Mike and Peaches Luken, Just One of the Many Reasons Ocean City is America\’s Greatest Family Resort

After 30 years, Mike and Peaches Lukens are wrapping up what is expected to be their last Community Christmas Dinner.

By TIM KELLY/

Somers Point News

OCEAN CITY, NJ–Ocean City Councilman Keith Hartzell, a longtime volunteer and benefactor to Wednesday’s Community Christmas Dinner in Ocean City, took a moment to consider the event organizers, Mike and Peaches Lukens.

The couple conceived the event in 1989, organized it and executed it every year since.

“They are the heart and soul of what it means to call Ocean City ‘America’s Greatest Family Resort,’” Hartzell said. “We’re a beach resort in the summer. In the other nine months, we’re a Norman Rockwell painting. We’re Mayberry. We’re small town America coming together as a community. Nothing says it better than this event.”

Peaches and Mike, who started the event by serving approximately 150 people at the old Ocean City Youth Center, have seen their idea grow into one of the town’s most beloved events. For more than 20 years now, it has taken place at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church.

“We will serve more than 800 meals today,” Mike Lukens said of the event, which ran from noon to 3 p.m. Christmas Day. “We were prepared to serve 1,200. We served more than 500 dinners in the first hour alone.”

He and his wife announced earlier in the year that this would be their last at the helm of the event. The couple relocated to Cape May, and found it more difficult to accomplish the many details of the dinner from a long distance.

Mike did leave some wiggle room, though. “Maybe someone will rope us into it one more year,” he said with a laugh, and added, “We will be involved in some way. It just won’t be the same.”

No, it won’t. Mike and Peaches and Jennifer Bowman, who handles much of the marketing side of the dinner, were in search of sponsorship to take over the financial cost of the dinner, possibly in exchange for the sponsor’s name on the event.

Enjoying the community dinner are (clockwise from bottom left) Connie Henry, Bill Henry, Jim Kelly, Donna Kelly, Rob Kelly, Shannon Kelly, Mason Henry and Jordan Henry.

They were also considering crowdfunding as an option to help keep the tradition intact.

Last week, after reading of the event’s situation in an OCNJDaily.com article, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian personally donated a new commercial grade refrigerator to the church after learning the old one needed to be replaced right away.

Individual and group donations poured in after the story, raising most of the funds needed to pay for this year’s dinner and its staging.

Bowman was quick to point out that while the dinner has fed thousands of people in need over the years, it is not designed for that purpose alone.

“Mike and Peaches wanted a nice, free, fun event for people who had nowhere else to go. Or people who have family elsewhere and can’t get away.”

Peaches Lukens serves beverages at the holiday dinner at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church.

Hartzell, who has donated beverages for the dinner for years, said he was a good example. A traveling sales executive, he said Christmas “is one day where I can relax and my phone won’t ring. I live in the neighborhood and I can walk here. I’m able to volunteer and help.”

“But I’m also able to enjoy it, have a great meal and take some food home,” Hartzell continued.

Throughout the dining area, individuals, couples, families and larger groups were seen interacting and enjoying each other’s company and a great holiday meal.

“This is a fantastic thing for the community,” said “Lenny B,” a DJ and karaoke singer who kept the Christmas music flowing. “I’m here every year, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

In addition to food and music, candy, toys and toiletries were handed out to those in need. People needing rides were transported to and from the event, and shut-ins were the recipients of donated and delivered meals.

Hartzell summed up the Christmas and community spirit that permeates the dinner year in and year out.

“Ocean City was founded by God-fearing people,” he said. “Today’s event shows once again that we are still a God-fearing community.”

DJ and karaoke master “Lenny B” provides the entertainment.

The Sixth Most Charitable State is Pennsylvania

By Dave Fidlin |

The Center Square

Pennsylvanians are more likely to help their neighbors, stick with a volunteer activity and partake in fundraising compared to most other areas of the country, according to a recent

study.

