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TIPS FOR
BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME
OB/GYN Safe Care
Making Health a Priority
Come Together
Wenonah NJ
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: • Grocery Pick Up and Delivery • Covid-19 Safety Tips • Featuring Shriner's Fracture Walk-In Clinic
2 | September/October 2020
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EDITOR
A huge thanks to all those essential workers who are taking great risks so we can be safe! Wishing your family peace during this world crisis. Photo credit JCPenney Portrait Studios
Karen Ognibene, Executive Editor karen@superiorgx.com
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My name is Giovanni Laurent Wardy. I’m 3 1/2 years old. I love to pray, build with my LEGO’s, puzzles, learn, and help! I enjoy going to school, playing soccer, going on adventures with my mom and dad and laughing! Everyone stay positive and safe!
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DESSANGE PROFESSIONAL HAIR LUXURY OLEO MIRACLE REPLENISHING Repair sun-stressed strands with this repairing oil. Bolstering delicious notes of orange, gardenia petals and sandalwood, this works to help transform hair suffering from thermal, chemical and environmental damage for a visibly softer, healthier look. With just a few drops, this leave-in treatment nourishes dry, damaged hair without leaving a greasy residue. Target.com; $12 CONNOISSEUR COFFEE BLENDS BY GREAT GETTYSBURG COFFEE COMPANY If you are a connoisseur of gourmet coffee, then this will be a treat for you! Great Gettysburg Coffee Company procures the finest high mountain, shade-grown beans possible. It has a rich taste with medium acidity for a balanced and smooth flavor. Each bag also has resealable tape to maintain freshness. GettyGear.com; $15
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South Jersey MOM
September/October 2020 CEO/Publisher Christopher Ognibene • (609) 670-1794 chris@superiorgx.com Executive Editor Karen Ognibene • (609) 230-6280 karen@superiorgx.com Marketing & Business Development Specialist Michelle Scianni • (856) 986-9606 michelle@superiorgx.com For General Advertising Inquiries Marissa Josephick • (856) 537-7089 ocrazyjane@gmail.com
Karen Ognibene, MA, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor
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4 | September/October 2020
Production Manager Lisa Celfo lisasjmom@gmail.com Business Development Specialist Joseph Schmieder joebizdev@gmail.com Contributing Writer Joseph Schmieder Photographer Simmons Photography Natalie Simmons Editorial Assistant Julia Ognibene www.southjerseymom.com allthatsdigital.com • (215) 366-3316
Superior Graphics Print Management LLC publishes South Jersey MOM™ monthly and distributes it throughout the region. The publication is available free of charge at select locations. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the authorization of the publisher. Superior Graphics Print Management, LLC, Publisher of South Jersey MOM P.O. BOX 268 • Wenonah, NJ 08090 Main: (609) 670-1794 Fax: (856) 210-1524 All materials and services provided in this magazine are for informational or educational purposes only
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Support Students Through
Community Programs
get meals to kids and families. Depending on the needs in your area, you may be able to donate food, assist with organizing the meal kits or help coordinate deliveries. Help fund youth programs. Uncertainty caused by COVID-19 has many people reconsidering their finances, and that means the donations and contributions many programs rely upon have slowed. If your situation allows, consider a monetary contribution to a youth-oriented cause, which can help deliver programming even if you’re not able to volunteer in other ways. Learn more about getting involved in your community at salvationarmyusa.org.
