Category: CAMDEN COUNTY

PATCO Unveils Brand New Elevator at Haddonfield Station

Ribbon-cutting ceremony marks next step in progression of expansive elevator project

Pictured left to right are DRPA CEO and PATCO President John Hanson, PATCO General Manager John Rink, Haddonfield Mayor Neal Rochford and Borough of Haddonfield Commissioner Colleen Bianco Bezich.

Commuters in Haddonfield received an early holiday gift Thursday morning as PATCO held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the official opening of the station’s elevator.

The event was at the Haddonfield Station on December 19, 2019.

“Today is an exciting time to be here, cut the ribbon and put this elevator in service for our riders here in Haddonfield,” said PATCO General Manager John Rink.

Rink was joined by DRPA CEO and PATCO President John Hanson, Haddonfield Mayor Neal Rochford, Borough of Haddonfield Commissioner Colleen Bianco Bezich, as well DRPA Senior Engineer Elisabeth L. Klawunn.

“I consider this an awesome day in Haddonfield’s history. This Speedline has been such a vital part of our economic wellbeing,” said Mayor Rochford. “I know earlier this year PATCO celebrated their 50th anniversary and it’s nice to see so much work still continuing to make this such an awesome transportation system.”

Hanson stressed the importance of leaving the PATCO train line in better shape than it was received for the future employees of DRPA and PATCO.

“Sometimes people like to rest on their laurels after 50 years, but this is only getting better and better and it is an economic driver within the South Jersey community,” said Mayor Rochford.

Mayor Rochford is excited for the residents of Haddonfield to take advantage of the new elevator.

“We also have a very robust shopping district, so I’m hoping people will come over to Haddonfield to shop and bring all those packages. Before they had to go down the steps or elevator, now they can just get onto this very nice elevator and it will be very convenient for them,” said Mayor Rochford.

Hanson added his appreciation for all those involved in making the Haddonfield elevator a reality.

“I’m very proud of the PATCO team. I’m very proud of the DRPA team in doing this work,” said Hanson.

Last year, construction began on a

$31 million project

to install elevators in all currently unequipped PATCO train stations. The Ashland, Haddonfield, Westmont and Collingswood Stations will each receive one elevator, while the City Hall and 12/13th & Locust Stations will have two elevators installed. The Ashland elevator is scheduled to open next, followed by Westmont.

Upon completion in 2022, all 13 PATCO stations will be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities and those using wheelchairs, strollers and bicycles.

52 Police Officers Join Camden County Police Dept.

(Camden City, NJ) – Fifty-two new police officers joined the proud men and women of the Camden County Police Department this afternoon. After the swearing-in ceremony officers were assigned to the police administration building for additional agency training.

Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli executed the swearing-in with the police officers at Camden County College’s Camden campus and talked about their new careers.

“Many of these officers will be deployed to the streets of Camden to become part of a nationally recognized model of policing that is increasing services and safety for the region while stabilizing the city,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “Our number one priority is to keep the residents of Camden County safe. These new police officers will make a tremendous impact in our County Seat, and by doing so are making Camden County a safer place to live for all residents.”

A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band

Back By Popular Demand! The World’s #1 Tribute to Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

COLLINGSWOOD, NJ –Presented by the Camden County Board of Freeholders in association with BRE and the Borough of Collingswood, the Scottish Rite Auditorium welcomes Bruce in the USA, Back By Popular Demand! The World’s #1 Tribute to Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band on Saturday, December 28, 2019. Doors open at 7 PM, showtime at 8 PM.​

Bruce In The USA is much more than just another tribute…

This high-energy musical experience is a note-perfect and visually accurate recreation of a Bruce Springsteen & The E St. Band show.

Matt Ryan, from the World Famous “Legends In Concert” cast, began playing the Springsteen character in 2000, in Legends “full scale” Las Vegas show. The great success in the famous Las Vegas show brought him to performances across the world, eventually evolving his character into the Bruce In The USA show.

The Bruce In The USA Band consists of seasoned world class professional musicians. The show has hosted musicians from such acts/bands as Queen/Paul Rogers, Meatloaf, Blue Oyster Cult, Hall and Oats, Joe Cocker, The Ojays, Aretha Franklin, David Cassidy, The Temptations, Slash… and so many more.

This high end, powerhouse, band has taken this genre of performance art to a whole new level, making it the World’s #1 Tribute to the E Street Band’s musical legacy.

