Former Freeholder Director Backs Gustafson

COLLINGSWOOD – Republican congressional candidate in CD1, Claire Gustafson, announced today that she has earned the endorsement of Camden County’s last Republican Freeholder Director, Joe Condo.

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet with both announced Republican candidates in the First Congressional District and Claire Gustafson is clearly the better choice,” former Camden County Freeholder Director Joe Condo said. “Claire has repeatedly stepped up for the party, held local office and most recently resurrected Camden County’s Republican women organization. She has the skillset needed to take on South Jersey’s political machine.”

Condo joins Greenwich Township Mayor George W. Shivery, Jr., former Magnolia Mayor Joe Adolf and former Stratford Councilman John Dudley in endorsing Claire Gustafson’s candidacy.

“Former Freeholder Director Joe Condo is a remarkable man who’s proven he knows what it takes to win, I am proud and honored to have earned his endorsement,” Claire Gustafson said.

About Claire Gustaafson: Active in her community, Claire is currently the President of Camden County New Jersey Republican Women, a former school board member in Collingswood, a former soccer and Little League coach and a member of Collingswood’s historic commission. She’s owned her own small business for over 30 years and is married with four sons, one daughter and several grandchildren.

GUEST OPINION: PELOSI DEFENSIVELY INVOKES HER RELIGION

by Bill Donahue

The Catholic League

Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on Nancy Pelosi’s response to a reporter’s question:

As House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi was leaving her press conference today, reporter James Rosen asked her, “Do you hate the president, Madame Speaker?”

Pelosi was livid. She spun around and, pointing at Rosen, said, “I was raised in a Catholic house. We don’t hate anybody—not anybody in the world. So don’t accuse me of that.” Rosen replied that he never accused her of anything. Red hot with anger, she returned to the podium where she warned him, “don’t mess with me.”

Regarding President Trump, she labeled him a “cruel” man. She then went back to the well. “As a Catholic,” she said, “I resent you using the word hate in a sentence that addresses me.”

Whether Pelosi hates the president, or anyone else, is impossible to say, though labeling him “cruel” surely invites speculation.

What bothers many practicing Catholics is her selective invocation of her Catholic status. Here are a few examples.

Pelosi is a champion of abortion rights, for any reason, and at any time of pregnancy, including instances when a baby can be killed who is 80 percent born. [Note: The U.S. bishops recently named “the threat of abortion” as the “preeminent priority” for Catholics.]

Pelosi rejects the Church’s teachings on marriage, holding that two men can marry and raise a family (adopted children, of course) in a manner that is no different from the normal arrangement of a man and a woman.

Pelosi works tirelessly to support bills like the Equality Act that would devastate religious liberty while also undermining the Catholic Church.

Pelosi will never support school vouchers for indigent minorities, consigning them to public schools that wealthy white people like her wouldn’t set foot in.

Pelosi is such a rank hypocrite that she not only selectively, and defensively, wears her religion on her sleeve, she has the gall to call herself a “

conservative Catholic

.”

She would be well advised either to stop rejecting Church teachings on core moral issues, or stop playing the Catholic card to justify her opposition to them.

Contact: Ashley Etienne, communications director for Pelosi:

ashley.etienne@mail.house.gov

Gmail

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Twitter

Philadelphia Tax Return Preparer Admits to Preparing False Tax Returns

PHILADELPHIA PA–On December 5, 2019, JOSE SANTIAGO (SANTIAGO), 48, of Philadelphia, PA, pled guilty to six counts of preparing false income tax returns.

SANTIAGO owned and operated Santiago Tax Service in Philadelphia, PA. While operating his tax preparation business, SANTIAGO prepared and filed numerous fraudulent tax returns. SANTIAGO inflated his clients’ unreimbursed employee business expensees and charitable donations; causing his clients to receive tax refunds that they were not entitled to. SANTIAGO’S actions caused a loss of approximately $914,635 to the IRS.

“Tax preparers have a duty to their clients to prepare tax returns that comply with the law and are complete and accurate,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Guy Ficco. “Mr. SANTIAGO failed to uphold this duty; instead he blatantly ignored the tax laws by preparing false tax returns.”

SANTIAGO’S sentencing is scheduled for March 19, 2020, before United States District Judge Joshua D. Wolson. SANTIAGO faces a statutory maximum sentence of 18 years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $914,635.00.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Schlessinger.

