Month: January 2011

Public Employees \”Layoff Plague\” Spreads: Camden County Could Eliminate 300 Jobs

READ via www.courierpostonline.com

Related articles
\"Enhanced

This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.

More than 139,000 servings of fresh produce grown in Camden, NJ


\"Florida BURLINGTON, VT – Mike Devlin, founder and director of the Camden City Garden Club in Camden, New Jersey, has been honored as the grand prize winner in Gardener‘s Supply‘s Garden Crusader program.


Devlin has spearheaded efforts by the Camden City Garden Club (CCGC) over the past 26 years to create and support approximately 90 food-producing community gardens in Camden‘s urban neighborhoods. More than 60 of these gardens have been established in the last two years, to help give residents of this impoverished city access to fresh, nutritious and affordable produce in an area that has been designated as a ―food desert.‖


The statistics for Camden have long been grim. It is frequently described as the poorest small city in the country – and among the most dangerous. Most families live below the poverty level, half of its residents are under 20 years old, and 60 percent of its young people don‘t graduate from high school.

According to a new study by the University of Pennsylvania, the city now has another, more positive, designation: Based on population, Camden is home to perhaps the fastest growing community gardens in the country.

This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.

Letters: BAFFLED BY ‘NO PARKING’ ISSUES

In a recent letter to the Gloucester City News, I had asked for some information why City residents have to move their cars for an hour for no apparent reason, and so far no one has been able to give me a logical answer.

One of the newest answers was, \”It’s just the way it has always been,\” which to me is not very logical. I have two cars I park in locations where there is \”No Parking\” on Thursdays and Fridays from 8 to 9 a.m.

So, on Thursday, I moved my car and not only did the sweeper come by, but it came past twice in the same hour. On Friday, I moved my car and the sweeper never came by.

There were several other cars illegally parked for the whole hour, and none of those cars received a ticket.

Why does my car get a parking ticket, and these other cars do not? I am beginning to feel as though I am being singled out. On a regular basis, I see other cars, including vehicles from local businesses, parking where they want without getting parking tickets.

Several months ago I had been told by a City detective that I could not park my motorcycle on the sidewalk, but a local business has motorcycles parked on its sidewalk up to six times a week without tickets being issued.


Are they someone special, or do I have to own a business to earn these special parking privileges? It needs to be understood that this letter, previous or future letters, are in no way meant to demean or start a conflict with the local police. I feel they do a fine job, and are underpaid for the work they do!


Can anyone help answer my questions, as I am truly baffled by these \”No Parking\” issues in our City? I am not the only person in Gloucester City with these problems, and I would like to hear from others. Now is your chance to sound off.

 

Joseph M. Pine, Gloucester City

Note from Bill-

Dear Mr. Pine

Over the years I have written about this topic several times. What I found was the No Parking ordinance has nothing to do with the sweeper. It is because the City is making over $100,000 annually from this \” tax\” which they label as a No Parking violation. In fact I would bet that figure is even higher today.
I never did find out if this \”parking tax\” is making enough money to pay for the salaries of two full- time sweeper employees plus benefits and the salary for a part-time parking official (meter maid). Add in the cost and maintenance of the equipment to that total.
Many people have complained about this \”parking tax\” but it doesn\’t seem to faze mayor and council, as this law has been on the books for ages..
The City even goes after police officers who violate the law.

What is even more upsetting, this \”tax\” is only for residents who live on the poor side of Gloucester City.

You will find very few streets, if any at all, with a No Parking sign located in the Cypress Gardens section, Meadowbrook, Park Manor, etc. area. When was the last time you saw the sweeper on Oriental Avenue? Thus people who live on the other side of Route 130 do not have to worry about being cited with a parking ticket. Nor do they have to worry about moving their cars once a week. Nor do they have to worry about paying this \”extra tax\” that the majority of residents in Gloucester City are burden with ….and I agree it is not fair!
~Bill Cleary
PS: Using the search engine at the top right hand column put in the words city parking tickets and will see the articles.

Related articles
\"Enhanced

This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.

