200 Club of Burlington County Announces 30th Annual Valor/Scholarship Awards Banquet

Moorestown: The 200 CLUB OF BURLINGTON COUNTY is pleased to announce they will celebrate the organization\’s 30th annual Valor Awards Dinner on Friday February 28, 2020 at Merion Caterers, Route 130, Cinnaminson NJ.

The 200 Club or Burlington County is a charitable, non-profit organization comprised entirely of dedicated volunteers with the primary mission of providing financial assistance to the families of fallen or injured members of the State Police, County and Municipal Police, Fire or Emergency Medical Services serving the citizens of Burlington County. The Club also supports these public safety professionals through the awarding of higher education scholarships, advanced training awards and special recognition awards. The program will include the presentation of awards to several members of the Burlington County law enforcement, fire and EMS community in the categories of HONOR-VALOR, awarded for an act or deed of personal bravery involving risk to the individual\’s own life, above and beyond the performance of duty and the, MERITORIOUS AWARD, awarded for service rendered when an individual, with diligence and perseverance, conspicuously performs their duty, above and beyond the call of duty. Examples: prevents crime, protects life and/or property, apprehends criminals, or otherwise performs a deed which reflects credit upon the individual and the agency he or she represents. The DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD is awarded to an individual who has dedicated years of unqualified giving and service for the betterment of their community, department and profession and ADVANCED TRAINING AWARDS, presented to a department or agency for the purpose of funding advanced public safety training programs which enhance the individual’s ability to perform their duties or conduct the training necessary to improve other members’ capabilities.

In addition, the 200 Club of Burlington County will distribute $10,000 in Scholarship funds by presenting four $2,500 Scholarships to family members of Burlington County police officers, County detectives, troopers, firefighters, or EMS personnel to offset the cost of college.

More………….

The recipients of this year\’s scholarships, one of which is sponsored by Republic Bank and Bowman & Company LLP, Certified Public Accountants include: Haley Chenier of Medford, N.J.,

Madison Congemi of Cinnaminson, N.J. , Jacob Dotson of Pemberton, N.J. and Jarrod LaRosa, of Medford, N.J.

The 200 Club will also present four Advanced Training Awards to local fire and police agencies to fund training for their personnel. The agencies receiving these awards, two of which are sponsored by Bowman & Company, LLP include: Riverside Township for Emergency Medical Technician training, sponsored by the Dietz & Watson Company; Maple Shade Township Police to attend De-Escalation Instructor Course training; Palmyra/Cinnaminson/Riverton EMT to attend a Stop The Bleed Training Control Course and to Evesham Township Fire District for training on the Lion Gas Monitoring Training System to be used at fire scenes. Funds totaling $6,000.00 will be divided and awarded to these agencies to fund, and/or provide education and training. In addition, Mount Laurel resident Debbie Johnson, wife of former Moorestown Police Public Safety Harry Johnson also contributes funds for the training and education in his memory.

The 200 Club’s Honor-Valor Award Committee will present the Distinguished Service Award to Colonel Edward R. Reynolds, for his lifetime commitment to the betterment, protection and service to his country and community for over 50 years and to acknowledge his service to the Burlington County Office of Emergency Management and the citizens of Burlington County.

The recipients of the Meritorious Service Awards include Maple Shade Police Corporal Robert Bennett, Officer Mark O’Brien, Officer Joseph Capate and Officer Justin Jericho for their actions dealing with an armed suspect. Corporal Bennett began negotiations with the armed suspect while Officers O’Brien, Capate and Jericho removed the suspect’s wife from danger and secured the area to protect surrounding residents. Corporal Bennett convinced the suspect to surrender. Officers located a fully-loaded handgun with an extended magazine and ammunition.

Also included in the Meritorious Service Awards are Riverside police Sergeant Brando Conard, Ptlm. Anthony Congemi, Ptlm. Brandon Griffin and Ptlm. Shane Pettit for their efforts in apprehending a violent sexual predator. Officers responded to a report of a missing 14-year-old female. When Officers arrived they were briefed by the victim’s mother and learned a suspect known to the girl broke into her bedroom window and forced the victim to go with him at knifepoint. The suspect, a 17-year-old male, was located and arrested in Delanco as a result of these Officers\’ quick actions. The victim was located unharmed.