Robert J. Hepner “Headcase” of Gloucester City NJ; Truckdriver

On December 3, 2019. Of Gloucester City. Age 65. Born in Fort Monmouth , he was the son of the late Mary Jane Hepner. He is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Maryanne (Raube) Hepner; loving children Jessica McNair (Rob), Lisa St.Clair (Lee), Kelly Reed (John), Roy Bond, Jr. and 8 grandchildren.

Robert worked as a self-employed truck driver for many years before he joined

Double K Transportation in Gloucester City, 5 years ago. A true gear head, he loved to ride his Harley and will be missed by his riding buddies the “Wild Hogs”, Lee St.Clair, Joel Italian, Tony Elam and Robert Dolbow.

Funeral services will be celebrated at 1 pm on Saturday, December 7

at McCann-Healey Funeral Home, 851

Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, where family and friends may visit from 11 am to 1 pm. Burial will be held at a privately later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Robert to the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Ste. 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 or the American Liver Foundation, Mid Atlantic Division, 1528 Walnut Street, Suite 2020, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Robert J. Hepner. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home: Gloucester City: Phone 856-456-1142

Bill to Allow College Athletes to Earn Endorsement Compensation Clears Assembly Panel

(TRENTON) –

College athletics bring in profits for higher education institutions, media outlets, sponsors and others, but the players themselves across much of the nation are prohibited from earning a piece of the revenue.

Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Lisa Swain and Chris Tully (both D-Bergen, Passaic) seeks to eliminate this disparity by allowing college athletes to earn compensation for use of their name, image or likeness. The bill (

A-5863

), known as the “New Jersey Fair Play Act,” was approved Thursday by the Assembly

Higher Education Committee.

“Athletes are the faces of the industry. They are the ones out there on the field, putting in the work that will attract spectators and create opportunities for businesses to profit,” said Swain. “It’s only fair that they have the right to earn compensation for their work.”

Under the bill, a four-year institution of higher education would be prohibited from upholding any rule, requirement, standard or other limitation that prevents college athletes from earning compensation from their name, image or likeness. Earning such compensation would not affect the student’s scholarship eligibility.

California recently passed similar legislation, and New Jersey is the 16

state to introduce such a measure. Since California approved its legislation, the National Collegiate Athletic Association announced it would adopt a policy allowing college athletes to benefit from their name, image and likeness within the two years. However, critics of the plan say it lacks specifics and may be too restrictive on athletes.

“Every day, student athletes generate massive amounts of value for their schools, leagues, the NCAA, and their for-profit partners. But the group that works and sacrifices the most to generate that value – the student athletes themselves- do not see a single penny,” said Tully. “The New Jersey Fair Play Act finally corrects the fundamental imbalances that have existed in collegiate athletics for far too long.”

A student athlete under the bill would not be allowed to earn compensation in connection with certain products, including adult entertainment, alcohol, casinos, gambling, sports betting, the lottery, video and online game betting, tobacco and electronic smoking products, pharmaceuticals, controlled dangerous substances, and weapons such as firearms and ammunition.

Under the measure, a four-year institution would be prohibited from joining the National Collegiate Athletic Association or any athletic association, conference, or other group or organization with control over intercollegiate athletics that:

prohibits a student athlete from earning compensation as a result of the use of the student’s name, image, or likeness

prohibits an institution of higher education from participating in intercollegiate athletics as a result of the compensation of a student athlete for the use of the student’s name, image, or likeness

provides a prospective student-athlete with compensation in relation to the student-athlete’s name, image, or likeness; or

prevents a New Jersey student participating in intercollegiate athletics from obtaining professional representation in relation to contracts or legal matters including, but not limited to, representation provided by athlete agents or legal representation provided by attorneys

Additionally, a student athlete who enters a contract to earn compensation would be required to disclose the contract to a college official. An institutional team contract would not prevent a collegiate player from using their name, image or likeness for commercial purposes when they are not engaged in official team activities.

The bill would take effect immediately and first be applicable in the fifth academic year following enactment.

CC Prosecutors Office High Tech Crimes Unit Meets with Public

CHERRY HILL new jersey—The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit and Cherry Hill Police Department visited the Cherry Hill Mall yesterday

afternoon and manned a table near the Apple Store to share information with anyone interested in purchasing electronic devices for the holidays. While members of the High Tech Crimes Unit shared pamphlets on internet safety and spoke to dozens of interested parents, Sergeant Chris Robinson spoke to a local news station about the importance of a parent’s role in making sure their children are safe in the online world.

