Get Involved with Camden County Toy Donations & Events

There are a ton of amazing way to get involved this holiday season and give back! Presented by the Board of Commissioners and partnering organizations, join us at Adventure Aquarium on the following dates. To learn more, Click Here.

  • Eagles’ Jordan Davis Toy Give-A-Way | Monday, December 15th @ 3 PM
  • Teddy’s Toys Event | Tuesday, December 16th @ 3 PM
  • Hassan Reddick Hosts Toy Event | Wednesday, December 17th @ 3 PM

Director Rob Reiner and Wife Found Dead

Rob and Michele Reiner; Nick Reiner.Credit : Stefanie Keenan/Getty; Adela Loconte/WireImage

Rob Reiner, 78 along with his wife, Michele Singer, 68, were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood, California home at approximately 3:30 p.m. (Pacific Time), December 14th.

Reiner’s son Nick, who has had a long battle with addiction, is being questioned by police.

Mr. Reiner began his career as an actor, notably famous for his role in the 1970’s sitcom “All In The Family.” He later went on to become a successful director and producer, with movies “When Harry Met Sally,” “Stand by Me,” and “A Few Good Men.” He was previously married to actress Penny Marshall, who passed away in 2018 due to complications with diabetes. They divorced in 1981.

Reiner married photographer Michele singer in 1989. The couple had three children together.

Camden County Roadwork Projects

(Lindenwold, NJ) – Several roadway projects will be underway across Camden County during the week of December 15 to December 19. 

“Motorists should plan ahead to take alternate routes and give themselves plenty of time to get to their destinations,” said Commissioner Al Dyer, liaison to the Department of Public Works. “Also, remember that when you’re traveling through a construction area, please slow down and stay alert for crew members and debris.”

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How to Improve Your Dog’s Focus During Training Sessions

Training a dog can be one of the most rewarding parts of pet ownership. It can help you keep your dog safe and ultimately improve your relationship with them. Of course, it tends to comes with a fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles many people face is keeping their dog focused long enough to learn a new command or routine. A distracted dog isn’t being stubborn. In most cases, they’re overwhelmed, under-stimulated, or simply unsure of what you want from them. The good news is that improving your dog’s focus is entirely possible with the right approach and a bit of patience.

Read more: How to Improve Your Dog’s Focus During Training Sessions

Take Baby Steps

When you start getting your dog trained, it’s important to understand that a dog’s ability to pay attention is something that develops over time. Dogs don’t automatically know how to tune out distractions or follow a structured session. Just like people, they need guidance, practice, and consistent support. Training is much more effective when you break it down into small, manageable steps and celebrate progress along the way, no matter how slow it may feel.

Create a Calm Space

A great first step in improving focus is creating the right environment for training. Your dog will find it much easier to concentrate if you begin in a quiet area where they feel safe and that’s free of distractions. This could be a corner of your living room, your backyard, or any space that isn’t filled with competing noises or movement. Once your dog shows they can pay attention in a calm setting, you can slowly increase the challenge by adding small distractions. This gradual approach helps your dog build confidence over time instead of feeling overwhelmed right from the start.

Aim for Short Sessions

Next, consider the length of your training sessions. Dogs tend to have short attention spans, especially puppies or high-energy breeds. Instead of long sessions that lead to frustration, aim for short, engaging bursts. Five to ten minutes at a time is plenty for most dogs. Frequent, bite-sized lessons keep training enjoyable and help your dog stay mentally fresh. Ending on a positive note, such as after a successful command, also encourages your dog to look forward to the next session.

Positive Reinforcement

Reward-based training can make a tremendous difference in focus as well. Dogs naturally repeat behaviors that lead to something good, so using treats, praise, or play as rewards helps them understand what you’re looking for. Treats they really love, like small pieces of chicken, cheese, or a favorite snack, can be especially helpful during early training or in environments with more distractions. Over time, you can gradually reduce treat frequency as your dog learns to respond consistently.

Focus Commands

Another effective technique is teaching your dog a focus commands. Some of the most common are “look,” “here,” “wait,” and “watch me.” These simple cues encourage your dog to look at you, which grounds their attention when distractions arise. Start by holding a treat near your face while saying your focus command and rewarding your dog the moment they look at you. Repeat this until they understand that heeding that word and looking at you brings good things. This foundational skill can be extremely helpful during walks, at the park, and when you’re introducing new commands.

