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Kyle Ogletree, a reputed Bloods gang leader, was out on bail when he allegedly sold gun
TRENTON December 19, 2012 – Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa announced that a Camden man who is a reputed Bloods gang leader was indicted today on charges that he unlawfully sold a handgun. At the time of the alleged gun sale, he was free on bail in connection with a 2011 racketeering indictment that charged him as the alleged head of a major narcotics network in Camden.
LONGSHOREMEN'S STRIKE A POSSIBILITY...DELWARE RIVER PORTS MAY BE SHUTDOWN...photo Holt Cargo Packer Avenue Terminal (cnbnews photo)
The United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents 14 Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports, has been bracing for a union-spearheaded shutdown since the summer, when labor negotiations fell apart. The ILA's current contract expired on Sept. 30. Federal mediators granted a 90-day extension that ends on Dec. 29. ILA President Harold Daggett won a unanimous green light earlier this month to call a strike if industry leaders don't give in completely to the union's demands. According to my sources, despite overwhelming industry concessions on wages and benefits, port watchers view the likelihood of a strike at "probably 70 to 85 percent now."
Don't believe the union sob stories. ILA members are among the highest paid union workers in the country. Starting pay for dockworkers is $20 an hour, with a top straight-time pay rate of $32 an hour. Longevity and overtime bonuses are generous, with ILA members earning an average of more than $124,000 a year in wages and benefits.
The sticking points of the heated ILA-USMX talks are "container royalties" (a fee per ton of containerized cargo that carriers pay to ILA members) and "customs and practice." On the New York-New Jersey waterfront, union racketeers have turned archaic work rules into a corrupt system of patronage tied to organized crime. Reporter Carl Horowitz of the National Legal and Policy Center broke down the container royalty dispute this fall: "In 2011 these royalties amounted to $232 million or about $15,500 per worker at Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports. This arrangement was established in 1960 when New York Longshoremen sought to protect themselves against job losses resulting from the introduction of automated cargo container weighing. It's been a ticket for inefficiency."
Volunteer organizers of the Bancroft Butterfly Ball gather around a sign for the upcoming fundraiser, scheduled for Feb. 9 at The Merion in Cinnaminson, N.J. Now in its 20th year, the event raises nearly $400,000 annually for Bancroft programs for people with autism, brain injuries and related disabilities. For information or tickets, call (856) 524-7023 or visit www.bancroftball.org.
From left: Regina Green of Cherry Hill, Scott Goren (kneeling) of Mount Laurel, Cynthia Boyer of Voorhees, Barbara Berkman of Hopewell Township, Jaime Lenchak of Newtown Square, Pa., Paul Goren (kneeling) of Mount Laurel, Sam Young of Freehold, Dennis Morgan of King of Prussia, Pa., Robin O’Malley of Moorestown, and Kathy Ross of Lindenwold. Not shown: Barbara Kanalstein of Marlton, Kaitlyn Gardner of Mount Laurel, Selena Tropea of Mullica Hill, and Claudia Connolly of Metuchen.
TRENTON – Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa announced today that more than 1,000 guns were turned in by Camden County residents during a state-sponsored gun buyback program held at two Camden city churches last weekend.
According to Chiesa, a total of 1,137 firearms – including five semi-automatic assault weapons – were turned in during the two-day “Guns for Cash” event held December 14 and 15 at the Antioch Baptist Church and the Higher Ground Temple in Camden.
"'Why bother?' is a question that never enters my mind. There is always something worth striving
for, and, in my case, I’m inspired to work toward completing my degree, regardless of my political rank or the security in my career," said BSBA degree in Operations Management student, Haddon Heights, N.J., mayor and PSEG distribution supervisor Edward Forte
Power and Politics
Even though he has launched a successful wellness campaign and serves as a mayor and business leader, Ed Forte describes himself as a work-in-progress
Forte, who serves as mayor of Haddon Heights, N.J., and is a longtime supervisor at Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), is also pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Thomas Edison State College.
Recently adopting a rigorous physical fitness routine, Forte walks an average of 28 miles per week, encouraging his constituents to join him in his locally acclaimed Walk! Heights wellness campaign. In the process, he has increased face time with the locals while whittling away more than 50 pounds of his own weight.