The CCPO High Tech Crimes Unit and Cherry Hill Police Department will be in the Cherry Hill Mall near the Apple Store to answer questions on cyber safety on December 12th and December 19th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Cyber-Safety-Tips-for-Children_Philadelphia-565808112.html

Multiple Agencies Increase Maritime Safety and Security at Philadelphia Port

PHILADELPHIA-Members of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay, Coast Guard Maritime Safety and

Security Team New York, Customs and Border Protection and multiple state and local police agencies

increased maritime operations to deter illegal activity within the ports of Philadelphia and

Wilmington, Delaware over the past three weeks.

Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Seth Johnson U.S. Coast Guard District 5 PADET Atlantic City Subscribe14 A member of Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team New York and K9 Ruthie inspect goods in the Port of Philadelphia for contraband, November 13, 2019. Interagency teams brought an increased presence to the ports during November to inspect goods brought in for the holiday seasons.

These combined joint agency efforts were focused on a period of heavy import and export before the

holidays, accounting for more than $1.2 billion of commerce throughout the Delaware Bay watershed.

During this time period, the Coast Guard and partner agencies conducted more than 470 hours of

extensive joint operations that included the inspection of 235 vehicles before export, screening 150

ferry passengers and the pier side examination of 62 shipping containers.

“The Delaware River contributes more than $77 billion dollars in economic value each year,” said Capt.

Scott Anderson, Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Commander and Captain of the Port. \”These types of

joint operations help unify law enforcement efforts in the port to disrupt, detect, and deter illegal

activities by sharing unique capabilities and resources between agencies.”

In March 2019, an interagency task force seized 537 kilograms of contraband from a commercial vessel at the port of Philadelphia and in June 2019, nearly 20 tons of cocaine was seized, with an estimated street value of $1.3 billion.

The Delaware River port facilities can receive more than 3,000 deep draft vessels each year. There are

more than 70 private and public facilities capable of servicing bulk, break bulk, and containerized cargos.

Philadelphia is the largest North American port for the importing of paper, meat, cocoa beans, and fruit.

The Delaware River is also the largest energy port on the East Coast.

-USCG-

Snow Thrower Usage: Keep Safety in Mind, Get Ready Before the Snow

Alexandria, Va. –The

Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)

encourages home and business owners to ready their snow throwers and other winter equipment. Clearing driveways, sidewalks and parking lots is no small job. You rely on your outdoor power equipment to make snow removal easy, but it’s also important to keep safety in mind when using snow throwers, often referred to as snow blowers.

“If you’re anticipating bad weather or snow, start the machine and makes sure it operates before you need it and before repair shops are busy,” says OPEI President and CEO Kris Kiser. “Gas stations also can close and roads can be treacherous during a winter storm. You want to protect your power by having the right and fresh fuel on hand for your equipment. And, remember, gasoline-powered snow throwers should use E10 or less.”

OPEI offers the following questions to help you ready your snow thrower for the winter season:

GETTING READY

Have you read your owner’s manual?

Read up on safe handling procedures. Review how to operate the controls. You should be able to shut off your equipment quickly. If you lost your manual, you can look it up online, and store a copy on your computer so you have the manual available to reference in the future.

Have you checked your equipment since storing it?

Make sure all equipment is completely powered off when checking it over. If you forgot to drain the fuel last winter before storing your snow thrower, drain the gas tank now. Adjust any cables and check the auger when the equipment is powered off.

Is your equipment where you can get to it easily?

Move your equipment to a convenient and accessible location, so you can get to it quickly when you need it.

Have you purchased the right fuel?

Be sure to use the correct fuel, as recommended by your equipment\’s manufacturer. Place gasoline in a fuel container and label it with the date purchased and the ethanol content of the fuel. Use fresh fuel in your snow thrower as fuel that is more than 30 days old can phase separate and cause operating problems. Make sure fuel is stored safely and out of the reach of children. For more information on fueling properly see

www.LookBeforeYouPump.com

Are you fueling safely?

Before you start the engine, fill up the fuel tank on your snow thrower while the engine is cold and outside your home or garage. Never add fuel to a running or hot engine.

Are batteries charged?

If using a battery/electric-powered snow-thrower, make sure batteries are fully charged, in case electricity goes out during a winter storm.

Is the area you intend to clear free of obstructions or hidden obstacles?

Snow can hide objects. Doormats, hoses, balls, toys, boards, wires, and other debris should be removed from the areas you intend to clear. When run over by a snow thrower, these objects may harm the machine or people.

