This coming Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 25 and 26, approximately 4,800 two-year old Rainbow Trout averaging 14-18 inches will be stocked in 20 ponds and lakes across the state. There are no closures so these large fish are immediately available. Don\’t miss out on the last trout stocking of 2019!
Trout Stocking Schedule
Stocking Map
Winter Trout Fishing in NJ
Trout Fishing Access
Trout Regulations
(pdf)
Get out and enjoy uncrowded waters, great fall weather and plenty of large trout!
By Kim Jarrett |
The Center Square
After years of debate, Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania appears to be on a path for approval. The bill passed by the House of Representatives last month will allow hunting on three Sundays.
The Senate is expected to take up the bill as soon as Monday, and reports indicate that Gov. Tom Wolf is inclined to sign it.
The bill is a “positive step in the right direction,” said Bryan Burhans, executive director of the Pennsylvania Game and Fish Commission. He has worked in several states where Sunday hunting passed and fought off the same arguments.
“There’s religious groups that would say, ‘Hey, Sundays are for worship,’” Burhans said this week on the PCN Call-in show, noting also that some people enjoy having a day to be in the woods without having to worry about hunters.
But no one should have to be worried about hunters because the sport is extremely safe and the state’s safety record is “second-to-none,” Burhans said.
Sunday hunting may also bring an economic boost to Pennsylvania. Burhans said he knows several people who hunt on Sunday in surrounding states, where it is legal.
Burhans also addressed chronic wasting disease (CWD), which affects the state’s deer population. While some deer infected with the disease may have a drooping head, be salivating and not be afraid of humans, some deer will show no signs for up to two year after they are infected. The disease has not been reported in humans.
The state has set up disease management areas where infected deer have been found. The numbers of infected deer are growing but remains below 5 percent, Burhans said.
The Game Commission offers free testing of deer heads, Burnham said. The testing is completed in two to three weeks, Burhans said.
Public comments are being accepted until February 2020 on a comprehensive plan to address CWD. Some of the possible solutions include extending deer season and allowing hunters to take additional antlered deer in an isolated area where an infected deer was found.
Burhans reiterated what he said earlier about the importance of hunters.
“Without the effort they put in hunting and harvesting deer, and submitting samples from the deer they harvest in CWD areas, our collective fight to slow CWDs spread and limit the disease where it exists in Pennsylvania would be all the more an uphill battle,” he said.
published with permission of
The Center Square
TUCKERTON NJ (Nov. 22, 2019)—Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Miguel Angel Villegas, 29, (photo) of New Haven, Connecticut was taken in to custody at Penn Station in New York, NY shortly after 8pm this evening by the United States Marshals Service and the New York City Police Department. “A
massive manhunt began earlier today after Villegas exchanged gunfire with a Tuckerton Borough Police Officer earlier this mo
rning in Tuckerton,” Prosecutor Billhimer said. Villegas was taken into custody this evening without incident.
At approximately 10:22 a.m. this morning, a Tuckerton Borough Police Officer exchanged gunfire with Villegas after the vehicle he was a passenger in fled a lawful motor vehicle stop near the intersection of Route 9 and North Green Street and caused a subsequent collision with another vehicle. The Officer was not injured in the exchange of gunfire. Villegas fled on foot and a massive manhunt ensued ending in New York City this evening.
“Villegas will be charged with Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “It is my understanding that Villegas is wanted out of Connecticut. We will be seeking extradition from New York to bring him back here to Ocean County to face these charges,” Prosecutor Billhimer added.
“I’d like to thank the collaborative efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, United States Marshals Service, New York City Police Department, Tuckerton Borough Police Department, Little Egg Harbor Police Department, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey State Police Regional Operations Intelligence Center, New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, New Jersey Transit Police, Ocean County Regional SWAT, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9, New Haven Police (Connecticut), Port Authority Police, Tuckerton Fire Department and Tuckerton Public Works Department. This was truly a team effort. The public can rest easy tonight knowing the men & women of law enforcement worked through the day into tonight to bring Villegas into custody peacefully,” Prosecutor Billhimer added.
