Knowledge is power: Get facts straight during Colorectal Awareness Month

Did you know that colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death among American men and women combined? One out of every three people are not up-to-date with screenings.

Sadly, 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with screening: in fact, getting screened routinely starting at age 45 or 50, at the latest — is the most effective way to reduce your risk.

Abnormal growths, called polyps, can form in the colon or rectum. Through screenings, they can be removed early, before becoming cancerous. A person’s CRC risk increases as they age; about 90 percent of cases occur in adults 50 and up.

Some risk factors include:

Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps

A genetic syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).

The U.S. Multi-Society Task Force of Colorectal Cancer recommends:

People at average risk of CRC start regular screenings at 50.

African Americans at average risk of CRC start regular screenings at 45.

People in good health, and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years, continue regular CRC screenings through the age of 75.

People ages 76 through 85 should make a decision regarding screenings with their medical provider, based on personal preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history.

People over 85 should no longer get CRC screening.

Decrease your risk for colorectal cancer with these lifestyle changes:

Regular physical activity

A diet high in fruits and vegetables

A high-fiber, low-fat diet or one that eliminates processed meats (cold cuts, sausage, bacon)

Eating less red meat

Limiting alcohol consumption

Avoiding tobacco use.

The recommended tests fall into two categories:

Stool-based tests are non-invasive and require no special diet or bowel preparation. If the test shows abnormal signs of blood, or a possible cancer or pre-cancer, a colonoscopy will be needed to confirm the result, and possibly remove any abnormal findings or polyps.

Visual or Structural tests are invasive tests that look inside the colon and rectum for abnormal areas that might be cancer or polyps. If a stool-based test was done first and had an abnormal result, a visual test, such as colonoscopy, can help find out why.

To prepare, you are asked to follow a special diet in advance and will also need to clean out your colon with strong laxatives (called a bowel prep) and sometimes with enemas, as well. Most people are sedated during the test.

Talk to your care provider about which screening option is the best for you. The life you save could be your own!

Jefferson Health Foundation – New Jersey 2020 Gala Raises Nearly $900K for Planned Jefferson Pride Primary and Specialty Care Practice

Nearly

900 supporters of Jefferson Health New Jersey enjoyed an evening of dancing and dining at the organization’s 24

annual Jefferson Health Foundation – New Jersey fundraising Gala, held at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. The February 29

event — headlined by performances from Motown legends The Temptations and Four Tops — raised close to $900,000 to benefit the planned Jefferson Pride Primary & Specialty Care practice, set to open in Collingswood later this year. For more information, visit

JeffersonHealth.org/JeffPrideNJ

Shown, from left

: Colleen Wyse and husband, Dr. Stephen K. Klasko, President, Thomas Jefferson University, and CEO of Jefferson Health; and Dina Devine and husband, Joseph W. Devine, President of Jefferson Health New Jersey, and Chief Experience Officer, Jefferson Health.

Joseph N. Harris of Franklinville, formerly of Gloucester City, Vietnam War Army Veteran

Joseph N. Harris Sr.

Joseph N. Harris Sr. \”Butch\” age 72, of Franklinville formerly of Gloucester City passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020. Born in Camden to the late Jacob Harris and Louise (nee Hilling), Butch served in the Army during the Vietnam War and continued serving in the Army National Guard for 20 years of service. He was proud of his military service, loved his country and was a member of the Brooklawn American Legion. His passion was traveling to car shows and taking care of his 1969 Firebird. Butch was loved by all who knew him. He loved his family and adored his grandchildren.

Butch is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years Patricia (nee Mayhew), his son Joseph N. Harris Jr., (Jacqueline), two daughters, Angela Harris (Dave) and Darlene Voll (William), five grandchildren, Alexis, Jacob, Abigail, Billy and Andrew and his brother-in-law, David McNeil. He was predeceased by his sister, Saundra McNeil.

