PNJ Annual Meeting & Event Notice

We are pleased to invite you to the Preservation New Jersey (PNJ) meeting, July 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm


A gathering of members, partners, and preservation advocates from across the state.

This year’s meeting will be held in Somerset County at the historic Hageman Barns, a remarkable 19th-century agricultural complex that stands as a testament to New Jersey’s rural heritage and enduring sense of place. The setting offers a fitting backdrop for reflection on our shared accomplishments and the work still ahead in protecting New Jersey’s irreplaceable historic resources.

During the annual meeting, we will review the organization’s progress over the past year, share updates on key preservation initiatives, and discuss emerging challenges and opportunities facing historic places across the Garden State. Members will also have the opportunity to connect with fellow advocates, partners, and community leaders who are working every day to preserve New Jersey’s history.

For more information and how to register for the meeting, visit our website. (Register Here)

Assembly Education Committee Advances School Funding Transparency Legislation

The Assembly Education Committee today advanced A3881, sponsored by Speaker Craig J. Coughlin, which would strengthen school funding transparency and provide school districts with greater certainty when crafting their annual budgets. The bill is also sponsored by Assemblymembers Sterley Stanley and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson.

Under the bill, the Commissioner of the Department of Education (DOE) would be required to provide each school district with a preliminary State aid notice by the first week of December, detailing the minimum amount the district can expect in the upcoming school year. This early notification gives districts more time to plan their budgets.

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Shooting Investigation

The Philadelphia Police Department’s Shooting Investigation Group is currently investigating a shooting that left a man in extremely critical condition on Tuesday afternoon in West Philadelphia.

At approximately 4:35 p.m., officers from the 18th District responded to a residence on the 53xx block of Spruce Street, where they located an adult male inside the property suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest. Officers immediately transported the victim to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was admitted and is currently listed in extremely critical condition. A person of interest has been taken into custody for further investigation. The scene is currently being held for processing. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

24th Police District to Host Annual Block Party

WHAT:

The Philadelphia Police Department’s 24th Police District is hosting its Annual Block Party. This year’s community event doubles as a celebration of America’s 250th Birthday, bringing together officers, residents, and families for a day of free activities, entertainment, and community resources.

WHEN:

Thursday, June 18, 2026

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

(Rain or Shine)

WHERE:

Jasper Street & Allegheny Avenue

Philadelphia, PA

DETAILS:

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public, featuring a wide variety of outdoor activities and neighborhood resources. Visual and photo opportunities include:

  • Moon bounces and inflatable attractions
  • Face painting, interactive games, and creative outdoor activities
  • Live music and entertainment
  • Information tables featuring local community resources

Summer Solstice Festival and Watch Party

Photo Credit: Jason Leavy Photography

9TH ANNUAL SUMMER SOLSTICE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Kicks off summer on June 19 in Haddon Township

WHAT:

Kicking off the season is the 9th Annual Summer Solstice Music Festival on Friday, June 19th from 2-10 p.m. on Haddon Avenue between Strawbridge Avenue & Cooper Street.

Celebrate the start of summer with live music, delicious food trucks, captivating strolling entertainment, refreshing beer gardens, and much more for the whole family to enjoy. This free event is open to the public and easily accessible, located conveniently within blocks of the Westmont PATCO Speedline.

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Penn State Extension to offer watershed-friendly native plant kits for sale

To help foster more watershed-friendly properties, Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Steward program will offer watershed-friendly native plant kits for sale through July 4.

This sale is aimed at native plant lovers and individuals wishing to incorporate more native plants into their property.

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Painting in the Park time!

The “Painting in the Park” series is BACK this Wednesday!

These events are free and open to residents of all ages and skills.

It’s a time for us to come together as a community and just have fun and get to know each other. The dates are listed below with details – and each event runs from 6pm-7:30pm. Keep an eye on the township Facebook page in case of inclement weather/event updates.

