Hispanic Family Center Receives Grant

from Cooper Foundation’s Camden City Community to Support Community Health Navigation

Camden, NJ (February 6, 2020) – The Hispanic Family Center of Southern New Jersey, Inc. (HFC) is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $5,000 Camden City Community Grant from The Cooper Foundation to support the agency’s Pathways to Health. The mission of HFC’s Pathways to Health

program is to increase access to health care and health insurance, and to improve the public’s knowledge of the social determinants of health. This generous grant will help ensure that residents of Camden City receive case-management assistance to navigate the complex healthcare and health insurance systems.

The Cooper Foundation serves as the philanthropic, community outreach and community development arm of The Cooper Health System. The goal of the Camden City Community Grant program is to address social determinants of health by funding applicants that demonstrate a focus on one of the following Community Building Activities: physical improvements and housing, economic development, community support, environmental improvements, leadership development and training for community members, coalition building, community health improvement advocacy or workforce development. For more information about the program visit

https://foundation.cooperhealth.org/camden-community-grant

The Hispanic Family Center of Southern New Jersey is a multi-service agency with locations in Camden and Gloucester Counties. The agency is dedicated to providing the community with a broad range of culturally relevant social services and advocacy programs that promote and encourage empowerment and self-sufficiency. To meet this goal the Hispanic Family Center of Southern New Jersey offers over more than 20 programs including employment and training programs, ESL/Civics, health education and prevention services, mental health services, senior services, substance use disorder treatment and energy assistance programs. Each year the Hispanic Family Center serves 10,000 individuals and families.

Cherry Hill Resident Faces Additional Child Porn Charges

Camden City, N.J. (Feb. 8, 2020)–– A Cherry Hill man is facing two additional charges one week after he was arrested for possessing child pornography, according to Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill Mayer and Cherry Hill Police Chief William Monaghan.

Robert Hammond, 68, (photo) was arrested and charged Jan. 30 with one additional count of second-degree possession of child pornography and one count of second-degree reproducing child pornography. The charges were filed after detectives from the High-Tech Crimes Unit (HTCU) investigated digital evidence that was seized during Hammond’s original arrest Jan. 24.

HTCU detectives, officers from the Cherry Hill Police Department and Members of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Cherry Hill Office arrested Hammond at his home on the 500 block of Murray Ave. in Cherry Hill without incident. He was remanded to the Camden County Jail and released under conditions pursuant to the New Jersey Criminal Justice Reform Act.

All persons charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

\”Hatchet Killer\” Shane Whipple, 29, of Berlin Sentenced to 75 Years Prison Term

Camden City, N.J. – A Berlin man was sentenced to life in prison Feb. 7 for brutally killing his aunt with a hatchet inside her Berlin apartment in 2018, according to Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill Mayer.

Shane Whipple, 29, of Berlin, (photo) was sentenced to 75 years subject to the No Early Release Act by Judge

Mark Chase.

Whipple was convicted Dec. 10, 2019 of killing his aunt, 44-year-old Jennifer Whipple. Detectives said Whipple was staying with his aunt at her Berlin apartment before she called police Jan. 25, 2018 and asked them to escort him off the property due to his violent behavior.

Homicide detectives discovered that Whipple purchased a hatchet at the Berlin Mart the next day and returned to the apartment with it. Surveillance footage at the Taylor Woods complex captured him entering and leaving Jennifer Whipple’s apartment building shortly before 5 p.m. Jan. 26 carrying what was believed to be the hatchet.

Police discovered Jennifer Whipple’s body Jan. 27, 2018 while conducting a well-being check requested by her family She had been fatally hit in the head multiple times with a sharp object.

At the trial, Acting Assistant Prosecutors Christine Shah and Anna Trenga presented evidence to a jury over four days. The jury convicted Whipple of first-degree murder and associated weapons offenses after only 90 minutes of deliberation.

Under No Early Release Act guidelines, Whipple must serve 63 years, 9 months and three days before becoming eligible for parole.

First Grantees of New $1 Million Camden City Community Grant Program Announced

Conner Strong & Buckelew, American Water,

The Michaels Organization, NFI,

The Cooper Foundation Sponsor Community Building Grants

to 29 Camden City Based Non-Profit Organizations

CAMDEN CITY, NJ – George E. Norcross, III, Chairman of Cooper University Health Care, announced today that 29 Camden City based non-profit community organizations will receive grant awards from the first ever Camden City Community Grant Program. Each grantee will receive a $5,000 grant to fund a significant community building activity within the next 18 months.