“Even though Villegas is in custody, this remain an ongoing investigation. More details will be released as they become available,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
LACEY TOWNSHIP—Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Lacey Township Police Chief Michael DiBella announced today that Allissa DeStefano, 29, (photo)of Toms River, has been arrested and charged with three counts of Animal Cruelty in violation of
N.J.S.A. 4:22-17c(2).
During the evening hours of November 11, 2019, the Lacey Township Police Department responded to a residence in Lacey Township for a report tha
t dogs had possibly been abandoned in the residence. Upon arrival, the officers determined that the house was indeed abandoned, and the remains of three dogs were discovered. An investigation by Detectives from the Lacey Township Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that DeStefano was responsible for the care of the dogs and had abandonded them in the residence, which resulted in their deaths. DeStefano was arrested without incident, and processed at the Lacey Township Police Department. She was released on a Summons pending a future court date.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief DiBella extend their gratitude to the Lacey Township Police Department and Detective Bureau as well as Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for their fine cooperative work in connection with this investigation.
The public and the media are reminded that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
2017 Booker bill provided framework for MORE Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. –
Three key
marijuana provisions designed to reverse decades of failed drug policy and first introduced by
U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) passed the House Judiciary
Committee today: record expungement, reinvestment in the communities most harmed by the War on Drugs, and removing marijuana from the list of deportable offenses.
Booker’s
Marijuana Justice Act
, originally introduced in 2017, was the first congressional bill to incorporate record expungement and community reinvestment with marijuana legalization. This legislation along with a
Booker provision
to remove marijuana from list of deportable offenses provided the framework for the
Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2019
(MORE) passed by the House today.
“This is a significant tipping point. The Committee passage of this bill is an important step towards reversing decades of failed drug policy that has disproportionately impacted communities of color and low-income individuals. These draconian laws have sacrificed critical resources, violated our values, destroyed families and communities, and failed to make us safer,”
Senator Booker said. “
This legislation continues us down the path towards justice and I’m excited to see momentum growing around the movement to fix our nation’s broken drug laws.”
Background on Booker’s leadership on issues of marijuana and criminal justice:
Booker has seen the effects of our broken marijuana laws first-hand, dating back to his time as a tenant lawyer, City Council member, and Mayor of Newark, where he created the city’s first office of prisoner re-entry to help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into their communities. He is the author of the landmark
Marijuana Justice Act
, which would end the federal prohibition on marijuana, automatically expunge the records of those convicted of federal marijuana use and possession crimes, and reinvest resources into the communities most impacted by the failed War on Drugs through a community fund. Since
introducing the bill in 2017
, Booker has garnered support from Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Ed Markey (D-MA).
In the Senate, Booker was an outspoken
critic of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ effort to revive the failed War on Drugs
. More recently, he pressed Attorney General William Barr on his stance on marijuana legalization and the rescission of the Cole memo, winning a
commitment
from Barr to leave states alone that have legalized marijuana.
In addition to the Marijuana Justice Act, Booker is the co-author of the
bipartisan CARERS Act
, which would allow patients to access medical marijuana in states where it’s legal without fear of federal prosecution, and the
bipartisan REDEEM Act
, which would allow nonviolent drug offenders to petition a court to seal and expunge their drug offenses, while automatically sealing, and in some cases
expunging criminal records
, the nonviolent records of juveniles. These reforms would reduce a major barrier that formerly incarcerated individuals face when attempting to rejoin society. He is also a co-sponsor of the
Fair Chance Act
, which prohibits the federal government and federal contractors from asking about the criminal history of a job applicant prior to a conditional offer of employment. Earlier this year, the Fair Chance Act
passed
out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House Oversight and Government and Reform Committee. In June, Booker
introduced
legislation to remove marijuana from list of deportable offenses.
Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Palmyra Borough Police Chief Scott Pearlman announced that a Cinnaminson drug dealer was arrested
today for causing the death of a customer who fatally overdosed during the summer on heroin that she sold to him earlier that day.
Colleen Wedge, 29, of the 700 block of Foxcroft Drive in Cinnaminson, was charged with Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death (First Degree), Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Third Degree), Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Third Degree) and Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin (Third Degree).
Wedge surrendered this morning at the Palmyra Borough Police Department. The case will now be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
The investigation began after officers from the Palmyra Borough Police Department were called to a house on West Fifth Street on August 9 for an unattended death. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of a 31-year-old male on the floor of his bedroom. Empty baggies of heroin were found in the bedroom.
