PINE HILL POLICE DEPARTMENT PARTNERS WITH VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA

PINE HILL, NJ (Dec. 18, 2019)–Pine Hill Police Department announced this week an exciting new partnership with the Volunteers of America – Delaware Valley (VOA). The partnership is the first of its kind in Camden County, keenly focused to provide the most effective outreach to the citizens of Pine Hill through progressive policing and community services. Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer was honored to speak at the press conference in Pine Hill at which the Pine Hill Police Department and the VOA detailed their joint goal to foster stability in the lives of those we protect and serve. The partnership will feature a social services satellite office embedded within the Pine Hill Police Department in order to offer much needed services to citizens as swiftly as possible. VOA workers will also be available to assist Pine Hill Officers when they are on-site at a call. The program also includes both the Pine Hill Police Department and the VOA partnering with the school system to provide assistance to homeless families.

Released Wednesday, December 18, 2019.

Vaping of marijuana on the rise among teens

NIH’s 2019 Monitoring the Future survey finds continuing declines in prescription opioid misuse, tobacco cigarettes, and alcohol.

Findings from the 2019 Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey demonstrate the appeal of vaping to teens, as seen in the increased prevalence of marijuana use as well as nicotine vaping.

Results from the 45th annual MTF survey, a nationally representative sample of eighth, 10th and 12th graders in hundreds of U.S. schools, were announced today by the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health, along with the University of Michigan scientist who leads the research team. The self-report survey is given annually to students who respond to questions about their drug use and attitudes.

Past year vaping of marijuana, which has more than doubled in the past two years, was reported at 20.8% among 12th graders, with 10th graders not far behind at 19.4% and eighth graders at 7.0%. Past month marijuana vaping among 12th graders nearly doubled in a single year to 14% from 7.5%–the second largest one-year jump ever tracked for any substance in the history of the survey. (The largest was from 2017-2018 with past month nicotine vaping among 12th graders). For the first time, the survey measured daily marijuana vaping, which was reported at 3.5% among 12th graders, 3.0% among 10th graders, and 0.8% among eighth graders. The MTF investigators documented more detailed findings on teen vaping of marijuana in a

research letter

released today in the

Journal of the American Medical Association.

High rates of nicotine vaping reported in the MTF survey were

released

in September.

Marijuana continues to be the most commonly used illicit drug by adolescents. After remaining mostly stable for many years, daily use of marijuana went up significantly since 2018 among eighth and 10th graders–now at 1.3% and 4.8% respectively. However, overall past year marijuana use rates remain steady among teens (35.7% among 12th graders; 28.8% among 10th graders; and 11.8% among eighth graders).

Past year rates of any illicit drug use, other than marijuana, remain relatively low among 12th graders; past year use was 3.6% for LSD; 3.3% for synthetic cannabinoids; 2.2% for both cocaine and MDMA (ecstasy); and 0.4% for heroin. Other drug use, including the misuse of prescription medicines and the use of alcohol as well as tobacco cigarettes, continues to decline.

“We are heartened to see the continuing decline in the use of many drugs, particularly non-medical use of prescription opioids; however, teens are clearly attracted to vaping products, which are often concentrated amounts of drugs disguised as electronic gadgets,” said NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow. “Their growing popularity threatens to undo years of progress protecting the health of adolescents in the U.S.”

Other highlights

Prescription Drugs

Past year rates of misuse of the opioid pain reliever Oxycontin dropped significantly among 12th graders over the past five years, with only 1.7% reporting in 2019–the lowest level of use since it was first measured in 2002 (at 4.0%).

Past year rates of misuse of the opioid pain reliever Vicodin is now at 1.1% for both 12th graders and 10th graders. For 12th graders, it is a significant drop from 2018 and the lowest rate since it was first measured in 2002 (at 9.6%). These rates represent a significant five-year decline in these two grades.

Past year misuse of the ADHD medication Adderall saw a significant decline over the past five years among 10th and 12th graders–from 4.6% to 3.1% for 10th graders and from 6.8% to 3.9%, for 12th graders. However, there was a significant increase among eighth graders — now reported to be 2.5%, up from 1.3% in 2014.

