Category: NEW JERSEY

THE MARIE RADER SERIES PRESENTS PHILLY POPS”BLOCKBUSTERS IN THE ‘BURBS” CONCERT 

THE NEW PHILLY POPS SOUTH JERSEY DEBUT AT ROWAN UNIVERSITY

CONDUCTED BY MUSIC DIRECTOR CHRIS DRAGON

The Marie Rader Series is proud to present the South Jersey debut of the new Philly Pops at Rowan University. On Saturday, March 14, at 3 p.m,. the Pops will present “Blockbusters in the Burbs” at Rowan’s Pfleeger Concert Hall, introducing audiences in South Jersey to the orchestra. For concert tickets and more information, visit go.rowan.edu/phillypops.

Conducted by Music Director Christopher Dragon, the orchestra will perform some of the most beloved movie scores, including features by the orchestra’s Matt Gallagher (The Incredibles), Michael Ludwig (Schindler’s List), and Ron Kerber (Catch Me if You Can). The concert will be offered in a ‘Relaxed Performance’ format to provide a sensory-friendly experience for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Pops Bassist Douglass Mapp also serves as Professor of Jazz Studies within Rowan University’s Department of Music. He will be performing with the orchestra on the 14th, putting the active performance side of his career on direct display for his students who may not have the opportunity to see his Philadelphia performances.

Following the performance, Pops’ musicians will welcome the audience in the lobby. And, as with all Marie Rader Series engagements, the Rowan campus community will enjoy artist-led opportunities beyond the stage, with Music Director Chris Dragon hosting a conducting masterclass for students, as well as an invited dress rehearsal in the hall for students and board members

“We are honored to serve an important role with the Philly Pops,” says Marie Rader Series Artistic Director Debbie Shapiro. “Not only will this celebrate the Pops’ and Chris Dragon’s Rowan debut, but we love to emphasize Philadelphia’s world-class arts organizations, inspire our students, and bring audiences from all over the region together in a very accessible way.”

For Matt Koveal, Executive Director of the Pops, this new collaboration expands the reach of their music to New Jersey. “We’re grateful to Rowan University for inviting us to perform in South Jersey,” he says. “A large part of our mission is to bring our brand of popular music into new communities and connect with the South Jersey community. Being on Rowan University’s campus, surrounded by that energy, is a great way to make this pursuit a reality.” 

Australian conductor Christopher Dragon is the newly appointed Music Director of the Philly Pops. Before moving to the United States in 2015, Dragon held the inaugural position of Assistant Conductor with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, where he was mentored by Asher Fisch. Dragon has a versatile portfolio ranging from live-to-picture performances, including Nightmare Before Christmas, Toy Story, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, and a wide variety of collaborations with artists such as The Wu-Tang Clan, Cynthia Erivo, and Joshua Bell. He is known for his charisma and high energy, consistently delivering unforgettable performances.

“The masterclass is an opportunity for students to cultivate a deep love and understanding of the unique elements of conducting a pops’ ensemble.” Dragon says. “I look forward to sharing my experiences with the students and performing at Rowan University.”

About the Philly Pops                                                                                                    

Founded in 2023, Liberty Bell Pops, dba the Philly Pops, is a versatile ensemble composed of the former musicians of the pre-2023 Philly Pops with a mission to deliver authentic, exceptional musical experiences in the Philadelphia region. Gifted the name Philly Pops by the estate of Music Director Emeritus Peter Nero, the reborn Philly Pops is led by Music Director Christopher Dragon and features world-class soloists. The Pops continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant and diverse repertoire, melding tradition with an innovative approach unbound by musical genre. Liberty Bell Pops, dba The Philly Pops, has no affiliation either legally or artistically with Encore Series, Inc., the former management company of the Philly Pops. Learn more at phillypops.org.

About Marie Rader Series at Rowan University:

Because of the Marie Rader Series, arts lovers throughout New Jersey don’t have to travel to New York or Philadelphia. Focused on artistic integrity and inclusion, the series provides public presentations, community outreach, and coaching for students that reflect the innovation and quality consistent with Rowan University’s overall standards of high achievement and transformation. 

