Category: LegacyImport2

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

th

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

nd

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

nd

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

rd

, 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

Philadelphia CBP Seizes $130,000 in Counterfeit Designer Handbags from Hong Kong

December, 2019

PHILADELPHIA

– Looks like there will be a few less ladies designer brand handbags under the Christmas tree this year.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized a shipment of 37 counterfeit Louis Vuitton handbags Thursday that arrived in Philadelphia from Hong Kong. If authentic, the handbags would have had a manufacturer suggested retail price of $130,610. They were destined to an address in Logan Township, N.J.

Counterfeit Louis Vuitton handbags

The shipment of three boxes initially arrived November 25 manifested as “Lady Bag Sample.” CBP officers suspected the shipment to be counterfeit and detained it.

CBP officers worked with CBP’s Consumer Products and Mass Merchandising

Centers for Excellence and Expertise

, the agency’s trade experts and verified through the trademark holder that the products were counterfeit.

“Customs and Border Protection officers encounter a wide variety of counterfeit consumer goods, like these trademark-infringing handbags, and we continue to work with our trade and consumer safety partners to identify and seize counterfeit products when we encounter them,” said Casey Durst, Director of Field Operations for CBP’s Baltimore Field Office. “CBP urges consumers to protect themselves and their families by purchasing authentic consumer goods from reputable vendors.”

CBP protects businesses and consumers every day through an aggressive

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement program

. Importation of counterfeit merchandise can cause significant revenue loss, damage the U.S. economy, and threaten the health and safety of the American people.

On a typical day in 2018, CBP officers seized $3.7 million worth of products with IPR violations. Learn more about what CBP did during \”

A Typical Day

\” in 2018.

In fiscal year (FY) 2018, the number of IPR seizures decreased by 333 seizures to 33,810 from 34,143 in FY 2017. The total estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of the seized goods, had they been genuine, increased to nearly $1.4 billion from over $1.2 billion in FY 2017. Read more

2018 IPR Enforcement Statistics

.

As a result of CBP enforcement efforts, ICE Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested 381 individuals, obtained 296 indictments, and received 260 convictions related to intellectual property crimes in 2018.

CBP\’s

border security mission

is led at ports of entry by CBP officers from the Office of Field Operations.  Please visit

CBP Ports of Entry

to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders.

Learn more about CBP at

CBP.gov

.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation\’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Donna Roberts Indicted on 8 Counts of Animal Cruelty; 44 Dogs Found Dead, 161 Living Dogs

Shamong Woman Indicted on Animal Cruelty Charges

Burlington City NJ (Dec. 18,2010)–Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a Shamong woman has been indicted on multiple counts of causing death or bodily injury last year to dogs she kept on her property in substandard, inhumane conditions.

Donna Roberts, 66, of the 500 block of Oakshade Road, was indicted on eight counts of Animal Cruelty (Third Degree). The indictment was returned yesterday and signed by First Assistant Prosecutor Philip S. Aronow. An arraignment will be scheduled soon in Superior Court in Mount Holly.

Roberts was charged late last year after New Jersey State Police found 44 dog carcasses placed in plastic bags and stored in freezers throughout the residence. Investigators also discovered 161 living dogs, four of which were in critical condition and required emergency treatment at a veterinary clinic.

The investigation began after officials went to inspect her property on November 13 and discovered dogs living in deplorable conditions. A search warrant was then secured and an inspection of the entire premises revealed the extent of the neglect.

The remaining dogs were evaluated and treated at the scene. In the immediate aftermath, multiple agencies came forward to assist with the care of those dogs, most of which were then placed for adoption.

Roberts was not detained pending trial, but has been forbidden by a judge from owning, possessing or caring for any animals.

The investigation was conducted by the New Jersey State Police, with assistance from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the Burlington County Health Department. The case was presented to the grand jury by Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Handy.

An indictment is merely an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

Man Pleads Guilty to Causing Friend’s Death While Driving Impaired

BURLINGTON CITY NJ (Dec. 18, 2019)–Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a 22-year-old Pemberton Township man pled guilty today in Superior Court to driving impaired and causing a crash late last year in Woodland Township that killed a friend who was traveling in his vehicle.

Under an agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office, Donald Shinn pled guilty to Vehicular Homicide (Second Degree) in exchange for a four-year term in New Jersey state prison. The Hon. James J. Morley, J.S.C. scheduled sentencing for February 7, 2020.