The Honor/Valor Award is being presented to Chief Robert McFarland, Bordentown Fire District and Firefighter Tom Capraro, Vincentown Fire Company, and a Good Samaritan, Tyler Schulte, for their actions in rescuing a trapped occupant from a residential dwelling fire on April 16, 2019. As a result of their bravery, the occupant survive the ordeal.

President’s Award 200 Club President Steve Raymond will be presenting five (5) President’s Awards to several members of the Law Enforcement community helping the fight against opioid addiction. Prosecutor

Scott Coffina, Evesham Chief of Police Christopher Chew, City of Burlington Chief John Fine and Pemberton Township Chief David H. Jantas will be recognized for developing Straight to Treatment. The Straight to Treatment program allows anyone struggling with addiction to voluntarily walk into a police station and be referred immediately to a treatment program. Individuals will not be subject to charges even if they come in high or carrying drugs. Additionally, Lt. Louis Fisher, Riverside Police Department, will be recognized for his development of NJ Treatment Incentive Program (NJTIP). NJTIP tasks police with identifying “high risk” addicted individuals, and these individuals are brought in and given the opportunity to go into long-term treatment as an alternative to prosecution. With both programs the recidivism rates are drastically lower than individuals who are subjected to the ordinary criminal justice process.

Major Albert Della Fave, (Ret) N.J.S.P

The guest speaker for the event is Albert Della Fave, Major (Ret) New Jersey State Police. Major Della Fave retired from employment with the New Jersey State Police in November of 2009, having served the agency with distinction since June 1985. On September 27, 2008 he was promoted to Major and assigned as the Regional Operations Intelligence Center Task Force Commander, which also encompassed the Office of Cease Fire Operations. This statewide initiative focused on reducing urban street violence through the coordination of intelligence-led policing partnered with social services and community outreach activities. Prior to his promotion to Major he was assigned to the Office of Public Information since 1993. He was designated chief spokesperson and Director of Communications responsible for the dissemination of information concerning the functions and activities of the Division of State Police. He is a graduate of Upsala College where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree, and Seton Hall University where he received a master degree in education.

Event Details

Date: February 28, 2020

Time: Reception: 6:00 p.m. – Dinner/Awards: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Merion Caterers, Route 130 Cinnaminson, New Jersey 08077

The banquet is open to members of the general public, friends and family of recipients. Tickets may be obtained by contacting the 200 Club of Burlington County at 856-222-0100. Single tickets are $90 per person and a table for 10 guests for $900. Each ticket includes dinner and 1 hour open bar reception.

‘I Heart Haddonfield’

HADDONFIELD, NJ –The second annual ‘I Heart Haddonfield’ continues on

Valentine’s Day with selfies and special events at the “Open Heart” sculpture at Kings Court. From 5-9 p.m., officiants will be onsite to ‘make it official’ for couples interested in renewing their vows, getting married (official NJ documents required), getting engaged, or making partnership commitments. Couples will receive flowers, chocolates and official signed certificates.

Enjoy live music from Sam Caruso under romantic pink lighting, and be entered into a drawing for prizes including dinners from Denim and Mare Monte, goodies from King’s Road Brewing Company, and much more. Share your best selfies during this celebration of love on social media, post on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter tagging @host08033 and use the hashtags #IHeartHaddonfield and #DowntownHaddonfield. Everyone can take their own pictures at “Open Heart” and post – parents with babies, school friends, pet friends, anyone you love.

*Gloucester City\’s Feral Animal Society Fundraiser

source: The Feral Animal Society, of Gloucester City

Gloucester City, NJ–The Feral Animal Society of Gloucester City is a non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation, established in 2019.

Our primary mission is to manage the population of feral animals in Gloucester City and to provide humane education about feral animals to our community.

We strive to create humane, safe communities for feral cats and dogs through Trap-Neuter-Return and Colony Health Maintenance. Our goals are to reduce the suffering and birth rate of these animals, the number of cats and dogs entering shelters, and the number of healthy cats and dogs being euthanized.

Through community partnership and volunteerism, we promote animal health and the significance of the human-animal bond in the well-being of our community.

Our Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) Program, an ongoing endeavor, is scheduled at regular intervals in conjunction with our contracted partners.