Concessions will be available for purchase at all performances. Pfleeger Concert Hall is a wheelchair accessible venue. For assistance contact Rowan University’s College of the Arts Box Office via performingarts@rowan.edu or 856-256-4545.

The series is made possible in part through generous support from the Henry M. Rowan Family Foundation via the Marie Rader Memorial Fund and through funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR IN NEW JERSEY WINE COUNTRY

Photo Credit PNDA Creative.jpg

The Garden State Wine Growers Association – a coalition of 60+ wineries and vineyards across New Jersey – invites you to indulge the state’s flourishing wine country through unique events and experiences happening every week this winter! 

There’s no doubt that New Jersey’s award-winning wineries and vineyards offer something truly special for everyone to enjoy. In the new year, we invite you to sip, savor, and explore weekends among the vines. Discover new wineries you’ve never visited before, or unwind with a glass of your favorites. You never know, your next favorite bottle might be just a tasting away. 

Coming Soon: As Valentine’s Day approaches, mark your calendar for the Wine & Chocolate Trial Weekend February 13-15! Participating New Jersey wineries will offer wine tastings, artisanal chocolates, live music, and more. Be on the lookout for additional details to come, and contact your local wineries to learn more about reservations. 

February 6, 2026: 

  • Head to Auburn Road Vineyard for Speakeasy Friday on February 6, featuring a special Valentino Spritz and a Valentino film festival from 5:30-8:30pm. Pay as you go. Reservations available. 
  • Get your laughs on at White Horse Winery’s Comedy Show on February 6 from 6-8pm. There’s a 2-drink minimum for those attending. 
  • If you’ve ever wanted to know how to make sushi, Rebel Sheep Wine Co. is giving you the opportunity. It’s hosting a Sushi Making Workshop on February 6 from 6:30-8:30pm. Cost: $55.

February 7, 2026: 

  • Laurita Winery hosts Dueling Pianos on February 7 from 6-9pm. Parties of 5 or more need a reservation. Others are communal seating. Cost: $55.
  • Terhune Orchards gets its Wine and Chocolate Weekend on this weekend on February 7 and 8. The pairing includes a wine flight, chocolates, and a souvenir glass. 
  • It’s a Dance Party at Summit City Farms and Winery on February 7 from 7-10pm with music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Cover: $10. 

February 11, 2026: 

  • Make reservations for an OYC Classic Experience, grab your besties, and celebrate Galentine’s Day at Old York Cellars on February 11. Enjoy half-priced glasses of wine and wine cocktails, plus half off our three-course wine pairing menu. 
  • Saddlehill hosts Sip, Wick and Win, Candle Making, Bingo Night on February 11 from 6-7:30pm. Sip, pour (candle wax), play, and win. Cost: $55.
  • Book your reservations for Sweetheart Tastings happening at Beneduce Vineyards from February 11-15, featuring 7 wines thoughtfully paired with locally crafted cheese, salumi, and artisanal truffles. Cost $55/person.

View the full calendar of winery events to find out what’s happening at New Jersey wineries near you, and plan your next escape today!

Here are some quick links and resources to help plan your week in the vines:

Cheers to New Jersey wine!

New Jersey American Water Opens 2026 Fire and EMS Grant Programs for Volunteer Departments

