Camden County Prosecutor Concludes Use of Force by Police was Accidental in Camden City Shooting

CAMDEN CITY, NJ (Nov. 21, 2019)–The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office (“CCPO”) has completed its investigation into the use of force by an Investigator of the Camden

County Sheriff’s Department and has concluded that the use of force was accidental and not criminal. The CCPO determined that it is not necessary to present this matter to the Grand Jury because there were no material facts in dispute regarding the lawfulness of the use of force. The investigation was conducted in accordance with the Attorney General’s Independent Prosecutor Directive (July 28, 2015, Supplemental Law Enforcement Directive Regarding Uniform Statewide Procedures and Best Practices for Conducting Police Use of Force Investigations) (“Directive”). Pursuant to the Directive, the Attorney General’s Office conducted an independent review of the use of force and agreed with the CCPO’s determination that there were no material facts in dispute and that the actions of the Investigator in this case that led to the accidental discharge were justified. The Attorney General’s Office concurred with the CCPO’s conclusion to forego presentation of this matter to the Grand Jury.

The incident occurred on August 22, 2018, within a residence located on 2

Street, in the City of Camden. The Investigator accidentally discharged his department-issued handgun, while clearing a residence during the execution of a narcotics, no-knock, search warrant, resulting in a graze wound to the arm of a seventeen-year-old male. Upon entering the basement apartment, the Investigator encountered a male resident in the hallway. That resident refused to comply with the Investigator’s commands to get onto the ground and to stop moving toward the investigator and his team behind him. As a result, the Investigator unholstered his weapon to use the flashlight attached to the frame of his weapon, directly in front of the trigger guard. As the Investigator tried to flick the flashlight and momentarily distract the resident, he accidentally hit the trigger instead. The resident was not injured. However, his seventeen-year-old friend was behind him in the hallway, and his arm was grazed.

Personnel from the CCPO responded and conducted an investigation. Statements were taken from the Investigator, the resident, and the other officers present. During the course of the investigation, the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office complied with all portions of the Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Directive regarding uniform statewide procedures and best practices for conducting police use-of-force investigations. The investigation revealed that the discharge was accidental and that the Investigator’s actions were not criminal. Accordingly, no criminal charges are being filed against the Investigator with regard to this incident.

Following the investigation, the CCPO charged the resident with multiple counts of Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Distribution/Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Distribution/Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance within 500 feet of a Park.

All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The undisputed facts indicate the Investigator’s conduct was justifiable under the law, and taking all of the facts into account, all of the evidence supports the conclusion that the discharge was accidental. Accordingly, our investigation and review of all information failed to disclose sufficient evidence to prove an allegation of criminal conduct against the Investigator. This statement was prepared and disseminated to the public in accordance with §8 of the Directive.

Released Thursday, November 21, 2019

Two Warrant Officers Die When Their Helicopter Crashes in Afghanistan

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami Jr. (left) and Chief Warrant Officer 2 David C. Knadle,

Nov. 21, 2019–The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Freedom\’s Sentinel.

Both soldiers died Nov. 20, 2019, in Logar Province, Afghanistan, when their helicopter crashed while providing security for troops on the ground. The incident is under investigation.

The deceased are:

Chief Warrant Officer 2 David C. Knadle, 33, from Tarrant, Texas.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami Jr., 25, from Keaau, Hawaii.

Both soldiers were assigned to 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

For more information regarding CW2 David C. Knadle and CW2 Kirk T. Fuchigami Jr., media may contact Lt. Col. Chris Brautigam, 1st Cavalry Division public affairs officer at 254-287-9398 or

christopher.r.brautigam.mil@mail.mil

\’An act of faith and kindness\’: How Buddy Checks make a difference

(Photo by Steven B. Brooks)

he American Legion

NOV 20, 2019

Prior to Veterans Day, American Legion National Commander Bill Oxford

called on Legionnaires

to follow up on the inaugural Buddy Checks to fellow veterans that debuted last March and received National Executive Committee support the following spring.

During the 2019 Spring Meetings, the NEC passed Resolution 18, which calls for the twice-annual Buddy Checks to be conducted Legion-wide on the weeks of The American Legion’s birthday and Veterans Day.

American Legion posts again stepped up. In Weehawken, N.J., members of Post 18

took to the streets

to connect with members of the post who haven’t been active in recent years, including one 91-year-old World War II widower.