Conner Strong & Buckelew, American Water, The Michaels Organization, NFI, and The Cooper Foundation are the founding sponsors of the new $1 million grant program which will award community building grants over the next five years to Camden City based non-profit organizations committed to making Camden a healthier place to live, work, learn and play.

“Camden-based companies investing in Camden-based non-profit organizations reinforces the idea that we must all work together for Camden to continue its renaissance,” said Norcross. “I want to thank our founding sponsors for supporting this program and for valuing the essential services that these Camden community organizations provide to strengthen and enrich the lives of Camden residents.”

The goal of the new grant program is to address social determinants of health by funding applicants that demonstrate a focus on one of the following Community Building Activities: physical improvements and housing, economic development, community support, environmental improvements, leadership development and training for community members, coalition building, community health improvement advocacy or workforce development.

The 29 organizations awarded grants address a wide range of needs that have significant impact on the health and welfare of the community. These grants will support vital programs and services to diversified populations across the city.

“Congratulations to the outstanding grant recipients who are making positive contributions in our community each and every day,” said Susan Bass Levin, President & CEO of The Cooper Foundation. “From summer enrichment programs to initiatives that address food insecurity, job readiness and access to cultural opportunities, we look forward to seeing how the grantees’ programs will enhance the lives of Camden residents.”

“Non-profit organizations rely on grants and donations to fund the important work we do on the front-lines,” said Yaniece Spencer, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Boys of Sustainable Strength (B.O.S.S.) Mentoring, Inc. and one of the grant award recipients. “With this Camden City Community Grant, B.O.S.S. and other organizations, will support new and innovative programs that change lives.”

Below is the complete list of the Camden City Community Grant Program recipients:

COALITION BUILDING

The Heart of CamdenProgram: Next Generation GreenPurpose of Grant: To develop the next generation of green leaders by building a community coalition of youth ambassadors to address a cleaner, greener and healthier neighborhood.

COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT ADVOCACY

Cathedral Soup KitchenProgram: Cathedral Kitchen Meal ProgramPurpose of Grant: To help sustain Cathedral Kitchen meal program which serves more than 3,000 individuals and more than 122,000 meals each year.

Center for Environmental TransformationProgram: Summer Youth ProgramPurpose of Grant: To hire additional teens for the summer program which employs Camden youth who work in the gardens and operate a local farmer’s market.

Joseph’s House of CamdenProgram: Connection HUBPurpose of Grant: To provide supplies to support the day provider program which links homeless guests to critical services such as housing, employment, healthcare, and addiction services.

The Hispanic Family Center of Southern NJ, Inc.Program: Pathways to HealthPurpose of Grant: To fund supplies, workshops and client transportation for bilingual and bicultural residents in need of assistance navigating the complex healthcare and health insurance systems.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Boys of Sustainable Strength, Inc. (B.O.S.S.)Program: BOSS UP – Helping City Males SucceedPurpose of Grant: To support a weekly mentoring program where boys ages 8-18 have a safe environment to discuss everyday issues, plan for the future, and promote healthy lifestyles.

Camden Day NurseryProgram: Early Literacy Initiative Purpose of Grant: To create 90 story time boxes containing books, puppets, songs, crafts and games for parents to check-out to increase access to literacy activities.

Camden FireWorksProgram: Capacity Building GrantPurpose of Grant: To improve outreach communication with neighbors and members of the artistic community to bring free and diverse arts experiences to the City of Camden.

Center for Aquatic SciencesProgram: Community & Urban Science Enrichment (CAUSE) ProgramPurpose of Grant: To support a youth development program for Camden teens that provides intensive training in aquatic science, skill and character building, mentoring, paid work experience and college preparation.

Hope Community Outreach ServicesProgram: Youth Summer CampPurpose of Grant: To engage students ages 5-14 in healthy, safe and educational activities throughout the summer.

I Dare to Care Association, Inc. (ID2C)Program: “Selfcare…It Starts With Me” ConferencePurpose of Grant: To fund a one-day conference in Camden for young women ages 7 and up which will include workshops and activities that promote self-awareness, mindfulness and community involvement.

Lanning Square West Residents AssociationProgram: The Gathering Table at Lanning Square WestPurpose of Grant: To provide holistic and cultural programs and activities designed to improve the health of residents in Lanning Square.

Mighty WritersProgram: Mighty Writers CamdenPurpose of Grant: To support free, after school writing workshops focused on mindfulness at four Camden locations.