Winslow Township announces that all General Offices will be closed Tuesday, December 25, 2012 in observance of Christmas Day
Curbside trash and recycling materials normally picked up on Tuesday, December 25, will be picked up on Wednesday, December 26, curbside trash and recycling materials normally pick up on Wednesday, December 26, will be picked up on Thursday, December 27, curbside trash and recycling materials normally picked up on Thursday, December 27, will be picked up on Friday, December 28, and curbside trash and recycling materials normally picked up on Friday, December 28 will be picked up on Saturday, December 29. Your cooperation is sincerely appreciated.
N O T I C E
Winslow Township announces that all General Offices will be closed Tuesday, January 1, 2013 in observance of New Year's Day
Curbside trash and recycling materials normally picked up on Tuesday, January 1, will be picked up on Wednesday, January 2, curbside trash and recycling materials normally pick up on Wednesday, January 2, will be picked up on Thursday, January 3, curbside trash and recycling materials normally picked up on Thursday, January 3, will be picked up on Friday, January 4, and curbside trash and recycling materials normally picked up on Friday, January 4, will be picked up on Saturday, January 5. Your cooperation is sincerely appreciated.
***As of January 2013 yard waste must be placed at the curb in paper lawn bags or in a yard waste marked trash container. Vegetative waste will no longer be accepted in plastic bags.***
Haddon Heights Council Meeting, Tuesday, December 18th, 7:00 p.m., Borough Hall Auditorium
Senior Community Table
Free for lunch? Haddon Heights Senior Citizens have been meeting at a Community Table in our local restaurants for over a year now! What’s a Community Table? A long table where people come for lunch, sit together, order from the regular menu, pay their own bill and socialize with new and old friends. The Haddon Heights Senior Citizens group will meet at the Community Table anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the following Haddon Heights restaurants. Please join us! For more information, call Borough Hall at 547-7164ext. 23.
3rd Tuesday, December 18 – Station House
4th Tuesday, December 25 – No Community Table, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
1st WEDNESDAY, January 2 –Community Table at Kunkel’s – one time only!
Joy Community Fellowship Invites you to a: Christmas Candlelight Celebration onSunday, December 23rd 7pm
Join us for our annual Christmas Eve Eve Service as we celebrate the birth of Jesus with carols and candle lighting. This is an event for the entire family.
Joy is located at Glenview and Sycamore St. For more information call us 546-1188 or visit us online at www.joynj.org.
The Haddon Heights Fire Department’s annual Santa ride will be held on the evening of December 22 with a rain date of December 23
Women’s Club Soup & Sandwich Luncheon, February 19
If you enjoy made-from-scratch beef vegetable soup, you won’t want to miss Haddon Heights Woman’s Club popular Soup and Sandwich Luncheon. The date is Tuesday, February 19, at the First United Methodist Church, 7th & Garden St., from 11 Am to 2 PM. Come and enjoy our savory soup a hot ham and cheese sandwich on a roll, coffee, tea, and select your dessert from our 12 foot long table of delectable goodies. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12.
HH Elementary School’s First Annual “Student and Community Evening Art Show”
The show will invite Community members to submit their works of art, AND/OR talk about their art techniques in an informal discussion group. The show will be on May 1, 2013 at Atlantic Avenue Elementary School (21 East Atlantic Avenue, Haddon Heights, New Jersey 08035). This innovative program will connect the children, community and artists to build a future of sustainable creative and artistic endeavors.
Can’t get to your computer and want to know what’s happening in Heights? Tune in to Channel 19 for the latest information about your town. Channel 19 will be a great source of information to many of our residents, including senior residents who may not have access to computers. Spread the word!
Our New Global Information System (GIS)
The plan starting in 2008 was to ensure that the tax assessment issue which occurred in 2007 would never happen. To do so we put into place several major tactics. To learn more, Click Here.
CNBNews.net is proud to introduce a new column, The South Jersey Business Scene which will highlight local businesses in this area. Our purpose is to help small businesses that are struggling in these tough economic times by giving the owner some free promotion. Established in 2006, CNBNews receives between 2,000 and 4,000 visitors a day. There is no charge for this service.
This week we feature The Whiskey Barrel, located at the intersection of King Street and Jersey Avenue, Gloucester City.
