Category: Community Calendar

(South Harrison, NJ)–The Gloucester County Board of Commissioners has designated March 2021 as “Tire Amnesty Month” in Gloucester County.

Gloucester County will accept used tires from county residents and municipalities at the Solid Waste Complex in South Harrison, March 1-March 31 Monday through Friday. A special weekend drop-off will be held on Saturday, March 20.

The program will conclude on Wednesday, March 31.  No exceptions. 

“The County has successfully removed 253,496 tires from our waste stream since we began this program in 2001. Tires aren’t only an eyesore; they are a primary breeding ground for mosquitoes which not only carry the West Nile Virus, but may other diseases,” said Director Robert M. Damminger.

March is the only time tires are accepted at the County Solid Waste Complex during the year.  The collection in March allows for the tires to be shredded in April, before the mosquito breeding season.  

County residents can dispose of up to 10-passenger car and passenger pick-up tires only at no cost at the Gloucester County Solid Waste Complex at 493 Monroeville Rd. (Route 694) in South Harrison Township, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. throughout the month of March. The Saturday, March 20 event will be held rain-or-shine and will run from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.  

County residents with more than 10 tires will be directed to the GCIA website www.gcianj.com for the NJDEP Tire Disposal Facility Listing where they can find information on disposing their large number of tires.

Due to budget limitations no more than 10 tires will be accepted per residence.

Tires may be on or off the rims, but they must be separated by type.  They will be going into different piles.  

Mixed loads will not be accepted.  

In addition, no tractor trailer/oversized/heavy equipment tires will be accepted.  

A list of certified tire disposal facilities will be available for anyone that may need a service for larger tires.

For more information on the 2021 Gloucester County Tire Amnesty Program please contact GCIA/Office of Recycling at 478-6045.

Mount Laurel, NJ – Samaritan’s Center for Grief Support is unveiling a new virtual support group for 2021 – Parenting After the Death of a Partner.

Beginning Saturday, February 27, this free, 6-week group provides guidance and support to parents of young children and teens who may have experienced the loss of a spouse, partner or significant other.

Each session runs for 90 minutes and offers supportive information about coping, communication and compassion for self and others, while addressing the unique challenges a single parent may face as they grieve the loss of their partner while continuing to be a support system and an understanding, loving parent to their children.

For an updated schedule and additional information on support groups being offered by Samaritan in 2021, visit: https://samaritannj.org/resources/grief-support-groups-south-nj/.

What: Parenting After the Death of a Partner
When: Saturday, February 27, 2021 from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Online. Link will be provided at registration.
Cost: Free
Details: Space is limited for this group – pre-registration is required. Call the Samaritan Center for Grief Support at (856) 596-8550, or mail CFGcounseling@SamaritanNJ.org to register.

Once registered, attendees will receive detailed instructions and a link to log-in to the support group.

The group will be facilitated by Michelle Tartamosa, social work intern.

About Samaritan:

Samaritan is a not-for-profit, independent organization locally founded in Moorestown, New Jersey in 1980. Samaritan is the regional leader for hospice care, palliative (comfort) medicine, at-home primary care, grief support and counseling, advanced illness care, education and advocacy.

Samaritan serves people in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties who are coping with the stresses of aging, serious illness or grief in their homes, assisted-living or nursing home communities and through two inpatient hospice centers: The Samaritan Center at Mount Holly and The Samaritan Center at Voorhees.

A thrift shop in Westmont supports Samaritan services and programs. Samaritan is accredited by The Joint Commission; a member of the National Partnership for Hospice Innovation; and is a four-star hospice in the national We Honor Veterans program.

For more information, visit www.SamaritanNJ.org.

Margate, NJ (January 13, 2021) – As Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS) embraces the new year, we are pleased to announce a host of legacy fundraisers and new events to raise revenue to support the needs of our community residents.

In total, JFS hopes to raise approximately $200,000 from the events for critical community services. With the pandemic continuing to affect individuals and families, especially in Atlantic County, one of the hardest hit areas in the nation, we need to assure appropriate funds are raised, so we can help those in need.

The Blue Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser continues through January 31. This program offers supporters the opportunity to flock a friend, family member or neighbor for a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion with a bevy of beauties.

