PSE&G recently awarded the Jackson Renegades, a fast-pitch girls travel softball team, a $300 grant as part of the company's Support for Sports program. The company gave the grant on behalf of Frank Hruschka, a troubleshooter for PSE&G. The grant money helped the Renegades to participate in the Firecracker College Showcase, a college level tournament that allows players to get exposure to college scouts.

The Renegades placed second out of 44 teams. The girls played 10 games over a three-day weekend and advanced to the final game. They won the semifinal, 5-4, and defeated the No. 4, No. 5 and No. 1 seeds to advance to the championship game.

Hruschka, a resident of Jackson, has been employed with PSE&G for almost 30 years. He is on a travel and entertainment committee for the Renegades, and his youngest daughter plays on the team.

The Orchards at Bartley, Jackson, is the recipient of the Best Practices Program Award for "Creative Dementia Programs and Services: The Whole Package." The award will be presented on Sept. 22 on behalf of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. This program recognizes and disseminates information about organizations that are breaking ground in assisted living residences, so that other providers can adopt these showcased programs to improve quality.

The Orchards was recognized because of its unique approach to caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other memory challenges. The Orchards' philosophy of care is centered around a creative and positive interdisciplinary approach, using structured activity-based programs in a secure environment to offer residents choice, autonomy and the ability to maintain dignity and optimism.

The Orchards Memory Care Neighborhood features a 21-bed unit that is separate and secure.

Jackson Township Council President Mike Kafton is asking residents to support local businesses.

Kafton, who owns a business, said he supports the 3/50 Project, which asks residents to think about three local businesses they would miss if those locations were no longer in business, and to spend $50 each month at those businesses if possible.

According to the 3/50 Project website, if half of America's population spent $50 per month in a local business, it would generate more than $42 billion a year in revenue.

For every $100 spent in a local business, $68 goes back to the community in taxes, payroll and other expenditures. By comparison, spending $100 in a national chain returns $43 to the community, according to the information.

"I am asking each and every business in Jackson to go to the 3/50 Project website and download its literature. Put it on your counter and give it out to your customers," Kafton said. "Many of us take for granted that our favorite local store will always be there when we need something and you may not realize the positive impact you can have on making that happen. So, please, the next time you shop, try to do your business right here in Jackson."