The investigation revealed that Wedge had sold heroin to the victim on numerous occasions, including four bags on the day of his fatal overdose for which he paid $50.
An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood concluded the cause of death was heroin and fentanyl toxicity.
Wedge will be prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Jeremy Lackey. The investigation was conducted by the Palmyra Borough Police Department and the BCPO Gang, Gun and Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Company Release – 11/18/2019 7:30 AM ET
NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Acreage Holdings, Inc. (“Acreage”) (CSE: ACRG.U) (OTC: ACRGF) (FSE: 0ZV) announced that on November 15, certain of its subsidiaries and Compassionate Care Foundation, Inc. (“CCF”), a New Jersey vertically integrated cannabis nonprofit corporation, entered into a Reorganization Agreement, pursuant to which Acreage will acquire 100% of the equity interests in CCF, and subsequently consolidate their financials. Closing of the transaction is subject to state approval.
With a population of approximately nine million, New Jersey is estimated to generate $317 million in legal medical cannabis sales by 2022, according to Arcview Market Research.
“I’m thrilled to finally welcome CCF into the Acreage family,” said Kevin Murphy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Acreage. “This reorganization will result in increased access to affordable medical cannabis for New Jersey’s existing patients in short order. Moreover, we have long believed that upon adult-use legalization, the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions will be the preeminent cannabis market in the U.S. and Acreage is best positioned of any U.S. cannabis company to benefit.”
CCF Operations
:
CCF’s vertically integrated operations include licenses for cultivation, manufacturing & processing, and three retail dispensaries. A description of the operations follows:
Cultivation:
CCF operates one of New Jersey’s largest indoor growing facilities, primarily for high end flower, in Egg Harbor, NJ. Acreage and CCF are planning to expand this facility to serve the existing demand for medical cannabis and in anticipation of adult-use legalization, and to build out a robust wholesale business.
Retail Dispensary Operations:
CCF has the potential to operate three retail dispensaries, one of which is currently in operation in Egg Harbor. An additional dispensary is under construction in Atlantic City as The Botanist, and an letter of intent has been signed for another The Botanist dispensary in Williamstown, NJ.
ABOUT ACREAGE
Headquartered in New York City, Acreage is one of the largest vertically integrated, multi-state operators of cannabis licenses and assets in the U.S., according to publicly available information. Acreage owns licenses to operate or has management or consulting services or other agreements in place with license holders to assist in operations in 20 states (including pending acquisitions) with a population of approximately 180 million Americans, and an estimated 2022 total addressable market of $16.7 billion in legal cannabis sales, according to Arcview Market Research. Acreage is dedicated to building and scaling operations to create a seamless, consumer-focused branded cannabis experience. Acreage\’s national retail store brand, The Botanist, debuted in 2018.
On June 27, 2019 Acreage implemented an arrangement under section 288 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “Arrangement”) with Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth”). Pursuant to the Arrangement, the Acreage articles were amended to provide Canopy Growth with an option to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Acreage, with a requirement to do so, upon a change in federal laws in the United States to permit the general cultivation, distribution and possession of marijuana (as defined in the relevant legislation) or to remove the regulation of such activities from the federal laws of the United States (the “Triggering Event”), subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set out in the arrangement agreement entered into between Acreage and Canopy Growth on April 18, 2019, as amended on May 15, 2019 (the “Arrangement Agreement”). Acreage will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity and to conduct its business independently, subject to compliance with certain covenants contained in the Arrangement Agreement. Upon the occurrence or waiver of the Triggering Event, Canopy Growth will exercise the option and, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions to closing set out in the Arrangement Agreement, acquire (the “Acquisition”) each of the Subordinate Voting Shares (following the automatic conversion of the Class B proportionate voting shares and Class C multiple voting shares of Acreage into Subordinate Voting Shares) in exchange for the payment of 0.5818 of a common share of Canopy Growth per Subordinate Voting Share (subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Arrangement Agreement). If the Acquisition is completed, Canopy Growth will acquire all of the Acreage Shares, Acreage will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Canopy Growth and Canopy Growth will continue the operations of Canopy Growth and Acreage on a combined basis. For more information about the Arrangement and the Acquisition please see the respective information circulars of each of Acreage and Canopy Growth dated May 17, 2019, which are available on Canopy Growth’s and Acreage’s respective profiles on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com
. For additional information regarding Canopy Growth, please see Canopy Growth’s profile on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com
.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release and each of the documents referred to herein contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information, including, for greater certainty, statements regarding the proposed transaction with Canopy Growth, including the anticipated benefits and likelihood of completion thereof.
Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “proposed”, “is expected”, “budgets”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects Acreage’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Acreage and on assumptions Acreage believes are reasonable. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Acreage to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the necessary regulatory approvals; the available funds of Acreage and the anticipated use of such funds; the availability of financing opportunities; the ability of Acreage and Canopy Growth to satisfy, in a timely manner, the conditions to the completion of the Acquisition; the likelihood of completion of the Acquisition; other expectations and assumptions concerning the transactions contemplated between Acreage and Canopy Growth; legal and regulatory risks inherent in the cannabis industry; risks associated with economic conditions, dependence on management and currency risk; risks relating to U.S. regulatory landscape and enforcement related to cannabis, including political risks; risks relating to anti-money laundering laws and regulation; other governmental and environmental regulation; public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry; risks related to contracts with third-party service providers; risks related to the enforceability of contracts; reliance on the expertise and judgment of senior management of Acreage; risks related to proprietary intellectual property and potential infringement by third parties; the concentrated voting control of Acreage’s founder and the unpredictability caused by Acreage’s capital structure; risks relating to the management of growth; increasing competition in the industry; risks inherent in an agricultural business; risks relating to energy costs; risks associated to cannabis products manufactured for human consumption including potential product recalls; reliance on key inputs, suppliers and skilled labor; cybersecurity risks; ability and constraints on marketing products; fraudulent activity by employees, contractors and consultants; tax and insurance related risks; risks related to the economy generally; risk of litigation; conflicts of interest; risks relating to certain remedies being limited and the difficulty of enforcement of judgments and effect service outside of Canada; risks related to future acquisitions or dispositions; sales by existing shareholders; and limited research and data relating to cannabis. A description of additional assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information and a description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in Acreage’s disclosure documents, including the Circular and Acreage’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2018 filed on April 29, 2019, on the SEDAR website at
www.sedar.com
. Although Acreage has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Acreage as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. However, Acreage expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider has reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.
Members of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees union listen to AFSCME Council 31 executive director Henry Bayer speak during a forum in this 2012 file photo. Seth Perlman | AP file photo
By Steve Bittenbender |
The Center Square
Seven current and former Pennsylvania state employees have filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to get back dues they claim they were forced to pay to a union that did not represent them.
If they’re successful, approximately 10,000 people could end up getting $3 million back.
The lawsuit was filed this month in Pennsylvania’s U.S. Middle District Court by the Liberty Justice Center, a nonpartisan “litigation center” that seeks to protect the right to work or create a business for anyone, and the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation.
Seven current and former Pennsylvania state employees have filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to get back dues they claim they were forced to pay to a union that did not represent them.
If they’re successful, approximately 10,000 people could end up getting $3 million back.
The lawsuit was filed this month in Pennsylvania’s U.S. Middle District Court by the Liberty Justice Center, a nonpartisan “litigation center” that seeks to protect the right to work or create a business for anyone, and the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation.
One of the plaintiffs in the case is David Schaszberger. He served as a statistical analyst for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for a decade but voluntarily chose not to join the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 13, the local union representing more than 65,000 public-sector workers.
The Liberty Justice Center estimates Schaszberger had to pay the union more than $4,000 in order to hold his job.
The lawsuit comes in the wake of a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME, an Illinois case filed by the same groups, that overturned the practice of public-sector unions collecting what they called “fair share” fees from workers who opted not to join. The unions maintained the fees were necessary to cover the costs of negotiating collective bargaining agreements, which covered both union and nonunion employees alike.
“The Supreme Court has already decided with us and with the workers,” said Brian Kelsey, a Liberty Justice Center senior attorney. “Now we’re just asking the courts to make the union pay up for what they took.”
In the 5-4 decision, the nation’s top court ruled such forced payments violate a public-sector employee’s First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and association.