Tobacco Products

Use of regular cigarettes continues to decline among teens, especially among 12th graders who had a significant decline in past month use, now at 5.7%, down from 7.6% last year and 13.6% five years ago.

In 2019, 2.4% of 12

graders said they smoked cigarettes daily, a significant decline from 3.6% in 2018. However, 11.7% said they vaped nicotine daily in 2019, the first year daily vaping use has been measured.

One in 4 12th graders say they vaped nicotine in the past month, along with 1 in 5 10th graders, and nearly 1 in 10 eighth graders.

Many teens say they vape for the flavor, to experiment, for social reasons, or to feel good. However, from 2018-2019, the number of 12th graders saying they vape because they are “hooked” more than doubled to 8.1%, up from 3.6%. It is important to note that not all teens know what is in the products they are vaping.

Alcohol

Alcohol use (past year) saw a significant five-year drop among 10th and 12th graders in 2019, now at 37.7% and 52.1%.

There was also a five-year decrease in binge drinking in the 10th and 12th grades. The survey reports that 14.4% of 12th graders said they binge drank in 2019 compared to 19.4% in 2014. Among 10th graders, 8.5% reported binge drinking compared to 12.6% five years ago. Binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks in a row in the past two weeks.

To highlight the MTF survey findings, NIDA will post two

infographics

on its website: one related to vaping and the other on several other drug categories.

The survey, conducted since 1975, is funded by a government grant to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and is the only comprehensive, large-scale federal government survey on teen drug use that releases findings the same year the data is collected. In 2019, questions were added on daily vaping to address public health concerns about e-cigarettes and vaping devices. This year, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have warned the public about lung illnesses and deaths related to vaping, with some patients as young as 13. The CDC posts periodic

updates and recommendations

for the public.

The MTF investigators have published several papers and research letters related to these findings:

Trends in Adolescent Vaping, 2017–2019

The

New England Journal of Medicine,

Sept. 18, 2019 (online).

NIDA Press Release

Teen e-cigarette use doubles since 2017

Flavors of e-Cigarettes Used by Youths in the United States

, Journal

of the American Medical Association

, Nov. 5, 2019.

NIDA Science Spotlight

NIH-funded study finds teens prefer mint and mango vaping flavors

Trends in Reported Marijuana Vaping among U.S. Adolescents

, 2017-2019,

Journal of the American Medical Association

, Dec. 18, 2019.

Overall, 42,531 students from 396 public and private schools participated in this year\’s MTF survey. The survey has generally been administered to students in paper form, but investigators have been transitioning to electronic tablets. The survey will be fully electronic by 2020. The survey measures drug, alcohol, and cigarette use and related attitudes in eighth, 10th and 12th graders nationwide. Survey participants generally report their drug use behaviors across multiple time periods: lifetime, past year, past month, and in some cases, daily. NIDA has provided grant funding for the survey since its inception. MTF is funded under grant number DA001411.

Follow Monitoring the Future 2019 news on Twitter at @NIDANews or join the conversation by using: #MTF2019. Information on all drugs can be found on

NIDA\’s website

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports most of the world’s research on the health aspects of drug use and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to inform policy and improve practice. Fact sheets on the health effects of drugs of abuse and information on NIDA research and other activities can be found at

https://www.drugabuse.gov

, which is compatible with your smartphone, iPad or tablet. To order publications in English or Spanish, call NIDA’s DrugPubs research dissemination center at 1-877-NIDA-NIH or 240-645-0228 (TDD) or email requests to

drugpubs@nida.nih.gov

. Online ordering is available at

https://drugpubs.drugabuse.gov

. NIDA’s media guide can be found at

https://drugabuse.gov/mediaguide

, and its easy-to-read website can be found at

htt

ps://www.easyread.drugabuse.gov

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH):

NIH, the nation\’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit

www.nih.gov

NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health

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

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

, 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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Hard Rock Hotel Casino 2019-20 Entertainment Schedule

2019 – 2020 ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP

12/16 & 12/17 – Craig Gass & Joe Fernandez – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

