Saturday, September 30, 2017
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To Help NOW, To Move More Efficiently!
As we all know, our friends and families in Puerto Rico are struggling to recover from the destruction that was brought on them by both hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Today, I signed executive order number 233 so that New Jersey can move more efficiently to respond to the island’s needs by mobilizing not only the New Jersey National Guard, our State Police, and our Office of Emergency Management, but also our municipal county and private sector resources. All told New Jersey will deploy more than 1,100 emergency responders and soldiers to Puerto Rico.
By placing local support under the direction of OEM, this executive order ensures the safe, timely coordinated, and effective delivery of critical personnel and equipment to Puerto Rico so that we do not have individual groups or organizations trying to self-deploy. Under my direction the State Police are launching an operation called NJ PRIDE, Puerto Rico Integrated Deployment Effort.
That will involve a deployment of 600 police, troopers, firefighters and medical personnel over a period of six weeks. National Guard is mobilizing another 500 responders and has an additional 2,500 standing ready if needed and requested by the government in Puerto Rico. NJ PRIDE will be fully self-sufficient and will revive public safety and general police service to a designated and devastated area inside Puerto Rico. An advance team of State Police and state emergency management commanders are arriving in Puerto Rico today and tomorrow to prepare for the full deployment thereafter.
To schedule a delivery of donated items to be transported to Puerto Rico, or for information on how you can help with our efforts, you can call 1-833-NJHELPS, that’s 1-833-NJHELPS.
That line will help to coordinate any donations and contributions that anyone in the state would like to make to this effort. We have seen time again the generosity of the people of our state and more importantly we have been the recipient of others generosity during the fall of 2012 when we were hit so hard by hurricane Sandy.
I want to thank the Colonel and the General they have both been working extraordinarily hard all week to coordinate all of the people across New Jersey who want to help Puerto Rico to do so in a way that will be most effective. I appreciate their leadership and the leadership that other law enforcement folks across the state are giving to sacrifice their time to be able to go down and help the folks that are in need.
So thank you for covering that and I wish Godspeed and the best of luck to all of the men and women from New Jersey who are going to be going down to help folks in Puerto Rico that they stay safe and that they help to bring some comfort to people who are really suffering right now. So you all have a good weekend, thank you very much.
Friday, September 29, 2017
WOW! Don't Miss This Little-Known Gem!
There's a gem along a picturesque coast that too many people overlook.
The town of Morro Bay was founded by Franklin Riley in 1870 as a port for the export of dairy and ranch products. He was instrumental in the building of a wharf which has now become the Embarcadero. During the 1870s, schooners could often be seen at the Embarcadero picking up wool, potatoes, barley, and dairy products.[citation needed]
Since the beginning of the 20th century, the town has been a center for beach holidays. Tourism is the city's largest industry, coexisting with the town's commercial fishery. The most popular beach is on the north side of Morro Rock, north of the harbor. There are also excellent beaches north and south of the town which are now owned by the State of California.
They're so busy visiting better-known seaside spots, quaint towns and nearby wineries that they miss this throughly authentic, rugged bayside attraction.
We're talking about Morro Bay, California, a waterfront city in San Luis Obispo County located along State Route 1 on California's central coast.
Morro Rock gave its name to the town. The descriptive term morro is common to the Spanish, Portuguese and Italian languages, and the word is part of many place names where there is a distinctive and prominent hill-shaped rock formation. In this case the morro rock sits right dab in the middle of Morro Bay.The town of Morro Bay was founded by Franklin Riley in 1870 as a port for the export of dairy and ranch products. He was instrumental in the building of a wharf which has now become the Embarcadero. During the 1870s, schooners could often be seen at the Embarcadero picking up wool, potatoes, barley, and dairy products.[citation needed]
Since the beginning of the 20th century, the town has been a center for beach holidays. Tourism is the city's largest industry, coexisting with the town's commercial fishery. The most popular beach is on the north side of Morro Rock, north of the harbor. There are also excellent beaches north and south of the town which are now owned by the State of California.
The town's most striking feature is the Morro Rock, a 576 foot high volcanic plug which stands at the entrance to the harbor. Originally it was surrounded by water, but the northern channel was filled in to make the harbor. It was quarried from 1889 to 1969, and in 1968, it was designated a Historical Landmark.
We're said glad we had a chance to visit Morro Bay during our recent journey through California's central and northern coast and the beautiful central valley.
Enjoy these photos and put this spot on your bucket list!
Photos copyright 2017 by Dan Cirucci.
This Isn't Getting Better -- It's getting MUCH Worse!
OK, so a new poll is out and it shows that the NFL’s net favorability has now dropped from 30% on September 21 to 17% on September 28. Let's face it, the numbers weren't good to begin with but now they're dreadful.