Freedom Medal recipients announced The Freeholder Board has announced the recipients of this year’s Camden County Freedom Medal. The award that honors those whose unselfish contributions embody the dream and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be presented at the Camden County Boathouse on January 25. For tickets, please call (865) 216-8217. The list of honorees can be found here. Home for the Brave assists homeless veterans Freeholder Ian Leonard and Sen. Donald Norcross attended a ribbon cutting on Dec. 12 for Home for the Brave, a service of the Volunteers of America of the Delaware Valley (VOA) that offers housing and services to homeless veterans throughout Camden County. Home for the Brave was constructed as part of the renovation of the VOA’s Aletha R Wright "Vision of Hope" Center at 271 Atlantic Avenue in Camden City. The 30-bed housing addition for homeless veterans will offer intensive case management with wrap around supportive services including job training and placement, substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment and health care. The program will offer a five-stage approach with the veteran eventually becoming the mentor to others entering the program. For pictures from the event, click here.
On December 13, 2012. Age 74 OfHaddon Township. Formerly of Voorhees and South Camden. LovingDaughter of the late John T. Carbone and Rose (Nee Carlucci). In the loving and cherished care of her daughter,Michelle Mancuso of Runnemede. Beloved grandmother of Albert Joseph Curran of Runnemede. Devoted Sister of Joseph (Angeline) Carbone of Medford. Survived by lifelong and loyal friend Marie Basile of Haddon Heights. At Margaret’s request, cremation and services are private.Family requests memorial donations in Margaret’s memory to theSusan G. Komen for the Cure: P.O.Box 650309Dallas, TX 75265-0309. Please write in memo: Margaret Mancuso.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Margaret Mancuso. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Ph: 856-456-1142
The school shooting in Connecticut has affected every parent and resident to their core. As a teacher, mother of young children and an elected official these events were earth shattering on many different levels for me.
Our hearts and prayers are, and will continue to be, with the victims and families impacted by this tragedy in Newtown, Conn. My thoughts are with Camden County’s parents and our overall community today as we move forward from this calamity. Reflecting on this misfortune I know there are people that can utilize professional help during this period of time.
The Winslow Township Fire Department will be conducting a "Special Election" on Saturday, December 15th at the Cedar Brook Fire Company, 9 Cedar Brook Road, Sicklerville between the hourse of 2 pm and 9 pm. The Special Election is to allow the fire department to borrow up to $7 million dollars to construct a new fire headquarters on land donated to the fire department on Williamstown Road. The new building will house fire suppression crews, offices, and storage. In addition new fire apparatus will be purchased.
Police Chief Scott Thomson’s Failure Should Not Tolerated Let Alone Promoted~ Camden Fraternal Order of Police President John Williamson
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY – (December 12, 2012) – Camden Police Chief Scott Thomson’s appearance yesterday on the Fox & Friends TV show to promote the plan to replace his entire police force has raised the question- why has he not been replaced?
A PATCO Speedline train pulls into Woodcrest station, heading towards Philadelphia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Total Expenditures and Debt Costs Down 6.3 Percent
CAMDEN, N.J. – The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) Board of Commissioners today approved a 2013 annual budget of $257.7 million.
Despite a nearly 70 percent jump in employee pension costs, the DRPA and PATCO were able to reduce total operating and debt service expenditures by $17.3 million or 6.3 percent.
CHEER - To the many volunteers throughout the area that came to the aid of the people devastated by Hurricane/Super Storm Sandy.
JEER-AFL Web Printing notified their customers on November 29, 2012, that they were closing their doors within the next few days leaving publishers of area newspapers scurrying about trying to find another printer for their publications. The company had printing plants in Voorhees and Secaucus. The untimely closing affected approximately 100 employees some of who have been with the company since it was founded in 1974.
Seven branches of Camden County Library System continue annual tradition
VOORHEES, NJ – Dec. 11, 2012- The Camden County Library System is offering annual Read in the New Year Celebrations at seven of its branches. Kids can celebrate the new year on their schedule before midnight with programs that include a countdown, craft, stories and lots of fun.
Sportscaster Michael Barkann to Emcee Nonprofit’s Signature Annual Fundraiser
Sheldon and Barbara Berkman
Haddonfield, NJ —December 11, 2012 — Community leaders from South and Central New Jersey will receive awards at an upcominggala for their outstanding support of people with autism, brain injuries and related disabilities. Camden County based Bancroft will honor Barbara and Sheldon Berkman of Hopewell Township, as well as TD Bank and TD executive Rob Curley, at the organization’s annual Butterfly Ball.
Scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9, at The Merion in Cinnaminson, the Butterfly Ball raises
Robert Curley
awareness and resources for Bancroft, a leading nonprofit service-provider for people with autism, acquired brain injuries and other intellectual or developmental disabilities.