Philadelphians Can Donate To Windermere Court Fire Disaster Relief

January 13, 2011– On Monday, January 10, 2011, a five alarm fire devastated the \"Images-1\" Windermere Court Apartments located at 4800 Walnut Street in West Philadelphia. More than 160 firefighters responded to the emergency, and the fire displaced nearly 200 individuals and families. Mayor Michael A. Nutter would like to encourage those who would like to help with relief efforts to contact the American Red Cross or The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia, which are spearheading assistance for the affected families.

\”Philadelphians’ outpouring of generosity following Monday’s fire at Windermere Courts has been humbling. They want to know how they can help and what they can do. It is a testament to the quality of our city’s citizens,\” said Mayor Nutter. \”I would like to thank the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army for being a dedicated partner ensuring that the families affected by this disaster—and the many other tragedies our city faces—are cared for immediately.\”

At this time, the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army are accepting monetary donations, which will better allow these support organizations to meet the needs of those affected by the fire. Donations to the American Red Cross can be made by visiting their website www.redcross-philly.org, by calling (215) 299-4000 or by visiting their headquarters located at 2221 Chestnut Street. Donations to The Salvation Army can be made by visiting their website www.salvationarmyphiladelphia.org or sending a check to The Salvation Army located at 701 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.

All donations should be marked \”Fire Disaster Relief\”.


This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.

Views of Gun Control — A Detailed Demographic Breakdown

 

January 13, 2011

 

In the wake of last weekend\’s shootings in Tucson, Ariz., the issue of gun control and gun rights has returned to national prominence.

The Pew Research Center has tracked attitudes about this issue since 1993. In September, public opinion was divided: 50% said it was more important to control gun ownership while 46% said it was more important to protect the rights of Americans to own guns.

\"\"

Opinion about gun control has been split since April 2009, but this marked a substantial change in attitudes from previous years. From 1993 through 2008, majorities of Americans consistently prioritized gun control over gun rights, with a particular uptick in support for gun control following the Columbine High School shooting in 1999 (a few months after that incident 62% said controlling gun ownership was more important than protecting gun rights). More recently, just a few days after the 2007 shooting at Virginia Tech, 60% said gun control was more important.

There are substantial demographic differences of opinion on this issue, including by gender, race, party and geography. Click here to see a breakdown of opinion about gun control across the following categories:

  • Sex
  • Age
  • Race
  • Education
  • Income
  • Marital status
  • Party
  • Party and Ideology
  • Religious Preference
  • Region
  • Detailed Region
  • Urbanicity
  • Tea Party support

http://pewresearch.org/

 

This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.

The Public Employees \”Layoff Plague\” Continues to Spread Throughout SJ; Bellmawr Latest Victim

Mayor, dozens more to get layoff notices in Bellmawr 

By George Mast

| courierpostonline.com | Courier-Post

The pink slips will go out with the nearly 120 full- and part-time employees\’ next paychecks as a precaution, Mayor Frank Filipek said Friday.

Filipek said he won\’t be sure of the borough\’s exact financial status until he receives state aid numbers, released along with the governor\’s budget, in March. And because all employees need a 40-day layoff notice, Filipek and council members have decided to play it safe and alert everyone layoffs could come.

\”I\’m fighting like heck not to lay off anyone because everyone in the borough does a terrific job,\” he said.

Filipek acknowledges he would never consider laying off the entire police department. And while he and council members will receive the notices as well, elected officials, who receive a monthly stipend, can\’t really be laid off.

read via www.courierpostonline.com

This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.

