Marion Walicke, 96, of Pemberton

Pemberton, NJ. Formerly of Medford, NJ. On December 13, 2025. Age 96. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Anthony Walicke on September 25, 2013, and her daughter, Jan Vinicombe on January 30, 2023.

Graveside services will be celebrated on a date and time to be announced later in Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown, NJ.

Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home, Gloucester City. Ph: 856-456-1142     www.mccannhealey.com 

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Marion Walicke, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

The Rise of Social Casinos: Why Millions Are Choosing Free-to-Play Gaming in 2025

The online gaming landscape is experiencing a dramatic transformation. While traditional online casinos continue to operate, a new wave of entertainment has captured the attention of millions of American players: social casinos. These innovative platforms combine the thrill of casino-style gaming with a risk-free, entertainment-first approach that resonates with modern players seeking fun without financial stress.

Among the newest entries making waves in this space is Cashoomo casino, which has quickly established itself as one of the top-rated social casino platforms in the United States. With exceptional reviews on Trustpilot and growing praise across Reddit communities, Cashoomo represents everything players love about the new generation of social gaming.

Read more: The Rise of Social Casinos: Why Millions Are Choosing Free-to-Play Gaming in 2025

Understanding the Social Casino Revolution

Social casinos operate on a fundamentally different model than traditional gambling platforms. Instead of wagering real money, players use virtual currencies to enjoy their favorite casino games. This approach removes the financial risk while preserving the entertainment value that makes casino gaming so appealing.

The appeal is straightforward: players can experience the excitement of slots, table games, and other casino classics without worrying about losses. For many Americans, this represents the ideal balance between entertainment and responsibility.

Why Players Are Making the Switch

Several factors drive the growing preference for social casinos. First, accessibility plays a crucial role. Social casino platforms are legal and available in virtually every US state, unlike traditional online gambling which remains restricted in many jurisdictions.

Second, the entertainment-focused model attracts players who enjoy casino games but prefer not to gamble with real money. Whether due to personal preference, budget considerations, or simply wanting stress-free entertainment, these players find social casinos perfectly suited to their needs.

Third, modern social casinos offer impressive game libraries that rival their real-money counterparts. High-quality graphics, engaging gameplay mechanics, and regular content updates keep players entertained for hours.

The Community Factor

One aspect that sets social casinos apart is the emphasis on community. These platforms often incorporate social features that allow players to connect, compete, and share their experiences. Leaderboards, tournaments, and friend systems create a sense of camaraderie that pure gambling sites rarely achieve.

This community-driven approach explains why platforms with strong reputations on social media and review sites tend to thrive. Players share their positive experiences, recommend games to friends, and build communities around their favorite platforms.

Looking Ahead

The social casino industry shows no signs of slowing down. As more players discover the benefits of risk-free casino entertainment, established platforms continue to grow while new competitors enter the market. For players seeking quality entertainment without financial worry, social casinos offer an increasingly attractive option.

Whether you’re a seasoned casino enthusiast looking for a more relaxed experience or a newcomer curious about casino games, the social casino model provides an accessible, enjoyable entry point into this exciting world of entertainment.

24th Police District Christmas Express-Philadelphia

close up photo of christmas card
Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com


PHILADELPHIA
 — The Philadelphia Police Department, 24th District will host the 2025 Christmas Express on Wednesday, December 17, bringing holiday cheer to families in need across the city. Santa and Mrs. Claus will join Philadelphia police officers, members of the SWAT team, and the local fire department as they deliver gifts and spread Holiday Cheer throughout the community.

This annual tradition highlights the strong bond between first responders and the neighborhoods they serve, ensuring families experience the joy and spirit of the holiday season.

WHO: Captain Christopher Bullick, 24th Police District

        (Available for brief remarks and interviews)

WHAT:24th Police District Christmas Express

WHEN: Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: 24th Police District (Starting Location)

         3901 Whitaker Avenue
         Philadelphia, PA 19124

VISUALS:

  • Santa and Mrs. Claus with officers
  • Police vehicles and SWAT units are staging
  • Gift deliveries and family interactions
  • Holiday decorations and community moments

‘Patient and Provider Protection Act’ Clears Committee

Bill would address the rising cost of prescription drugs by establishing requirements for pharmacy benefit managers

(TRENTON) – With prescription drug prices continuing to rise, the need for stronger oversight and accountability in the pharmaceutical supply chain has never been greater. Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Roy Freiman to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) took a major step forward as Assembly bill A4953 cleared the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee.

Continue reading “‘Patient and Provider Protection Act’ Clears Committee”

Shooting Investigation

The following information is preliminary and subject to change; updates will be provided as they become available. At approximately 3:01 p.m., a shooting occurred inside the entrance of a supermarket located at 2301 Oregon Avenue in the city’s 1st District. An adult male sustained a gunshot wound to the arm and was transported by police to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he is listed in stable condition. At this time, no motive has been identified, and no arrests have been made. The investigation remains ongoing and is being handled by the Shooting Investigation Group.

The Nutcracker Returns to Bucks County After 6-Year Hiatus

Newtown, PA – The Mid Atlantic Dance Theater (MADT) is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of its beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, to the stage this December. After a six-year hiatus, this cherished production will once again enchant audiences under the co-artistic direction of Andreas Jovovich and Priscilla Garner at the Zlock Performing Arts Center at Bucks County Community College in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Performances will take place on Saturday, December 20 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and Sunday, December 21 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Continue reading “The Nutcracker Returns to Bucks County After 6-Year Hiatus”

Van Drew Responds to Governor Murphy’s Refusal to Declare Shore Emergency

Congressman Van Drew sent a follow-up letter to Governor Phil Murphy responding to recent statements from his office and again urging him to issue a state disaster declaration and declare a state of emergency for the Jersey Shore.

Continue reading “Van Drew Responds to Governor Murphy’s Refusal to Declare Shore Emergency”

Rowan’s Taz Cantey Named NJAC Defensive Player of the Week

PITMAN, NJ – Rowan’s Taz Cantey (Lindenwold, NJ/Eastern Regional)  has been named the NJAC Men’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week for the week of December 15. It marks his first NJAC weekly honor of the season.  

Cantey averaged 8.0 rebounds and 4.5 steals and 17.5 points as Rowan picked up its first two victories of the season, with a 67-56 win over Kean and a 71-70 win at William Paterson. 

Continue reading “Rowan’s Taz Cantey Named NJAC Defensive Player of the Week”

Army-Navy Game: Camaraderie, honor and service

By Henry Howard-Commander-News

American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley compared success in the military to victory on the gridiron as part of the 126th annual Army-Navy Game presented by USAA on Dec. 13 at M&T Stadium in Baltimore.

“These guys are defending their turf, trying to keep the other side from getting in the end zone,” said Wiley, an Air Force veteran. “When their service academy time is up, they’ll be officers serving this great country and they’ll be defending America’s turf. And when you think about the things that you learn through sports, you learn teamwork, discipline, leadership and grit. And all those things that not only serve you well in life, but in the military too.”

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Camden County Offering a Free Senior Snow Removal Program Elderly (65+) and Disabled

Camden County, NJ offers a free Senior Snow Removal Program for qualifying elderly (65+) and disabled residents, using Dept. of Corrections crews to clear snow from driveways/walkways after storms, but it requires residents to call after each event to request service (856-783-4808 ext. 5035); crews work during daylight (8 AM – 3 PM) and don’t supply salt. 

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