Toy Giveaway & Pictures with Santa

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The 35th District and PDAC invite members of the media to attend a holiday toy giveaway and pictures with Santa event, bringing joy to children and families in the community.

This festive event will feature free toys for children (while supplies last), photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and holiday cheer for families across the district.

What: Toy Giveaway & Pictures with Santa

Who: 35th District and PDAC
      Local families and children

When: Friday, December 19, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where: 5960 N. Broad Street
              Philadelphia, PA 19141

Details:
• One toy per child while supplies last
• Photo opportunities with Santa
• Visuals include Santa, holiday decorations, toys, and families

Santa is Coming to Brooklawn Tonight!

Listen for the sirens to announce the arrival of Santa on your street as he travels throughout Brooklawn on Friday, December 19th beginning at 6 pm and on Saturday morning December 20th, escorted by the Brooklawn Fire Department. Be sure to step outside and wave as he drives by to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Update from Virtua Health and ChristianaCare

December 18, 2025)…ChristianaCare and Virtua Health announced today that they have mutually agreed to terminate the Letter of Intent entered into in July 2025.  After thoughtful evaluation, both organizations have determined that they can best fulfill their missions to serve their communities by continuing to operate independently.  Each health system remains committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care and advancing the health and well-being of the patients and communities they serve.

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Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen Hosting a Holly Jolly Christmas Giveaway

On Monday, December 15, 2025 Victor Carstarphen, Mayor, City of Camden, Dr. Davida Coe-Brockington, Acting State District SuperintendentChuck Cerniglia, Executive Director, UnitedHealthcare of New JerseyJordan Davis, Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia EaglesWith the holidays around the corner, Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen hosted a gift giveaway at the Adventure Aquarium to celebrate the achievements of young students from across the city.

During the event, students and their families will be treated to a festive celebration. To make the occasion even more special, the mayor will be joined by Acting State District Superintendent Dr. Davida Coe-Brockington and Philadelphia Eagles’ Jordan Davis, who will be on site helping to distribute gifts and meeting families.

“The holidays are a special time to celebrate with loved ones, while spreading cheer to others,” said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. “This event truly demonstrates that holiday spirt.  We are grateful to UnitedHealthcare for their generous donation and thankful to all our community partners who support this event.  It brings joy to everyone involved knowing these toys will help make the holidays a little brighter for our Camden youth.”

“Moments like this reflect the joy and generosity that surround our students,” said Acting State District Superintendent Dr. Davida Coe-Brockington. “They work hard every day, and it means so much for them to be supported by people who believe in their potential. I am grateful to Mayor Carstarphen, UnitedHealthcare, and all of our partners for bringing added cheer to our young people. Today reminds our students that they matter and that they are deeply valued.”

The holiday gifts will be purchased thanks to a generous donation from main event sponsor UnitedHealthcare, whose representatives and volunteers will be also in attendance to assist with distribution. This event is the latest in UnitedHealthcare’s commitment to help people lead healthier lives and help local communities thrive across the country.

“We are honored to be part of this event with Mayor Carstarphen and help support the Camden community,” said Chuck Cerniglia, Executive Director at UnitedHealthcare of New Jersey. “We hope we can bring some holiday cheer to these bright, young students and their families!”

Tess Herman Named All-American by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Tess Herman of Rowan has been named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division III All-America Second Team for the second consecutive season, as chosen by the member coaches of the NFHCA and sponsored by Apex Field Hockey,

NFHCA ALL-AMERICA TEAM

Herman closes out her stellar career as the 50th All-American in Rowan field hockey history and the eighth player to earn the honor in multiple seasons.

The senior defender earned her third straight selection to the NFHCA All-Region IV First Team in 2025 while she has been an All-Region performer all four seasons. Herman was chosen as the 2025 NJAC Defensive Player of the Year, becoming Rowan’s first two-time recipient of the award. She was also recognized on the All-NJAC First Team for the third time in her career and was chosen to the NFHCA Division III Senior Team.

The team co-captain anchored the Profs’ defense which held the opponents to just 1.77 goals per game as Rowan outscored the foes by a 74-39 margin. She contributed offensively by totaling a career-high 13 points with three goals and a personal-best eight assists.
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Dr. Stephen Trzeciak Honored With Inaugural National Schwartz Compassion Champion Award

CAMDEN, NJ) Cooper University Health Care is proud to announce that Stephen Trzeciak, MD, MPH, the Edward D. Viner Endowed Chief of Medicine and Medical Director for the Adult Health Institute at Cooper, has been awarded the inaugural Schwartz Compassion Champion Award by the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare. The honor was presented at the 30th Annual Kenneth B. Schwartz Compassionate Healthcare Dinner held recently in Boston.

The event brought together health care leaders and supporters from across the country and raised more than $900,000 to fund programs supporting compassionate patient care. Dr. Trzeciak, who also serves as Professor and Chair of Medicine at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, delivered the evening’s keynote address.

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24th Police District Christmas Express-Philadelphia

close up photo of christmas card
Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com


PHILADELPHIA
 — The Philadelphia Police Department, 24th District will host the 2025 Christmas Express on Wednesday, December 17, bringing holiday cheer to families in need across the city. Santa and Mrs. Claus will join Philadelphia police officers, members of the SWAT team, and the local fire department as they deliver gifts and spread Holiday Cheer throughout the community.

This annual tradition highlights the strong bond between first responders and the neighborhoods they serve, ensuring families experience the joy and spirit of the holiday season.

WHO: Captain Christopher Bullick, 24th Police District

        (Available for brief remarks and interviews)

WHAT:24th Police District Christmas Express

WHEN: Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: 24th Police District (Starting Location)

         3901 Whitaker Avenue
         Philadelphia, PA 19124

VISUALS:

  • Santa and Mrs. Claus with officers
  • Police vehicles and SWAT units are staging
  • Gift deliveries and family interactions
  • Holiday decorations and community moments

‘Patient and Provider Protection Act’ Clears Committee

Bill would address the rising cost of prescription drugs by establishing requirements for pharmacy benefit managers

(TRENTON) – With prescription drug prices continuing to rise, the need for stronger oversight and accountability in the pharmaceutical supply chain has never been greater. Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Roy Freiman to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) took a major step forward as Assembly bill A4953 cleared the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee.

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Army-Navy Game: Camaraderie, honor and service

By Henry Howard-Commander-News

American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley compared success in the military to victory on the gridiron as part of the 126th annual Army-Navy Game presented by USAA on Dec. 13 at M&T Stadium in Baltimore.

“These guys are defending their turf, trying to keep the other side from getting in the end zone,” said Wiley, an Air Force veteran. “When their service academy time is up, they’ll be officers serving this great country and they’ll be defending America’s turf. And when you think about the things that you learn through sports, you learn teamwork, discipline, leadership and grit. And all those things that not only serve you well in life, but in the military too.”

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Camden County Offering a Free Senior Snow Removal Program Elderly (65+) and Disabled

Camden County, NJ offers a free Senior Snow Removal Program for qualifying elderly (65+) and disabled residents, using Dept. of Corrections crews to clear snow from driveways/walkways after storms, but it requires residents to call after each event to request service (856-783-4808 ext. 5035); crews work during daylight (8 AM – 3 PM) and don’t supply salt. 

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