“That’s what (non-commissioned officers) do in the service. You’re supposed to check up on your troops,” Post 18 Commander Chris Page said. “We’re charged … with the health and welfare of our troops. What we like to do is check up on our members and make sure they’re OK. We also check in on their families as well. It goes back to helping out with the community.”

And in Fort Gibson, Okla., members of Frank Gladd Post 20 were conducting Buddy Checks and came into contact with an 87-year-old Korean War veteran who hadn’t paid his membership dues in two years. Past Post and District Commander Jim Quinn said the veteran told the post he could no longer make it to post meetings and that his membership in the Legion was no longer important to anyone.

“I was dispatched to the veteran\’s house with his membership card,” Quinn said. “When I arrived at the veteran’s house, he invited me in and we had about a half-hour conversation about the current weather and our time in service. I asked him about his welfare and if there was anything we at the post could do for him. He replied that he was fine but he had trouble driving.”

Quinn left the veteran’s membership card with him and “told him if he needed any help with going places to call the post and we would arrange to take him where he needed to go. He told me he was not in that bad of shape but if he needed help he would call.”

The post processed the veteran’s membership with “Pay It Forward” funds. Two weeks later the veteran called the post and requested Quinn return to his house. “When I arrived he presented me with a check for his 2019 and 2020 dues,” Quinn said. “The moral of this story is cast your bread upon the waters, and it will be returned to you tenfold. An act of faith and kindness shown to this veteran convinced him that his post stands for the ideals of The American Legion and not just to collect dues.”

The following are a few more examples of what posts did on Veterans Day or have developed as programs to follow the Buddy Check philosophy.

• In St. James, N.C., American Legion Post 543 had a busy Veterans Day weekend that included distributing poppies that Saturday, and taking part in a parade and a Veterans Day picnic. A Buddy Check also was performed on Veterans Day, when the post’s honor guard and officers visited the Carillion Assisted Living where – after the colors were presented and the national anthem played – veteran residents were given a challenge coin from the Post 543 Commander George Freeman, and widows of veterans were given U.S. flags representing their loved ones’ service. Post 543 Service Officer Steve Muir said the post also has 70 active programs that regularly reach out to veterans in need in the community. “I must say that what Post 543 does in the Brunswick County, North Carolina community goes way beyond Buddy Checks,” said Muir.

• In Blue Ash, Ohio, American Legion Post 630 has initiated a “Never Alone” program. Coordinating with the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, the post receives notice whenever a veteran with no known family passes away. The post ensures there are veterans graveside to give their fellow veteran the proper farewell. The program was the idea of Post 630 member Pat Buschman.