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s kids prepare for the upcoming school year, school supplies remain critical to their success. While school districts struggle with the challenge of delivering education and resources to students amid a pandemic, many parents are working to determine how they will ensure their children have the necessary supplies. Community youth programs are innovating to fill gaps and ensure kids from low-income families in particular are equipped with learning materials and supplies, enrichment activities and food. For example, when schools closed, local corps of The Salvation Army started adapting creative alternatives to their youth programs to provide activities, snacks and educational materials like coloring sheets, scavenger hunts and more to keep kids entertained and learning. If you’d like to make a similar impact in your community, consider lending a hand in one of these ways: Tutor or mentor students. Although most kids across the nation face the same challenges with academics, some are at more of a disadvantage because their access to remote learning resources is limited or parents are unable to assist at home. You can help by volunteering to tutor students as they practice learned skills and get back into the swing of a new school year. Donate supplies. There are 30 million children in the United States whose parents www.southjerseymom.com
Purposeful Youth Programs While many children from low-income families rarely experience life outside of their immediate neighborhoods, Youth programs youth programs can help kids will have to can help kids discover discover new skills, passions and choose between hobbies while connecting with buying school new skills, passions others in a safe, healthy way. supplies or Along with community and hobbies while other necessicenters dedicated to supporting ties like putting connecting with the physical, emotional and food on the spiritual growth of moms, dads others in a safe, table. Considand kids, organizations like er adding extra The Salvation Army provide healthy way common items like after-school programs for students crayons, markers and of all ages and numerous music, art and glue when you shop for your athletic programs at its 7,600 centers across own children and dropping them off the country. at your local youth center. Campaigns like The organization's "Stuff the Bus" The Salvation Army's "Stuff the Bus" events program also helps make activities and allow shoppers to purchase and drop off programs more accessible to low-income requested items at collection bins located at youth in local communities, including: the front of participating retailers. After-school programs offer homework Get involved with extracurricular activities. assistance and counseling for children of all If you have a particular skillset or experiages, as well as one-on-one assistance with ence, for example as a high school or college homework, study skills and literacy athlete, lending your knowledge to a local advancement. Dance, art and music programs youth group can help provide a constructive are offered in no- or low-cost environments. outlet for kids while enriching your own life. Classes range from choir, band and dancing to drawing, writing and acting. Volunteer for meal distribution. Many Sports, clubs and extracurricular children rely heavily on schools for meals; activities give children from low-income in fact, the food some students receive neighborhoods a chance to play team sports through their schools’ breakfast and lunch and learn valuable athletic and life skills. programs may be the only meals they get Parental involvement coaching equips in a day. Across the country, organizations parents with the skills needed to support and have partnered with local school districts to sustain their children’s educational needs. provide meal kits, coordinate food distribution routes and pickup locations to Family Features
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No Need to Wait:
Virtua Health OB/GYN Patient Recounts Compassionate, Safe Care By Josh Bernstein said Dr. Delvadia. “Many times, however, there is no viable alternative and there is a more favorable outcome to proceed with surgery.”
Dr. Dipak Delvadia
J
acqueline George needed surgery. Her intrauterine device (IUD) had perforated into her abdomen, causing stomach discomfort and interfering with her menstrual cycle. Despite concerns about contracting COVID-19, she called her doctor and scheduled her procedure. “It was a great experience, especially during this time when people are nervous to get care,” said Jacqueline, of Mullica Hill. “I felt the hospital was the safest place you could go, because everyone was tested for COVID before their surgery.” Jacqueline’s initial trepidation is not unusual. Many women have preferred to steer clear of health care facilities for fear of being exposed to the coronavirus. While some procedures may be delayed for a short period, many should not, said Jacqueline’s doctor, Virtua OB/GYN Dipak Delvadia, DO. “If a woman’s condition is something we can medically manage with an effective alternative without increasing her risk, we may be able to delay a procedure,”
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Making the Decision According to Dr. Delvadia, the decision whether to proceed or delay gynecologic surgery may be based on timing and severity of symptoms. A woman with cervical insufficiency, for example, will need a procedure that sutures the cervix to reduce the risk of premature birth or a miscarriage. Similarly, a woman with severe uterine bleeding may need a hysterectomy to lower her likelihood of developing anemia and requiring blood transfusions. In addition, a woman undergoing fertility treatments, should continue, as it may take her many months to become pregnant, said Dr. Delvadia. Prenatal and routine care, including mammography, also should continue. “Some things you really need to get done, even if it’s just an annual visit,” he said. “If there is something you are being followed for, such as for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or an issue with your menstrual cycle, it’s best to be seen in person or have a telehealth visit.” Women who do come into Virtua offices and hospitals should feel secure that the utmost protections are in place to protect their health. “We are taking a lot of extra precautions, including wearing personal protective equipment, additional cleanings, and distancing, to protect our patients and staff throughout the system,” said Dr. Delvadia. “We are learning new ways to continue to safely take care of patients in our
community. We are also thankful that people in our community are doing their part to decrease the spread of COVID-19.” Grateful for Her Care Due to safety protocols in place at Virtua facilities, Jacqueline had her procedure without her husband by her side. “I was a little uneasy about not being able to have a support person with me. Because of the feeling I was having, my nurse talked to me a lot the night before,” said Jacqueline. “She and the nurse anesthetist were amazing. During pre-op, they kept reassuring me that ‘I will be here when you go to sleep. I will be here when you wake up.’
