Voorhees Animal Orphanage Pet of the Week: Reuben

Reuben is a beautiful buff and white boy who came to the Voorhees Animal Orphanage as a stray and is looking for a fresh start. He\’s a gentle soul and enjoys being petted and loved. And he would love to go home with you! If you\’re looking for a devoted companion to keep you company, you must come meet sweet Reuben at PetValu on Rte 70 in Marlton, NJ today! You can read more about Reuben, and all of the other fine felines that are

available for adoption here

.

Video: How Did Political Boss George Norcross Acquire Waterfront Land in Camden City at Such Low Prices?

The tower, located on the Camden City waterfront, is owned by George Norcross and two other partners who received a $245 million tax break

(image courtesy of David L. Lewis/WNYC)

CNBNews.net

CAMDEN CITY, NJ (December 26, 2019)–

NJTV NEWS interviewed a reporter from the Philadelphia Inquirer who wrote an investigating article about South Jersey Political Boss George Norcross and his quest to buy up properties along the Camden City waterfront. How did George Norcross obtain acres of land along this prime section of waterfront at prices under the appraised value?

What is known is Norcross and his friends used tens of million in state-approved incentives to obtain the properties.  The

Delaware River Port Authority and Camden Redevelopment Agency held interests in one of the properties, which was

appraised at $2.3 million in 2015

. Public officials

agreed to sell it to Liberty for $800,000

. After the sale, Liberty gave Norcross and his business partners an option to buy the property — which they eventually did, for $350,000 — or 15 cents on the dollar of the appraised value when it was held by public agencies.

The \”Inky\” confirmed hearsay that federal prosecutors in Philadelphia are carrying out their own investigation into the controversial New Jersey program.

Michael Hill,

NJTVonline.org

News correspondent talks with Catherine Dunn, one of the lead reporters on the story in the video below.

video source

https://www.njtvonline.org/

Related:

How power broker George Norcross and friends got waterfront land for cheap

Both the Delaware River Port Authority and Camden Redevelopment Agency held interests in the land, which was

appraised at $2.3 million in 2015

. Public officials

agreed to sell it to Liberty for $800,000

. After the sale, Liberty gave Norcross and his business partners an option to buy the property — which they eventually did, for $350,000 — or 15 cents on the dollar of the appraised value when it was held by public agencies.

And while Norcross and his partners aren’t allowed to build on the parking lot for five years, they could develop it by 2023 if they choose.

The series of transactions also underscores the influence and reach of the Mount Laurel-based law firm Parker McCay, led by George Norcross’ brother Philip.

CONTINUE

Related:

Taking Down The South Jersey Political Mafia

You may think we live in a state run by democratically-elected officials, but the reality is closer to a system of political corruption that would surprise most Americans. The truth is, the mafia is alive and well in New Jersey and it controls the political machine in the state. This isn’t the Cosa Nostra of the old days, but an even more sinister cabal of powerful men working to consolidate power and enrich themselves at the cost of the taxpayers.

George Norcross has been called the most powerful unelected person in New Jersey. He controls nearly every elected Democrat in South Jersey including party chairs, state senators and  assemblymen. Even if you get elected outside of his control, you will get nowhere in the party. Norcross and his team have done a masterful job of consolidating power in a relatively short period of time; only a few decades. They have insured that you can’t get elected without his support, and if you do, and you don’t play ball, you will be sidelined to political Siberia. Without his endorsement and the cooperation of Senate President Steve Sweeney, you won’t get on any committees. You won’t get resources. You won’t get money for staff. You will be irrelevant.

Consequently, the candidates you find on your ballot have been hand-chosen by Norcross and his political organization. The Democratic Party is beholden to his

CONTINUE

Related:

How The Norcross Political Machine Muscled In On Camden City\’s Prime Real Estate, NJ\’s Poorest Community

But the Norcross brothers had other ideas.