“The Berkmans, Rob Curley and TD Bank have all been wonderful supporters for many years,” said Bancroft President and CEO Toni Pergolin. “They have helped us help thousands of children and adults live better lives.”
The Berkmans will receive the prestigious Margaret Bancroft Award, named for the organization’s founder, while Rob Curley will receive Bancroft’s Corporate and Community Leadership Award on behalf of TD Bank. Curley is the bank’s South Jersey Market President and has played an instrumental role in TD’s support of Bancroft.
The event will also feature a guest emcee – sportscaster Michael Barkann of Comcast Sports Network – along with a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner and dancing to live music.
On December 9, 2012. Age 72. (nee Minerva) Of Pennsauken. Loving wife of 55 years to the late Richard B. Jervas. Loving mother of Rosemarie Willis (Kevin), Richard Jervas, Michael Jervas (Cheryl), Angel Jervas, Lisa Wolf, Nick Jervas (Carolyn) and the late Anthony Jervas. Cherished grandmother of 14 and great grandmother of 12. Dear sister of Dennis and David Minerva, Bonnie Anderson, Cathy Heath, Chuckie and Bambi Minerva and the late Louise Tymusczuk. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Viewing Friday evening 4 to 6 PM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Catholic service 6 pm in the funeral home. Cremation private.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Rosemarie J. Jervas Memorial Fund: P.O. Box 358, Gloucester City, NJ 08030.
Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Rosemarie J. Jervas. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. Ph: 856-456-1142
Last week on the national syndicated radio show All Things Considered, the Camden City public safety crisis was spotlighted. A reporter spent days covering the city and getting a firsthand perspective of the daily challenges facing residents on the sidewalks and streets of Camden. In this report, the current conditions in the neighborhoods were highlighted along with the vibrant drug trade that is a catalyst for an epidemic of violent crime in the streets.
TRENTON – Stressing that partnerships are crucial in the fight to reduce gun violence, Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa announced today a $100,000 gun buyback program in Camden County to be carried out through the cooperative efforts of the Attorney General’s Office, the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, the Camden Police, the faith-based community and other stakeholders.
Man was among 28 defendants charged in Operation Jumpstart
TRENTON – Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa announced that a Camden man was sentenced to state prison today for distributing heroin in Camden. He was indicted last year with 27 other alleged members of a major heroin and cocaine network.
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Tuesday, Congressman Rob Andrews was nominated by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and unanimously elected by his colleagues to join the Democratic Leadership team as co-chairman of the Steering and Policy Committee for the 113th Congress. As Co-Chair for Policy, Congressman Andrews will play a central role in crafting an agenda to create jobs, strengthen the middle class, and grow the economy.
A Christmas tree inside a home. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Holiday season should be a time of magic and joy for children everywhere, but sadly, it is not. Families in Haddon Township are struggling with budgets that cannot meet basic household needs, much less provide gifts for the holiday.
Mayor Randall W. Teague, Commissioner Paul Dougherty, and Commissioner John C. Foley are once again sponsoring a town-wide toy and food drive for families in need. Donations of unwrapped toys, non-perishable food items, gift certificates and monetary donations are being accepted at the Municipal Building, Annex Building, all Haddon Township schools and the Westmont Fire Co. through December 17th.
Every contribution, no matter the size, will ensure that Township families will experience everything the holiday should bring---magic, joy, love and perhaps most of all, hope.
For more information, please contact, Kate Burns at kburns@haddontwp.com or at 856-854-1176 ext. 4194.
Camden County College’s Blackwood campus will host a groundbreaking new program that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing this coming summer of 2013. The first step to becoming one of these students is to attend an information session for the program.
This week the Camden County Police Department initiative was endorsed by New Jersey’s largest newspaper, The Newark Star Ledger. The paper’s editorial board outlined some of Camden City’s biggest challenges and the number one concern is addressing the public safety crisis consuming our County seat and the region.
TRENTON – Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa announced that a Camden drug dealer pleaded guilty today to first-degree racketeering, admitting that he sold an assault rifle and heroin to an undercover investigator.
Suddenly, On November 30, 2012. Age 20. Of Philadelphia, PA. Formerly of Pennsauken.