Women who do come into Virtua offices and hospitals should feel secure that the utmost protections are in place to protect their health I don’t know if I would have been as comfortable if I didn’t have that reassurance.” Now recovered, Jacqueline is grateful for the compassionate and safe care she received at Virtua. “I am actually switching all my care to them because of this,” she said. To make an appointment with a Virtua OB/GYN, call 888-VIRTUA-3.
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WELCOME TO THE PRACTICE DR. DAVID TEMMERMAND, DO Dr. David Temmermand, DO completed his medical degree, internship and residency at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. He recently completed his Fellowship in Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery at Augusta University with David Terris, MD. Dr. Temmermand specializes in treating thyroid and parathyroid disorders using minimally invasive surgical techniques. We look forward to him joining us in September!
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Fighting Childhood Obesity
STARTS WITH US!
of all their amazing attributes. Help them understand that you love them and want them to be strong and healthy and they will come to adopt that same attitude for themselves. BE A HEALTHY ROLE MODEL As parents, we are our child’s first teachers. Make sure your children see you eating healthy foods and if you enjoy some of the less healthy options from time to time (ahem-me!), then be sure to practice moderation and not allow foods highs in sodium and sugar to dominate your diet. Keep fresh fruits and vegetables in your home. Activate their competitive side by creating a rule that everyone in the family has to drink a certain amount of water each day. Make a game of it so kids are eager to meet the challenge. When your children see you making health a priority, they will follow your lead. Take your child to local farms to pick fruits and vegetables. They may be more inclined to eat them when they have enjoyed going out to pick for themselves!
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hildhood obesity has become a major public health concern in recent years. Former First Lady Michelle Obama targeted it directly in her Let’s Move! initiative which was well received across the country. Childhood Obesity has been linked to many negative outcomes for children because it can increase the risk of developing life threatening illnesses such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, breathing problems, and high cholesterol. Furthermore, research has shown that children identified as obese tend to endorse lower self-esteem, problems with social acceptance and relationships, increased depressed mood, and decreased quality of life. Essentially, children struggling with obesity have a number of challenges. The good news is that there are clear steps that we can take to stop childhood obesity. ACCEPT & CORRECT If a doctor has informed you that your child is obese, avoid two opposite, but equally damaging emotional reactions: guilt and/or denial. If a doctor needs your child to adjust their eating or activity habits to avoid the negative health risks of childhood obesity, then it should be an impetus for a lifestyle change for the whole family. Feelings of guilt and/or denial prevent you from taking the necessary steps to get these changes going. Instead, shift to problem-solving mode and begin looking for apps, websites, and suggestions from your doctor about how to improve your child’s health. THINKING POSITIVELY Every person needs to feel loved and respected and taking care of oneself also means having a positive mental attitude. Since depressed mood and low self-esteem can be more prevalent in obese children, the most important thing a parent can do is to infuse positive affirmations into their child. Impress upon them that they are loved and remind them
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GET ACTIVE There have been many news reports about children being less active due to increased TV watching and video game use. However, remember that YOU are the parent. Set boundaries about how much “screen” time can be used each night and find ways to get your child excited about physical activity. Get them involved in sports, dance, or fitness activities that they will be excited to participate in. And again, YOU can demonstrate a high value for health and fitness by taking care of your physical fitness as well. Remember that childhood obesity can be effectively managed when the family is committed to taking the necessary steps to create healthy lifestyle choices and work closely with their pediatrician to improve the health of their child.