In fact, they're way, way, WAY lower than Trump's favorability numbers.
And, among Trump supporters, the NFL is doing even worse.
On September 21, 25% of Trump supporters said they had a very favorable view of the NFL and 11% had a very unfavorable view.
As of Sept 28, those numbers have dramatically changed with 33% of Trump supporters say they have a very unfavorable view of the NFL and only 16% report having a very favorable view.
On September 21, 25% of Trump supporters said they had a very favorable view of the NFL and 11% had a very unfavorable view.
As of Sept 28, those numbers have dramatically changed with 33% of Trump supporters say they have a very unfavorable view of the NFL and only 16% report having a very favorable view.
Click here for more.
Do You Understand? There's Nothing Complicated Here!
Are NFL players showing disrespect when they refuse to stand silently and honor our national anthem?
Why are we even asking this question? Why?
Indeed they are showing disrespect.
We stand for our national anthem as Americans in a show of affection for our nation and as an demonstration of our hope for its well-being. We also stand to honor those who have served and those who have fallen in defense of our freedoms.
This is not complicated.
And, it's also part of the NFL's own guidelines and Public Law.
Yes, the NFL's own Game Operations Manual states the following:
“The National Anthem must be played prior to every NFL game, and all players must be on the sideline for the National Anthem.Proper respect for our flag is also part of public law under what's known as the Flag Code, 36 US Code, Section 201. It reads as follows:
“During the National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking. The home team should ensure that the American flag is in good condition...
“...It should be pointed out to players and coaches that we continue to be judged by the public in this area of respect for the flag and our country. Failure to be on the field by the start of the National Anthem may result in discipline, such as fines, suspensions, and/or the forfeiture of draft choice(s) for violations of the above, including first offenses.”
(a) Designation.—The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.So, there you have it. That's how you show respect for the flag and for our nation and its citizens and for those who serve and who have served. There's nothing new about this and there's nothing complicated about it. This is what Americans do and this is why and how we do it.
(b) Conduct During Playing.—During a rendition of the national anthem—
(1) when the flag is displayed—
(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
Those who willfully and consciously fail to follow such norms are acting in a disrespectful manner. And those who wear socks depicting police officers as pigs and tee shirts celebrating Che Guevara and Fidel Castro are not only acting out but they are making their feelings and intentions very clear.
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Well, Here We Go -- Are You IN Or OUT On This?
Four Indiana lawmakers accompanied the President on the trip - Republican Representatives Susan Brooks and Jackie Walorski, Republican Senator Todd Young and Democratic Senator Joe Donnelly. "Tax reform has not historically been a partisan issue – and it does not have to be a partisan issue today...” the President said.
“There is no reason that Democrats and Republicans in Congress should not come together to deliver this giant win for the American people and begin the Middle Class Miracle once again."
A Truly Exceptional National Honor!
Saint Joseph Catholic School in Downingtown (Chester County), Saint Maximilian Kolbe Catholic School in West Chester (Chester County), Saints Simon and Jude Catholic School in West Chester (Chester County), and Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School in Schwenksville (Montgomery County) were selected as part of the 2017 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools in an announcement made by Betsy DeVos, Secretary of the United States Department of Education (USDOE), today.
These schools are four of only 341 total schools chosen nationally. Each school was chosen for “overall academic excellence” and is a first time recipient of National Blue Ribbon School recognition.
With today’s announcement, a total of 23 parish and regional Catholic elementary schools in the five-county Archdiocese have been recognized with Blue Ribbon Status since the program’s inception in 1982. Saint Genevieve Catholic School in Flourtown (Montgomery County) has received this honor more times than any school in the Archdiocese (2000, 2006, and 2016).
The USDOE will hold a recognition ceremony for Blue Ribbon Schools during the week of November 6, 2017 in Washington, D.C. Representatives from the four schools as noted above will be present.
In addition to the national recognition ceremony, each of the four schools have planned or are in the process of planning local celebrations. Additional information can be found below.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta School will hold a parish-wide celebration in the school gymnasium for school families in grades PreK through eight, parishioners, teachers, and staff, along with school and parish administrators. Special invited guests include Pennsylvania State Senator, John Rafferty, Jr.; Pennsylvania State Representative, Tom Quigley; Chief Operating Officer and Secretary for Catholic Education, Mr. Christopher Mominey, and Interim Superintendent of Elementary Schools, Ms. Judy Sweeney.
Thursday, September 28, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta School (Gymnasium)
256 Swamp Pike
Schwenksville, PA 19473
(Montgomery County)
Saint Joseph Catholic School in Downingtown is holding a school-wide gathering featuring a special performance by the school band. Special invited guests include representatives from the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (I.H.M.) and administrators from the Office of Catholic Education. Reverend Monsignor Joseph C. McLoone, Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish, will share remarks with all in attendance.