Are you dressed properly for winter weather?

Locate your safety gear now, and place it in an accessible closet or location in your home. Plan to wear safety glasses, gloves and footwear that can handle cold and slippery surfaces.

OPERATING SNOW THROWERS SAFELY

Do you have a clean out tool or stick?

NEVER

put your hands inside the auger or chute. Use a clean out tool (or stick) to unclog snow or debris from your snow thrower.

Do you turn off your snow thrower if you need to clear a clog?

Always turn off your snow thrower and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before clearing any clogs or debris.

Do you use your snow thrower in visible conditions?

Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility or light.

Can you aim your snow thrower with care?

Never throw snow toward people or cars. Do not allow anyone to stand in front of your snow thrower. Keep children or pets away from your snow thrower when it is operating.

Will you use extreme caution on slopes and hills?

Do not attempt to clear steep slopes and use caution when changing directions on slopes or inclines.

Do you know where your cord is?

Use an extension cord that is weather-resistant and designed for outdoor use. If you have an electric-powered snow thrower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times. Avoid tripping. Do not run over the power cord.

Are pets and children inside while the snow thrower is operating?

Kids and pets may love to play in the white stuff, but it’s best to keep them inside your home and supervised (by someone else) while you are using your snow thrower to clear a path or driveway. Do not allow them to play in the snow as it is tossed out of the snow thrower’s chute.

About OPEI

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry. OPEI is managing partner of GIE+EXPO, the industry’s annual international trade show, and the creative force behind the environmental education program,

TurfMutt.com

. OPEI-Canada represents members on a host of issues, including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments across the Canadian provinces.

Pennsylvania Included in Eight States with a Budget Deficit

By Dave Fidlin |

The Center Square

With expenses outpacing income, Pennsylvania is one of eight states across the country running a deficit within its government operations, according to a recent analysis.

Gloucestercitynews.net files

In its report, “

A Snapshot of Each State’s Financial Health

,” cost information website

HowMuch.net

examined the amount each state government is spending, compared to the amount coming in through taxes and other sources.

The analysis was based on 2017 figures – the same year the new U.S. tax code was enacted.

According to its analysis, gleaned from such sources as U.S. Census data, researchers concluded Pennsylvania’s state government expenses outpaced its revenues 0.63 percent, resulting in the deficit.

Per-capita expenses in 2017 hit $8,100, while revenue from the year clocked in $8,000, per capita.

Pennsylvania’s greatest expense, per capita, was under the category, “employees, supplies and service payments.” It represented more than half – $4,400 – of the state’s spending, per capita.

On the revenue side, the greatest contributor to Pennsylvania’s revenue, property taxes, made up $3,000 of the $8,000, per capita, of income that is funneled into the state’s operations.

Pennsylvania’s per-capita intake of taxes was above the national average, which hovered around $2,500. Vermont recorded the highest amount of taxes, per-capita, in income, at $5,000. On the low end, Alaska brought in $1,600.

Pennsylvania\’s budgetary practices have come under frequent criticism from the nonprofit Commonwealth Foundation, a free-market-oriented think tank, and from conservative lawmakers who have pushed for the passage of the Taxpayer Protection Act. The legislation would put strict limits on how much the state government can increase expenditures each year based on population growth and inflation.

\”The TPA controls government spending by limiting how quickly it can grow,\” the foundation\’s Tirzah Duren said

in a recent analysis

. \”It keeps spending growth in line with economic growth, freeing up revenues for paying down debt.\”

The

HowMuch.net

analysis comes at a time when deficit spending in the federal government reached a record – to the tune of $23 trillion.

In a statement within the report, author Juan Carlos said the review could play an important role in next year’s presidential election.

“With November 2020 on the horizon, questions about government debt, tax rates and the expansion of social programs will be at the forefront of national conversation,” Carlos wrote in the report.

Depending on a candidate’s platform, Carlos said in the report the outcome of next year’s election could impact states’ debt levels in the road ahead.

Most of Pennsylvania’s neighbors fared better in the How Much analysis. Only one other neighboring state – Delaware – spent more than it took in during the year under review.

Other states with budgetary deficits, according to the report, included Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Kentucky, Vermont and Wyoming.