“Accordingly, neither an agency fee nor any other form of payment to a public-sector union may be deducted from an employee, nor may any other attempt be made to collect such a payment, unless the employee affirmatively consents to pay,” Justice Samuel Alito wrote in the majority opinion.
Kelsey said the now-illegal practice was the exact opposite of the right-to-work law the groups support. Right-to-work laws allow individuals to work in public jobs and receive the same benefits as union workers but without paying dues to the labor organization representing the workers.
Pennsylvania is one of 23 states that does not have a right-to-work law on its books.
The Pennsylvania workers’ lawsuit seeks a refund of the “fair share” fees nonunion employees paid between Nov. 7, 2017, and June 27, 2018. Dues paid prior to that cannot be collected because of the statute of limitations.
They are also seeking to make this a class-action lawsuit.
A message to AFSCME Council 13 Executive Director David Fillman was not returned.
However, in a statement after the lawsuit was filed, Fillman criticized the case, saying it was supported by “dark money” special-interest groups.
“We will combat this attack on the workers who keep our commonwealth operating just as we have always done,” he said. “Liberty Justice Center poses as helping public employees; however, their goal is to eliminate public sector employee protections altogether.”
Kelsey denied the assertion this and similar cases are an attempt to eradicate unions.
“What we’re doing is we’re representing workers, and in particular, we’re representing workers who had their rights abused by unions,” he said. “And it’s time for the unions to pay this money back that they unconstitutionally took.”
This is one of two such cases that the center and foundation have filed in Pennsylvania. The other involves state workers seeking repayment from a Service Employees International Union local chapter.
Similar lawsuits have also been filed in Maryland and Illinois.
“We plan to file more,” added Kelsey, who also said he expects the AFSCME case to eventually go before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
posted here with permission of
The Center Square
ChamberofCommerce.org
Releases 2019 Holiday Spending Report, Highlighting Spending Average Per State
November 19, 2019
–
ChamberofCommerce.org
published the 2019 Holiday Spending Report, detailing the highest- and lowest-spending states and the disparity among them. The report, via charts, graphs, and analyses, identifies the average amount each shopper spends per state, what they tend to purchase, and where the majority of the shopping takes place.
The average consumer spends $1,047 during the holidays, but data shows that
certain states spend up to twice as much
.
States with the Largest Holiday Budget
Maryland – $2,241
Utah – $2,195
Hawaii – $1,887
New Jersey – $1,843
Virginia – $1,596
On the other hand, the lowest-spending state, West Virginia, spends less than one-tenth of the national average.
See the 2019 Holiday Spending Report:
Holiday shopping continues to grow and expand, year over year. Experts predict an overall increase of 4% in spending for 2019, along with a paradigm shift in the market, as online shopping will be overtaking brick-and-mortar shopping for the first time. Despite these shifts and changes, the report illustrates that there is a clear discrepancy in spending among states (and regions) in the U.S.
ChamberofCommerce.org
created the 2019 Holiday Spending Report utilizing the most recent data available from the National Retail Federation, the U.S. Census Bureau, and Deloitte consumer surveys.
# # #
About
ChamberofCommerce.org
ChamberofCommerce.org
is a website dedicated to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs start, market, finance, and grow their businesses. By creating in-depth guides, how-tos, and reviews covering relevant business products,
ChamberofCommerce.org
hopes to help readers move past the pitfalls that are often to blame for small business failure.
Outdoor Ice Skating by the Ben Franklin Bridge, Newly Decorated Cabins, S’mores on the Fire Pits, Warming Food and Drink Specials in The Lodge, All Set in a Sparkling Winter Wonderland
PHILADELPHIA,
PA
(November
19,
2019) —
The holiday season is all about cozying up with friends and family to share in favorite winter traditions, and the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) is excited to announce that on Black Friday, November 29, 2019, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest will kick off the holiday season for the 26th year with the re-opening of an iconic Philadelphia winter experience.
Opening weekend
promises a kickoff to the season for the books and will include an Ice Skating Princesses Performance, Storytime in the Lodge with free cookies and hot chocolate, and Lego building.
