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  • Writer's pictureKaren Brittingham-Edmond

Rainy Day Tea With K. Britt Topics Neptune High School Makes History With Their All Girls Flag Football Team! Heavy Rain & Flooding Alerts In NJ See If Your County's Listed, South Jersey Fires & More

March 6, 2024




The Neptune High School Scarlet Fliers Make History!

Picture Source: The Coasters March 1, 2024, News Letter


Neptune High School made history this month by introducing its first-ever girls' flag football team, the Scarlet Fliers. With immense support from 45 girls already signed up and another 12 on the waiting list, the team is set to play their first home games on artificial turf at the Summerfield Elementary School in March 2024. The dream of forming these teams was initiated by three special juniors, Adriana Siciliano, Gianna Massiminio, and Rayna Poplawski, who approached the coach and the athletics director, Rick Arnao, with the idea. Per an article written by The Coaster's Chris Christopher on Feb 28, 2024, titled "Neptune High School will field its first girls flag football teams this spring." Per Arnao, "It's truly inspiring to see these young girls take the initiative to make their dreams a reality, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for the Neptune High School Girls' Flag Football Teams." 

About Flag Football

Flag football is a variation of American football in which the players wear flags attached to their bodies instead of tackling each other. It is believed to have originated in the United States military during World War II as a way for soldiers to play football without risking injury. After the war, it became a popular recreational activity, especially among children and young adults. In the 1940s and 1950s, flag football leagues began to emerge, and by the 1970s, it had developed into a competitive sport with national championships and governing bodies. Today, flag football is played by millions of people of all ages around the world, from schools and youth leagues to adult recreational leagues and even professional leagues. It has become an important and beloved part of American football culture and is celebrated for its inclusivity, safety, and accessibility.

To learn more about the history making Scarlet Flyers of Neptune High School please click Chris Christopher of The Coasters Feb 28, 2024 Spotlight titled "Neptune High to Field First Girls Flag Football Team" here: https://thecoaster.net/2024/02/28/neptune-high-to-field-first-girls-flag-football-team/  


As NJ Braces For Heavy Rainfall, Flood Warnings Have Been Issued.


Per a report shared by Nicole Rosenthal of the Middletown Patch, the National Weather Service has warned that due to multiple previous rain events happening before the weekend, the heavy rainfall expected in the region may exacerbate the potential for flooding. The grounds are already saturated, and many rivers are already elevated. This means that more rain this weekend could push certain rivers in our region into flood stage or cause rivers coming down from flood stage to rise once again. It is crucial that we take this warning seriously and prepare accordingly. Let us all take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our property from potential flood damage. Stay informed and stay safe. https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/iv65k/12-counties-under-flood-watch-as-heavy-rains-move-into-nj?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200

Counties of concern:

  • Morris

  • Somerset

  • Middlesex

  • Monmouth

  • Mercer

  • Burlington

  • Ocean

  • Passaic

  • Bergen

  • Union

  • Essex

  • Hudson



Several Households In South Jersey Were Forced To Evacuate Due To Fires.


Attention South Jersey community: Three families have been displaced due to devastating fires. Per a report shared by Veronica Flesher of the Middletown Patch On March 1, 2024, titled "Three Families Displaced In South Jersey Fires." The fire spread from one home to two adjacent homes, Egg Harbor City police said." Six South Jersey fire departments responded to the alert. Those fire departments were Egg Habor City, South Egg Harbor, Cologne, Mays Landing, Elwood, and Lauderdale, with assistance from the Galloway Township Rescue Squad. No deaths were reported. Three families' homes have been destroyed, and they need your help. Let's come together to support these families during this difficult time. Your kindness and generosity can help them get back on their feet and start rebuilding their homes. Please click the link to learn more about the above report and how you can donate.



Cathedral International 277 Madison Avenue, Perth Amboy New Jersey http://www.cathedralinternational.org


Ten-Year Anniversary Of President Barrack Obama's "My Brother's Keeper."


Photo Source Obama Foundation Website


Ten years ago, President Obama recognized the need to address the opportunity gaps that boys and young men of color often face. As a result, the My Brother's Keeper initiative was created, reflecting President Obama's deep commitment to protecting and supporting these young men. The program was established in response to the tragic death of Trayvon Martin and has since been led by the My Brother's Keeper Alliance, which is a program of the Obama Foundation. "Since 2017, the My Brother's Keeper Alliance has been spearheading the national call to action, bringing together various sectors to create safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color while providing clear pathways to opportunity. The Alliance's efforts have focused on achieving impact across the six MBK Milestones, and it has supported local leaders across its network of more than 100 MBK Communities, reaching thousands of young men of color from Chicago to Omaha."

As Americans celebrate a decade of impact, MBK acknowledge the progress that has been made, while also recognizing that there is still much work to be done. The relaunched Echo invites you support the continued work of President Barrack Obama "towards creating a more equitable and just society for all." Click the link to donate to "My Brother's Keeper."



Oh, No, Not The Mumps!


The New Jersey Department of Health has issued a warning to residents of the state to remain vigilant as they have reported eight suspected cases of mumps. The mumps virus is highly contagious and can spread through coughing, sneezing, or even talking. According to officials, the eight cases have all been reported from one family cluster in Hunterdon County, and they have been related to international travel. In addition, one case of measles has also been confirmed in New Jersey this year. It is worth noting that the same vaccine that helps prevent measles can also prevent mumps. NJDOH is urging individuals to stay up-to-date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shots to avoid these vaccine-preventable diseases. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are advised to be aware of the symptoms of these highly contagious viruses to ensure timely treatment. To learn more please click the link:



Rough Seas Ahead For The Menendez's


Caren Lissner of the Middletown Patch shared a report titled "Senator Menendez And Wife Hit With New Indictment" March 5, 2024. An indictment that was unsealed on Tuesday reveals that Sen. Robert Menendez, who is already fighting a September indictment for allegedly accepting bribes, will now be facing additional charges. According to court documents, the new indictment charges Menendez and his wife, Nadine Arslanian, with obstruction of justice and conspiracy. The documents detail several alleged bribery schemes, including the accusation that Menendez recommended a U.S. attorney candidate to the president, whom he believed would "be favorable to a business associate." Federal prosecutors famously found cash and gold bars in the Menendez' closet during a 2019 search of their home, which they allege were part of a bribe.


The news that Senator Robert Menendez and his wife, Nadine Arslanian, are facing new charges is certainly concerning. The indictment accuses them of obstruction of justice and conspiracy and includes allegations of bribery schemes. It's never easy to hear about legal troubles, and we hope that this situation is resolved quickly and fairly for all involved. We'll be following this story closely and keeping you updated as more information becomes available.


To learn more please click the link:


Irish Soda Bread Recipe Click The Link Below




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