Tickets go on sale August 22

Tickets are $39.50 and $29.50

Tickets Available from:

www.ticketmaster.com

or by phone at 1-800-745-3000

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

Saturday, Dec 28th, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

–

10:00 pm

Voorhees PD Seeking Help with Potential Luring Incident

VOORHEES TOWNSHIP,NJ –December 20, 2019, at approximately 1:46pm, a 12 year old juvenile female reported that she was chased in the parking lot of 282 Echelon Road in Voorhees. She

reported that a heavy set male, unknown race, wearing a black winter style mask, green jacket and blue pants exited a white work van and chased her through the parking lot about 100 yards.

She then said the male stopped running and went back to the van and left the area. There are no witnesses and no vehicle license plate information at this time.

If anyone has any information regarding this case, please contact the Voorhees Police Department at (856) 428-5400 or email Lt. RJ Hamburg at rhamburg@VTPD.com.

Please remember to pay attention to your surroundings, use caution when traveling alone and keep your cellphone and anything else that could be considered a distraction in your pocket while walking.

Address/Location

Voorhees Township Police Department

1180 White Horse Road

Voorhees Township, NJ 08043

Contact

Emergency: 9-1-1

Non-emergencies: 856-428-5400

Authorities Seeking Help with Williamstown Death Investigation

WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ (Dec. 20, 2019)–The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office is actively conducting an investigation in the Williamstown section of Monroe Township.

On Thursday December 19

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, 2019, at approximately 3:30 pm, the Monroe Township Police Department was dispatched to 1920 South Black Horse Pike, Williamstown, NJ for the report of an abandoned vehicle which was potentially on fire.

The description of the vehicle was consistent with a vehicle being sought in connection with an ongoing Missing/Endangered Person investigation regarding the wellbeing of Sicklerville resident Sahlena Blackwell-Jacobs (DOB: 11/03/1997).

The Monroe Township Police Department, in conjunction with the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office arrived at the scene.

Upon arrival, responding officers discovered Blackwell-Jacobs deceased in the vehicle.

An investigation is ongoing by the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes and Crime Scene Units, in close coordination with the Monroe Township Police Department and other law enforcement partners. At this time, the circumstances surrounding the death of Blackwell-Jacobs are deemed suspicious in nature.

The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office encourages any potential witnesses with information regarding the death, activities or travels of Sahlena Blackwell-Jacobs to contact Det. Brian Lloyd of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-221-4849 or Det. Kevin Bielski of the Monroe Township Police Department at 856-728-9800 Ext 516.

Information can also be e-mailed to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office at tips@co.gloucester.nj.us.

Multi-Alarm Fire in Sicklerville, One Fatality

SICKLERVILLE NJ—Thursday December 19, 2019 at approximately 2:17 PM, officers responded to a residence on the 600 block of Jarvis Road in the Sicklerville section of Gloucester Township for a fire.   Upon arrival of officers, they observed heavy smoke and fire coming  from the residence.  One of the residents was located outside the residence suffering from burns.

Fire and EMS units from Gloucester Township, Pine Hill, Winslow, Lindenwold, Camden County OEM and Cherry Hill Rehab were on location and assisted with extinguishing the fire.

One (1) fatality was reported.  A 27 year old male was transported to a local hospital for treatment for burns.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Gloucester Township Police Department Investigations Bureau, Camden County Prosecutors Office, Camden County Fire Marshal and the New Jersey State Division of Fire Service.

Two (2) families were displaced from the residence which is a duplex style home and received assistance from the American Red Cross and Gloucester Township OEM.

Dianne E. DeMore, of Brooklawn, formerly of Gloucester City

On December 18, 2019. Age 68, of Brooklawn, Formerly of Gloucester City. Born in Camden, she was the daughter of James William Hilliard. Dianne is survived by her beloved mother, Catherine (Sturgis) Hilliard; loving children, Edward DeMore, John DeMore, James DeMore (Margaret), Elizabeth Scargle (Bill), David DeMore (Dawn), Charles DeMore (Jennifer), Jessica Cutuli (Carmen) and Tammi Brewer (John). She is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and her sisters, Rosemary Davis, Isabella Hilliard, and Mildred Wallace. Dianne was predeceased by her husband, Edward DeMore on July 31, 1984, and her brothers, William Hilliard, Jr., and John Hilliard.

Dianne worked for many years as a sorter with Evergreen Post Press in Bellmawr.