Our Colony Health Maintenance activities include providing daily feedings, and building small outdoor shelters and feeding stations. Whenever possible, we attempt to socialize these animals to humans, and foster them toward adoption.

The Feral Animal Society of Gloucester City Community Humane Education Series,

Activities Workshops and Volunteer Program,

Map of the Gloucester City Cat Colonies,

TNR Statistics and Cat and Dog Census.

How to Help.

FUNDRAISER

THE FERAL ANIMAL SOCIETY of GLOUCESTER CITY, NON-PROFIT 501 (c) (3) Foundation, TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return)

FUNDRAISER Thursday, February 20, 2020

* Gift Baskets Raffle * 20% of all food and drink sales between 4p-9pm will be donated by Pat’s Select to the Feral Animal Society of Gloucester City Foundation, NON-PROFIT, 501 (c) (3).

Date: 2/20/2020 04:00 PM – 2/20/2020 09:00 PM

Location: PAT\’S SELECT 400 South Broadway, Gloucester City, NJ, USA (

Map

)

More Info: 856-456-1111

Gloucester City, NJ, USA

856-375-8556

– The Feral Animal Society of Gloucester City

GCFASF@yahoo.com

source

https://www.fafgc.com/

SAY “I DO” WITH THE KIMMEL CENTER CULTURAL CAMPUS & GARCES EVENTS

– IN THE KIMMEL CENTER’S HAMILTON ROOFTOP GARDEN

Elopement Package with Champagne Toast, Décor, Light Bites, Professional Photography, Officiant, and more Winner of The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” 2-years-running

(Philadelphia, PA, February 6, 2020) – Garces Events and the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus are excited to announce the second consecutive “Vows with a View,” an intimate and all-inclusive elopement/vow renewal package for five lucky couples on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ Hamilton Rooftop Garden, voted “Best of Weddings, 2019” and “Best of Weddings, 2020” by The Knot. For a modern way to say “I do,” this elopement package is a one-day-only event for friends and family to toast to the newlyweds with bubbles and bites from the award-winning Garces Catering team while overlooking the Avenue of the Arts.

In partnership with the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus and Garces Events, NBC10 is hosting a giveaway, including the 10 am “Vows with a View” wedding time slot, along with VIP tickets to the Hello, Dolly!, part of the Kimmel Center’s Broadway series. The giveaway runs through Thursday, February 13, 2020. Go to

NBC10.com/contests

to enter.

“Following the success of last fall’s first-ever ‘Vows with a View’ elopement event, the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus is thrilled to again join our partners at Garces Events to celebrate the love stories of five more couples, this time in the most popular of all wedding months – June!” said Ed Cambron, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. “As we combine ovation-worthy weddings with the natural excitement of an elopement, what better way to build this tradition than to give away a free wedding? Thank you to our partners at NBC10, who are hosting this onc

“Vows with a View is a truly unique event for couples looking to elope that affords them the opportunity to celebrate their love with key elements that make a traditional wedding—mouth-watering food and stunning venue—without the long-term planning,” says Chef Jose Garces. “We’re eager to bring Garces Events’ award-winning cuisine to this year’s lucky couples for an unforgettable experience.” Garces Events is the only chef-driven caterer in the city and the exclusive caterer for Kimmel Events, which includes the Hamilton Rooftop Garden, a high tech, multi-purpose space for special events, featuring a 6,200-square-foot hardwood maple floor and breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline.

Garces Events is the only chef-driven caterer in the city and the exclusive caterer for Kimmel Events, which includes the Hamilton Rooftop Garden, a high tech, multi-purpose space for special events, featuring a 6,200-square-foot hardwood maple floor and breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline. Additionally, Garces Events offers their services in nine exclusive unique locations while integrating their impeccable hospitality and award-winning cuisine.

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts was selected as a 2020 winner of The Knot Best of Weddings, an accolade representing the highest- and most-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, a leading wedding planning brand and app. This is the third year the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts has been named a winner of The Knot Best of Weddings awards, having received the honor in 2017 and 2019.