\’An act of faith and kindness\’: How Buddy Checks make a difference

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<article aria-label=\”\’An act of faith and kindness\’: How Buddy Checks make a difference\” class=\”post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry node node-web-content node-promoted\” id=\”node-247693\”>
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<img alt=\”\’An act of faith and kindness\’: How Buddy Checks make a difference\” class=\”attachment-post-thumbnail\” height=\”300\” src=\”https://www.legion.org/sites/legion.org/files/styles/scalecrop800x479/public/Post%2018%20Buddy%20Check.jpg?itok=4l5IaQAB\” style=\”display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\” typeof=\”foaf:Image\” width=\”501\”/>
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(Photo by Steven B. Brooks)
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<h1 class=\”entry-title secondary-2-primary margin-bottom-30\”>
</h1>
<div class=\”entry-meta margin-bottom-30 hidden-print\”>
<div class=\”byline\”>
<strong>
<a href=\”https://www.legion.org/\”>
T
<span style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
he American Legion
</span>
</a>
</strong>
</div>
<div class=\”up clearfix\”>
<span class=\”post-meta-info posted-on gray-icon\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
<time class=\”entry-date published\” datetime=\”2019-11-20 14:00:00\”>
NOV 20, 2019
</time>
</span>
<div class=\”addthis_inline_share_toolbox\” data-description=\”Legionnaires reach out to fellow veterans around Veterans Day, create programs to ensure effort is ongoing. \” data-media=\”https://www.legion.org/sites/legion.org/files/styles/scalecrop800x479/public/Post%2018%20Buddy%20Check.jpg?itok=4l5IaQAB\” data-title=\”\’An act of faith and kindness\’: How Buddy Checks make a difference\” data-url=\”https://www.legion.org/membership/247693/act-faith-and-kindness-how-buddy-checks-make-difference\”>
<div aria-labelledby=\”at-1b87d9b8-c12c-4aee-b8fb-60ce046f99eb\” class=\”at-resp-share-element at-style-responsive addthis-smartlayers addthis-animated at4-show\” id=\”atstbx\” role=\”region\”>
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<div class=\”field-items\”>
<div class=\”field-item even\”>
<div class=\”story story_05_body\” id=\”17edf402-0d3b-2f30-082d-ff9049a6a264\”>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
Prior to Veterans Day, American Legion National Commander Bill Oxford
<a href=\”https://www.legion.org/commander/247461/time-check-our-battle-buddies\” target=\”_self\”>
called on Legionnaires
</a>
to follow up on the inaugural Buddy Checks to fellow veterans that debuted last March and received National Executive Committee support the following spring.
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
During the 2019 Spring Meetings, the NEC passed Resolution 18, which calls for the twice-annual Buddy Checks to be conducted Legion-wide on the weeks of The American Legion’s birthday and Veterans Day.
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
American Legion posts again stepped up. In Weehawken, N.J., members of Post 18
<a href=\”https://www.legion.org/veteransday/247626/just-right-thing-do\” target=\”_self\”>
took to the streets
</a>
to connect with members of the post who haven’t been active in recent years, including one 91-year-old World War II widower.
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
“That’s what (non-commissioned officers) do in the service. You’re supposed to check up on your troops,” Post 18 Commander Chris Page said. “We’re charged … with the health and welfare of our troops. What we like to do is check up on our members and make sure they’re OK. We also check in on their families as well. It goes back to helping out with the community.”
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
And in Fort Gibson, Okla., members of Frank Gladd Post 20 were conducting Buddy Checks and came into contact with an 87-year-old Korean War veteran who hadn’t paid his membership dues in two years. Past Post and District Commander Jim Quinn said the veteran told the post he could no longer make it to post meetings and that his membership in the Legion was no longer important to anyone.
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
“I was dispatched to the veteran\’s house with his membership card,” Quinn said. “When I arrived at the veteran’s house, he invited me in and we had about a half-hour conversation about the current weather and our time in service. I asked him about his welfare and if there was anything we at the post could do for him. He replied that he was fine but he had trouble driving.”
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
Quinn left the veteran’s membership card with him and “told him if he needed any help with going places to call the post and we would arrange to take him where he needed to go. He told me he was not in that bad of shape but if he needed help he would call.”
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
The post processed the veteran’s membership with “Pay It Forward” funds. Two weeks later the veteran called the post and requested Quinn return to his house. “When I arrived he presented me with a check for his 2019 and 2020 dues,” Quinn said. “The moral of this story is cast your bread upon the waters, and it will be returned to you tenfold. An act of faith and kindness shown to this veteran convinced him that his post stands for the ideals of The American Legion and not just to collect dues.”
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
The following are a few more examples of what posts did on Veterans Day or have developed as programs to follow the Buddy Check philosophy.
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
• In St. James, N.C., American Legion Post 543 had a busy Veterans Day weekend that included distributing poppies that Saturday, and taking part in a parade and a Veterans Day picnic. A Buddy Check also was performed on Veterans Day, when the post’s honor guard and officers visited the Carillion Assisted Living where – after the colors were presented and the national anthem played – veteran residents were given a challenge coin from the Post 543 Commander George Freeman, and widows of veterans were given U.S. flags representing their loved ones’ service. Post 543 Service Officer Steve Muir said the post also has 70 active programs that regularly reach out to veterans in need in the community. “I must say that what Post 543 does in the Brunswick County, North Carolina community goes way beyond Buddy Checks,” said Muir.
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
• In Blue Ash, Ohio, American Legion Post 630 has initiated a “Never Alone” program. Coordinating with the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, the post receives notice whenever a veteran with no known family passes away. The post ensures there are veterans graveside to give their fellow veteran the proper farewell. The program was the idea of Post 630 member Pat Buschman.
</span>
</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Senator Booker\’s Marijuana Provisions Pass House Judiciary Committee