Lydia Browne, of Brigantine, former Gloucester City Resident

 


\"\"BROWNE, Lydia 86, of Brigantine, passed away on Wednesday January 12, 2011. Lydia was born in Atlantic City. She was raised in Gloucester City and was a graduate of Gloucester City High School. The IRS formerly employed Lydia for over 20 years where she met her husband Robert. She was a long time parishioner of St Thomas Church. She also was a volunteer at ACMC Mainland Division for over 12 years. Lydia was an avid gardener and enjoyed working in her yard.
Lydia is survived by her beloved husband Robert and her son Bob Browne and his wife Laura. She is also survived by 5 nieces and 3 nephews. Lydia is predeceased by her sister Margaret Cantrell. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Lydia\’s Life Celebration and viewing on Sunday evening 6 to 8pm and Monday 8:30 to 9:30am at Keates-Plum Funeral Home, 3112 Brigantine Ave Brigantine. Mass of Christian Burial Monday 10am at St. Thomas Church, Brigantine. Entombment Holy Cross Cemetery, Mays Landing. Donations maybe be in Lydia\’s memory to the American Lung Assoc 1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 800 Washington, D.C. 20004 or The Humane Society of Atlantic County, 1401 Absecon Blvd Atlantic City NJ 08401. 

 

This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.

Udall Seeks Investigation of Misleading Football Helmet Safety Claims

 

January 4, 2011

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-NM, today requested that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigate false and misleading concussion safety claims in advertising for football helmets, specifically those sold for use by young children. The FTC enforces laws to protect consumers, including those related to deceptive advertising and marketing practices that raise health and safety concerns.

\”I am concerned for our young football players and their safety. I hope football helmet makers improve their products to address concussion risks,\” Udall said. \”It is simply unacceptable for sports equipment companies to falsely advertize their products to athletes, coaches and parents with claims of providing a level of safety that does not yet exist.\”

This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.

Mug N Hug\” Welcome Home Staff Sgt. Adam Rosemeyer of Cookstown

 

When: Sunday, January 16, 2011 \"Garfieldodieheliumballoon.jpg\"
Rally Time: 12:45 PM
Rally Point: Andrews Federal Credit Union
25 Cookstown Wrightstown Rd.
Cookstown, NJ 08511

Please come out to welcome home via \”Mug N Hug\” or \”Shock and Awe\” style
Air Force Staff Sgt. Adam Rosemeyer from his latest deployment.

We will be rallying at Andrews Federal Credit Union at 12:45 PM on Sunday, January 16th. Along with The Warriors Watch and other Biker Escort Support Groups, we will depart at 1:25 PM and ride as one to our returning Hero’s home to show our appreciation and bestow honor for his service to our Country.

Staff Sgt. Rosemeyer is returning from his 2nd deployment with the U.S. Air Force where he is a KC-10 engine mechanic. In the past, he has also worked as a C-130 propeller mechanic.

Adam’s wife Sara and their two children (Noah and Layla) are very excited to welcome him home in grand fashion. Layla just celebrated her birthday last week,
so this is a great gift. 

Friends, Family, The Warriors Watch, and The Yellow Ribbon Club will be on hand to welcome home this hero in \”Mug N Hug\”/\”Shock and Awe\” style.

The Yellow Ribbon Club
http://www.yellowribbonclub.org
[email protected]

 

This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.

The Bias Against Guns – HUMAN EVENTS

by Jason Matters

The certainties we can expect are life, death, weather patterns, Michael Moore eating 37 times per day, and the old media always exploiting a tragedy involving a firearm into a call for gun control.
 
To wit, two days after the Tucson tragedy, The Washington Post ran an editorial with this headline: \”Gun control: It\’s not a political impossibility.\”
 
Yet the Left’s gofers in the press never highlight the many times over that guns have saved lives. Like the life of Gary Wroblewski of Orlando, Fla. He’s a wheelchair-bound gentleman who used his weapon to prevent his home from being burglarized. \”He [the intruder] hit the door and I went tumbling over and just pulled the gun up and started firing,\” Wroblewski told the local paper.
 
That was the last breath the impending robber took. His ass was killed.
 
Does the old media’s reluctance to underscore incidents such as Wroblewski’s demonstrate a bias against guns? John Lott Jr. thinks so. In fact, it’s the title of the economist\’s book.
 
\”When was the last time you watched the national evening news and heard a story about somebody using his gun to protect himself or protect someone else?\” Lott rhetorically asked in our exclusive sit-down with him.

read via www.humanevents.com

 

This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.