Family and Friends may visit

from 9:30 am to 11 am on Thursday, March 5th

, at Smith Funeral Home,

47 Main Street, Mantua, NJ

where a Memorial Service will be held at 11. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Wenonah Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, contributions can be made to ASPCA,

PO Box 96929, Washington, DC, 20090-6929

or by phone at

1-800-628-0028

. Memories and condolences can be shared at

www.smithfhmantua.com

LINE OF MARCHSAINT MARY’S/GLOUCESTER CITY FIFTH ANNUAL SAINT PATRICK’S PARADE SUNDAY, MARCH 1

by CNBNews Staff

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (February 29, 2020)—-The annual St. Mary\’s Parish/Gloucester City St. Patrick\’s Day Parade is scheduled to begin at 1 PM sharp rain or shine. The parade will take the same route as last year, forming and staging at the Martin’s Lake area, at Johnson Blvd. and Baynes Ave. marching on Johnson Blvd. to Monmouth Street, up Monmouth Street to King, and dispersing at the former Coast Guard Base parking lot, King and Cumberland Streets.

It will begin at Johnson Blvd and Baynes Avenue, north to Monmouth and Johnson Blvd., move west on Monmouth Street to King Street and south on King Street to Proprietors Park.

The following bands and marching units will be in the line of march:

South Philadelphia, Quaker City, Fralinger, Woodland, Avalon, Aqua, Uptown, Duffy, Durning, and the Gloucester City String Band.

The Camden County Emerald Society, Second Street Irish Society, Trenton AOH, ACFD Sand Pipers, and Brian Boru Pipes and Drums Bands.

The Misty Dewers and The Broken Shillelaghs Irish Bands.

The Two Street Stompers Comic Brigade. The Jordan-Hunt and the Emerald Isle Irish Dance Schools.

The parade\’s Grand Marshall is Ed Beckett, principal of Gloucester Catholic High School and the Celebrity Parade Marshall is Bob Kelly from Fox 29 News. Honor guest is the Deputy Consul General from Ireland Sean O’Hay

Gloucester City’s own radio disc jockey Kathy Townsend Suckiel from the B101.1 radio station will be present with the B101 mascot,

Buzzbee!

Gloucester City PD Issues Road Closures/Parking Restrictions for Parade

Below is the parade line-up set for 12 noon at the staging area

Camden County Emerald Society (olive-wolverine-471793.hostingersite.com file photo)

LINE-UP IS AT 12:00 NOON IN THE STAGING AREA

POSITIONS #A-#G LINE UP IS ON JOHNSON BLVD. BETWEEN FRANCIS ST. & BAYNES AVE.

POSITION “A”-VFW & AMERICAN LEGION COLOR GUARD & ROTC COLOR GUARD FROM GLOUCESTER HIGH SCHOOL WITH USMC MARINES BRETT & DALTON KENNEY

POSITION “B” CELEBRITY PARADE MARSHAL BOB KELLY AND QUAKER CITY STRING BAND WITH MSGR. HODGE, DEPUTY CONSUL GENERAL FROM IRELAND, MAYOR DAN SPENCER

POSITION “C”-2020 GRAND MARSHAL ED BECKETT AND GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS

POSITION “D”-KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS WITH ST. PATRICK’S STATUE

POSITION “E”-DURNING STRING BAND

POSITION “F” CITY COUNCIL, COUNTY FREEHOLDERS, STATE LEGISLATORS, OTHER DIGNITARIES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS, CAMDEN COUNTY MASCOTS

POSITION “G” THE MISTY DEWERS

POSITIONS #1-#5-Francis Street and East Brown Street

SOUTH JERSEY MOBILE BILLBOARD TRUCK

ANYZEK FUELS ANTIQUE TRUCKS/CARS-JIM PARENT, 1939 GREEN BUICK

GARDEN STATE CORVETTE CLUB ON FRANCIS STREET

GLOUCESTER CITY OLDTIMERS STRING BAND

ANTIQUE CARS/TRUCKS-JIM PARENT IN HIS 1939 GREEN BUICK

-DONNELLY-GATTO FUNERAL HOME ROLLS ROYCE HEARSE & STAFF

POSITIONS #6–#21-HIGHLAND BLVD DOWN TO GREENWOOD AVENUE

PUBLIC WORKS TRAILER WITH LADIES AOH, CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA’S, AND LITTLE MISS/MR. GLOUCESTER CITY