<div class=\”entry-body\”>
<p data-reader-unique-id=\”2\”>
</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id=\”4\” style=\”text-align: center;\”>
<strong>
<span style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 12pt; color: #c00000;\”>
<em data-reader-unique-id=\”5\”>
2017 Booker bill provided framework for MORE Act
</em>
</span>
</strong>
</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id=\”4\” style=\”text-align: center;\”>
</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id=\”7\”>
<span style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 12pt;\”>
<strong data-reader-unique-id=\”8\”>
WASHINGTON, D.C. –
</strong>
Three key
<strong data-reader-unique-id=\”9\”>
</strong>
marijuana provisions designed to reverse decades of failed drug policy and first introduced by
<strong data-reader-unique-id=\”10\”>
</strong>
U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) passed the House Judiciary
<a class=\”asset-img-link\” href=\”https://www.gloucestercitynews.net/.a/6a00d8341bf7d953ef0240a4edabd2200b-popup\” onclick=\”window.open( this.href, \’_blank\’, \’width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0\’ ); return false\” style=\”float: left;\”>
<img alt=\”Election\” class=\”asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341bf7d953ef0240a4edabd2200b img-responsive\” src=\”https://www.gloucestercitynews.net/.a/6a00d8341bf7d953ef0240a4edabd2200b-350wi\” style=\”width: 350px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;\” title=\”Election\”/>
</a>
Committee today: record expungement, reinvestment in the communities most harmed by the War on Drugs, and removing marijuana from the list of deportable offenses.
</span>
</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id=\”12\”>
<span style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 12pt;\”>
Booker’s
<em data-reader-unique-id=\”13\”>
<a data-reader-unique-id=\”14\” data-saferedirecturl=\”https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p%3Dpress_release%26id%3D638&source=gmail&ust=1574379911540000&usg=AFQjCNGJRwNjcjWOsD7PhTRs8-Q0gLNZiw\” href=\”https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=638\”>
Marijuana Justice Act
</a>
</em>
, originally introduced in 2017, was the first congressional bill to incorporate record expungement and community reinvestment with marijuana legalization. This legislation along with a
<a data-reader-unique-id=\”15\” data-saferedirecturl=\”https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p%3Dpress_release%26id%3D949&source=gmail&ust=1574379911540000&usg=AFQjCNGeywg7yfYb9qo-dN3oU-M0NIUOYQ\” href=\”https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=949\”>
Booker provision
</a>
to remove marijuana from list of deportable offenses provided the framework for the
<em data-reader-unique-id=\”16\”>
Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2019
</em>
(MORE) passed by the House today.
</span>
</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id=\”18\”>
<span style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 12pt;\”>
“This is a significant tipping point. The Committee passage of this bill is an important step towards reversing decades of failed drug policy that has disproportionately impacted communities of color and low-income individuals. These draconian laws have sacrificed critical resources, violated our values, destroyed families and communities, and failed to make us safer,”
<strong data-reader-unique-id=\”19\”>
Senator Booker said. “
</strong>
This legislation continues us down the path towards justice and I’m excited to see momentum growing around the movement to fix our nation’s broken drug laws.”
</span>
</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id=\”21\”>
<span style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 12pt;\”>
<u data-reader-unique-id=\”22\”>
Background on Booker’s leadership on issues of marijuana and criminal justice:
</u>
</span>
</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id=\”24\”>
<span style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 12pt;\”>
Booker has seen the effects of our broken marijuana laws first-hand, dating back to his time as a tenant lawyer, City Council member, and Mayor of Newark, where he created the city’s first office of prisoner re-entry to help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into their communities. He is the author of the landmark
<a data-reader-unique-id=\”25\” data-saferedirecturl=\”https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p%3Dpress_release%26id%3D638&source=gmail&ust=1574379911540000&usg=AFQjCNGJRwNjcjWOsD7PhTRs8-Q0gLNZiw\” href=\”https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=638\”>
Marijuana Justice Act
</a>
, which would end the federal prohibition on marijuana, automatically expunge the records of those convicted of federal marijuana use and possession crimes, and reinvest resources into the communities most impacted by the failed War on Drugs through a community fund. Since