New Jersey American Water today announced the opening of its 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program, providing funding for volunteer fire departments and emergency response organizations across its service area. Now in its 16 th year, the program underscores New Jersey American Water’s ongoing commitment to supporting the firefighters and EMS professionals who protect their communities every day. Eligible organizations include volunteer fire departments, ambulance squads and fire aid units located within the company’s service areas. “As firefighters and EMS professionals, these men and women are on the front lines daily, and it’s essential that they have the equipment and training necessary to keep our communities safe,” said Edward J. Scanlon, Utility Mechanic for New Jersey American Water, member of the company’s Fire Grant Committee and Deputy Chief of the Strathmere Fire and Rescue. In his role with the company, Scanlon works closely with field operations and infrastructure maintenance, giving him a firsthand understanding of the critical partnership between water utilities and emergency responders. “Their unwavering dedication inspires us to continue strengthening local emergency response capabilities through this grant program.”
Applications are open beginning today and will be accepted through April 10, 2026, allowing departments additional time to align requests with budgeting and equipment needs. A committee composed of New Jersey American Water employees—many of whom also serve as volunteer emergency responders—will review submissions to help ensure funding supports real‑world needs in the field. Since the program’s launch in 2011, New Jersey American Water has awarded 332 grants totaling more than $451,000 to 207 volunteer fire departments and emergency response units.
Grants of up to $2,500 may be used for personal protective gear, communications equipment, first aid supplies, firefighting tools, vehicle maintenance and other operational needs. Reimbursement for specific training courses, including the costs of training manuals and instructional materials, is also eligible.
Organizations can apply online at www.newjerseyamwater.com/community under News & Community > Community Involvement. Departments selected for funding will receive notification in early May, and New Jersey American Water will announce the full list of awardees later in the month.

 

 Wind Advisory until 09:00PM Saturday

* WHAT…For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 17 below expected.

* WHERE…Portions of New Jersey and southeast Pennsylvania.

* WHEN…For the Wind Advisory, from 8 AM to 9 PM EST Saturday. For the Extreme Cold Warning, from 3 PM Saturday to 10 AM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The cold wind chills as low as 15 below zero could result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken.

* AFFECTED AREAS: HUNTERDON … SOMERSET … MIDDLESEX … WESTERN MONMOUTH … EASTERN MONMOUTH … MERCER … GLOUCESTER … CAMDEN … NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON … DELAWARE … PHILADELPHIA … WESTERN CHESTER … EASTERN CHESTER … WESTERN MONTGOMERY … EASTERN MONTGOMERY … UPPER BUCKS … LOWER BUCKS

Instructions:Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.

Camden Homicide Fugitive Apprehended in Spain

An international fugitive wanted for a shooting that killed one man and injured another in Camden has been apprehended overseas, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay, U.S. Marshal Nicholas Ricigliano (District of New Jersey), and Camden County Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez. Felix De La Cruz-Arias, 30, of Brooklyn, New York was taken into custody on January 30, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain by the Spanish National Police in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Service – Office of International Operations and the U.S. Department of Justice – Office of International Affairs. De La Cruz-Arias was charged on April 4, 2025, with first-degree Murder in the March 2025 fatal shooting on Josue Hiraldo-Peralta, 32, of Camden. He was also charged with first-degree Attempted Murder for shooting a second man who survived.

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Congressman Van Drew Delivers Additional Major Investments for South Jersey

 Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that, through the latest federal appropriations packages, South Jersey is set to receive more than $48 million in federal funding for local infrastructure, workforce development, emergency preparedness, and aviation investment.

“I am proud to keep bringing historic funding back to South Jersey to make our communities better and stronger,” said Congressman Van Drew. “We are fixing infrastructure that has been neglected for too long and making sure we are preparing people for the next generation of jobs, particularly in healthcare and aviation. The FAA Tech Center especially is a major driver of jobs and innovation here in South Jersey, as well as a key part of our national aviation system, which is why I have made it a priority to keep it strong and competitive. When we invest the right way, we keep New Jersey at the forefront of what matters.”

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ACTING DEP COMMISSIONER POTOSNAK ANNOUNCES JOSEPH SEEBODE AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

Acting Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Ed Potosnak announced the appointment of Joseph J. Seebode to the role of Deputy Commissioner to advance the Sherrill Administration’s environmental goals.

As Deputy Commissioner, Seebode will serve as second in command for the DEP and will be responsible for continuing the agency’s successes in developing and implementing policies that protect air and water quality, advance climate resilience, preserve natural resources, provide quality open space for the public, and ensure environmental justice, among many other roles. “Joe’s on-the-ground experience advancing projects with the Army Corps will be a major asset in accomplishing the Sherill Administration’s mission to deliver for the people of New Jersey by reducing permitting times while protecting health, safety and environment,” Acting Commissioner Potosnak said. “In particular, his wealth of knowledge in building and growing partnerships will be critical to ensuring the protection of our air, land, water and natural resources.”Seebode, an environmental engineer with more than 40 years of experience, including a stint as a DEP Assistant Commissioner in the early 2000s, returns to the DEP after an exciting and fulfilling public service career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he most recently served as the Deputy District Engineer and Chief of Programs and Project Management for the New York District.“I am excited to return to DEP and work with its deeply talented team of scientists, engineers and professionals to continue raising the bar on environmental protection, stewardship and permitting turnaround times,” Deputy Commissioner Seebode said. “From coastal resilience to brownfields redevelopment, the projects and policies we undertake today will protect and strengthen our environment for future generations.”