Funeral Services will be celebrated on Saturday, December 28

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at 11 AM at McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, where family and friends may visit from 10 to 11 AM. Her urn will be buried on Thursday, January 2

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at 9 AM in Union Cemetery, Gloucester City.

Condolences and memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Dianne E. DeMore. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through

McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME

:

Ph: 856-456-1142

Frank Keith, Active in Brooklawn American Legion; Football, Baseball and Softball Coach; GCHS Alum

Francis “Frank” J. Keith

Brooklawn – On December 16, 2019. Age 57. Loving and devoted husband of 27 years to Joan Keith (nee Murphy). Loving father of Michael J. Keith and Emily E. Keith. Cherished son of the late John and Rita Keith. Beloved brother of Michael J. Keith (Addie) and the late Delores Ward (surviving Tom). Dear brother-in-law of Debbie Mason, Michael Murphy (Marie), Jerry Murphy (Sherle) and the late Peggy Ribchinsky (late Mike). Cherished son in law of Anna Murphy and the late Gerald Murphy. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Frank was a graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School. He worked over 25 years in transportation for Virtua Hospital of Voorhees. Frank was a proud member for over 30 years in the Sons of American Legion Squadron 72 in Brooklawn. He was a Past Squadron Commander in the Sons of the American Legion for 11 years and Squadron Adjutant for 30 years. He volunteered many years as a coach for the Gloucester City Mustangs and baseball and softball in Brooklawn.

Relatives, friends and members of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 72 are invited to his viewing on Sunday evening December 22

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, from 7 to 9 PM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. On Monday December 23

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, a morning viewing will be held from 8:45 to 9:45 AM at St. Joachim

Parish, Annunciation Church, 601 W. Browning Rd., Bellmawr. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM in the church. Interment New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.

Memorial donations may be made to The Children\’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, P.O. Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352. Please memo, Francis J. Keith.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Francis J. Keith. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through:

McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City Ph: 856-456-1142

PINE HILL POLICE DEPARTMENT PARTNERS WITH VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA

PINE HILL, NJ (Dec. 18, 2019)–Pine Hill Police Department announced this week an exciting new partnership with the Volunteers of America – Delaware Valley (VOA).  The partnership is the first of its kind in Camden County, keenly focused to provide the most effective outreach to the citizens of Pine Hill through progressive policing and community services.  Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer was honored to speak at the press conference in Pine Hill at which the Pine Hill Police Department and the VOA detailed their joint goal to foster stability in the lives of those we protect and serve.  The partnership will feature a social services satellite office embedded within the Pine Hill Police Department in order to offer much needed services to citizens as swiftly as possible.  VOA workers will also be available to assist Pine Hill Officers when they are on-site at a call.  The program also includes both the Pine Hill Police Department and the VOA partnering with the school system to provide assistance to homeless families.

Released Wednesday, December 18, 2019.

Claire Gustafson Says Norcross Is The One Who Needs To Apologize Not Jeff Van Drew

Where are the thousands of jobs Norcross promised the Economic Opportunity Act would bring to our region?

COLLINGSWOOD – Republican candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s first congressional district, Claire Gustafson, took issue with Congressman Donald Norcross’s

statement

with regard to the news of Congressman Jeff Van Drew coming to the Republican party.

At issue is, in his statement, Norcross claimed Van Drew owes an apology to a list of people and organizations as well as “the people of South Jersey.”

“Congressman Norcross is the last person to demand anyone apologize to the people of South Jersey.” Claire Gustafson said, “Norcross, when he announced he was running for Congress in February 2014

proudly proclaimed

, ‘As Senator, I led the charge on getting the Economic Opportunity Act passed into law – a game-changing law that will help create thousands of jobs in our region.’ More recently, Norcross’s tune has changed and it’s been reported he is trying to downplay his role in getting the law that led to the tax incentive scandal passed.”

Gustafson asked, “Where are those thousands of jobs?”

“Given the fact that it has been widely

reported

that only 27 jobs created by the law he championed went to Camden residents, it’s no wonder Norcross is now downplaying his role.” Gustafson remarked, “Since the tax incentive scandal was created by the law Norcross led the charge in passing, he should be the one apologizing to the people of South Jersey.”

“While we wait and see what kind of Republican Jeff Van Drew will be, the last thing I will do is allow Donald Norcross to attack any Republican, nor anyone about to join the party,” Gustafson said. “I look forward to seeing Norcross on the campaign trail, listening to him apologize to the people of South Jersey and getting an explanation as to where those thousands of jobs are.”