<a data-reader-unique-id=\”26\” data-saferedirecturl=\”https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.forbes.com/sites/janetwburns/2017/08/01/marijuana-justice-act-would-end-weed-prohibition-throughout-the-land/%2370de8b4e68c0&source=gmail&ust=1574379911540000&usg=AFQjCNFVC_FpL2eRfSYo8o8CzWY7ou3OWQ\” href=\”https://www.forbes.com/sites/janetwburns/2017/08/01/marijuana-justice-act-would-end-weed-prohibition-throughout-the-land/#70de8b4e68c0\”>
introducing the bill in 2017
</a>
, Booker has garnered support from Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Ed Markey (D-MA).
</span>
</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id=\”28\”>
<span style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 12pt;\”>
In the Senate, Booker was an outspoken
<a data-reader-unique-id=\”29\” data-saferedirecturl=\”https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p%3Dpress_release%26id%3D608&source=gmail&ust=1574379911540000&usg=AFQjCNEVZGNDbOO64zv7AoYxMpQgkIlzXQ\” href=\”https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=608\”>
critic of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ effort to revive the failed War on Drugs
</a>
. More recently, he pressed Attorney General William Barr on his stance on marijuana legalization and the rescission of the Cole memo, winning a
<a data-reader-unique-id=\”30\” data-saferedirecturl=\”https://www.google.com/url?q=https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/425466-barr-i-wouldnt-go-after-businesses-relying-on-obama-era-marijuana-policy&source=gmail&ust=1574379911540000&usg=AFQjCNGzyUUCS1Lgmx18SN_ylUjHfs3x1A\” href=\”https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/425466-barr-i-wouldnt-go-after-businesses-relying-on-obama-era-marijuana-policy\”>
commitment
</a>
from Barr to leave states alone that have legalized marijuana.
</span>
</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id=\”32\”>
<span style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 12pt;\”>
In addition to the Marijuana Justice Act, Booker is the co-author of the
<a data-reader-unique-id=\”33\” data-saferedirecturl=\”https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/medical-marijuana-bill-aims-to-fight-jeff-sessions-renewed-war-on-drugs-194046/&source=gmail&ust=1574379911540000&usg=AFQjCNGP4_jeW154TTjMWKbP4S_mjK-7TA\” href=\”https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/medical-marijuana-bill-aims-to-fight-jeff-sessions-renewed-war-on-drugs-194046/\”>
bipartisan CARERS Act
</a>
, which would allow patients to access medical marijuana in states where it’s legal without fear of federal prosecution, and the
<a data-reader-unique-id=\”34\” data-saferedirecturl=\”https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p%3Dpress_release%26id%3D573&source=gmail&ust=1574379911540000&usg=AFQjCNEhz7LTWPnp2MS-5avnpgU-6FCGDg\” href=\”https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=573\”>
bipartisan REDEEM Act
</a>
, which would allow nonviolent drug offenders to petition a court to seal and expunge their drug offenses, while automatically sealing, and in some cases
<strong>
<a href=\”https://www.kanialaw.com/tulsa-attorneys/criminal-defense/expungement-oklahoma-criminal-records\”>
expunging criminal records
</a>
</strong>
, the nonviolent records of juveniles. These reforms would reduce a major barrier that formerly incarcerated individuals face when attempting to rejoin society. He is also a co-sponsor of the
<a data-reader-unique-id=\”35\” data-saferedirecturl=\”https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p%3Dpress_release%26id%3D888&source=gmail&ust=1574379911540000&usg=AFQjCNEH29la8rembeFYblUStyvai3KYNQ\” href=\”https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=888\”>
Fair Chance Act
</a>
, which prohibits the federal government and federal contractors from asking about the criminal history of a job applicant prior to a conditional offer of employment. Earlier this year, the Fair Chance Act
<a data-reader-unique-id=\”36\” data-saferedirecturl=\”https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p%3Dpress_release%26id%3D896&source=gmail&ust=1574379911540000&usg=AFQjCNETSQiLnlVwrMUCMOSTdRENFp5AHg\” href=\”https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=896\”>
passed
</a>
out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House Oversight and Government and Reform Committee. In June, Booker
<a data-reader-unique-id=\”37\” data-saferedirecturl=\”https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p%3Dpress_release%26id%3D949&source=gmail&ust=1574379911540000&usg=AFQjCNGeywg7yfYb9qo-dN3oU-M0NIUOYQ\” href=\”https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=949\”>
introduced
</a>
legislation to remove marijuana from list of deportable offenses.
</span>
</p>
</div>