The most powerful political family in the state had spent months helping to engineer the tax break law. George E. Norcross III, a prolific Democratic fundraiser and power broker, had championed the idea among lawmakers; his brother Philip Norcross, a lawyer and lobbyist with deep ties to local and state government, wrote parts of the legislation; and a third brother, Donald Norcross, then a state senator and now a member of Congress, had co-sponsored it. Once the law passed,

the Norcrosses’ allies, business partners and clients

took advantage.

published

Gloucestercitynews.net

December 26, 2019

Cowboy Junkies Coming Feb. 1

COLLINGSWOOD NJ–Presented by the Camden County Board of Freeholders in association with BRE and the Borough of Collingswood, the Scottish Rite Auditorium welcomes An Evening with Cowboy Junkies on Saturday, February 1, 2020. Doors open at 7 PM, showtime at 8 PM.​

In 1988, Cowboy Junkies proved that there was an audience waiting for something quiet, beautiful and reflective. The Trinity Session was like a whisper that cut through the noise — and it was compelling. It stood out in the midst of the flash and bombast that came to define the late 80’s. The now-classic recording combined folk, blues and rock in a way that had never been heard before and went on to sell more than a million copies. With Cowboy Junkies’ new album, All That Reckoning, the band once again gently shakes the listener to wake up.

Whether commenting on the fragile state of the world or on personal relationships, this new collection of songs encourages the listener to take notice. It also may be the most powerful album Cowboy Junkies have yet recorded. While the music is characteristically easy to listen to, the songs on “All That Reckoning” are visceral. In true Junkies fashion, the gentleness is juxtaposed with rock that can be jarring. Tickets go on sale September 13 Tickets are $59.50, $49.50. and $39.50

Tickets Available from: www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000 Scottish Rite Auditorium 315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, NJ, 08108, United States Saturday, Feb 1st, 2020 @ 7:00 pm

Richard Thompson: Solo Acoustic

Presented by the Camden County Board of Freeholders in association with BRE and the Borough of Collingswood, the Scottish Rite Auditorium welcomes Richard Thompson: Solo Acoustic on

Sunday, January 26th, 2020.

Doors open at 6 PM, showtime at 7 PM.

Tickets go on sale October 11th

Tickets are $69, $59 and $39

Tickets Available from:

www.ticketmaster.com

Camden County Store at Voorhees Town Center
 (Echelon Mall)

1 Echelon Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043

(856) 566- 2920

Scottish Rite Auditorium

315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, NJ, 08108, United States

Sunday, Jan 26th, 2020 @ 7:00 pm

PATCO Hosts \”Transportation YOU\” Event at Lindenwold Facility

Goal of program is to educate young women on the importance of transportation industry

DRPA/PATCO’s Engineering Department was the proud host of a program that offers young women the opportunity to explore first-hand a wide variety of transportation careers.

The program is called Transportation YOU and it is run through the Women\’s Transportation Seminar (WTS).

Dozens of young women, ages 13-18, recently had the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look at PATCO’s main headquarters in Lindenwold, New Jersey.

PATCO General Manager John Rink, PATCO Director of Equipment John Barrett and DRPA Senior Engineer Elisabeth Klawunn conducted a tour of the Lindenwold facility that included a look at the equipment shop and the work needed to keep PATCO trains running and clean.

Through the program, WTS chapters work to make a difference in the lives of young girls by offering programs and activities that will spark their interest in all modes of transportation and encourage them to take courses in math, science, and technology, which are the stepping stones to exciting careers that can change the face of the transportation industry. The program is led by over 30 women professionals (engineers, planners, marketing, and finance professionals) who volunteer their time as mentors.

SPECIAL STATE INVESTIGATOR/ACTING CAMDEN COUNTY DETECTIVE PROMOTED TO SERGEANT

CAMDEN CITY NJ–On

December 23, 2019

, Special State Investigator/Acting Camden County Detective Michelle Chambers-Larsen was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.  Sergeant Chambers-Larsen began her law enforcement career in 1995 as a Probation Officer.  Later, in 2001, Sergeant Chambers-Larsen was hired by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office and assigned to the Grand Jury Unit.  During her 18 years at the CCPO, Sergeant Chambers-Larsen has proven herself to be a dedicated and diligent detective, working hard each day to serve the citizens of Camden County.  Sergeant Chambers-Larsen has become a very well-rounded detective through her wealth of experience in many units throughout the CCPO, including the Special Prosecution’s Unit, Child Abuse Unit, Major Crimes Unit, Intelligence Unit and the Domestic Violence Unit.