Cherished Daughter of Joseph E. O’Brick and Debra Kim Cohen. Beloved Paternal Granddaughter of Joseph O’Brick and Mary O’Brick. Loving Maternal Granddaughter of Lenny Cohen. Dear Niece of Jeffrey M. O’Brick and Juliana O’Brick. Beloved Cousin of Antonio Torres and Brianna Alvarado.
Kerri graduated from Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill in 2010. She was a member of Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Cathedral and was in the choir.
Relatives, friends and classmates are kindly invited to attend her viewing on Monday from 9 to 10 AM at Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Cathedral: 8598 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111. Funeral Service 10 AM in the Cathedral. Interment Oakland Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA.
Family prefers in lieu of flowers to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: 3535 Market Street, Suite 4047, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Please write in memo: Kerri Megan Irene O’Brick.
Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Kerri Megan Irene O’Brick.
Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. PH: 856-456-1142
Police Department application deadline extended The Freeholder Board extended the formal application deadline to Jan. 15, for all prospective employees for the Camden County Police Department. This extension will give police training commission (PTC) certified officers the opportunity to complete the formal application and turn it into the Office of Police Services. While we have received a great deal of interest from a wide array of applicants who are at varying stages of the application process, many others have experienced mitigating circumstances in regards to the application deadline and we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to apply. Hurricane Sandy took away valuable time from current police officers that want to apply to this police department and we do not want to punish anyone because their time has been constrained by the storm. A formal employment application for the Camden County Police Department and salary fact sheet is posted onwww.camdencounty.com. The County is looking for qualified, intelligent, energetic men and women who want to dedicate themselves to making Camden City and Camden County a safer place.
Today Camden County took another step forward to making Camden City and the region a safer place. The Freeholder Board stood in support of the Mayor to make the neighborhoods of the city safer and strengthen public safety in the County seat.
Camden City has been facing a public safety crisis for the last two years and has lacked the capacity to properly police its streets. The current department’s staffing levels have been decimated and there is a dearth of resources to stem the tide of violent crime. This rising crime wave has not only had an effect on the City, but it also has affected the overall county.
VOORHEES, NJ – Nov. 30, 2012 -- The Camden County Library System is halfway to setting a new record with over a thousand new and gently used books donated by local residents in its Books for Kids holiday book drive. But time is running out to give the gift of reading and get books into the hands of kids who need them. The drive ends Wednesday, Dec. 12.
Area VIPs attend a recent kick-off reception, in anticipation of the 20th Bancroft Butterfly Ball on Feb. 9 at The Merion in Cinnaminson. From left: Mount Laurel resident Tracee Hunt, chief human-resources officer for Bancroft; Haddonfield resident Jack Tarditi of Conner Strong & Buckelew; and Haddon Heights Mayor Ed Forte.
Community Leaders Gearing Up for 20th Bancroft Butterfly Ball
Haddonfield, NJ —November 28, 2012— Bancroft’s 20th Butterfly Ball isn’t untilFebruary, but area VIPs are already drumming up excitement for the big event.
More than 70 community and business leaders came out recently for a kick-off reception, where they met executives and program leaders from Haddonfield-based Bancroft, a renowned nonprofit service provider for people with autism, brain injuries and related disabilities.
The Camden County Veterans Affairs Staff and I joined the family, friends and neighbors of Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Sineath on November 17 to wish him well on his upcoming fourth tour of duty in Afghanistan.
He has served honorably in three prior tours and is going back overseas to defend this nation against the global war on terror. This young man’s dedication to our country serves as an example to us all. He has demonstrated extraordinary honor and conviction, and we thank him for his continued service.
WHERE: Tortilla Press Cantina~7716 Maple Ave, Merchantville/Pennsauken, NJ
WHEN: Starts @ 5pm
WHAT: Santa Clause will be “Celebrity Bar-Tending” to help raise funds and awareness for the Camden Children’s Garden! The Tortilla Press, the Garden’s long-time friend, sponsor and on-site caterer, will host this exciting first annual event to welcome regulars and Garden-supporters to enjoy a meal and beverages served by Saint Nicholas!
COSTS: No cost at the door, food & drink specials can be ordered from menu. 10% of the evening’s sales will benefit the Camden Children’s Garden!
HOW/RESERVATIONS: Not needed, but may be a good idea given Mr. Clause’s popularity! To make a reservation, call the Tortilla Press Cantina @ (856) 356-2050.