\’An act of faith and kindness\’: How Buddy Checks make a difference

Senator Booker\’s Marijuana Provisions Pass House Judiciary Committee

How to Support Small Businesses

Gloucestercitynews.net (11-20-19)–Small businesses are the pillars of your community in Gloucester, providing you with an interesting, unique, and bustling town center from which you can buy gifts and essentials at the last minute. However, many small businesses struggle up against the monolith presence of big online brands such as Amazon, especially during the holiday period.

Read on for more information on how you can support small businesses now and in the coming year, and make a small business owner extremely happy.

Eat and Shop at Independent Businesses

Your personal finances may not always allow you to shop at independent businesses. However, if and when you are able to, it is important that you skip the sales and low prices of online shops in order to support your local community and buy your gifts and essentials from physical stores, even if these are not always the cheapest options. Not only this, but it is also important that you eat at independent restaurants rather than at chains to ensure that these are able to thrive. Restaurants and pubs such as

The Hole in the Wall Chichester

can provide you with a unique experience that you would not be able to receive at some of the larger chains, whether you want to host a small gathering, pop in for a drink, or plan a Christmas party.

Share Their Social Media Posts

If you are not able to afford to shop locally at the current time, or want to help spread the word about your favorite small business, you should also share their social media posts and website links whenever possible. This will help to raise awareness about the business in question, as well as give you the opportunity to provide them with an easy referral through sharing your positive experience with your followers. A simple way that you can share posts on social media is through reposting their updates on your Instagram or Facebook stories, as this both links to the company in question and allows you to promote their brand for a limited period of time.

Create an Event for Small Business Owners

To bring small business owners together and get others in your community more interested in local business, you should consider

setting up an event for small business owners

in the Gloucester area. In order to achieve this, you should plan the focus of the event, such as selling their goods on stalls which local residents can buy, or connecting and

networking with other small business owners

You should also make sure that you are able to complete tasks such as booking an appropriate venue, marketing your campaign online and through posters and leaflets in your local area, and inviting the right attendees.

Give Them Positive Reviews

If you have bought a product or service from a local business, the final action that you can take to support them is to give them a positive review online (on

small business directories

such as Yelp) or on their website. You could also recommend them through word-of-mouth, which is a popular technique to grow small businesses’ customer base.

images courtesy of pixabay

PHILADELPHIA’S BLUE CROSS RIVERRINK WINTERFEST OPENS NOV. 29

Outdoor Ice Skating by the Ben Franklin Bridge, Newly Decorated Cabins, S’mores on the Fire Pits, Warming Food and Drink Specials in The Lodge, All Set in a Sparkling Winter Wonderland

PHILADELPHIA,

(November

19,

2019) —

The holiday season is all about cozying up with friends and family to share in favorite winter traditions, and the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) is excited to announce that on Black Friday, November 29, 2019, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest will kick off the holiday season for the 26th year with the re-opening of an iconic Philadelphia winter experience.

Opening weekend

promises a kickoff to the season for the books and will include an Ice Skating Princesses Performance, Storytime in the Lodge with free cookies and hot chocolate, and Lego building.

Filled with all of Philadelphia’s favorite winter traditions, including skating under the stars amidst the majestic Ben Franklin Bridge on a regulation-sized Olympic outdoor ice skating rink, sipping hot chocolate and eating comfort foods in the chalet-inspired Lodge with food and beverages from Garces Group, Chickie’s and Pete’s, and Franklin Fountain, the fun lasts all season long with arcade games, storytelling adventures, late night dancing, character skating, and more at this picture-perfect winter wonderland.

Now celebrating its 26th year, Blue Cross RiverRink sparkles at night from thousands of lights strung across the site, lighting that washes vibrant colors over the rink, and a majestic holiday tree dressed in tens of thousands of twinkling LEDs (over 100,000 lumens!).

“Winterfest is one of the most festive seasonal experiences for Philadelphia residents and visitors,” said Joe Forkin, president of DRWC. “Thousands of people have been coming to the Waterfront for more than 25 years to ice skate with their families, eat great food, enjoy hot drinks in The Lodge, and just have a wonderful time. It’s a favorite winter tradition in Philadelphia.”

New this year is the design of the cabins and main Lodge. Designer Todd Marcocci of West Chester’s Under The Sun Productions was tasked with reimagining each of the cabins as well as the main Lodge. Marcocci drew his inspiration from his upbringing in Western Pennsylvania and his experiences in the mountain region.

Each of the cabins has two, brand-new, hand-sewn and custom printed Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest logo pillows trimmed in various winter colors. While the design aesthetic will feel new, the warmth and tradition of Winterfest remains.