Sergeant Chambers-Larsen will now be assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit.  Congratulations to Sergeant Chambers-Larsen.  Thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of the CCPO.  Shown here from left to right are Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer, Special State Investigator/Acting Chief of Detectives Jeffrey Dunlap, Special State Investigator/Acting Camden County Detective Sergeant Michelle Chambers-Larsen, Special Deputy Attorney General/Acting First Assistant Prosecutor Mary Ellen Murphy and Chief of Staff Mike Mangold.

Released Tuesday, December 24, 2019.

PREVIOUS POST

Carlos Alejandro Tariche, 22, of Edgewater, Charged with Threatening to Kill Federal Agents

NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man was arrested this morning after using his Twitter account to threaten to kill agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Carlos Alejandro Tariche, 22, of Edgewater, New Jersey, was arrested by agents of U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and charged by complaint with one count of interstate communications containing threats to injure. He is scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court.

According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Dec. 11, 2019, Tariche used one of his Twitter accounts to post threats to ICE agents: “We need to kill all ICE agents.”  He also posted: “Why can’t mass shootings occur at @ICEgov buildings them mfs need to get smoked.” Tariche also used his Twitter account to compare his feelings to that of Elliot Rodger, the individual who carried out a mass shooting at Isla Vista, California, murdering six people and shooting 14 others. Tariche also posted on Twitter: “You might’ve heard I paint houses,” a phrase that refers to murdering people and that was recently popularized by the movie, “The Irishman,” which depicts a mafia hitman.

Law enforcement officers were able to link Tariche to his Twitter account through an investigation of his social media accounts and the locations from where he logged onto his Twitter accounts.

The charge of interstate communications containing threats carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of HSI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s charge.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendall Randolph of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.

The charge and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Camden County\’s ‘Hearts and Hands’ Homeless Outreach Initiative

(Camden City, NJ) – The Camden County Freeholder Board has launched a new initiative aimed at addressing persistent homelessness. Recognizing the incredible generosity of the community, Hearts and Hands for the Homeless is aimed at

funneling charitable giving to effective organizations and volunteer opportunities while discouraging panhandling and other forms of solicitation.

Years of destigmatization has helped to generate compassion for those suffering from homelessness and has stimulated a renewed interest in helping the homeless population. The Freeholder Board is encouraging that giving to be done in ways that address the issue on a broader scale than for just one person.

“Sometimes what an individual does as an effort to help does little to solve the underlying problem of homelessness. In fact, public feedings and giving to panhandlers often serves as a vehicle that enable the homeless to remain in crisis rather than seek the help that they need,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services. “While we want to recognize the incredible generosity and compassion that motivates giving, we also want to encourage our homeless population to connect with professional agencies to get more, long-term help so as to permanently end homelessness.”

Advocates for homelessness prevention have found that when panhandlers can count on spontaneous giving by members of the public, they become less likely to seek professional services and more likely to remain homeless. For this reason, individual acts of generosity on the street often fuel a cycle of homelessness and hunger.

Hearts and Hands for the Homeless is designed to redirect charitable interests aimed at helping the homeless toward opportunities to volunteer or give strategically, and to shift perceptions regarding which forms of outreach are most impactful. By reorienting individuals away from direct intervention and instead to supporting shelters, food kitchens, and other professional services, we can do more to effectively address homelessness than by relying on individual acts of kindness.

“Many people want to help and are doing what they believe is within their reach in order to help individuals in need,” Rodriguez said. “The truth is that the five dollars you were going to give to someone on the street would go much further and help more people if it was given to a charitable organization or agency dedicated to serving the homeless.”

Volunteer and donation opportunities for local agencies who are serving the homeless in Camden County can be found at

www.camdencounty.com/heartsandhands

. A current list of organizations looking for community support includes the Sanctuary Foundation for Veterans in Lawnside; Building Bridges Family Success Center, Center for Family Services in Clementon; and Joseph’s House in Camden City.

Individuals who are in need of services are also encouraged to visit the site or call 2-1-1.

This is not the first initiative launched by the Board to address these challenges. Work Now, a thoughtful and researched approach to discouraging panhandlers and addressing challenges with the chronically homeless launched last year and offers a day’s wage and social services for anyone willing to work.