Morgan Village Circle Community Development CorporationProgram: Morgan Village Arts, Science & Technology ProgramPurpose of Grant: To continue a safe haven program for at-risk children using career readiness classes in areas of STEM, STEAM and SMART.

National Stop the Violence Alliance, Inc.Program: What About YOUth (W.A.Y.) InitiativePurpose of Grant: To expand youth initiative which seeks to improve education skills, attitudes toward law enforcement, conflict resolution and self-esteem.

Nazarene Community Development FoundationProgram: JOY (Just Older Youth)Purpose of Grant: To provide health and wellness resources to seniors by offering opportunities for socialization, creativity and education.

Saint Joseph\’s Carpenter SocietyProgram: Home Maintenance LabPurpose of Grant: To fund an innovative classroom experience which teaches homeowners how to complete routine home maintenance and simple repairs.

South Camden Theatre Company, Inc.Program: Camden Resident Ticketing Program – 2020 Season of CelebrationPurpose of Grant: To promote a ticketing program which offers Camden residents a generous reduction in their general admission ticket price from $25 to $5 per ticket.

Your Education Consultants & ServicesProgram: MEL/MLK After School Safe Haven Enrichment & WorkshopsPurpose of Grant: To provide after-school learning, tutoring, homework assistance, guidance services and mentoring to students in the Gateway section of Parkside.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Salvation Army – Camden Kroc CenterProgram: Client Choice Food PantryPurpose of Grant: To enhance the pantry’s emergency food service by providing Cramer Hill and other Camden residents with nutrition education, recipes and other tools to implement a healthier diet.

Volunteers of America Delaware ValleyProgram: Volunteer UP Reentry Legal Aid FundPurpose of Grant: To support an existing civil legal aid fund for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Camden City jobseekers by removing barriers to successful reentry.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Koinonia Family Life, Inc. d.b.a. Camden Dream Center Technology Training SchoolProgram: 2020 Camden Dream CDF Freedom Summer School ProgramPurpose of Grant: To operate a 6-week summer literacy and STEM enrichment program for Camden youth in grades K-8.

Viet Lead Program: Youth ProgrammingPurpose of Grant: To support three youth programs, Jersey Roots, Resilient Roots, and a Community Garden, which teach students how to grow and maintain a garden and prepare healthy meals.

PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS AND HOUSING

Boys & Girls Club of Camden CountyProgram: Locker Room Enhancement ProjectPurpose of Grant: To upgrade/repair the gym lockers and benches used by the club members and youth athletes utilizing the club in East Camden.

Cooper-Grant Neighborhood AssociationProgram: Cooper-Grant ArtsGardenPurpose of Grant: To transform a blighted lot in the Cooper Grant neighborhood into an Arts Garden by installing a variety of arts-related infrastructure including an art gallery, performance stage and seating, walkways, flower planters, birdhouses and other items to improve the site.

St. Paul’s Episcopal ChurchProgram: Lavatory Renovation ProjectPurpose of Grant: To upgrade restrooms for participants of weekly food distribution program and the daily Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Home Port Alliance for the USS New Jersey, Inc.Program: Internship Program for High School Students Purpose of Grant: To add additional interns to existing 16-week internship program.

Hopeworks Program: Recode Your FuturePurpose of Grant: To add additional slots to award-winning training program which places Camden young people in jobs at Camden companies.

Puerto Rican Unity for ProgressProgram: Pathway to SuccessPurpose of Grant: To support a workforce development program for vulnerable individuals by creating individualized plans for participants to gain the skills necessary to obtain sustainable employment.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Camden City Hosts Garbage Bag Gala

Fashion Show Supports Women’s and Family Programs at Kroc Center

Camden City, NJ

–

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

in Camden will hold its

Annual Garbage Bag Gala Fashion Show, presented by U.S. Facilities

, on

Friday, May 15

at the renovated

Marian House

in Cherry Hill in support of women’s and family programs at the Kroc Center.

Presented by U.S. Facilities, Inc. and sponsored by New Jersey American Water, this awe-inspiring runway show will showcase fashions created from recycled and unconventional materials, even garbage bags. Over 30 designs from professional, hobbyist and student designers from

Drexel’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design

will be featured in the annual event, including designs from acclaimed red-carpet designer and Season 18 contestant on Bravo’s “Project Runway,”

Nancy Volpe Beringer

“The Garbage Bag Gala is one-of-a-kind fashion show,” said The Salvation Army’s

Major Susan Wood

. “We’re very excited to showcase the creations of our many talented designers participating in this inspiring show that seems to get exponentially better every year – all in support of The Salvation Army’s goal of transforming the life of every member of our community.”