PITTSBURGH (Nov. 24, 2012) –For just the second time in 2012, the Rutgers football team suffered a setback, falling at Pitt, 27-6, on Saturday at Heinz Field. It marked the first BIG EAST loss of the season for the Scarlet Knights (9-2, 5-1 BIG EAST). Rutgers is now 8-22 all-time against the Panthers, who improved to 5-6 (2-4 BIG EAST).
Sophomore RB Jawan Jamison (Starke, Fla.) surpassed the 1,000-yard plateau in rushing for the season late in the second quarter, becoming the seventh player in Rutgers history to go over the century mark. He now has 1,004 yards in 2012.
(cnbnews.net)Haddon Heights, NJ, November 21, 2012:Mayor Edward Forte along with members of the Haddon Heights Borough Council unanimously approved Resolution # 2012:185, supporting the GOOD SAMARITAN EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACT (S851/A578).
The Mayor and Haddon Heights council calls upon the New Jersey State Senate and Assembly to override the Governor’s veto and pass the Good Samaritan Emergency Response Act (S851/A578), with bipartisan support, in a manner that encourages our residents to call for emergency medical assistance on behalf of the afflicted individual, their family members, friends and communities and to enforce the priority of saving life over punishing behavior.
Mayor Edward Forte presented Patty DiRenzo, who is an advocate of this bill, with a copy of the resolution.
Happy Thanksgiving Most Camden County offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 22 in observance of Thanksgiving. Please plan any business you may have with the county accordingly. Although most offices are closed, you can still access county services by going to www.camdencounty.com to get information and interact with the Freeholder Board.
Each morning some cars are running the stop sign on Monmouth Street at Brown Street in Gloucester City, which is a three-way stop.
This is a dangerous situation, and could cause and accident. Please be safe at that intersection.
Harry Riding, Gloucester City
THANKS FOR SUPPORT
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and gratitude for your support
and vote in the election this past Tuesday, November 6th.
I am both excited and fortunate to be returning to the City Council for a second term. I am also very pleased to have two newcomers join us; Bowie Johnson and Nancy Baus, and I would like to congratulate them and I look forward to working with them in the years to come to move Gloucester City Forward. I also want to congratulate Lynn Bucher who is returning to Council to continue her great work with our City Celebrations.
I would also like to thank you for your support and vote of the entire Column 2 Team. I look forward to working with our County, State, and Federal officials to lobby and secure what is needed here in Gloucester City to improve our infrastructure, generate cost savings through Shared Services, and promote and produce economic development. These initiatives will help to stabilize or reduce our tax burden.
In order to move our great City Forward, we need to come together as a community and look to the many great attributes our City has to offer, and be positive and motivated in our deliberations for the betterment of Gloucester City.
I look forward to representing the citizens of the First Ward, and all of Gloucester City, and TOGETHER we can make great things happen and Move Forward.
I wish you and your family the very best for a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!
I look forward to seeing you at our City Christmas Celebration on Saturday evening, December 8th.
Sincerely yours,
Dan Spencer, First Ward Councilman, Gloucester City
CAMDEN, N.J. -- On a cold autumn night, Darran Johnson, 22, stands by the police tape strung between two trees in the housing complex where he lives with his mom and siblings. On a walkway 20 feet away, a middle-aged man lies dead, shot in the throat and head, sprawled on his back beside a battered 10-speed bicycle. His face is masked in blood that gleams bright red in the crime scene photographer's flash.
Johnson watches tight-lipped as investigators comb the grass for shell casings. "Kids play out here. Average people live here," he says. "I'm shaking. It's getting too close."
Gunfire rings out often in the neighborhood, he says, a regular reminder of the crime wave that has this city of 77,000 on pace to double its homicides in just three years, and has already shattered a nearly 20-year record for killings. With 59 homicides so far this year, the murder rate is on par with levels seen in Haiti in the chaotic aftermath of the 2010 earthquake.
"A bullet has no name. If somebody shoots and I'm walking, I could be hit," Johnson says. "People are afraid right now. You can see it in their faces."
The crime surge coincides with new census data identifying Camden, long battered by vanishing industry, as the most impoverished city in the U.S., with 42 percent of residents under the poverty line, and an average family income of $21,191. If trends persist, Camden may soon hold the grim title of both the country's poorest and most dangerous city.
As residents decry the violence, local leaders are readying a radical plan that they call the only practical solution at hand to calm the streets: the dismantling of the Camden Police Department and the outsourcing of policing to a new, cheaper force run by the county government, to be called the Camden Metro Division.