TRENTON AOH BAGPIPE BAND

GLOUCESTER CITY FIRE DEPT COLOR GUARD & MARCHERS

GLOUCESTER CITY FIRE DEPT. APPARATUS

DUFFY STRING BAND

GLOUCESTER CITY IRISH SOCIETY

GLOUCESTER CITY HIGH SCHOOL COLOR GUARD, MARCHING BAND, & SCHOOL CLUBS

UPTOWN STRING BAND

GLOUCESTER CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL & COLD SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

IRISH SETTAR CLUB OF SOUTH JERSEY

CAMDEN COUNTY EMERALD SOCIETY

CAIRDEAS IRISH BIRGADE (JOHN SCILLIG-SCHILEEN’S TAVERN-WESTVILLE, NJ)

MARK’S ANTIQUE FIRE TRUCK???? AND/OR FOUR LEAF RESTORATION COMPANY

AQUA STRING BAND

AOH GLOUCESTER COUNTY DIVISION I-COMMODORE JOHN BARRY-LARRY PRELLE, DIRECTOR

BRIAN BORU PIPES AND DRUMS BAND-KEVIN FLATLEY DRUM MAJOR

POSITIONS #22-#38 KLEMM AVENUE TO SYLVAN AVENUE

AVALON STRING BAND

GLOUCESTER CITY YOUTH SOCCER

JORDAN HUNT SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE

GLOUCESTER CITY LITTLE LEAGUE

SECOND STREET IRISH SOCIETY PIPES & DRUMS

MINI HORSE’S PONY CLUB-LONG ACRES FARM-MARY LEDGER

WOODLAND STRING BAND

CUB SCOUTS TROOP OF GLOUCESTER CITY???/ QUINN FAMILY WITH IRISH WOLFHOUND SEAMUS

FRALINGER STRING BAND

COMMUNITY ROCKS CORP.-ERIN OSLER/SARA O’BRIEN

ATLANTIC CITY FIREFIGHTERS SAND PIPERS

EPIPHANY CHURCH OF GLOUCESTER CITY-PASTOR JOE MARLIN

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA STRING BAND

HIGHLAND TAVERN FLOAT WITH BIG DADDY

EMERALD ISLE ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCE

TWO STREET STOMPERS COMIC BRIGADE CHAMPIONS

TAVERN ON THE EDGE PRESENTS “THE BROKEN SHILELLEGHS”

Gov. Phil Murphy hugging Brooklawn Mayor Teri Branella at the 2018 parade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recycling Tips for Gloucester County Resident

(Swedesboro, NJ)—Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger, Liaison to the Gloucester County Improvement Authority, wants to remind residents of the importance of recycling.

In 1987, the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act requires all residents, schools, businesses and government agencies in the state of New Jersey to separate and recycle certain materials from the regular trash in order to reduce the amount of garbage that requires disposal. These items include newspaper, glass bottles and jars, aluminum cans, bi-metal cans and plastic bottles, jars and jugs.

“Over the last several years, we noticed residents not taking the proper time to sort their recyclables. Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to our landfills, conserves our natural resources and reduces pollution,” stated Freeholder Director Damminger.

The “Dirty Dozen” is Gloucester County’s list of items that should never be in your recycling container. These items include:

1. Plastic bags

2. Materials in plastic bags

3. Shredded paper

4. Scrap Metal

5. Hazardous waste

6. Diapers or bio-hazardous waste

7. Non-recyclable plastics

8. Cups

9. Plastic caps or lids

10. Liquids in recyclable containers

11. Ceramics or non-recyclable glass

12. Frozen food containers

“The main phrase our county’s recycling program stresses is, ‘When in doubt, throw it out,’” added Freeholder Director Damminger. “One dirty recyclable could contaminate the contents of an entire recycling truck so it’s important to take the time to sort and check with your town for recycling guidelines and tips.”