Researchers with personal finance website WalletHub recently combed through various data for the study, “

2019’s Most Charitable States

.” Pennsylvania ranked sixth of the 50 states.

Charitable giving, naturally, is a front-and-center topic amid the holidays. WalletHub asked a number of academics and experts to weigh in on this topic in a broad sense.

Femida Handy, professor and director of the University of Pennsylvania’s social welfare program, offered her insight and views on a number of topics, including the percentage of income households should donate to charity.

“All households, with incomes above the median income, should donate, and they should donate anywhere from 2 to 6 percent of their incomes,” Handy said.

According to WalletHub, study data was analyzed into two overarching categories – the first being volunteering and service, the other under the overarching umbrella of charitable giving. Pennsylvania ranked No. 12 in the first category, and No. 11 in the second one.

However, more granular analyses within both categories were weighted differently, which pushed Pennsylvania into its single-digit position within WalletHub’s analysis.

A look at states’ numbers of volunteer hours per capita carried 12.5 points, for instance, while a metric on the number of charities per capita carried 2.78 points. All told, Pennsylvania notched 65.88 points in both categories.

WalletHub financial writer Adam McCann said multiple sources were considered for the analysis, with data gleaned from such organizations as the Corporation for National and Community Service, Charity Navigator, Gallup and U.S. Census Bureau.

Pennsylvania landed in the top 10 in five metrics. The state tied for No. 1 in the metric of state regulations deemed friendly to charities.

According to the report, 43.61 percent of Pennsylvanians engage in fundraising or sell items to raise money for a specific cause. The statistic landed the state in No. 4 for the individual metric.

Pennsylvania also landed in the top 20 percent of all states in the nation using Google to search for charities (No. 6 ranking). Data also revealed 58.9 percent of the state’s population reported doing favors for neighbors, resulting in a No. 8 ranking in the metric.

Additionally, the state was singled out for having a higher than average volunteer retention rate. Data suggested 69 percent of Pennsylvanians stick with a charity after pledging to volunteer time and money to the cause.

On the other end of the spectrum, Pennsylvania fell into the bottom 10 of all states in one specific metric: share of income donated. According to WalletHub, Pennsylvanians on average donate 1.12 percent of their income – a statistic that landed the state at No. 40.

Neighboring states had across-the-board overall ranks in the analysis. Maryland ranked No. 3, Ohio was No. 5, New York was No. 19, New Jersey was No 29 and West Virginia was No. 42.

The most charitable state, according to WalletHub, is Minnesota, while the least charitable is Arizona.

published here with permission of The Center Square

DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation hosts First Day Hikes across Delaware

DOVER (Dec. 27, 2019) – New Year’s Day is a great time to kick the 2020s off on the right foot with one of 18 First Day Hikes hosted by DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation. First Day Hikes is a national movement sponsored by America’s State Parks to encourage the celebration of fitness in the nation’s great outdoors.

There’s no need to register for any of the hikes listed below; just show up prepared to walk! Items hikers may want to bring along include comfortable hiking/walking shoes, a camera, a bottle of water, appropriate layers for the weather, a hat, sunglasses, a backpack, and snacks. Some hikes may require water-resistant shoes, or have age or pet restrictions. Not all hikes are suitable for strollers.

Check out one of the following hikes to celebrate the New Year at a Delaware State Park.

10 a.m. – Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington – 2 to 3 miles – Easy/Moderate

Meet at Blue Ball Barn. Leashed, well-behaved dogs welcome.

10 a.m. – Fort Dupont State Park, Delaware City – 1.1 miles – Easy

Meet at the parking lot closest to the river, at the end of Wilmington Avenue/Old Battery Lane.

10 a.m. – Trap Pond State Park, Laurel – 2 miles – Easy

Meet at Baldcypress Nature Center.

11 a.m. – Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes – 1.5 miles – Moderate

Park in the Point Comfort Station Parking lot and walk north to the Point parking lot. Minimum age: 7 years old with an adult.

12:30 p.m. – Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington – 1/4 mile – Easy

Meet at the gift shop.