Nevada led off the states notching the highest surpluses, according to the analysis, with 27.65 percent, followed by Hawaii, Idaho, North Carolina and, at 15.5 percent, New Hampshire.

published here with permission

Migraine Headaches? Consider Aspirin for Treatment

Newswise — Migraine headache is the third most common disease in the world affecting about 1 in 7 people. More prevalent than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined, migraine headaches are among the most common and potentially debilitating disorders encountered by primary health care providers. Migraines also are associated with an increased risk of stroke

There are effective prescription medications available to treat acute migraine headaches as well as to prevent recurrent attacks. Nonetheless, in the United States many patients are not adequately treated for reasons that include limited access to health care providers and lack of health insurance or high co-pays, which make expensive medications of proven benefit unaffordable. The rates of uninsured or underinsured individuals have been estimated to be 8.5 percent nationwide and 13 percent in Florida. Furthermore, for all patients, the prescription drugs may be poorly tolerated or contraindicated.

Researchers from

Florida Atlantic University

’s

Schmidt College of Medicine

have proposed aspirin as a possible option for consideration by primary care providers who treat the majority of patients with migraine. Their review includes evidence from 13 randomized trials of the treatment of migraine in 4,222 patients and tens of thousands of patients in prevention of recurrent attacks.

Their findings, published in

The

American Journal of Medicine

suggest that high-dose aspirin, in doses from 900 to 1,300 milligrams given at the onset of symptoms, is an effective and safe treatment option for acute migraine headaches. In addition, some but not all randomized trials suggest the possibility that daily aspirin in doses from 81 to 325 milligrams may be an effective and safe treatment option for the prevention of recurrent migraine headaches.

“Our review supports the use of high dose aspirin to treat acute migraine as well as low dose daily aspirin to prevent recurrent attacks,” said

Charles H. Hennekens

, M.D., Dr.PH, corresponding author, first Sir Richard Doll Professor and senior academic advisor in FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine. “Moreover, the relatively favorable side effect profile of aspirin and extremely low costs compared with other prescription drug therapies may provide additional clinical options for primary health care providers treating acute as well as recurrent migraine headaches.”

Common symptoms of migraine include a headache that often begins as a dull pain and then grows into a throbbing pain, which can be incapacitating and often occurs with nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to sound, light and smell. Migraines can last anywhere from four to 72 hours and may occur as many times as several times a week to only once a year.

“Migraine headaches are among the most common and potentially debilitating disorders encountered by primary health care providers,” said Bianca Biglione, first author and a second-year medical student in FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine. “In fact, about 1 in 10 primary care patients present with headache and three out of four are migraines. Aspirin is readily available without a prescription, is inexpensive, and based on our review, was shown to be effective in many migraine patients when compared with alternative more expensive therapies.”

Approximately 36 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches and the cause of this disabling disorder is not well understood. There is a higher prevalence in women (18 percent) than men (9 percent). In women, the prevalence is highest during childbearing age. Approximately 90 percent of migraine sufferers report moderate to severe pain, with more than 50 percent reporting severe impairment or the need for bed rest as well as reduced work or school productivity.

Co-authors of the study are Alexander Gitin, a first-year medical student at the

University of Florida College of Medicine

; and

Philip B. Gorelick

, M.D., M.P.H., a professor in the Department of Translational Neuroscience at

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

– FAU –

About the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine:

FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine is one of approximately 152 accredited medical schools in the U.S. The college was launched in 2010,

when the Florida Board of Governors made a landmark decision authorizing FAU to award the M.D. degree. After receiving approval from the Florida legislature and the governor, it became the 134th allopathic medical school in North America. With

more than 70 full and part-time faculty and more than 1,300 affiliate faculty, t

he college

matriculates 64 medical students each year and has been nationally recognized for its innovative curriculum.

To further FAU’s commitment to increase much needed medical residency positions in Palm Beach County and to ensure that the region will continue to have an adequate and well-trained physician workforce, the FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Consortium for Graduate Medical Education (GME) was formed in fall 2011 with five leading hospitals in Palm Beach County. The Consortium currently has five Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited residencies including internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and neurology.

About Florida Atlantic University:

Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University, with an annual economic impact of $6.3 billion, serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at sites throughout its six-county service region in southeast Florida. FAU’s world-class teaching and research faculty serves students through 10 colleges: the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business, the College for Design and Social Inquiry, the College of Education, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Graduate College, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. FAU is ranked as a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University is placing special focus on the rapid development of critical areas that form the basis of its strategic plan: Healthy aging, biotech, coastal and marine issues, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, informatics, lifespan and the environment. These areas provide opportunities for faculty and students to build upon FAU’s existing strengths in research and scholarship. For more information, visit fau.edu.

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