The new lodge and cabin themes include:

MAIN LODGE

In the main lodge, visitors are embraced by all new soft goods that pull together familiar design elements that create the perfect winter cabin feel. The enhanced decorations are carefully contoured with trees featuring new, hand-made burlap rosettes. Countless cardinals have been incorporated into the décor to add color and texture along with pillows and plush accessories that match the cabins.

CARDINAL CABIN

The theme of this cabin was inspired by the excitement the designer experienced when his aunt would spot a cardinal in her yard during the winter season. The lush colors of red fill the cabin along with themed soft goods.

NATURE CABIN

The nature cabin was inspired by a treasured print of a farm, wagon and pine tree. The space is filled with various representations of the natural environment, along with the inspirational print.

SKI CABIN

This cabin theme was inspired by the designer’s father who was an avid skier and started his son in the sport at the age of two years old. Various skis — including a vintage set — are positioned to compliment the theme.

SKATE CABIN

The skating themed cabin was inspired by the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, where thousands come each year to enjoy skating along the Delaware River. Vintage and modern skates, along with soft goods and pops of vibrant color, make this cabin an ideal place to hang out.

SNOWMAN CABIN presented by Philadelphia Magazine

Everyone loves a snowman and this cabin features different snowman-themed props along with a snowman and snow-themed soft goods.

In addition to traditional favorites, tasty treats include Village Whiskey burgers, Chickie’s and Pete’s famous Crab Fries, fried Oreos, S’MORES, “drinking chocolate” and more! Visitors can also enjoy drinks seasonal hot chocolate, spiked apple cider, and other warmed wintery libations while enjoying the cozy confines of the newly-decorate Lodge and cabins.

“The Blue Cross RiverRink brings people together and helps create memories that last a lifetime,” said Daniel J. Hilferty, Independence Blue Cross CEO. “Independence Blue Cross is so pleased to help make this great Philadelphia tradition possible, as part of our commitment to promoting a fun and active lifestyle in the region.”

And, of course, everyone’s favorite traditions include all of the incredible and largely free events offered at Winterfest.

This year’s annual

Holiday Tree Lighting Powered by PECO

will take place on Friday, December 6th and includes 10 acts and 28 performances that include gospel choirs, Latin ensembles, dancers, synchronized skaters, and more. Returning this year as a headlining performer to sing

O Holy Night

is The Voice, Season 14’s Jackie Verna. New this year as the second headliner is America’s Got Talent semi-finalist, Christina Wells, singing

I Know Where I’ve Been.

“PECO is honored to share in the tradition of the Holiday Tree Lighting for the 4th year. For 25 years PECO has proudly supported DRWC’s events and programs, including the PECO Multicultural Series,” said PECO President and CEO Mike Innocenzo, “DRWC does an incredible job of kicking off the holiday season with a night of remarkable performances, capped off, of course, with the moment the tree lights turn on. This magical night, and lighting up the holiday season along the waterfront has become a favorite tradition of ours.”

Another favorite holiday tradition for kids of every age is

Skate with Santa

which will take place every Sunday from December 21st through 22nd.

Perhaps the brightest and most festive traditions is the one that brings everyone together to say goodbye to 2019 and welcome in an exciting New Year. The

Rivers Casino New Years Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront

will light up the evening sky with two shows at 6:00 pm and Midnight. Visitors can get the best seat in the house at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at one (or both!) of the New Year’s Eve Parties on Ice.

“Rivers Casino Philadelphia is proud to support the New Year’s Eve fireworks shows along the Delaware River waterfront,” said Emily Doñes, community relations manager of Rivers Casino Philadelphia. “This will be the 10th consecutive year the casino is hosting the city’s traditional celebration and is the perfect way to ring in 2020.”

In addition, the rink, Lodge, and cabins can be rented for holiday parties, winter get-togethers and birthday celebrations. Especially with their new designs, the warming cabins are the perfect place to hold your next gathering. Single Cabins rent for $75 per 90 minutes and fit 8-10 people, and Double Cottages rent for $125 per 90 minutes and can fit up to 18 people. Parents can also be heroes when they host the ultimate ice skating birthday bash for the youngster in their lives in the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Kid\’s Lodge. Just a few feet away for the rink, this heated space features arcade games, small rides, and classics like pinball and air hockey, and is the home the positively perfect

Portside Pizza

! Interested parties can email

riverrink@drwc.orgfor

more information.