Filled with all of Philadelphia’s favorite winter traditions, including skating under the stars amidst the majestic Ben Franklin Bridge on a regulation-sized Olympic outdoor ice skating rink, sipping hot chocolate and eating comfort foods in the chalet-inspired Lodge with food and beverages from Garces Group, Chickie’s and Pete’s, and Franklin Fountain, the fun lasts all season long with arcade games, storytelling adventures, late night dancing, character skating, and more at this picture-perfect winter wonderland.
Now celebrating its 26th year, Blue Cross RiverRink sparkles at night from thousands of lights strung across the site, lighting that washes vibrant colors over the rink, and a majestic holiday tree dressed in tens of thousands of twinkling LEDs (over 100,000 lumens!).
“Winterfest is one of the most festive seasonal experiences for Philadelphia residents and visitors,” said Joe Forkin, president of DRWC. “Thousands of people have been coming to the Waterfront for more than 25 years to ice skate with their families, eat great food, enjoy hot drinks in The Lodge, and just have a wonderful time. It’s a favorite winter tradition in Philadelphia.”
New this year is the design of the cabins and main Lodge. Designer Todd Marcocci of West Chester’s Under The Sun Productions was tasked with reimagining each of the cabins as well as the main Lodge. Marcocci drew his inspiration from his upbringing in Western Pennsylvania and his experiences in the mountain region.
Each of the cabins has two, brand-new, hand-sewn and custom printed Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest logo pillows trimmed in various winter colors. While the design aesthetic will feel new, the warmth and tradition of Winterfest remains.
The new lodge and cabin themes include:
MAIN LODGE
In the main lodge, visitors are embraced by all new soft goods that pull together familiar design elements that create the perfect winter cabin feel. The enhanced decorations are carefully contoured with trees featuring new, hand-made burlap rosettes. Countless cardinals have been incorporated into the décor to add color and texture along with pillows and plush accessories that match the cabins.
CARDINAL CABIN
The theme of this cabin was inspired by the excitement the designer experienced when his aunt would spot a cardinal in her yard during the winter season. The lush colors of red fill the cabin along with themed soft goods.
NATURE CABIN
The nature cabin was inspired by a treasured print of a farm, wagon and pine tree. The space is filled with various representations of the natural environment, along with the inspirational print.
SKI CABIN
This cabin theme was inspired by the designer’s father who was an avid skier and started his son in the sport at the age of two years old. Various skis — including a vintage set — are positioned to compliment the theme.
SKATE CABIN
The skating themed cabin was inspired by the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, where thousands come each year to enjoy skating along the Delaware River. Vintage and modern skates, along with soft goods and pops of vibrant color, make this cabin an ideal place to hang out.
SNOWMAN CABIN presented by Philadelphia Magazine
Everyone loves a snowman and this cabin features different snowman-themed props along with a snowman and snow-themed soft goods.
In addition to traditional favorites, tasty treats include Village Whiskey burgers, Chickie’s and Pete’s famous Crab Fries, fried Oreos, S’MORES, “drinking chocolate” and more! Visitors can also enjoy drinks seasonal hot chocolate, spiked apple cider, and other warmed wintery libations while enjoying the cozy confines of the newly-decorate Lodge and cabins.
“The Blue Cross RiverRink brings people together and helps create memories that last a lifetime,” said Daniel J. Hilferty, Independence Blue Cross CEO. “Independence Blue Cross is so pleased to help make this great Philadelphia tradition possible, as part of our commitment to promoting a fun and active lifestyle in the region.”
And, of course, everyone’s favorite traditions include all of the incredible and largely free events offered at Winterfest.
This year’s annual
Holiday Tree Lighting Powered by PECO
will take place on Friday, December 6th and includes 10 acts and 28 performances that include gospel choirs, Latin ensembles, dancers, synchronized skaters, and more. Returning this year as a headlining performer to sing
O Holy Night
is The Voice, Season 14’s Jackie Verna. New this year as the second headliner is America’s Got Talent semi-finalist, Christina Wells, singing
I Know Where I’ve Been.
“PECO is honored to share in the tradition of the Holiday Tree Lighting for the 4th year. For 25 years PECO has proudly supported DRWC’s events and programs, including the PECO Multicultural Series,” said PECO President and CEO Mike Innocenzo, “DRWC does an incredible job of kicking off the holiday season with a night of remarkable performances, capped off, of course, with the moment the tree lights turn on. This magical night, and lighting up the holiday season along the waterfront has become a favorite tradition of ours.”