CHERRY HILL NJ-Just one week after Veterans Day 2012, Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMTs were honored to stand with family, friends and neighbors as 28 year old Army 1st Sergeant Kenneth Sineath returned to his family home on Massachusetts Ave in Cherry Hill. Sergeant Sineath has returned home for his wedding to his fiancé, Jessica. Soon after, he will redeploy to Afghanistan for his 4th tour since he joined the Army in 2002.
Sergeant Sineath is a Purple Heart recipient, amongst a litany of medals and recognition that include: 5 Army Commendation Medals; 4 Army Achievement Medals; an Afghanistan & Iraq War Campaign Medal; and many others.
Gloucester Board of Education (BOE) Member Jackie Borger publicly thanked and acknowledged the hard work and dedication of Linda Bittmann and Ed Hubbs during last week’s meeting.
The rest of the Board agreed, and thanked both Bittmann and Hubbs for their service with a round of applause.
They both had lost their bids for re-election to the School Board November 6 -- School Superintendent Joe Rafferty discussed the upcoming Gloucester City High School (GHS) playoff football game. The Lions will host Paulsboro in the Group 1 quarterfinals Friday, November 16, at 7 p.m.
This conflicts with the drama club’s presentation of “The Odd Couple,” Rafferty said.
The BOE approved a motion to reschedule the Friday night performance. “The Odd Couple” will now be presented Saturday, November 17, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 18, at 3 p.m. – (see photo above).
(CNBNEWS.NET Staff)BROOKLAWN NJ-We have been able to confirm that a Planet Fitness franchise is coming to
the Brooklawn Shopping Center and will be housed in the old K-Mart store that has been emptied for the past two years. According to two reliable sources, renovation work has started on both the inside and outside of the building.
However there is no mention on the company’s website about a new franchise opening in Brooklawn anytime soon. As such we reached out to the company’s Vice-President of Marketing, Mark Christie Monday afternoon for more information. We are still waiting for his response.
Opening up a Planet Fitness franchise is an expensive venture. Looking at the company’s website (http://www.planetfitness.com) under Franchise you’ll find the following:
To open 1 club:
• Total liquid assets of all partners: $500,000 • Total net worth of all partners: $1.5 million
To develop an area (minimum of 5 clubs):
• Total liquid assets of all partners: $1.5 million • Total net worth of all partners: $3 million
Presently there are two Planet Fitness gyms in the immediate area. One is approximately 7.9 miles away on Route 70 East in Cherry Hill and the other is in Clementon, about 8.4 miles in the Cherrywood Shopping Center, Blackwood-Clementon Road.
(cnbnews.net)BROOKLAWN NJ-The empty Brooklawn K-Mart store experienced a small fire this afternoon (4:20pm Nov 17, 2012). I was driving to the Auto Parts store and saw the small black plume of smoke coming from the direction of K-Mart. It appeared to be either the back of the store, or maybe the weeds behind the store.
published in the Gloucester City News Nov. 15, 2012
Incumbent Louisa Llewellyn and two newcomers were elected to the Gloucester City Board of Education (BOE) in the General Election November 6.
Llewellyn (927 votes), Doug Ziegler (852) and Bill “Junior” Johnson (847) defeated Bob Bennett (807), Linda Bittmann (775), Edward Hubbs (737) and Barbara Stout (577) for three, three-year terms on the BOE.
This was the first year people when people voted for both municipal and school board candidates in the same election.
Nationwide, President Barack Obama was re-elected president of the United States, and he easily carried New Jersey. In Gloucester City, Democrat Obama received 2,440 votes, while Republican challenger Mitt Romney got 1,224 votes.
Happy Thanksgiving Most Camden County offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 22 in observance of Thanksgiving. Please plan any business you may have with the county accordingly. Although most offices are closed, you can still access county services by going to www.camdencounty.com to get information and interact with the Freeholder Board.
Saluting Our Veterans Hundreds of veterans and their families attended the Freeholder Board’s annual Veterans Day observance on Veteran’s Island in Cooper River Park on Sunday, Nov. 11 Veterans Island serves as a lasting tribute to Camden County’s Veterans from all wars. The County created this park as a tranquil place to reflect on the contributions of the men and women, past and present, who have faithfully served our nation. The ceremony was co-sponsored by the Freeholder Board’s Office of Veterans Affairs, in conjunction with the Camden County Veterans Advisory Committee. Click here for pictures from the event.