MORE HAPPENINGS ON THE WATERFRONT

DRWC continues every year in its mission to program and develop the Central Delaware River Waterfront for all of Philadelphia and its visitors. By consistently producing innovative programming and design, the nonprofit provides new, authentically-Philadelphia traditions and public spaces that create a new era on the Waterfront.

To that end, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is thrilled to report progress and exciting new developments.

Studio Zewde

(Harlem, New York) is working on public engagement, site assessment, and design for the

Port Richmond Waterfront & Graffiti Pier

Planning Study project while

OLIN

(Philadelphia and Los Angeles, California) is tasked with the same duties for the

South Philadelphia Wetlands Park

project.

The kickoff to DRWC’s new

Waterfront Arts Program

saw the docking of a 90 foot holographic, site-specific 18th-century “ghost ship” adjacent to Race Street Pier. The three dimensional light and water installation, by Romanian-based Biangle Studio enjoyed a month-long run and saw over 40,000 visitors.

Looking ahead, DRWC has announced exciting developments for it’s most ambitious undertaking and a keystone of the organizations Master Plan, the

Park at Penn’s Landing

. This project includes the reconstruction and expansion of a new bridge over I-95 that will support a new 12-acre riverfront civic space, the extension of South Street Pedestrian Bridge, and the construction of a portion of the Delaware River Trail. Furthermore, DRWC announced a nationwide call for developers for these eleven acres of prime waterfront land.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

More information about programming, food and beverage options, and season details can be found in our press room. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest high resolution photos can be downloaded via our website (password is aidemdrwc).

BLUE CROSS RIVERRINK WINTERFEST SPONSORS

Winter Programming is made possible by Independence Blue Cross, Rivers Casino Philadelphia, Dunkin’ ,Visit Philadelphia,NBC10 and Telemundo62, Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages LLC, and Philadelphia Magazine

ABOUT INDEPENDENCE BLUE CROSS

Independence Blue Cross

is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve nearly 8 million people nationwide, including 2.5 million in the region. For 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more, visit

www.ibx.com

. Connect with us on

Facebook

and on

Twitter

. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

ABOUT DRWC

DRWC is a 501(c)(3) created in January 2009, exclusively for the benefit of the City of Philadelphia and its citizens. The fundamental purpose of DRWC is to design, develop, program and maintain public amenities such as permanent and seasonal parks, trails, and streetscape improvements to transform the waterfront into a vibrant destination for recreational, cultural, and commercial activities for the residents and visitors of Philadelphia as is consistent with the goals of the Master Plan for the Central Delaware. Daily programming throughout the entire year is changing the way Philadelphians see and converse about the waterfront, and is helping to create spaces and communities that connect residents and visitors to the waterfront.

Maryland Residents Spend the Most on Christmas

ChamberofCommerce.org

Releases 2019 Holiday Spending Report, Highlighting Spending Average Per State

November 19, 2019

–

ChamberofCommerce.org

published the 2019 Holiday Spending Report, detailing the highest- and lowest-spending states and the disparity among them. The report, via charts, graphs, and analyses, identifies the average amount each shopper spends per state, what they tend to purchase, and where the majority of the shopping takes place.

The average consumer spends $1,047 during the holidays, but data shows that

certain states spend up to twice as much

States with the Largest Holiday Budget

Maryland – $2,241

Utah – $2,195

Hawaii – $1,887

New Jersey – $1,843

Virginia – $1,596

On the other hand, the lowest-spending state, West Virginia, spends less than one-tenth of the national average.

See the 2019 Holiday Spending Report:

Which States Spend the Most During the Holidays?

Holiday shopping continues to grow and expand, year over year. Experts predict an overall increase of 4% in spending for 2019, along with a paradigm shift in the market, as online shopping will be overtaking brick-and-mortar shopping for the first time. Despite these shifts and changes, the report illustrates that there is a clear discrepancy in spending among states (and regions) in the U.S.

ChamberofCommerce.org

created the 2019 Holiday Spending Report utilizing the most recent data available from the National Retail Federation, the U.S. Census Bureau, and Deloitte consumer surveys.

# # #

About

ChamberofCommerce.org

is a website dedicated to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs start, market, finance, and grow their businesses. By creating in-depth guides, how-tos, and reviews covering relevant business products,

ChamberofCommerce.org

hopes to help readers move past the pitfalls that are often to blame for small business failure.