When your children see you making health a priority, they will follow your lead
Websites to learn more: HealthyChildren.org www.healthychildren.org The Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov Let’s Move! www.letsmove.gov
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The EVERYTHING GUIDE to Buying Your First Home must be agreed upon by both parties, such as giving you the ability to do a home inspection and request repairs.
H
ow to find exactly what you want, and how to work with the experts who'll help you get it. So you're thinking about buying your first home. Your very own house (and mortgage). A place to call -- and make -- your own. It's a big move, literally and figuratively. Buying a house requires a serious amount of money and time. The journey isn't always easy. It isn't always intuitive. But when you get the keys to your new home -- that, friend, can be one of the most rewarding feelings pretty much ever. The key to getting there? Knowing the home-buying journey. Knowing what tools are at your disposal. And most importantly? Creating relationships with experts who can help you get the job done. That's where this guide comes in. We'll show you not only the major steps you'll take during the home-buying process, but also explain the relationships and experts you'll need along the way. We've even made a handy infographic that outlines the home-buying process from start to finish You ready to live the dream? Here we go. DO YOUR HOMEWORK Oh sure, everybody wants to jump right into open houses. But before you even set foot into a foyer, you should identify your list of "musts" and "wants." This list is an inventory of priorities for your search. And there's so much to decide: Price, housing type, neighborhood, and school district -- just to name a few. START SHOPPING Once you know what you're looking for, the next step is to start looking at listings and housing information online. (This part? You're going to crush it.) FIND A GREAT AGENT Your relationship with your real estate agent is the foundation of the home-buying process.
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(And your agent = your rock.) He or she is the first expert you'll meet on your journey, and the one you'll rely on most. That's why it's important to interview agents and find the agent who's right for your specific needs. CHOOSE A LENDER Once you've found your agent (AKA, your new best friend), ask him or her to recommend at least three mortgage lenders that meet your financial needs. This is another big step, as you'll be working with your lender closely throughout the home-buying process. PICK A LOAN (IT'S NOT SO BAD) Once you've decided on a lender (or mortgage broker), you'll work with your loan agent to determine which mortgage is right for you. You'll consider the percentage of your income you want to spend on your new house, and you'll provide the lender with paperwork showing proof of income, employment status, and other important financials. If all goes well (fingers crossed) you'll be pre-approved for a loan at a certain amount. (Sweet.) VISIT OPEN HOUSES, AND LOOK AROUND Now that you have both an agent who knows your housing preferences and a budget -- and a lender to finance a house within that budget -- it's time to get serious about viewing homes. Your agent will provide listings you may like based on your parameters (price range, ZIP codes, features), and will also help you determine the quality of listings you find online. Then comes the fun part: Open houses and private showings, which give you the unique opportunity to evaluate properties in a way you can't online.
NEGOTIATE, NEGOTIATE, NEGOTIATE Making an offer can feel like an emotional precipice, almost like asking someone out on a date. Do they like me? Am I good enough? Will they say yes? It's stressful! Some home sellers simply accept the best offer they receive, but many sellers make a counteroffer. If that happens, it's up to you to decide whether you want your agent to negotiate with the seller or walk away. This is an area where your agent can provide real value by using their expert negotiating skills to haggle on your behalf and nab you the best deal. GET THE PLACE INSPECTED If your offer is accepted, then you'll sign a contract. Most sales contracts include a home inspection contingency, which means you'll hire a licensed or certified home inspector to inspect the home for needed repairs, and then ask the seller to have those repairs made. This mitigates your risk of buying a house that has major issues lurking beneath the surface, like mold or cracks in the foundation. (No one wants that.) Here's what to expect. ACE THE APPRAISAL When you offer to buy a home, your lender will need to have the home appraised to make sure the property value is enough to cover the mortgage. If the home appraises close to the agreed-upon purchase price, you're one step closer to settlement -- but a low appraisal can add a wrinkle. Not one you can't deal with. Here's how to prepare. CLOSE THE DEAL The last stage of the home-buying process is settlement, or closing. This is when you sign the final ownership and insurance paperwork and make this whole thing official. There's some prep work you have to take care of first. When it's all said and done -- break out the ros?. You'll have the keys to your new home! Article From HouseLogic.com
MAKE AN OFFER Once you find the home you want to buy, you'll work with your agent to craft an offer that not only specifies the price you're willing to pay but also the proposed settlement date and contingencies -- other conditions that When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM!