Flamingo migration territories include Downbeach, Atlantic City, Somers Point, Linwood, Northfield, Egg Harbor Township, Absecon and Brigantine.

Pricing starts at $50 per flocking and additional fees apply for larger flocks (more than 20 flamingos), insurance or extended delivery in Mays Landing and Galloway.

“At JFS, we look forward to hosting our annual fundraising events this year. While some may look and feel slightly different, the premise of offering fun and memorable experiences is still our focus for every program,” said Andrea Steinberg, JFS Chief Executive Officer. “With a drastic increase in services such as counseling, meal delivery, food pantry and homeless support, JFS has adapted to offer interactive events and digital fundraisers to raise necessary dollars to support programming.”

While the winter Cocktail Party may still be on hiatus, The Chef’s Kitchen: A Virtual Cooking Event hopes to offer participants the opportunity to learn how to prepare appetizer and entrée culinary specialties and delicious desserts. Chefs from local restaurants will enthrall attendees with trade secrets and exclusive recipes.

The event committee is now forming for this delicious cooking series which is slated for a March start.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or novice cook, this series will be an interactive and yummy addition to the JFS events line-up. 

While a date has not been set, JFS and JCC plan to collaborate again for an afternoon on the greens full of fun, competition, contests and prizes.

The Annual JFS & JCC Golf Tournament hopes to raise $60,000 which is split among both agencies. 

As summer enters full swing, the 34^th Annual House Tour, which has been a staple in our community, provides guests with a rare insight into specialty homes across the island.

Attendees tour residents that have been part of our community for years and newly custom built homes that adorn the waterway.

With a goal of raising $65,000 for Village by the Shore services, this annual fundraiser will take place August 2.

JFS is currently searching for homes to feature, so if you wish to be included, please call 609.822.7409. 

The Village by the Shore Card Party brings together friends and family to enjoy an afternoon of Canasta, Bridge and Mahjong. A community favorite, the event combines games, shopping and prizes along with lunch and great comradery. The Card Party will take place August 26.

The Farm to Table Dinner, formerly known as the Herb Dinner, will please your palate with local vegetables, herbs and spices. The multi-course dining experience, hosted by Cookie Till of Steve & Cookie’s in Margate, offers flavorful dishes that will have you salivating.  Space is limited for this exclusive dinner featuring an interactive conversation with Herbalist Gayle Gross. Scheduled for October 19, this year’s Farm to Table Dinner will offer great food with some new changes and surprises.

“In addition to our fundraising events, the agency continues to raise dollars through our Friends direct mail campaign and will introduce a new opportunity to advertise in our agency newsletter,” explained Steinberg. “With traditional fundraising events in limbo, JFS still needs to raise money for essential services causing us to adapt for 2021.”

The agency newsletter is mailed in January and July to more than 15,000 homes and businesses. Advertising starts at $150 and is based on space and availability. Contact Susan Kotzen at 609.822.1108, x218 for details. 

Whether sending flamingos to a friend’s front lawn or touring beautiful Downbeach homes, JFS welcomes the community support and looks forward to a happy and healthy year ahead. 

All events, dates and locations are subject to change. Fundraisers will follow COVID health and safety guidelines.   

For information on 2021 JFS fundraising, contact Kirby Reed at 609.822.1108, x144 or kreed@jfsatlantic.org. For information about events, programs or services, contact 609.822.1108 or visit jfsatlantic.org. 

About Jewish Family Service

Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS) encourages strong families, thriving children, healthy adults, energized seniors and vital communities.

With dozens of program areas, JFS specializes in counseling, mental health services, homeless programs, vocational services, adult and older adult services and also hosts an on-site food pantry. 

The agency impacts 8,000 lives throughout Atlantic and Cape May Counties each year.

JFS’ mission is to motivate and empower people to realize their potential and enhance their quality of life.

In keeping with Jewish values and the spirit of tikkun olam (healing the world), JFS provides services with integrity, compassion, respect and professionalism regardless of their religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age or background.

For more information or to keep up-to-date with JFS events and programs, visit www.jfsatlantic.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.