Attendees of this year’s Garbage Bag Gala are invited to a pre-show reception beginning at 6:30 p.m., featuring delicious food, cocktails and music. The fashion show will then begin promptly at 8 p.m. with Fox 29’s Good Day Philadelphia Co-Anchor

Thomas Drayton

serving as emcee. Cocktail attire is expected, fashion forward is encouraged. For those feeling adventurous, dress in-theme by creating a garment, gown or accessory made from recycled materials. All participants dressed in-theme will be eligible to be named “Trashiest Dressed of the Night.”

Proceeds from the Garbage Bag Gala support women\’s programs at the Kroc Center, many of which benefit single mothers and women who are head-of-household, and their families. Funds raised help make possible programs such as after-school care, fitness and recreation activities, prayer and Bible study groups, nutrition classes and special events like “Operation Cinderella”. The Garbage Bag Gala also helps meet the needs of the community by providing funding for food assistance, Christmas meals and holiday toys for low-income families.

“The Salvation Army is often an unsung hero serving every need – the whole person – through their incredible Kroc Center,” said

Angela Barnshaw

, Chair of the Garbage Bag Gala Planning Committee. “These recycled materials transformed into gorgeous garments offer amazing symbolism for the good work being done by The Salvation Army. It is such an honor to be part of this project. We are working to make it the most fashionable charity event in South Jersey!”

Tickets for the Garbage Bag Gala are $125 each. Sponsorships are available. If you are interested in sponsoring the Garbage Bag Gala, please contact Event Chair, Angela Barnshaw at (856) 261-6765 or

abarnshaw@agent06.com

. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit

http://www.camdenkroccenter.org/garbagegala.html

Camden County GOP Awards Mehta The Organization Line

Ambrosino: “Mehta in the column helps our down ballot candidates in November.”

HADDON HEIGHTS – Camden County Republican Chairman Rich Ambrosino announced today that after interviewing U.S. Senate candidates over two evenings the organization’s screening committee recommended the organization line be awarded to Rik Mehta. Ambrosino accepted that recommendation and has awarded the organization line to Mehta.

“CCGOP’s by-laws state the chairman has the authority to award the organization line to candidates, but I prefer to be more inclusive and have a screening committee interview candidates and make a recommendation. It’s a system that works well for us.” Rich Ambrosino said, “The screening committee chairman reported to me the recommendation was unanimous, Rik Mehta should be in the column with our candidates.”

“I thank the candidates for taking part in the process.” Ambrosino continued, “All live a considerable distance from our county, their willingness to make the drive shows they understand that with only eight counties having more registered Republicans than Camden County, our 55,000 plus Republicans are very important in a statewide primary.”

“I thank the screening committee for their work and for choosing an excellent U.S. Senate candidate.” Ambrosino said, “Rik Mehta is qualified, has a keen grasp of the issues voters care about, is raising money and has assembled a quality campaign team. Mehta in the column helps our down ballot candidates in November.”

VIDEO:Philadelphia Police Seeking Help ID Suspect Who Shot Three People

PHILADELPHIA PA (February 7, 2020)–Philadelphia Police are asking the public for help identify a suspect who was caught on surveillance cameras running in the 5200 block of Market Street after gunfire erupted just after 12AM. The man fled westbound on Market Street. He stopped for a second to talk with another male who was heading towards him and they both continued west on Market Street.

Police say the man is suspected of shooting a 30-year-old man who was placed in critical condition after being shot in the left side of his face. Also injured was a 29-year-old man who was shot in the right leg, and a 28-year-old man who was shot in the lower back. The still photos of the man were taken from the police video below.

Suspect Caught On Surveillance Video Fleeing Scene Of West Philadelphia Triple Shooting

Resident from Southampton Sentenced to Prison for Tax Fraud

PHILADELPHIA PA (February 7, 2020)–On February 6, 2020, DUANE WILSON (WILSON), 66, of Southampton, PA, was sentenced to six months in prison, followed by six months of home confinement. WILSON was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of

$272,742.00 to the IRS. WILSON previously pled guilty to filing a false tax return.

WILSON, who was once employed by Valley Power in Willow Grove, PA, embezzled over $1 million from his former employer. WILSON failed to report some of those funds on his tax return. WILSON’S actions caused a loss of approximately $272,742.00 to the IRS.