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At the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital walk-in fracture clinic, children with an injury can see an experienced pediatric orthopaedic specialist without an appointment
Did You Know that the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital Offers a Fracture Clinic?
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lay-related accidents land two close family friends in walk-in fracture clinic on the same day. Kids have been cooped up at home but are outside playing with the nice weather, so injuries are bound to happen. We see an increase in injuries in summer, and another spike in the fall as kids return to a hybrid school format and some get back into team sports. A quick way for parents to share information about care for their children is through crowdsourcing other parents, family, friends and social media channels. When it comes to needing specialty care from an orthopaedic doctor, a parent may be forced to make a quick decision and use the recommendation of a friend or doctor from an emergency department. After 9-year-old, Madison hit a tree while riding her bike, her mother, Kristy, found herself in the local emergency department having to make that decision. When it was determined that Madison, affectionately known as Maddy, had fractured her elbow, her arm was immediately splinted. The staff then told her mother that Madison would need to see a pediatric orthopaedic specialist to determine if casting, surgery, and/or therapy would be necessary. Like many other parents, Kristy turned to Facebook for medical recommendations. At the same time, not too far from where the family lives, Maddy’s best friend’s younger sister, Bailey, also fractured her elbow while falling off a trampoline. Her mother, Elizabeth, happened to see Kristy’s post on Facebook. Because the families were very close, she immediately called Kristy to tell her about Bailey’s injury and her plan to follow-up with the orthopaedic doctors at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Philadelphia.
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Both families decided to come to the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital walk-in fracture clinic. Within minutes both girls were seen by Scott Kozin, M.D., chief of staff. Both were going to need casts to help heal their injuries, and no surgery would be required. In the waiting room, the two girls formed a pact that they would be each other’s support during the casting and get the same design. Both families were grateful for the ease of their visit. “It was a great experience, and Dr. Kozin was wonderful with Maddy,” said Kristy. “I would absolutely recommend coming here to other families.” “My daughter loved the hospital,” said Elizabeth. “Bailey was very apprehensive about coming in because she didn’t know what to expect. The staff knew just how to calm her down. They also treated us like actual human beings and not a number. It didn’t matter what we looked like, the staff treated everyone the same. I would definitely recommend other families to bring their children here.” At the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital walk-in fracture clinic, children with an injury can see an experienced pediatric orthopaedic specialist without an appointment. Patients receive total fracture care, which may include reduction, surgery, casting, post fracture follow-up and sometimes even physical or occupational therapy. Our streamlined services are offered Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Please do not hesitate to contact our staff for any orthopaedic issue(s) or questions at 215-430-4073. Shriners Hospitals for Children is part of most major insurance networks. We care for any child regardless of the families’ ability to pay.
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Orth paedic care for kids. Why Choose Us Experience Highly trained and trusted leaders in quality orthopaedic care and rehabilitation, using innovative and advanced technology.
From Routine to Rare Shriners Hospitals for Children — Philadelphia specializes in 85 different pediatric orthopaedic conditions, from sprains to scoliosis.
Rehabilitation Services Inpatient and outpatient evidence-based, physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapy by compassionate professionals in a collaborative, positive and supportive environment.