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How Urgent Care Centers Provide Compassionate Stabilization For Pets

You might be reading this with your heart still racing. Maybe your dog just had a sudden limp that scared you, or your cat started breathing in a strange, shallow way, and for a moment the room felt very small. It is a terrible feeling when something is wrong with your pet and you are not sure how serious it is or where to go. A veterinarian in Gulf Breeze, Fl can help you find answers and care when you need it most.

There is a clear “before” and “after” in moments like that. Before, your pet was just part of your normal day. After, everything is about getting help, fast, without making the wrong move. You may feel guilty for not noticing sooner, worried about money, and afraid of bad news, all at the same time.

That is exactly where compassionate urgent care for pets comes in. Animal urgent care centers are designed to stabilize your pet, ease pain, and buy time for clear decisions. They sit in the space between “I think this can wait” and “this is a true life-or-death emergency.” When they work well, you are not just handed a bill and a diagnosis. You are given calm, clear guidance when you are at your most overwhelmed.

So what actually happens when you walk through those doors, and how can you use urgent care wisely instead of as a last resort?

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OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

The Philadelphia Police Department’s Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation Unit is investigating an incident that occurred on June 13, 2026, involving multiple Philadelphia police officers and an armed male.

On 6/13/2026 at approximately 10:30 p.m., officers assigned to the 19th District responded to a report of a person with a weapon and shots fired in the area of 54th and Arlington Streets. Upon arrival, officers began investigating the incident and canvassing the area for witnesses and evidence.

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Family, Friends, and Neighbors Remember Billy Schmidt

Billy Schmidt Memorialized –Several hundred people packed the corner of 20th and Durfor streets in South Philadelphia last Thursday to honor Billy Schmidt, age 22. He was shot to death on June 6 in the early morning by a suspect who stole his phone. A Penn State student, he was scheduled to graduate in December with a degree in journalism.

His viewing is tonight, Monday, June 15, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Baldi Funeral Home, 1327-29 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA (ample off-street parking available). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Monica Church, 17th and Ritner Streets, Philadelphia, PA.

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SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (CNBNews)(June 15, 2026)–William Schmidt “Billy”, age 22, passed away tragically on June 6, 2026. He is survived by his parents, William and Kristin (née Kastanek) Schmidt, and brother of Anna Schmidt. Cherished grandson of William (Bernadette) Schmidt and Patricia (Ted) Packer.

Nephew of Dana (Johnny) Troisi, Marla (Edward) Crosbee, Joseph (Marie) Gionta, Anna Muraglia, Margie (Roger) DeCicco, and Stephen (Janice) McKnight. Loving cousin to Jennifer, Melissa, Anna, Bobby, Lynn, Kristin, Natalie, Dominic, and Stephen, and is also survived by many dear friends and extended family members.

A proud graduate of Roman Catholic High School’s Class of 2021, Billy continued his education at Penn State University, where he was pursuing a degree in Digital Journalism and Media. He was entering his senior year and eagerly looked forward to graduating this December.

Billy embraced life with enthusiasm and a genuine love for the people around him. A loyal Philadelphia sports fan, he enjoyed spending time at the gym and had recently developed a passion for running. He was teaching himself to play the guitar and loved the music of Zach Bryan. He also enjoyed playing pool with friends at Buffalo Billiards and Station Bar and turned his love of baseball into a hobby business buying and selling baseball cards online.

Those who knew Billy will remember him for his kind heart, thoughtful nature, and unwavering loyalty. He was the type of person who would always make time for family and friends, offering encouragement, laughter, and companionship wherever he went. His warm personality and genuine concern for others left a lasting impression on everyone, fortunate enough to know him.

Though his life was tragically cut short, Billy’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments and ambitions, but for the compassion, friendship, and love he shared so freely with others. Billy will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, classmates, and all whose lives were made better by knowing him.

Source Baldi Funeral Home,



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