In his most recent role at the Army Corps, Seebode oversaw an interdisciplinary team of engineers and scientists delivering major military and civil works construction and regional infrastructure improvements in New York, New Jersey and Greenland. While at the Army Corps, Seebode’s leadership helped guide post-Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts such as the removal of water from flooded tunnels, emergency dredging, coastline repair work and debris removal. He also oversaw other major initiatives for the New York District, including a $2.1 billion deepening project for the Port of New York and New Jersey and a comprehensive environmental restoration strategy for the New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary. Seebode’s post-Sandy efforts and the port-deepening project earned him the prestigious Richard J. Sullivan Award in December 2025 for his dedication to advancing coastal resilience, environmental restoration and sustainable water management. The award is part of the DEP’s annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards program. From 2003 to 2006, Seebode served as a DEP Assistant Commissioner on an intergovernmental detail, overseeing a team engaged in a wide array of environmental engineering and remediation activities. Seebode earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Manhattan College after graduating from Seton Hall Prep and is a proud member of the Seton Hall Prep Athletic Hall of Fame.

Philadelphia Police Department Recruitment Team at Philadelphia Auto Show

As part of the Philadelphia Police Department’s ongoing recruitment period, PPD recruiters will staff an informational table at the Philadelphia Auto Show, providing attendees the opportunity to learn about careers with the Department, ask questions, and begin the application process.

Recruiters will be available to discuss eligibility requirements, hiring timelines, and career opportunities within the Philadelphia Police Department. Members of the media covering the Auto Show are welcome to stop by the PPD table.

Special appearances and demonstrations will also be part of the PPD presence at the Auto Show. On Tuesday, February 3, attendees can see PPD drone demonstrations and meet Bailey, the Philadelphia Police Department’s comfort dog. Bailey will also be on-site on Wednesday and Friday to interact with guests and support recruitment outreach efforts. Throughout the week, officers will also distribute information and materials related to the Philadelphia Police Department’s ongoing Together We Can Prevent Auto Theft campaign.

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Speaker Coughlin Thanks Governor Murphy for Eight Years of Steady Service to New Jersey

“As we close the final chapter of Governor Phil Murphy’s administration, I want to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation for his eight years of dedicated service to the people of New Jersey and for being a tremendous partner to the Legislature. Through moments of progress and times of uncertainty, Governor Murphy kept a steady hand and an open mind, always guided by a deep responsibility to the people he was elected to serve. 

“Working side by side, we delivered historic property tax relief, strengthened our best-in-class public schools, expanded access to health care, and of course, worked to make New Jersey more affordable. We supported the small businesses that create jobs and sustain our communities, strengthened protections for families, workers and voters and moved New Jersey closer to his vision of a stronger and fairer economy. Within state government, we rebuilt New Jersey Transit, earned nine consecutive credit rating upgrades and met our retirement security promises to our public sector workers.

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New Jersey Blood Service to Host Blood Drive

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Seven year old Megan Stitz relies on blood transfusions for her leukemia treatment as she waits for a bone marrow transplant.

CRANFORD, NJ –New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, February 4th from 11:00am to 7:00pm at the Cranford VFW. The blood drive is in honor of Megan Stitz, a vibrant 7-year-old girl currently battling acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow that requires intensive treatment, including frequent blood transfusions. Megan is currently waiting for a bone marrow transplant.

Megan was diagnosed with AML one week before Thanksgiving and has been receiving care at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Her family is hosting this blood drive in her honor to help ensure patients like Megan continue to receive the blood products they need, made possible through the kindness and generosity of donors.

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