Another favorite holiday tradition for kids of every age is
Skate with Santa
which will take place every Sunday from December 21st through 22nd.
Perhaps the brightest and most festive traditions is the one that brings everyone together to say goodbye to 2019 and welcome in an exciting New Year. The
Rivers Casino New Years Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront
will light up the evening sky with two shows at 6:00 pm and Midnight. Visitors can get the best seat in the house at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at one (or both!) of the New Year’s Eve Parties on Ice.
“Rivers Casino Philadelphia is proud to support the New Year’s Eve fireworks shows along the Delaware River waterfront,” said Emily Doñes, community relations manager of Rivers Casino Philadelphia. “This will be the 10th consecutive year the casino is hosting the city’s traditional celebration and is the perfect way to ring in 2020.”
In addition, the rink, Lodge, and cabins can be rented for holiday parties, winter get-togethers and birthday celebrations. Especially with their new designs, the warming cabins are the perfect place to hold your next gathering. Single Cabins rent for $75 per 90 minutes and fit 8-10 people, and Double Cottages rent for $125 per 90 minutes and can fit up to 18 people. Parents can also be heroes when they host the ultimate ice skating birthday bash for the youngster in their lives in the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Kid\’s Lodge. Just a few feet away for the rink, this heated space features arcade games, small rides, and classics like pinball and air hockey, and is the home the positively perfect
Portside Pizza
! Interested parties can email
riverrink@drwc.orgfor
more information.
MORE HAPPENINGS ON THE WATERFRONT
DRWC continues every year in its mission to program and develop the Central Delaware River Waterfront for all of Philadelphia and its visitors. By consistently producing innovative programming and design, the nonprofit provides new, authentically-Philadelphia traditions and public spaces that create a new era on the Waterfront.
To that end, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is thrilled to report progress and exciting new developments.
Studio Zewde
(Harlem, New York) is working on public engagement, site assessment, and design for the
Port Richmond Waterfront & Graffiti Pier
Planning Study project while
OLIN
(Philadelphia and Los Angeles, California) is tasked with the same duties for the
South Philadelphia Wetlands Park
project.
The kickoff to DRWC’s new
Waterfront Arts Program
saw the docking of a 90 foot holographic, site-specific 18th-century “ghost ship” adjacent to Race Street Pier. The three dimensional light and water installation, by Romanian-based Biangle Studio enjoyed a month-long run and saw over 40,000 visitors.
Looking ahead, DRWC has announced exciting developments for it’s most ambitious undertaking and a keystone of the organizations Master Plan, the
Park at Penn’s Landing
. This project includes the reconstruction and expansion of a new bridge over I-95 that will support a new 12-acre riverfront civic space, the extension of South Street Pedestrian Bridge, and the construction of a portion of the Delaware River Trail. Furthermore, DRWC announced a nationwide call for developers for these eleven acres of prime waterfront land.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
More information about programming, food and beverage options, and season details can be found in our press room. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest high resolution photos can be downloaded via our website (password is aidemdrwc).
BLUE CROSS RIVERRINK WINTERFEST SPONSORS
Winter Programming is made possible by Independence Blue Cross, Rivers Casino Philadelphia, Dunkin’ ,Visit Philadelphia,NBC10 and Telemundo62, Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages LLC, and Philadelphia Magazine
ABOUT INDEPENDENCE BLUE CROSS
Independence Blue Cross
is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve nearly 8 million people nationwide, including 2.5 million in the region. For 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more, visit
www.ibx.com
. Connect with us on
and on
. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
ABOUT DRWC
DRWC is a 501(c)(3) created in January 2009, exclusively for the benefit of the City of Philadelphia and its citizens. The fundamental purpose of DRWC is to design, develop, program and maintain public amenities such as permanent and seasonal parks, trails, and streetscape improvements to transform the waterfront into a vibrant destination for recreational, cultural, and commercial activities for the residents and visitors of Philadelphia as is consistent with the goals of the Master Plan for the Central Delaware. Daily programming throughout the entire year is changing the way Philadelphians see and converse about the waterfront, and is helping to create spaces and communities that connect residents and visitors to the waterfront.