Friday, September 29, 2017
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Saint Joseph Catholic School (Gymnasium)
340 Manor Avenue
Downingtown, PA 19335
(Chester County)
Saints Simon and Jude Catholic School will gather in the school gymnasium for its “National Blue Ribbon School Day’ with the entire school community including teachers, staff, and almost 400 students in PreK through eight donning customized blue ribbon t-shirts and will share in special activities and treats.
Friday, October 6, 2017
1:15 p.m.
Saints Simon and Jude Catholic School (Gymnasium)
6 Cavanaugh Court
West Chester, PA 19382
(Chester County)
Saint Maximilian Kolbe Catholic School has scheduled a school pep rally and celebration in its upper school parking lot. The celebration will include music, cheerleaders, blue ribbon school t-shirts, and the unveiling of an official Blue Ribbon school banner. The home and school board will host this event for all school families in grades PreK through eight as well as parishioners, teachers, and school and parish staff.
Friday, October 6, 2017
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe Catholic School (Upper Parking Lot)
300 Daly Drive
West Chester, PA 19382
(Chester County)
Ms. Judy Sweeney, Interim Superintendent for Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia reacted to the announcement by saying, “We are thrilled that four of our elementary schools have been recognized by the National Blue Ribbon Program for their academic excellence. These schools represent the best and brightest in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and we are immensely proud of their achievements. OCE and the faculty, staff, and administrators of the 119 parish and regional elementary, 4 special education, and 17 high schools in the Archdiocese remain dedicated to equipping saints for life in this world and the next. These four elementary schools are wonderful examples of that dedication in action.”
Notes: For information about schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia please visit www.aopcatholicschools.org.
These schools are four of only 341 total schools chosen nationally. Each school was chosen for “overall academic excellence” and is a first time recipient of National Blue Ribbon School recognition.
With today’s announcement, a total of 23 parish and regional Catholic elementary schools in the five-county Archdiocese have been recognized with Blue Ribbon Status since the program’s inception in 1982. Saint Genevieve Catholic School in Flourtown (Montgomery County) has received this honor more times than any school in the Archdiocese (2000, 2006, and 2016).
The USDOE will hold a recognition ceremony for Blue Ribbon Schools during the week of November 6, 2017 in Washington, D.C. Representatives from the four schools as noted above will be present.
In addition to the national recognition ceremony, each of the four schools have planned or are in the process of planning local celebrations. Additional information can be found below.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta School will hold a parish-wide celebration in the school gymnasium for school families in grades PreK through eight, parishioners, teachers, and staff, along with school and parish administrators. Special invited guests include Pennsylvania State Senator, John Rafferty, Jr.; Pennsylvania State Representative, Tom Quigley; Chief Operating Officer and Secretary for Catholic Education, Mr. Christopher Mominey, and Interim Superintendent of Elementary Schools, Ms. Judy Sweeney.
Thursday, September 28, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta School (Gymnasium)
256 Swamp Pike
Schwenksville, PA 19473
(Montgomery County)
Saint Joseph Catholic School in Downingtown is holding a school-wide gathering featuring a special performance by the school band. Special invited guests include representatives from the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (I.H.M.) and administrators from the Office of Catholic Education. Reverend Monsignor Joseph C. McLoone, Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish, will share remarks with all in attendance.
Friday, September 29, 2017
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Saint Joseph Catholic School (Gymnasium)
340 Manor Avenue
Downingtown, PA 19335
(Chester County)
Saints Simon and Jude Catholic School will gather in the school gymnasium for its “National Blue Ribbon School Day’ with the entire school community including teachers, staff, and almost 400 students in PreK through eight donning customized blue ribbon t-shirts and will share in special activities and treats.
Friday, October 6, 2017
1:15 p.m.
Saints Simon and Jude Catholic School (Gymnasium)
6 Cavanaugh Court
West Chester, PA 19382
(Chester County)
Saint Maximilian Kolbe Catholic School has scheduled a school pep rally and celebration in its upper school parking lot. The celebration will include music, cheerleaders, blue ribbon school t-shirts, and the unveiling of an official Blue Ribbon school banner. The home and school board will host this event for all school families in grades PreK through eight as well as parishioners, teachers, and school and parish staff.
Friday, October 6, 2017
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe Catholic School (Upper Parking Lot)
300 Daly Drive
West Chester, PA 19382
(Chester County)
Ms. Judy Sweeney, Interim Superintendent for Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia reacted to the announcement by saying, “We are thrilled that four of our elementary schools have been recognized by the National Blue Ribbon Program for their academic excellence. These schools represent the best and brightest in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and we are immensely proud of their achievements. OCE and the faculty, staff, and administrators of the 119 parish and regional elementary, 4 special education, and 17 high schools in the Archdiocese remain dedicated to equipping saints for life in this world and the next. These four elementary schools are wonderful examples of that dedication in action.”