The Gloucester County Improvement Authority offers residents resources and information on what items can be recycled and what items need to be disposed of separately. For additional information or questions call (856) 478-6045 or visit

www.gcianj.com

###

Gloucester County Animal Shelter is calling for volunteers

(Clayton, NJ)—Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger and Freeholder Deputy Director Frank J. DiMarco want to remind Gloucester County residents of volunteer opportunities at the Gloucester County Animal Shelter (GCAS).

The GCAS handles over 3,000 domestic animals a year. Volunteers are a huge help in making the shelter successful and keeping foster pets happy.

“Volunteering at the Gloucester County Animal Shelter is an amazing way to assist the animals we currently house,” Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said.

Volunteers will assist in a number of different ways including walking dogs, socializing cats and kittens, escorting potential pet parents through our adoption areas and assist with light cleaning. Volunteers must be of 18 years of age to apply.

Freeholder Deputy Director Frank J. DiMarco, Liaison to the Gloucester County Animal Shelter, encourages all pet lovers to apply.

“There’s something for every volunteer to do at the shelter,” said Freeholder DiMarco. “We know the age requirement for volunteers limits a lot of our animal lovers from helping at the shelter, but there’s other ways to get involved like donating items to the shelter or fostering animals with your family.”

To get started, fill out a volunteer application at

http://bit.ly/volunteerGCAS

For more information on the Gloucester County Shelter or any questions on volunteering, visit

http://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/depts/a/shelter/default.asp

or call (856) 881-2828.

Congregation Beth El in Voorhees Receives Support from the Investors Foundation Grant Program

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ

–

A $15,000 grant from the Investors Bank’s Foundation is helping Congregation Beth El complete safety and security projects at its Voorhees campus.

Representatives from Investors Bank recently presented a check from the Investors Foundation for $15,000 to Congregation Beth El in Voorhees. Pictured from left, Investors Bank Voorhees branch supervisor Sayantani Bhattacharya, Investors Bank assistant vice president and Voorhees branch manager Barry Epps, Congregation Beth El Executive Director Josh Laster, Investors Bank’s senior vice president business lending Christopher P. Warren, Senior Rabbi Aaron Krupnick, Associate Rabbi Andy Green, Hazzan Alisa Pomerantz-Boro, and Congregation Beth El Board President Karen Schlessel.

Congregation Beth El applied for the grant from the Investors Bank Foundation, which supports non-profit organizations that enrich the diverse communities served by Investors Bank.

Congregation Beth El has a rich history in southern New Jersey, beginning with its organization in the Parkside section of Camden in late 1920. The congregation grew significantly over the next 50 years, requiring a move to a larger facility in the late 1960s, and then onto the current location in Voorhees in 2009.

Congregation Beth El is an egalitarian Conservative Synagogue of more than 800 families and is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

seeks to create a unique, shared space where everyone can discover what it means to be human and to be part of a sacred community.

Investors Bank’s Christopher P. Warren, senior vice president business lending; Barry Epps, assistant vice president and Voorhees branch manager; and branch supervisor Sayantani Bhattacharya, presented the check to the leadership of Congregation Beth El.

“We are proud to present Congregation Beth El with this grant in support of its efforts to ensure the safety of its members,” said Warren. “Everyone should feel secure in their ability to participate in worship, education, and the other activities available through Congregation Beth El.”

Congregation Beth El Executive Director Josh Laster said, “We are grateful to Investors Bank Foundation for providing the necessary funds to increase security at Beth El. With their support, we were able to implement new protocols offering additional protection to our education programs.

”

“I know I speak for the leadership of our congregation when I say that Investors Bank is aptly named,” exclaimed Senior Rabbi Aaron Krupnick. “They are investing in our shared future by helping to make our children, and their parents, safe and comfortable here at our school. Our children are our future, and we are proud to be investing in them together.”