“No matter the source, all income is taxable,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Guy Ficco. “There is no better time than tax season to remind the public that knowingly omitting income on a tax return is a felony; one that could result in jail time.”

In fashioning a sentence, United States District Court Judge Joshua D. Wolson referred to this case as a straight forward crime of greed.

WILSON will begin serving his prison sentence on April 06, 2020.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul Gray.

source :

Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation-Philadelphia Field Office

TCNJ tops Rutgers-Camden in NJAC men’s basketball

CAMDEN CITY, N.J. (Feb. 5, 2020) – The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team grabbed a 35-21 halftime lead and held off Rutgers University-Camden, 77-64, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference game here Wednesday night.

The Lions improve to 13-8 overall and 10-4 in the NJAC with their 11th straight win over the Scarlet Raptors. They lead the all-time series, 68-18.

Rutgers-Camden falls to 7-14 overall and 4-10 in the NJAC.

The Scarlet Raptors held a few early leads, with the last coming at 12-11 before the Lions took the lead for good on a three-pointer from freshman guard Anthony DiCaro. Leading 23-19, the Lions rattled off nine straight points on the way to their 35-21 halftime lead.

The Scarlet Raptors sliced the margin to eight points (55-47) midway through the second half on a layup by junior guard

Arian Azemi,

but the Lions padded their lead back to 17 points 64-47 before Rutgers-Camden made a late-game run. A 17-7 spurt, capped by a three-pointer from freshman forward

Dylan Trow,

cut the gap to 71-64 with 3:26 remaining, but that was as close as the Raptors could get. TCNJ scored the final six points of the game, with the final four scored by senior guard Randall Walko, who was named the NJAC Player of the Week on Monday.

Walko and junior forward Travis Jocelyn finished with 17 points apiece for the Lions, while senior forward Ryan Jensen added 15 points. Jenson also led the Lions with nine rebounds, helping TCNJ take a 44-31 advantage off the boards.

Despite the loss, the Scarlet Raptors accomplished a few individual milestones in the game. Senior forward

Isaac Destin

notched a game-high 29 points and 13 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the season. The 29 points moved him into seventh place on the career scoring list with 1,219, passing Ray Pace, who had 1,201 points in two seasons from 1975-77.

Azemi, meanwhile, collected two steals to hike his season mark to 72, setting a new single-season program record. He passed the previous mark of 71, shared by Joshua Askew (2009-10) and Marvin Young (1980-81).

Azemi also added 18 points and a game-high five assists, while sophomore forward

Jake Petrik

scored 13 points.

Rutgers-Camden plays an 8 p.m. NJAC game at Rutgers-Newark Saturday.

New Jersey American Water Invests $2.3 Million in Haddonfield and Haddon Heights Infrastructure

CAMDEN CITY, N.J. – FEB. 2020 – New Jersey American Water will replace approximately 11,300 feet of aging water main in Haddonfield and Haddon Heights beginning this week. The project also includes replacing 19 fire hydrants and 230 utility- owned service lines along the pipeline route. The company will upgrade the aging water lines, installed as far back as the late 1700s, with new, larger ductile iron main along the following streets:

• West Redman Avenue from approximately 768 Redman Avenue to Linden Avenue, Haddonfield

Peyton Avenue from West Redman Avenue to Woodland Avenue, Haddonfield

Linden Avenue from Kings Highway to Elm Avenue, Haddonfield

First Avenue from Garden Street to Chews Landing Road, Haddon Heights

Crest Avenue from Mansfield Avenue to Chews Landing Road, Haddon Heights

Garden Street from First Avenue to Crest Avenue, Haddon Heights

This $2.3 million investment will continue to advance water service reliability and increase water flows for household consumption and fire protection in these communities. This improvement is part of New Jersey American Water’s multimillion- dollar initiative to accelerate the renewal of water infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life in more than 100 communities across the state.

New Jersey American Water’s local, qualified contractor, Pioneer Pipe Contractors, Inc., will begin work on or about Feb. 6 and expects to finish by the end of May, weather permitting. Work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Work outside of these hours is not anticipated unless required to maintain project schedule. Final street restorations will be completed in the summer of 2020.

For the public’s and workers’ safety, traffic restrictions and/or alternating traffic patterns are likely to occur during work hours. All emergency vehicles and local traffic will be allowed access during construction. New Jersey American Water values the safety of its workers and advises drivers and pedestrians to take caution in the vicinity of work sites.

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.7 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on Twitter and Facebook.

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The

company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water

on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.