Notes: For information about schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia please visit www.aopcatholicschools.org.
For a complete list of 2017 National Blue Ribbon Schools visit https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/.
Founded in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students' academic achievement. Since the program's founding, the U.S. Department of Education has bestowed this coveted award on more than 8,000 of America's schools.
Founded in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students' academic achievement. Since the program's founding, the U.S. Department of Education has bestowed this coveted award on more than 8,000 of America's schools.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Eye-Opener: Here's What They Wouldn't Show You!
WATCH: Patriots fans boo their team during anthem protest in wake of Trump's comments. More from @arniestapleton: https://t.co/5dfjstwRJs pic.twitter.com/kvLmSzG28w— AP NFL (@AP_NFL) September 24, 2017
All across the country, fans are booing the disrespect that being shown for our National Anthem.
The fans are angry.
And they're letting it be heard.
But the networks won't show you this.
Yes, the audio mics picked up the boos. Yet the TV networks mostly avoided crowd shots Sunday, so there was never a chance for viewers to see fans jeering players.
A TV staffer at one stadium reported that camera operators were ordered to avoid crowd shots in case they showed fans counterprotesting the protests.
Why?
The TV stations and networks pay the NFL billions each year for the right to show the games. They're beholden to the NFL and in cahoots with the league.
YOU Can Be Part Of An Historic Commemoration
Parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are invited to participate in a Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. in celebration of the anniversary year of Our Lady of Fatima.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
12:00 p.m.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Avenue, Northeast
Washington, D.C. 20017
The pilgrimage will take place on Saturday October 28th beginning with a brief Penance Service at noon followed by a Procession and Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the praying of the Holy Rosary. Archbishop Chaput will be the celebrant and homilist of the Solemn Mass at 3:00 p.m.
Note: For additional information, please contact the Office for Divine Worship at 215-587-3537.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
12:00 p.m.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Avenue, Northeast
Washington, D.C. 20017
The pilgrimage will take place on Saturday October 28th beginning with a brief Penance Service at noon followed by a Procession and Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the praying of the Holy Rosary. Archbishop Chaput will be the celebrant and homilist of the Solemn Mass at 3:00 p.m.
Note: For additional information, please contact the Office for Divine Worship at 215-587-3537.
Hey, They're All Working TOGETHER on This!
Senate President Steve Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr., and Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick sent a letter to Governor Chris Christie today pledging a concerted, bipartisan effort to bring Amazon’s new HQ2 second corporate headquarters to New Jersey.
“This is an opportunity to capitalize on our strengths to bring a state-of-the-art corporate headquarters to New Jersey that will generate significant long-term benefits of new jobs and sustained economic growth,” said Senate President Sweeney (D- Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “We possess the assets that will allow Amazon to thrive with a skilled workforce, a quality transportation infrastructure, the best research universities in the country and a strategic location. We will work together and with Amazon on a plan that serves the best interests of the people of New Jersey.”
“Bringing permanent, good-paying jobs and significant economic development into New Jersey is a shared priority,” said Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen). “Amazon offers a rare opportunity to bring a major, growing corporation into our state that will employ thousands of our residents for decades to come and bring along countless tangential economic benefits. This is, to put it simply, about jobs, jobs and more jobs. We need to do all we can to make this possibility a reality.”
"The bipartisan legislation that we've announced will improve New Jersey's competitiveness for Amazon’s HQ2 and every other large-scale project that's looking for a home," said Senate Minority Leader Kean (R-Morris/Somerset/Union).
“New Jersey is a natural fit for Amazon,” said Assembly Minority Leader Bramnick (R-Morris/Somerset/Union). “We have the real-estate options and competitive incentives to build HQ2, and the talent to fill every job Amazon has to offer. This is a proposal lawmakers on both sides of the aisle can come together on, show unity and help provide the shot in the arm our economy needs.”
Yes, He's On Top Of It And Moving Forward . . .
President Donald J. Trump receives a briefing on Hurricane Maria relief and recovery efforts
| September 26 (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)
Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump received two briefings on hurricane recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and announced an amendment to the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands disaster declarations. These amendments will provide additional disaster assistance by authorizing additional federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures over the next 180 days.
“Over the last several weeks our Nation has been tested by the destructive force of Mother Nature,” the President said in yesterday’s press conference, “but we will respond to it with an even mightier force: the resolve of the American spirit.”
Those who have been affected can apply for assistance through FEMA here.