12:30 p.m. – Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area, Lewes – 1.7 miles – Easy

Meet at Fort Miles Parking Lot. Minimum age: 7 years old with an adult

1 p.m. – Bellevue State Park, Wilmington – 1.5 to 3 miles – Easy

Meet at Bellevue Arts Center. This hike is for all ages and is stroller friendly.

1 p.m.

–

First State Heritage Park, Dover – 1/4 mile – Easy

Meet at the John Bell House.

1 p.m. – Holts Landing State Park, Bethany Beach – 1.7 miles – Easy

Meet at Holts Landing Picnic Pavilion

1 p.m. – Killens Pond State Park, Felton – 1 to 3 miles – Varying Difficulty

Meet at the Nature Center.

1 p.m. – Lums Pond State Park, Bear– 2.5 miles – Easy/Moderate

Meet at Area 1 Pavilion/. Pets are permitted but must be on a 6-foot leash.

1 p.m. – Auburn Valley State Park, Yorklyn – 1.1 miles – Moderate

Meet at 1516 Snuff Mill Road Trail lot.

1 p.m. – Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington – 2-2.5 miles – Moderate

Meet at the Nature Center.

1 p.m. – White Clay Creek State Park, Newark – 1 to 2.5 miles – Multiple Difficulties

1.3 miles – Moderate – Millstone Pond Trail. Meet at Carpenter Recreation Area.

2 miles – Moderate/Difficult – Arc Corner Monument Loop. Meet at Nature Center.

2 miles – Moderate – PennDel/Pomeroy Trail. Meet at Nature Center

2.5 miles – Moderate/Difficult – Twin Valley Trail. Meet at Carpenter Recreation Area.

3:30 p.m. – Auburn Valley State Park – Easy – 1 mile

Meet at the Paper Mill Parking Lot on Benge Road.

For more information about the Delaware State Parks First Day Hikes and to see maps of the park trails beforehand, go to

https://destateparks.com/firstday

or call 302-739-9220.

Holiday Events in SOUTH JERSEY

Adventure Aquarium\’s Christmas Celebration

Through December 30

1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ

A unique experience you can’t miss! Visitors can experience Scuba Santa and his elf swim alongside the Aquarium’s habitants while enjoying the twinkling lights, glowing trees, and falling snow of the Aquarium. AAA Members can save on Adventure Aquarium tickets.

LEARN MORE

New Year’s Fireworks from the Battleship @ Battleship New Jersey

December 31 • 4PM – 12:30AM

The annual tradition continues! Ring in the New Year with fireworks aboard the Battleship New Jersey. Music, concessions, and cash bar service will be available for both showtimes – 6pm and 10pm. Tickets required.

Purchase tickets here

Additionally, families can spend the night on the ship on December 31, with breakfast the next morning.

Purchase tickets for the overnight event here.

Smithville Holiday Light Show On The Lake

Thursday – Sunday until January 5 • Dark until 8PM

Historical Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill Rd., Smithville, NJ 08205

In addition to exploring a variety of shops, families can explore over 120 Christmas trees magically floating on the lake while listening to orchestrated lights and music.

LEARN MORE

WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River

Thursdays – Sundays through February 17

Cooper River Park, Cherry Hill

Tasty treats, outdoor games, a heated tent with arcade games, an all-around family fun – visit Cooper River Park to experience this and more!

LEARN MORE

(Video) Philly Team Mascots Surprise and Spread Cheer To Holiday Travelers

New Video Features Philly’s Favorite Friends Welcoming Travelers At Philadelphia International Airport

To inspire people to give the gift of memory-making, share-worthy Philadelphia experiences, VISIT PHILADELPHIA® released the “Gift of Philly,” a video featuring the city’s five professional mascots—Phillie Phanatic (Phillies), Gritty (Flyers), Swoop (Eagles), Franklin (Sixers) and Phang (Union)—collecting and gifting iconic Philly treats to unsuspecting travelers at Philadelphia International Airport.

