business news. The number one network in cable, FNC has been the most watched television news channel for more than 17 consecutive years. According to a 2019 Suffolk University poll, FOX News is the most trusted source for television news or commentary in the country, while a 2019 Brand Keys Emotion Engagement Brand Analysis survey found that FOX News was the most trusted cable news brand. A 2017 Gallup/Knight Foundation survey also found that among Americans who could name an objective news source, FOX News is the top-cited outlet. Owned by FOX Corporation, FNC is available in nearly 90 million homes and dominates the cable news landscape, routinely notching the top ten programs in the genre.

STUDY: New Jersey One of the States Hit the Hardest by Robo Calls

It’s not just in your head: the number of robocalls has increased sharply over the last couple of years. Robocall blocking company YouMail estimates that between 60 and 75 billion robocalls will have been placed in 2019, up from 47

billion last year and 30 billion the year before. What’s more, scams increasingly account for the majority of robocalls—45% of them in 2019, compared to just 17.6% in 2016.

To investigate this issue further,

Let’s Talk

culled robocall complaint and call frequency data from Federal Trade Commission and YouMail, and assigned each state in the U.S. a score. Based on this methodology, Maryland, Nevada, Colorado, Delaware and New Jersey have been hit the hardest by robocalls in 2019. The average Maryland resident receives a whopping

18 robocalls a month

Alaskans have suffered the least from robocalls this year—residents receive an average of 3.3 of them a month—followed by North Dakota, Indiana, Hawaii, Mississippi. Here’s a full list of the state robocall rankings.

As mentioned, scams account for the largest percentage of robocalls (45.7%), followed by alerts and reminders (22.7%), payment reminders (20.3%), and perpetually annoying telemarketing calls (11.3%). The percentage of telemarketing robocalls has hovered around 11-13% over the past three years.

Fortunately, there’s help on the way. A new federal law raises the penalty for a single robocall to a whopping $10,000—which should make spammers think twice. The major carriers have already rolled out a new robocall fighting measure called STIR/SHAKEN, which promises to help to ameliorate the problem as well.

METHODOLOGY

To come up with our state robocall rankings, we calculated each state’s ranking by giving them a weighted score based on two data points: the monthly number of robocalls per person in each state (weighted at 40%) according to YouMail, and the number of monthly robocall complaints per person made to the Federal Trade Commission in each state (weighted at 60%). The states were then ordered and ranked according to this score.

SOURCE: LET\’S TALK