“Investors Bank believes in supporting organizations and activities that strengthen the communities where our customers and employees live and work,” said Epps. “Congregation Beth El plays an important role in our community and we believe we have an obligation to support its efforts.”

About the Investors Foundation

Investors Bank created the Investors Foundation in 2005 to support the communities Investors Bank serves. The Investors Foundation supports initiatives in the arts, youth development, health and human services, education and affordable housing. The Investors Foundation works to improve the lives of its customers and neighbors.

About Investors Bank

Investors Bank, headquartered in Short Hills, New Jersey, is a full-service community bank that has been serving customers since 1926. With nearly $27 billion in assets and a network of more than 145 retail branches, Investors Bank delivers personalized services and products tailored to the needs of its customers. Investors Bank’s banking services include complete deposit, loan and cash management products for consumers and businesses.

Investors Bank: Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

About Congregation Beth El

Congregation Beth El seeks to create a unique, shared space where members can discover what it means to be human and to be part of a sacred community. Grounded in ex

ploration of Jewish tradition, text, and ritual, Beth El aspires to enrich the lives of its members to celebrate Conservative Judaism at its creative best, and to bring Jews closer to God, Torah and Israel. Congregation Beth El is proud to say it is a community of communities. The congregation is diverse and robust, with many people from many different walks of life. Congregation Beth El welcomes all levels of background and knowledge. For more information, please go to

www.bethelsnj.org.

Route 42 northbound lane closures required as Bridges over Timber Creek project advances

(Trenton)

– New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced overnight lane closures on Route 42 northbound as the Bridges over Timber Creek and Lower Landing Road project advances in Gloucester, Camden County and Deptford, Gloucester County.

Beginning at 10:30 p.m., tonight, Friday, February 21, NJDOT’s contractor, Richard E. Pierson Construction Company, is scheduled to close the left and center lanes on Route 42 northbound in the vicinity of the bridges and shift traffic into the right lane to install construction barrier to prepare for a traffic shift. One lane of northbound traffic will be maintained.

By 5:30 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, February 22, all three lanes on Route 42 northbound will reopen. The left lane of Route 42 northbound will cross into the median and return to the mainline beyond the staged work area. This configuration will remain in place until summer 2020.

The $9.6 million federally-funded project, which began in September 2017, will demolish and replace the two bridge deck spans on the Route 42 Bridges over Timber Creek and Lower Landing Road and make repairs to the piers and abutments. The project has been designed in stages with the bridge deck replaced one side at a time to reduce the impact to motorists. Work is anticipated to be complete in fall 2020.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website

www.511nj.org

for construction updates and real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter

@NJDOT_info

or on the

NJDOT Facebook page

Topping Off Ceremony Held for $184M Patient Tower at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital

Jefferson Washington Township Hospital reached a major milestone on Thursday, February 20th, as a “topping off” ceremony was held for its new $184 million patient tower, slated to open in summer 2021. Jefferson leadership and staff — including Dr. Stephen Klasko, President of Thomas Jefferson University and CEO of Jefferson Health — were in attendance, along with NJ state and local officials, as the final beam was lifted by a crane and put in place.

The 7-floor, 243,500-square-foot tower, being named in honor of Jefferson board member and benefactor John P. Silvestri and his family, will feature 90 private patient rooms, a two-story lobby, Same-Day Surgery Unit, roof helipad, café with outdoor dining, and more. The $222 million overall Washington Township hospital campus transformation began in 2018, with construction of an 8-level enclosed parking facility, completed in April 2019.

Shown at the Topping Off ceremony, from left, are

: Stephen M. Sweeney, New Jersey Senate President; Joseph W. Devine, President, Jefferson New Jersey Division and Chief Experience Officer, Jefferson Health; John P. Silvestri, Vice Chairman, Jefferson Health New Jersey Hospital Board of Trustees; Joann Gattinelli, Washington Township Mayor; and John W. Graham, Chief Administrative Officer, Jefferson Washington Township Hospital.