In 2020, only five percent of hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals listed on The Knot received this distinguished award. In its fourteenth annual year, The Knot continues its longstanding tradition of supporting local wedding vendors with The Knot Best of Weddings 2020, an annual by couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. To determine the winners, The Knot analyzed its millions of user reviews across various vendor categories, including venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more, to find the highest rated vendors of the year. These winners represent the best of the best wedding professionals that engaged couples should consider booking for their own unique wedding.

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.

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

Happy Birthday Cruiser Olympia! Wednesday

February 5 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

It\’s been a big year for birthdays for our ships. We celebrated Submarine

Becuna

\’s 75th birthday last May, and now we\’re celebrating Cruiser

Olympia

\’s 125th this week and all spring long!

Join us on Wednesday, February 5 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. to kick off the celebration with free admission in the Museum and aboard the ships, hourly guided tours starting at 11 a.m., a special bell ringing aboard

Olympia

at 1:25 p.m. (you can even have a chance to ring the bell!), and much more on board and in the Museum.

More information on upcoming events celebrating the 125th can be found below!

Cruiser

Olympia

has been docked in Philadelphia for nearly 100 years and served in various capacities, starting with exhibiting as part of the Philadelphia Navy Yard’s annual public Navy Day events, officiating the construction celebrations of the Delaware River Bridge (later renamed the Benjamin Franklin Bridge), and most notably as a Museum ship starting in 1957.

Over her years in the city,

Olympia

has welcomed visitors of all ages, from school students who marvel at her sheer size, adults who want to see a part of history, and even descendants tracing the steps of a family member’s service on-board. We are excited to celebrate her commissioning in the city she’s called home for so many years!

FAQs for the Crew:

What are we celebrating?

Cruiser

Olympia

’s 125th commissioning anniversary! It’s basically a ship’s birthday.

What is a commissioning?

A ship’s

commissioning

is the act or ceremony of placing a ship in active service. A commissioning is different from a launch, which is when a ship is named and placed in the water.

Olympia

, the oldest steel warship afloat in the world, was launched in 1892 and commissioned for service in 1895.

What did

Olympia

do?

In addition to serving as the flagship of the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish- American War under the direction of Admiral George Dewey,

Olympia

has played a pivotal role in several major historical events. Her final mission was transporting the Unknown Soldier of World War I from Le Havre, France to the United States where he is now entombed at Arlington National Cemetery. Learn more about

Olympia

’s history and significance

here

How are we celebrating?

So glad you asked! February 5 is

Olympia

’s actual commissioning date, so we are marking the occasion with plenty of fun activities (scroll down for a full list). Can’t make it to celebrate on February 5? We hope you can join us but we get it, it’s a Wednesday in February. Don’t worry, we are having a bigger birthday bash on Saturday, May 9!

Be sure to tag us in your photos and use #Olympia125

Schedule of Events:

Olympia

’s Commissioning Celebration

Wednesday, February 5 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Celebrate

Olympia

’s commissioning anniversary with

free admission

Olympia

as well as Submarine

Becuna

and the Museum. Climb aboard for guided tours every hour starting at 11 a.m. plus have a chance to ring

Olympia

’s bell at 1:25 p.m. Warm up with free hot chocolate (while supplies last). Imagine the life of a sailor by testing your knot-tying skills, lie in a hammock similar to those the crew slept in, and try to fit all of your belongings in a ditty box while you’re aboard.

Free RSVP here.

Inside the Museum, be sure to explore

Olympia

\’s role in World War I in our

exhibit

World War I: USS Olympia

and check out the Curatorial Corner in the lobby with rotating thematic displays of artifacts and photos through the ship\’s history.

Youth and Opportunities in Society: 1890s to Today

Saturday, February 15 | 1 p.m.

Explore the challenges and opportunities facing youth today with guest speakers Juwan Z. Bennett of Temple University and Dr. Uade Da Silva, Lieutenant, USN, Retired. Bennett will discuss the challenges of equal opportunity for youth in today\’s workforce, while Da Silva will speak about contemporary race relations in the Navy. Explore the different opportunities and roles open to seamen during Cruiser

Olympia

\’s service time in the 1890s.

20th Century to Present: The Changing Role of Women in the Navy

Saturday, March 14

Join the Cruiser

Olympia

Living History Crew to explore the roles of women on board ships and in the Navy during

Olympia

’s time period.