The two-minute, 15-second video begins by showing the mascots gathering holiday goods at popular locations all over the city: Gritty secures a tree from Rittenhouse Square, Swoop grabs hot chocolate from Franklin Square, Franklin gets baked goods from Termini Brothers Bakery, the Phillie Phanatic borrows lights from the Miracle on South 13th Street and Phang sets the mood with music from The Wanamaker Organ at Macy’s. All of this activity was in preparation for a surprise-and-delight moment at the Philadelphia International Airport, taking place on December 11 at Terminal D baggage claim.

“The Philadelphia region is full of fun and festive holiday traditions,” said Jeff Guaracino, president & CEO, VISIT PHILADELPHIA. “We hope our video motivates locals and potential visitors to enjoy these magical experiences and gift them to themselves and others this holiday season and well beyond.”

“Gift of Philly” can be seen on VISIT PHILADELPHIA’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn accounts and on visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com. It was directed and produced by VISIT PHILADELPHIA and ChatterBlast Media and filmed by VISIT PHILADELPHIA, Dave Tavani and Keystone Pictures.

VISIT PHILADELPHIA is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.

Richard Thompson: Solo Acoustic

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

Sunday, January 26th, 2020.

Doors open at 6 PM, showtime at 7 PM.

Tickets go on sale October 11th

Tickets are $69, $59 and $39

Tickets Available from:

www.ticketmaster.com

Camden County Store at Voorhees Town Center  (Echelon Mall)

1 Echelon Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043

(856) 566- 2920

Scottish Rite Auditorium

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

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

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

\”Among the many gifts that we buy and receive, let us not forget the true gift: To give each other something of ourselves, to give each other something of our time, to open our time to God. In this way Anxiety disappears, Joy is born, and the Feast is created. \”

~ Pope

Benedict XVI

Thank you for your support

and

loyalty over the past year…..

from all of us

CNBNews

BEST WISHES

Bill & Connie Cleary …

Gloucestercitynews.net since 2006

SPECIAL STATE INVESTIGATOR/ACTING CAMDEN COUNTY DETECTIVE PROMOTED TO SERGEANT

CAMDEN CITY NJ–On

December 23, 2019

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

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

Released Tuesday, December 24, 2019.

Ann is The Pet of the Week

Ann is a sweet 1 year old female hound mix. She is mostly fully grown at 35 pounds but is on the skinny side, so gaining a few extra pounds wouldn’t hurt. She likes other dogs and is good with children of any age. Ann would do well in a more active home with a family who is willing to give her plenty of mental and physical exercise.

Visit Ann at the

https://www.awanj.org/

today.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass Schedule at Cathedral Basilica

PHILADELPHIA PA (Dec. 22, 2019)–Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the Midnight Mass on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2019.

The Holy Day of Christmas is a most special occasion for Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as we celebrate the Birth of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. All are welcome to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord at the mother church of the Archdiocese, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

– Christmas Eve Masses will be celebrated in the Cathedral Basilica at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Music for the 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Masses will be provided by the Cathedral Schola and Instruments. The 7:30 p.m. Mass will be a bilingual celebration in English and Spanish.

– Beginning at 11:00 p.m. – Cathedral Basilica Choir and Instruments will provide the Choral Prelude to the Midnight Mass with sacred music and carols.

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

-12:00 a.m. – Solemn Midnight Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., with music provided by the Cathedral Basilica Choir and Instruments. The Midnight Mass will be streamed live on the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s and Archbishop Charles J. Chaput’s Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/ArchPhila

and

http://www.facebook.com/archbishopchaput

beginning at 12:00 a.m. (EDT).

-10:00 a.m. – Solemn Mass with music provided by the Cathedral Basilica Choir and Instruments.

Additional Christmas Day Masses will be celebrated in the Cathedral Basilica at 8:00 a.m. with music provided by a cantor and an organist and 12:00 Noon Solemn Mass with the Cathedral Schola and Instruments.

THERE WILL BE NO EVENING MASS.