PNJ Annual Meeting & Event Notice

We are pleased to invite you to the Preservation New Jersey (PNJ) meeting, July 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

A gathering of members, partners, and preservation advocates from across the state.

This year’s meeting will be held in Somerset County at the historic Hageman Barns, a remarkable 19th-century agricultural complex that stands as a testament to New Jersey’s rural heritage and enduring sense of place. The setting offers a fitting backdrop for reflection on our shared accomplishments and the work still ahead in protecting New Jersey’s irreplaceable historic resources.

During the annual meeting, we will review the organization’s progress over the past year, share updates on key preservation initiatives, and discuss emerging challenges and opportunities facing historic places across the Garden State. Members will also have the opportunity to connect with fellow advocates, partners, and community leaders who are working every day to preserve New Jersey’s history.

For more information and how to register for the meeting, visit our website. (Register Here)

Assembly Education Committee Advances School Funding Transparency Legislation

The Assembly Education Committee today advanced A3881, sponsored by Speaker Craig J. Coughlin, which would strengthen school funding transparency and provide school districts with greater certainty when crafting their annual budgets. The bill is also sponsored by Assemblymembers Sterley Stanley and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson.

Under the bill, the Commissioner of the Department of Education (DOE) would be required to provide each school district with a preliminary State aid notice by the first week of December, detailing the minimum amount the district can expect in the upcoming school year. This early notification gives districts more time to plan their budgets.

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How to Manage Emotional Well-being During Grief

When a person is experiencing grief, it can feel like every day is difficult, and simple tasks can feel like mountains that require energy that a grieving person simply may not have.

However, even during the bleakest parts of mourning, there are ways that those who are grieving can manage their emotional well-being, even if it is one baby step at a time.

The aim of managing emotional well-being is not to get over the loss but to try and maintain your mental health to the best of your ability, while you grieve, to make the process easier.

Plan a Memorial

While a funeral is a memorial, for many people, it is not the only one that they want to have to commemorate the life of their loved one.

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Shooting Investigation

The Philadelphia Police Department’s Shooting Investigation Group is currently investigating a shooting that left a man in extremely critical condition on Tuesday afternoon in West Philadelphia.

At approximately 4:35 p.m., officers from the 18th District responded to a residence on the 53xx block of Spruce Street, where they located an adult male inside the property suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest. Officers immediately transported the victim to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was admitted and is currently listed in extremely critical condition. A person of interest has been taken into custody for further investigation. The scene is currently being held for processing. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

24th Police District to Host Annual Block Party

WHAT:

The Philadelphia Police Department’s 24th Police District is hosting its Annual Block Party. This year’s community event doubles as a celebration of America’s 250th Birthday, bringing together officers, residents, and families for a day of free activities, entertainment, and community resources.

WHEN:

Thursday, June 18, 2026

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

(Rain or Shine)

WHERE:

Jasper Street & Allegheny Avenue

Philadelphia, PA

DETAILS:

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public, featuring a wide variety of outdoor activities and neighborhood resources. Visual and photo opportunities include:

Moon bounces and inflatable attractions
Face painting, interactive games, and creative outdoor activities
Live music and entertainment
Information tables featuring local community resources

Summer Solstice Festival and Watch Party

Photo Credit: Jason Leavy Photography

9TH ANNUAL SUMMER SOLSTICE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Kicks off summer on June 19 in Haddon Township

WHAT:

Kicking off the season is the 9th Annual Summer Solstice Music Festival on Friday, June 19th from 2-10 p.m. on Haddon Avenue between Strawbridge Avenue & Cooper Street.

Celebrate the start of summer with live music, delicious food trucks, captivating strolling entertainment, refreshing beer gardens, and much more for the whole family to enjoy. This free event is open to the public and easily accessible, located conveniently within blocks of the Westmont PATCO Speedline.

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Facebook Marketplace Transaction Leads To Robbery Arrest

On May 24, 2026, at approximately 2:57 p.m., officers from the Gloucester Township Police Department responded to Commerce Square Plaza in the 1400 block of Blackwood-Clementon Road for a reported robbery.

Police learned that the victim had arranged through Facebook Marketplace to meet with an individual regarding the sale of a high-value watch. During the transaction, the suspect reportedly took possession of the watch, displayed a large knife, and fled the area on foot.

Detectives from the Gloucester Township Police Department conducted an extensive investigation that ultimately resulted in the identification of the suspect as Oswald Ricardo Whyatt Greene, a 20-year-old resident of the 800 block of Baywood Circle in Morrow, Georgia. As a result of the investigation, Greene was charged with Robbery, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.

On June 4, 2026, at approximately 10:55 p.m., Gloucester Township Police officers located Greene in a vehicle in the area of Blackwood-Clementon Road. Greene was taken into custody without incident. Officers also recovered a knife believed to have been used during the robbery. Greene was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings.

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Penn State Extension to offer watershed-friendly native plant kits for sale

To help foster more watershed-friendly properties, Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Steward program will offer watershed-friendly native plant kits for sale through July 4.

This sale is aimed at native plant lovers and individuals wishing to incorporate more native plants into their property.

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Franklin Township Man Charged with Murder

Woodbury, NJ – Dennis J. Hall, 71, of Franklin Township, has been charged with first-degree murder in the strangulation death of a 41-year-old woman, Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns announced.

According to documents filed in this case:

Franklin Township Police responded to an East Avenue home at 6:16 a.m. on Thursday, June 11 after Hall called and reported a 41-year-old female was not breathing. Hall admitted to strangling the victim both on the call to emergency services and to officers when they arrived. A witness also told police that Hall had woken them up and admitted to strangling the victim.

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Painting in the Park time!

The “Painting in the Park” series is BACK this Wednesday!

These events are free and open to residents of all ages and skills.

It’s a time for us to come together as a community and just have fun and get to know each other. The dates are listed below with details – and each event runs from 6pm-7:30pm. Keep an eye on the township Facebook page in case of inclement weather/event updates.