If you or someone you know suffered damage to a home or business as a result of Hurricane Sandy, you may be eligible for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The Camden County Office of Emergency Management has partnered with FEMA to open a Disaster Recovery Center to assist those impacted by storm at the Camden County Public Works Complex, 2311 Egg Harbor Road in Lindenwold. The center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. seven days a week for as long as it is needed.
Note: *This article originally appeared in the November 1, 2012 edition of the Gloucester City News.
Jonas Cattell Descendant Finishes First in Women's Division At Run
By: Anne Forline
The 43rd annual Jonas Cattell Memorial Run on October 21st featured 116 runners in an historic 10-mile race that started on Kings Highway in Haddonfield and followed a course ending in National Park.
This run commemorates Jonas Cattell’s warning of an imminent attack on Fort Mercer at Red Bank, or National Park.
(cnbnews.net)Camden City set a new murder record on Friday. Charles Nicholson, 44, of Camden, was shot multiple times as he sat in his car at the Crescent Gardens apartment complex on Independence Road in the Fairview section of the City. The shooting , which occurred around 11:30 a.m., was the 59th homicide this year surpassing 1995 when there were 58 murders.
By the time police arrived at the scene, Nicholson was already dead.
Police were reportedly looking for a short, black man in a brown hooded sweatshirt in connection with the shooting.
Anyone with information on the shootings is asked to contact Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Investigator Pete Longo at 856-580-5854 or Camden Police Detective Bob Chew at 856-655-4947.
Seal of Camden County, New Jersey (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Free library cards and service for those displaced. Red Cross fund drive to help victims
VOORHEES, NJ – Nov. 13, 2012 – The Camden County Library System is stepping up to help victims of Hurricane Sandy. The library announced it is providing free, six month library cards to anyone displaced by the storm and welcomes them to use any of the system’s eight branches.
PHILADELPHIA, November 12, 2012 – Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT/NYSE:PEI) is opening the doors to nearly all of its malls at midnight on Black Friday, November 23, 2012, including seven of its shopping centers in Greater Philadelphia— Exton Square Mall, Plymouth Meeting Mall, Springfield Mall and Willow Grove Park in Pennsylvania and Cherry Hill Mall, Cumberland Mall and Moorestown Mall in New Jersey. Additionally, Voorhees Town Center will open at 5 a.m. and The Gallery at Market East will open at 8 a.m.
Store offers a wide range of parts, recognized national brands and
free services including windshield wiper and battery installation
RUNNEMEDE, NJ (NOVEMBER 12, 2012) – Advance Auto Parts, Inc., a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, batteries, accessories and maintenance items, today announced it will open its first store in Runnemede at 165 South Blackhorse Pikenext to the Philly Diner on November 15th.
It was a wise man who said news is a conversation. Let's talk. Please comment on what moves you. CNBNEWS@verizon.net , WE might want to quote from it. Unless you tell US it's private. An open comments policy does not mean hate speech is welcomed. It's our right to delete such comments and block repeat offenders.
I found this album of photos from the Gloucester High School Class of 1965 Class Reunion held at Wheaton Village in Millville on October 21, 1995. See how many of the faces you reconize without looking at the names.
The second album contains some scenic photos taken in March 2010, Anna Maria Pier, The Watefront restaurant, Cortez bridge, Holmes Beach sunsets and more
It was a wise man who said news is a conversation. Let's talk. Please comment on what moves you. CNBNEWS@verizon.net , WE might want to quote from it. Unless you tell US it's private. An open comments policy does not mean hate speech is welcomed. It's our right to delete such comments and block repeat offenders.
John Ryan, photographer, reporter and ad salesman for the Gloucester City News took these photos in the 1980's. John has since passed away.
Looking down from heaven John will be happy to see his photos are still being used.
Over the next couple weeks more photos will be added to this album.
If you have a photo you would like to see published in any of the albums listed on this site you can e-mail them to BillGCN@verizon.net. Or if you want call 456-1199 and someone will come out and pick the photo up. It will be returned.
Our first Memories album was so well received I decided to start a second one. If you have any photos you like to submit to add to any of the albums on our site send them to BillGCN@verizon.net. Please include a brief description and the approximate year the picture was taken.
One of three photo albums containing a variety of new and old photos of various sites in Gloucester City and the surrounding area along with photos of people you might know..
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