Category: CAMDEN COUNTY

PATCO OFFERING FREE RIDES NEW YEAR\’S EVE

Free fares will begin at 8 p.m. on December 31

and run through 4 a.m. on January 1.

PATCO will offer free train rides for New Year’s Eve for the fourth year in a row. The free rides are aimed at offering a responsible, convenient travel option for those who wish to enjoy New Year’s Eve festivities.

The free rides will begin at 8 p.m. on December 31, 2019 and run through 4 a.m. on January 1, 2020. During those hours, station fare gates will be open to allow free passage. If a rider boards right before 4 a.m. and reaches their destination station after 4 a.m. when the fare gates close, they are asked to pick up the red phone located at the fare gates and a Customer Service Agent will open a gate to allow exit.

PATCO will operate a special holiday schedule on New Year’s Eve with 6-car trains running every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and every 30 minutes from 11:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.

PATCO thanks all of its customers and the community for the last 50 years and wishes everyone a healthy, safe and prosperous New Year!

Trains will operate on a special schedule on New Year\’s Eve & New Year\’s Day:

Tuesday, 12/31 | Eastbound & Westbound | New Year\’s Eve | All Day

Wednesday, 1/1 | Eastbound & Westbound | New Year\’s Day| All Day

Non-Fatal Police Shooting in Woodlynne

WOODLYNNE, NJ (Dec. 30, 2019)–Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer reported a non-fatal police involved shooting in Woodlynne on Sunday evening December 29, 2019.

Preliminary investigation indicates that on Sunday, December 29, 2019, at approximately 10:57 p.m., officers from Woodlynne Police Department were dispatched for a report of an armed robbery at a gas station in the area of Mt. Ephraim and Ferry Avenues in Woodlynne.  Upon arrival, the officers were advised by the victim of the direction where the suspect fled and encountered a male matching the description of the suspect.  The male appeared to be armed with a handgun and fled the scene on foot. After a brief foot chase and refusing multiple orders to drop the weapon, one of the officers fired a single round striking the suspect.

The suspect told police that he discarded the weapon and provided its location.  The weapon was then located nearby.  Following his arrest, the suspect was taken to an area hospital for medical treatment.

The suspect was identified as Jai Wood, Jr. (age 24) of Camden.  Wood was charged with Armed Robbery and Resisting Arrest. Additional weapon charges are pending.

The involved officer’s identity will not be released at this time. This investigation is being conducted pursuant to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office Law Enforcement Directive No. 2019-4 and remains ongoing.

Released Monday, December 30, 2019.

Lindenwold Chief of Police Thomas J. Brennan Retires

LINDENWOLD, NJ (December 30, 2019)—-The Lindenwold Police Department announces that Chief Thomas J. Brennan (photo)will retire on December 31, 2019, after thirty years of dedicated service to the community. Chief Brennan began his law enforcement career with the Camden County Sheriff’s Department in December 1989. On January 27, 1992, Chief Brennan was hired by the Lindenwold Police Department.

Over the course of the next 27 years of his career Chief Brennan steadily rose through the ranks. He was promoted to Sergeant in June 1999, Lieutenant in March 2007 and ultimately Chief of Police on April 4, 2012.

During his successful career Chief Brennan also served on the Community Policing Bicycle Unit, Tactical Entry Team, and Internal Affairs Unit. Over the past seven years, Chief Brennan demonstrated progressive leadership by utilizing new technology to enhance the department’s operations by upgrading to a new records management system, utilizing social media to enhance the agency\’s community policing outreach and implementing a body-worn camera program.

Chief Brennan’s signature accomplishment was his commitment to the principles of community policing and his desire to engage with the community. During his time as Chief of Police, he implemented a new School Resource Officer Program, Juvenile Police Academy, Coffee with a Cop Program and reinstituted the National Night Out Event. Chief Brennan was also very proud to have overseen the expansion of the Police Department which modernized our administrative facilities.

All of us here at the Lindenwold Police Department would like to thank Chief Brennan for his dedicated service to the community and his guidance and leadership to the agency. We would also like to congratulate him on a successful thirty-year career and wish him and his family many years of health and happiness in retirement.

Captain Michael McCarthy Jr. will be sworn in as Chief of Police on January 4, 2020.

Thank you Chief Brennan

Address/Location

Lindenwold Police Department

2001 Egg Harbor Rd

Lindenwold, NJ 08021

Contact

Emergency: 9-1-1

Non-emergencies: 856-784-7566

William J. McDevitt, of Laurel Springs; Korean War Air Force Veteran

A long-time resident of Laurel Springs, NJ and previously of Collingswood, at the age of 87, passed away at home on December 27, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Loving and

devoted husband of 62 years to Evelyn H. McDevitt (nee Dillin). Son of the late Blanche and William McDevitt of Philadelphia, PA. Loving father of William (Joann), John (Jacqueline), Robert (Susan), Joseph (Michele) and Barbara McDevitt. Cherished grandfather of Matthew (Samantha), Michael Sr., Ryan, Shawn (Krista), Jessica, Robby, Daniel, Joseph and Brandon. Cherished great-grandfather of Summer, Michael Jr. and Liam. Predeceased by his two sisters, Barbara Dudash and Patricia Cotter.

William proudly served our country as a radio operator in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He worked as an electrical supervisor for Boeing in Ridley Park, PA and as a copier technician at several companies.