12/27 & 12/28 – Jim Breuer – Sound Waves

12/28 – Earth Wind & Fire – Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena

12/29 & 12/30 – Human Nature – Sound Waves

12/31 – Kool & The Gang / K.C. & The Sunshine Band New Year’s Eve Party – Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena

1/6 – 1/9 – Chris Franjola & Richie Holliday – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

1/11 – Top Rank Boxing: Hart Vs Smith – Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena

1/13 – 1/14 & 1/16 – Tom Cotter & Kerri Louise – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

1/18 – Sounds of Philadelphia featuring Russell Thompkins Jr. and The New Stylistics, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes and The Manhattans – Sound Waves

1/20 – 1/23 – Keifer Thompson & Dale Jones – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

1/25 – Marc Anthony

Opus Tour

– Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena

1/29 & 1/30 – JF Harris & Greg Warren – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

2/3 – 2/6 – Lynne Koplitz & Jeff Shaw – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

2/7 – Sugar Ray – Sound Waves

2/8 – Demetri Martin “Wandering Mind Tour” – Sound Waves

2/10 – 2/13- Jessica Kirson – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

2/15 – Fitz & The Tantrums – Sound Waves

2/22 – Eros Ramazzotti – Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena

2/22 – Bob Saget – Sound Waves

2/24 – 2/27 – Greg Morton & Ben Moore – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club

3/14 – Adam Sandler – Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena

3/14 – Jay Mohr – Sound Waves

4/17 – Ana Gabriel – Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena

5/1 – Zucchero – Sound Waves

6/6 –

Bad Company –

Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena

For Tickets, visit

hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com

Delaware Fish & Wildlife Police Blotter: Dec. 2-8

Reminder for the week: Waterfowl hunters, check your gear

for prohibited lead shot, ensure your boats are weather and safety ready

DOVER (Dec. 13, 2019) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Dec. 2-8 made 2,239 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 12 citations. Officers responded to 44 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. A Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community

On Dec. 7, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed their role and reviewed safe hunting practices, hunting laws, and what to expect when checked by an officer in the field with attendees of a Hunter Education Class held at the Little Creek Hunter Education Training Center.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

On Dec. 11-12, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and Wildlife Section staff responded to reports of black bear sightings in and near Wilmington, and worked with multiple agencies with the intent of capturing and relocating the bear. The bear evaded capture and appears to have left Delaware as there have been no recent documented sightings.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Wildlife Conservation:

Possession of unlawfully taken game – antlerless deer (1), failure to check antlerless deer within 24 hours (1), failure to tag antlerless deer (1), removing antlerless deer parts prior to checking (1), and trespass to hunt (1).

Fisheries Conservation:

Commercial:

Failure to tag oysters (1).

Public Safety:

Possession, purchase, ownership, or control of a firearm, deadly weapon, or ammunition by a person prohibited (3) and failure to display required hunter orange during a firearms deer season (1).

Other:

Driving with a suspended or revoked license (1) and driving at an unreasonable speed (1).

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters, and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting, and boating laws and regulations. The public are encouraged to report fish, wildlife, and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580 or through the DENRP Tip app on a smartphone, which can be downloaded free of charge by searching “DENRP Tip” via the Google Play Store or the iTunes App Store. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030, going online to

http://de.gov/ogt

, or using the DENRP Tip app. Verizon customers can connect to Operation Game Theft directly by dialing #OGT.

Are you AWARE?

With the last 2019 regular waterfowl hunting season split opening today, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind waterfowl hunters to continue to check their hunting gear bags, coats, boats, and any other gear to make sure they are not carrying lead shot.

Non-toxic shot, as approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is required for all waterfowl hunting within the State of Delaware. There are no exceptions. For a list of currently approved non-toxic shot types visit

http://flyways.us/faq/what-type-shot-approved-non-toxic-us

Also, if you are waterfowl hunting from a boat, please ensure that you have all the required safety equipment and cold weather equipment and supplies on board.

For more information on waterfowl hunting and boating safety requirements in Delaware, click on

2019-2020 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide

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.

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.”