The investigation began on December 22, 2018 just after 3 a.m. when New Jersey State Police Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash on County Road 563.

The investigation revealed that Shinn’s Toyota Tundra left the roadway and struck several trees after attempting to illegally pass another vehicle. Cody Watson, 20, of Pemberton Township, was seated in the front passenger’s seat and was pronounced dead at the scene. Shinn was treated for moderate injuries at a local hospital. A third passenger seated in the rear of the vehicle declined to accept medical treatment.

Toxicology tests performed on blood drawn from Shinn following the crash indicated he was legally impaired at the time of the incident.

The investigation was conducted the New Jersey State Police. Shinn is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Joshua Dennis, supervisor of the BCPO Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit.

Rocco V. D\’Aversa, 95, of Mt. Ephraim, NJ

Rocco V. D\’Aversa, 95, of Mt. Ephraim, NJ  passed away December 13, 2019 with his children by his side at  Elmwood Hills Healthcare Center in Blackwood, NJ after fighting a courageous battle with Alzheimer\’s disease.

Husband of the late Marie D\’Aversa (nee Scarduzio). Beloved father of Leon D\’Aversa of Mt. Ephraim and Darlene (Carl Jr.) Capasso of West Deptford. Beloved grandfather to Joseph (Lauren) Capasso Cape Coral, Fl. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Rocco was an Army veteran and retired from Campbell Soup company after 25 years of service, a job he loved to go to every day. He enjoyed raising and racing homing pigeons with his best friend Joe. He enjoyed fishing every summer, golfing, the casino, gardening and spending a shore vacation with his daughter and grandson.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Thursday December 19, 2019 at 10:30 AM at the St. Mary Church 426 Monmouth St, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Viewing from 9:15-10:15 AM prior to mass at the church. Interment New St. Mary Cemetery, Bellmawr, NJ. Contributions in Rocco\’s name may be made to Alzheimer\’s Association South Jersey regional office 3 Eves Dr., Suite 310 Marlton, New Jersey 08053 Phone: 856-797-1212.

Pennsylvania Forms Task Force to Reform Commonwealth\’s Juvenile Justice System

By Steve Bittenbender |

The Center Square

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, legislative leaders and judges from across the state announced on Monday the creation of a task force that will recommend reforms for the commonwealth’s juvenile justice system.

Monday’s news conference in the state Capitol came about six weeks after Wolf’s Council on Reform identified juvenile justice as a system in need of overhaul. Studies indicate that as many as 9-in-10 kids in the juvenile justice system were exposed to a traumatic event in their young lives, the governor said, with about a third meeting criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Improving our juvenile justice system can have an enormous positive impact on our commonwealth by preventing young Pennsylvanians from ever entering our state prison system, and that\’s a very good thing,” Wolf said.

Each of the three branches of state government will appoint members to the task force within the next 30 days. That panel will deliver its recommendations by Nov. 30, 2020.

The task force will receive help from The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Crime and Justice Institute. In

a study last year

, Pew noted that Pennsylvania held 999 youth for status offenses, which include underage drinking and truancy, or committing technical violations of their sentence, like missing a probation meeting or not completing a treatment program.

Only California and Texas detained more youth, and Pennsylvania’s percentage of children confined for those matters, 36 percent, ranked fifth nationally.

State lawmakers are already working on reforms to the criminal justice system. The Justice Reinvestment Initiative, which has already cleared the Senate, passed the House Judiciary Committee last week.

“Common sense tells us that as we look at our criminal justice system, we must also look upstream to our juvenile justice system,” said House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler. “By assessing evidence about what works to prevent re-offending, we can direct young people who may otherwise end up off in our adult jails and prisons at a great taxpayer expense. By intervening early, we can save money and improve lives.”

Judge Kim Berkeley Clark, who currently serves as the president judge for the family division of the state’s Fifth Judicial District and as chairwoman of the Pennsylvania Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission, said that judges, juvenile probation officer and other stakeholders have worked hard to produce good outcomes for kids engaged in the system. However, more needs to be done, she said, and that it will require input from both parties.

“I think no matter what side of the aisle you\’re on, so to speak, we all agree that we want our communities to be safe and we want our children to thrive,” Clark said “And this task force will seek to do that.”

published here with permission of

|

The Center Square

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.”

Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package: Key To Fun In Philly This Holiday Season

Winter-Only Package Includes Free Hotel Parking & A Free Philadelphia Sightseeing Pass™ For Two

Want visiting friends and relatives to enjoy a comfortable, relaxing, enjoyable holiday season in Philadelphia? Encourage them to book the

Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package,

a perks-packed deal that enables visitors to choose their own city adventure thanks to the inclusion of two free Philadelphia Sightseeing Passes — a first-time package perk. The hotel offer is available December 1, 2019 through February 29, 2020.

“The Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package wraps the city up into one big gift and gives visiting friends and relatives a relaxing place to stay, as well as tickets for the Philadelphia activities that most appeal to them,” said Jeff Guaracino, president and CEO, VISIT PHILADELPHIA. “We wanted to give guests the freedom to choose, so we added the Philadelphia Sightseeing Pass into the package. This is a first-of-its-kind partnership for the tour company, which operates in 15 cities globally, and we’re glad to give package buyers the ability to select tickets for two attractions from a list of more than 30 options.”

The package includes:

Free hotel parking

, up to a $100 value for a two-night stay at a Center City hotel

Two free

Philadelphia Sightseeing Passes

, each valid for general admission tickets for two attractions (a $90 value)

Two free tickets for admission to and ice skate rental at

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

(a $28 value)

$25 restaurant card for

Garces Group Philadelphia restaurants

(Amada, Distrito, JG Domestic, The Olde Bar, Tinto, Village Whiskey, Volvér)

$10

Lyft credit

for new and existing customers

Well known for its overnight hotel parking, the package (valued at up to $253) is available at 44 hotels for one- or two-night stays. Visitors can book the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package or see redemption details anytime at

visitphilly.com/overnight

. At hotel check-in, guests will also receive redemption details for all perks.

Philadelphia Sightseeing Passes

:

Upon check-in, guests receive two Philadelphia Sightseeing flex passes. Each pass is good for use at two select Philadelphia attractions or tours (see list below). Each pass automatically activates at the first attraction visited. Passes must be redeemed at the ticket booth of the selected attraction. Passes expire March 2, 2020. More info at

sightseeingpass.com/en/philadelphia/attractions

76 Carriage Company – Franklin Footsteps Walking Tour,

phillytour.com

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University,

ansp.org

Adventure Aquarium (Camden, NJ),

adventureaquarium.com

African American Museum in Philadelphia,

aampmuseum.org

Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial,

battleshipnewjerseyorg

Betsy Ross House,

historicphiladelphia.org

Campo’s Combo: cheesesteak, beverage, chips and bite-sized dessert,

camposdeli.com

City Hall Tower Tour,

phlvisitorcenter.com/CityHallTowerTour

The Constitutional

®

Walking Tour,

theconstitutional.com

Eastern State Penitentiary,

easternstate.org

Franklin’s Grave and Christ Church Burial Ground,

christchurchphila.org

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia Candlelight Walking Tour,

ghosttour.com

Grim Philly Twilight Tours – Vampires, Sex & Ghost Tour,

grimphilly.com

Grim Philly Twilight Tours – Witches and Ghosts,

grimphilly.com

Independence Seaport Museum,

phillyseaport.org

Independence Tour – Walking Tour,

bowtietours.com

Museum of the American Revolution,

amrevmuseum.org

National Constitution Center,

constitutioncenter.org

National Liberty Museum,

libertymuseum.org

National Museum of American Jewish History,

nmajh.org

One Liberty Observation Deck,

phillyfromthetop.com

Penn Museum,

penn.museum

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA),

pafa.org

Philadelphia Museum of Art,

philamuseum.org

Philadelphia Sightseeing Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour,

philadelphiasightseeingtours.com

Philly Tour Hub – Center City Holiday Tour,

phillytourhub.com

Philly Tour Hub – History in HD Walking Tour,

phillytourhub.com

Philly Tour Hub – Italian Market Immersion Walking Tour,

phillytourhub.com

Scavenger Hunts – Philadelphia,

sightseeingpass.com/en/philadelphia/attractions

Spirits of ’76 Ghost Tour,

spiritsof76.com

The Franklin Institute,

fi.edu

The Mütter Museum,

muttermuseum.org

Wharton Esherick Museum (Malvern, PA),

whartonesherickmuseum.org

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.