At his request, funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053. Please memo, William J. McDevitt

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of William J. McDevitt. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN–HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City Ph:856-456-1142

Recording Artist CC Miles Named Youth Ambassador for Food Bank of South Jersey

PENNSAUKEN, NEW JERSEY – With a focus on increasing awareness of the impact of food insecurity and the importance of healthy eating in the youth community of South Jersey, the Food Bank of South Jersey announces recording artist CC Miles, 18, will serve as Youth Ambassador 2020.

Recording artist CC Miles

As Youth Ambassador 2020 for the Food Bank, Miles will bring the message of food insecurity and hunger awareness to regional schools, communities and organizations, as well as work directly with the Food Bank of South Jersey’s Health & Wellness and Community Engagement & Impact teams to distribute information and resources to support healthy eating, nutrition awareness and an understanding of the many faces of food insecurity in South Jersey communities today.

“I am honored to support the Food Bank of South Jersey’s mission to spread food insecurity awareness and health and wellness strategies and eating habits to young people throughout South Jersey,” CC Miles shares. “Nutrition is a very important topic for me, personally, and I can see no better way to share my enthusiasm for healthy eating and proper nutrition while, at the same time, assist young people in South Jersey in understanding the disaster of everyday hunger that impacts so many children, families and entire communities.”

Currently, in Camden County alone, there are 17,200 food-insecure children, 24% of whom are currently ineligible for federal nutrition programs, and 76% of whom are currently income-eligible for nutrition programs – at least, as of today.

Overall in Camden County alone, the total food-insecure population is over 60,000. Food insecure populations in Burlington, Gloucester and Salem counties are equally sobering. Burlington County currently has 41,680 food-insecure residents, of which 10,960 are food-insecure children. Gloucester County holds 8,180 food-insecure children in a total food-insecure population of 26,860 individuals. Suffering the impact of rural hunger, the less populated farmlands of Salem County shows 8,080 food-insecure individuals, of which 2,550 are children – all of which may live more than 10 miles from the nearest grocery store.

“We are delighted to appoint CC Miles our Youth Ambassador for 2020,” reports Fred Wasiak, CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey. “The message of food insecurity and its impact on children throughout our region is a vital point of understanding for today’s youths – awareness can, and will, create power and change in the effort to end hunger in South Jersey.”

ABOUT CC MILES

Recording artist and songwriter CC Miles has released three albums in less than five years, with her most recent album,

Almost

, released in August 2018. Popular on iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify, CC engages her growing

Instagram

and

YouTube

followers with new releases and original music between touring the country performing live in Nashville, New York, throughout the United States and internationally, including performances in Italy. Whether on stage, on tape, or on-screen, 18-year-old recording artist CC Miles invites everyone into her world. By way of candid lyrics, genuine charm, and undeniable charisma, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist imparts a storytelling sensibility on impassioned and irresistible pop. Driven by her voice as a writer and augmented by personal instrumental prowess, she shines through each side of every song. At first listen, you might just feel like you know her. CC Miles was born and raised in Medford Lakes, New Jersey. For more information, visit

www.ccmiles.com

.

ABOUT FOOD BANK OF SOUTH JERSEY

Marking its 35th year in 2020, the Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) is the leader in providing safe and nutritional food to people in need throughout South Jersey. FBSJ distributes food, provides nutrition education and cooking courses, and helps food-insecure families and seniors find sustainable ways to improve their lives. Throughout 2019, FBSJ distributed 14 million pounds of food, including 75,000 after school snacks, over 200,000 summer meals and more than 15,000 senior food boxes, as well as serving 95 health and wellness programs to more than 6,000 residents. Providing community impact through local support, FBSJ ensures that local donations stay local. FBSJ is a member of Feeding America, our nation’s largest hunger-relief organization. To learn more, visit

www.foodbanksj.org

.

See New Year\’s Eve Fireworks on the Battleship

CAMDEN CITY, NJ–The Battleship will open her decks for guests to watch the 6 pm or Midnight SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront.

We’ll have music, food concessions and bar service. We will open her decks two hours before each show – 4:00 pm for the 6:00 pm fireworks show and 10:00 pm for the midnight show.

Come aboard for just a $10 donation per person.

Become a member today ($40) and receive 5 free tickets to the fireworks show! Call (856) 966-1652 Extension 127 for details.

All proceeds go to the on-going restoration of the Battleship, a non-profit museum and memorial.

Fire the 5-inch gun at the conclusion of the 6:00 pm and Midnight Fireworks! We’ll offer chances for guests to pull the trigger and fire this historic gun on New Year’s Eve!

6 PM Show Tickets

Midnight Show Tickets

Also available by calling 866-877-6262 ext. 108, or at the Battleship’s Ticket Office, open every day from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, except Christmas Day, and prior to both the 6:00 pm and Midnight shows on New Year’s Eve.

Unless there are dangerous weather conditions, the fireworks will go forward, even if it’s raining. The Battleship will have the Officers’ Wardroom and the Exhibit interior spaces on the main deck open for guests prior to the start of the fireworks.

There are no chairs and lawn chairs are not permitted to be brought aboard the Battleship. No alcohol is permitted to be brought aboard the Battleship.

Both SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront shows are free to Battleship Members.

Location:

62 Battleship Place Camden, NJ 08103

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

.

Florence Geissler, age 93, of Voorhees NJ

On December 23, 2019.

Age 93. Of Voorhees. Burial private Laurel Lawn Cemetery, Bridgeton. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through:

McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME

: Gloucester City

www.mccannhealey.com

Ph: 856-456-1142

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