Cruiser

Olympia

Hard Hat Tours

Bi-monthly, starting March 28

Hard Hat Tours return this spring for

Olympia

’s 125th! Explore more than 12 areas of the warship normally only reserved for staff. Learn about

Olympia

\’s technical details (did you know she was one of the first ships to have a radio communications system installed?), what life was like aboard for her crew, and more! Ticket information available soon.

Philadelphia Science Festival: Citywide Star Party

Friday, April 17 | 7 p.m.

Climb aboard and learn all about the stars from astronomers as part of the

Philadelphia Science Festival

Battle of Manila Bay Commemoration

Saturday, May 2

Step on board with the

Olympia

Living History Crew (pictured right) as they explore the history of the American Navy and highlight society at the height of the Victorian age. Visitors will experience what life was like aboard the vessel in 1898 through demonstrations of ship-to-ship signaling, artillery drills, and more.

Olympia

’s Waterfront Splash!

Saturday, May 9

Join us for

Olympia

’s official 125th birthday party! A special ceremony featuring guest speakers and the unveiling of a gift for

Olympia

will take place in the morning. Stay tuned for more information.

Join the Living History Crew for activities aboard the ship and learn more about what life was like for her crew. Stick around for the season opening of

Admiral’s Tavern

, our pop-up beer garden on

Olympia

’s fantail open all summer long! Sign a birthday card for

Olympia

and of course, enjoy some cake.

2020 Waterfront Gala

Saturday, May 9

Join us for a delightful evening as we celebrate the 125th anniversary of Cruiser Olympia’s commissioning and honor Burchenal Green, President and Executive Director of the National Maritime Historical Society, who will receive the 2020 Independence Seaport Museum Award for Maritime Preservation in honor of her commitment to protecting America’s historic ships and promoting our maritime heritage. Tickets and more information about the gala available

here

Interested in volunteering to help out with any of the above events? Contact Greg Williams, Submarine Becuna Manager, Shipboard Educator, and Volunteer Coordinator, at

gwilliams@phillyseaport.org

or 215-413-8679.

This celebration would not be possible without the generous support of our community! Interested in making a gift in support of Cruiser Olympia? Click

here

Attention Gloucester City Residents/Businesses! Enter St. Patrick’s Decorating Contest

Decorate the outside of your home or business:

Win Cash Prizes!

Let’s light Gloucester Green!

OPEN TO GLOUCESTER CITY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES

JUDGING BEGINS FEBRUARY 18 AND GOES THROUGH MARCH 11

JUDGING CATEGORIES FOR CASH PRIZES:

Monmouth Street and Johnson Blvd.

City Wide

Businesses

HOW TO WIN THE ST. PATRICK’S DECORATING CONTEST

Step 1

– Decorate your home or business with lots of lights for nighttime judging; Monmouth/Johnson decorate in every way possible for day and night consideration!

Step 2

– Start a friendly competition with neighbors and friends to join the contest

Step 3

– Register before February 11 online below or at St. Mary\’s Rectory

Winners will be announced Wednesday, March 11, 2020

at Gloucester City Ministerium Ecumenical Lenten Service at St. Mary’s, as well as

Facebook

and

Instagram

NJ IRISH SOCIETY, 420 MONMOUTH STREET, GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ, 08030,

GTPD Community ALERT: School Bus Safety For Drivers and Pedestrians

Safety Starts at the Bus Stop

For Parents..

-Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Visit the bus stop and show your child where to wait for the bus: at least three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb. Remind your child that the bus stop is not a place to run or play.

Get On and Off Safely

When the school bus arrives, your child should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay before approaching the bus door.

Use Caution Around the Bus

Your child should never walk behind a school bus. If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, tell him/her to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street to a place at least five giant steps (10 feet) in front of the bus before crossing and look both ways before crossing. Your child should also make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing to make sure the driver can see him/her.

FOR DRIVERS…

Make school bus transportation safer for everyone by following these practices:

-When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.

-When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of getting there safely.

-Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in neighborhood.

-Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops.

-Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

-Learn and obey the school bus laws, as well as the \”flashing signal light system\” that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions:

-Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.

-Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.

Address/Location

Gloucester Township Police Department

1261 Chews Landing Rd

Gloucester Township, NJ 08021

Contact

Emergency: 9-1-1

Non-emergencies: 856-228-4500