Individuals who successfully move on to phase two of the program, called Bridge to Work, are provided permanent part-time employment through Camden County College. Graduating to the next level puts participants on firmer ground to find permanent housing and move on to a private employer.

Joseph Brodie, 40, of Millville Sentenced For Threatening To Murder A Congressman & His Staff

CAMDEN CITY N.J. – A New Jersey resident was sentenced yesterday to 87 months in prison for threatening to murder former U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo and members of the congressman’s staff, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Joseph Brodie, 40, of Millville, New Jersey, was previously convicted in Camden federal court on two counts of making threats to officials, officers and employees of the United States – specifically, for a telephone threat to murder LoBiondo’s chief of staff and an email threat to murder LoBiondo, his chief of staff, his veterans affairs liaison, and all of the other staff of the Mays Landing office. During the sentencing hearing yesterday, the Court determined that over the course of the prosecution, Brodie had obstructed justice and that there also was evidence to show he had intended to carry out his threats.

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence presented at trial:

In the spring of 2017, Brodie reached out to LoBiondo seeking assistance with the medical care and treatment that Brodie was receiving from the Veterans Administration. Over the course of the next few months, Brodie spoke and corresponded with the congressman’s Veterans Affairs Liaison and a caseworker, both of whom assisted him with appointments and meetings regarding his medical care. On Sept. 19, 2017, Brodie contacted the congressman’s office and spoke to the chief of staff on the phone. Brodie wanted the chief of staff to arrange a meeting with the congressman, but the chief of staff refused. During this phone call, Brodie became angry and ultimately threatened the life of the chief of staff – calling him “a dead man.”

Approximately an hour and a half later, Brodie sent an email to the congressman’s veterans’ affairs liaison as well as the caseworker, threatening their lives as well as the lives of the congressman and his staff in the Mays Landing Office. In this email, Brodie stated that he wanted to meet the congressman “face to face” and he pointed out “how easy” it was to find the congressman’s Mays Landing Office. Brodie also attached a terrain map of the area, with the area around the congressman’s office enlarged for detail and a red pinpoint location marker on the office. Writing about the map, Brodie stated, “[i]t even shows the environment and surrounding terrain, parking lots, wooded areas, etc., (like the kind a highly trained Combat Infantryman would use)…”

On the same day as the threats, Brodie sent text messages to his fiancée stating: “I threaten the life of a Congressman’s Chief of Staff. I’m pretty sure the Secret Service are going to investigate.” He also wrote that he was “prepared” for any law enforcement officers who might respond to his home. He wrote, “I’ll give them a chance to leave. If not, it’ll be First Blood Part II Type Shit (if you never saw that Rambo movie).” Brodie also wrote, “I won’t surrender. It’s not in me.” The same day, Brodie spoke to his fiancée on the phone and told her that he was going to travel to an address in New Jersey, that he had GPS coordinates in his car, that he was going to kill LoBiondo’s chief of staff, and that there was going to be a “blood bath.”

One week later, in a statement recorded by the FBI, Brodie confessed to having made the phone threat to the chief of staff on Sept. 19, 2017, and to having sent the email threat on Sept. 19, 2017.

The evidence showed that at the time Brodie made these threats, Brodie owned several firearms and a large amount of ammunition at his home.

U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark; special agents of the U.S. Capitol Police, under the direction of Chief Steven Sund; officers from the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; and the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae, with the investigation leading to yesterday’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara A. Aliabadi and Jason Richardson, of the Camden office.

Defense counsel: Gina Amoriello, Esquire, Westmont, NJ and Philadelphia, PA

THREE KINGS CELEBRATION JAN. 6

CAMDEN CITY, NJ

January 6th from 2 PM to 5 PM at the Kroc Center for food, live music, and gifts for the children for the Three Kings Day Celebration. This event is presented by the Camden County Board of Freeholders, Camden County Department of Constituent Services Office of Hispanic Affairs.

For further info please call (856) 225-5312.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center

1865 Harrison Avenue, Camden, NJ, 08105, United States

Monday, Jan 6th, 2020 @ 2:00 pm

5:00 pm