For more information: Visit shrinersphilly.org or call 215.430.4000
Follow along on social media: @ShrinersPhilly @ShrinersPhilly @ShrinersPhilly
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business spotlight
Former Air Force Pilot Opens a Coffee Shop Despite All Odds Once an Air Force Pilot, Now a Coffee Shop Owner
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lexander MacPhail, a once devoted and determined Air Force Pilot, turns to a Coffee Shop to make a living during a time where small businesses have been pummeled by COVID-19. MacPhail’s callsign in the airforce was “epic” after pulling some “epic MacPhails” in his words; however, he recently retired from the airforce and decided to settle down. After meeting his wife and having kids he landed himself in Wenonah where he decided to settle down and raise his family. After some time, they got a puppy- “a tiny fur ball” named Chompsky which would change their life. They loved Wenonah and the atmosphere around the town however Alexander pointed out to his wife that Wenonah lacked a Coffee shop and was desperately needed. Once an opening presented itself in the heart of town, the MacPhail’s decided to jump on it; a few months later Chompsky’s Coffee Shop was born. I asked Alex, the shop owner, a range of questions as I was curious to learn how an Air Force Pilot stationed in Las Vegas with a business degree lands himself in a small town in New Jersey and successfully opened a coffee shop during a global pandemic. Can you describe your business, what you do, and how exactly you do it? “Chompsky's is a place where people can come together…People spend most of their time at home or at work/school, Chompsky's strives to be a "third place for people to meet up and enjoy a drink. When they come here, they can enjoy an amazing hand-crafted beverage crafted with locally roasted coffee beans and other locally grown ingredients”. Alex also stated how they offer over, “…50 flavors of coffee, shakes, teas, and frappes”, in which many like to combine, mix, and match other flavors to create a drink they’ll love. What are the biggest challenges you face as a business owner and how has COVID-19 affected your business specifically? Alex stated that one of the biggest challenges for his business is predicting and preparing for the next day. He explained, “…that we make everything fresh and from scratch so trying to be prepared and make certain mixtures and drinks for the following day is difficult because we try to not be wasteful
14 | September/October 2020
and have lots of leftovers; but with COVID in the mix, it makes it difficult to predict tomorrow”. He also explained how the weather has a massive effect on the business for a particular day, “Since we can only offer outdoor seating, our sales are tied to the weather - when it rains, we are very slow.” Due to COVID as well, his kids have been doing school remotely; being a husband and wife team, that makes for challenges for the business as sometimes his wife needs to stay at home which causes for issues within the shop. What are the biggest rewards as a small business owner and what will people receive at Chompsky’s that they will not receive anywhere else? “I love learning everyone's name, their regular order, talking to them. I love it when I see friends meet up outside and enjoy a drink. It is common to watch old friends catch up for hours while sitting under the shady tree enjoying a homemade drink”. Alex also explains how they promote the idea of being authentic and their mission is, “… to promote a sense of communal culture within the surrounding area. We sell local hand-made products. We make things ourselves. We are the essence of the "shop local" mindset. The coffee shop smells great from the aroma of the Wenonah Candles. Our display case is full of cutting boards made by Seger Woodworks in Wenonah. Our walls are covered in art made by local artists. Our pastries are made by local bakers in our kitchen. When someone spends a dollar in our coffee shop, they are supporting the local community in a far more direct way than when they shop at a large chain store”. 1 E Mantua Avenue, Suite A, Wenonah, NJ 08090
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Facebook: @chompskycafe Twitter: @chompskys_cafe 856.681.7072 www.southjerseymom.com
Stop the Spread of Germs Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.
6 ft Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
When in public, wear a mask over your nose and mouth.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
cdc.gov/coronavirus 316917-A August 6, 2020 7:24 PM
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You didn’t choose breast cancer. But you do get to choose your cancer team. You’re never prepared for a breast cancer diagnosis. That’s why at the Penn Medicine Virtua Cancer Program in South Jersey, we’re always prepared for you. Whether you’re concerned that you might have breast cancer, or you’ve been diagnosed, we’ll put you on the right path—with the most advanced treatments, experienced surgeons, and a dedicated Nurse Navigator to guide you every step of the way.
Connect with your breast care team today. 844.616.8773 virtua.org/MyCancerTeam