Stimulation

Physical and mental exercise also play a huge role in improving focus. A dog with pent-up energy is much more likely to struggle during training. Regular walks, playtimes, and puzzle toys can help them burn off excess energy and stimulate their brain. When your dog’s physical and mental needs are met, they’re naturally more receptive to learning.

Effective Training for a Better Relationship With Your Dog

Above all else, be patient and consistent when you’re training your dog. Every dog learns at their own pace, and some need more repetition than others. The key is sticking to a routine, keeping sessions positive, and acknowledging improvement along the way. The more frustration you feel, the more your dog will pick up on it, which can hamper your training sessions. With practice and supportive guidance, your dog’s focus will grow, and so will your training success and your relationship with them.

 

DEAR SAINT ANTHONY, SOMETHING IS LOST AND CAN’T BE FOUND

BELIEVE IT OR NOT…

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews Editor

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (Cleary’s Notebook News)(January 10,2023)–In early January, I underwent a medical procedure at Cooper University Hospital in Camden City. I was administered sedation, and the next thing I remember, I was waking up in the recovery room. Once the sedation wore off, I was released.

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ICE Philadelphia Arrests Salvadoran Criminal Alien

WASHINGTON —ERO Philadelphia arrested Arnoldo Antonio Prieto-Lopez, a 51-year-old criminal illegal alien from El Salvador with a decades-long record, including a federal conviction for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and a 24-month prison sentence, Oct. 20. Despite previously holding lawful permanent resident status, the criminal alien is removable under federal law and a clear threat to public safety.

“This foreign-born criminal alien has repeatedly abused children, victimized communities and exploited his immigration status,” said ERO Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Michael T. Rose. “He’s convicted of child cruelty and neglect, and trafficking fentanyl. He has endangered families and exhibited a pattern of criminal conduct over decades. Our officers will not allow criminals to hide behind immigration status. We will arrest, detain and remove those who threaten public safety.”

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Virtua Health Offers Advanced Technology to Personalize

 Risk Assessment for Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus

(December 11, 2025) The holiday season is upon us, bringing much fun and festivity. However, overindulging in food and drinks can also result in flare-ups of holiday heartburn, which should NOT be ignored and can be a precursor to esophageal cancer.

Virtua Health now offers TissueCypher®, a groundbreaking test that helps predict a patient’s personal risk of developing esophageal cancer — a major advancement for those with Barrett’s esophagus (BE). Virtua is the first health system in the region to ensure that every patient with BE undergoing a routine endoscopy benefits from this precision medicine test for more accurate staging and personalized treatment plans.

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Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee Advances the “Tariff Transparency Act”

Quijano, Bagolie bill would give consumers clear insight into how tariffs contribute to rising costs at the register
(TRENTON) — Assemblywoman Annette Quijano’s legislation addressing a lack of clarity surrounding the drivers of inflation and rising consumer costs cleared the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee today. Bill A5922, also known as the Tariff Transparency Act, would require retail establishments in New Jersey to disclose the portion of a product’s final price that is attributable to tariffs and other import taxes. Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie also sponsored the bill. “As families across New Jersey struggle with skyrocketing prices on everyday goods, they deserve to know exactly why their grocery bill, clothing budget, or holiday shopping has become more expensive,” said Assemblywoman Quijano (D-Union). 

“This bill would ensure transparency and accountability, especially when the policies of the current federal administration are contributing to a cost-of-living crisis.” Under the proposed legislation, consumers would be clearly informed—at the point of sale display tag, on the online product page, on a printed receipt, or in a manner deemed appropriate by the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA)—how much of the retail price stems from tariffs imposed at the federal level. The measure also calls for retailers and wholesalers to maintain documentation supporting these calculations and subjects all establishments to periodic compliance audits by the DCA. “When decisions are made at the federal level that cause prices to increase, working families feel it first, and they deserve to understand why,” said Assemblywoman Bagolie (D-Essex, Passaic). “New Jersey residents deserve clarity at the checkout counter, especially when tariff-driven costs are being passed along to them. This bill is about transparency and accountability to consumers, neither of which should ever be seen as a burden.” The bill would include exemptions for small businesses with under $500,000 in annual revenue and for products where the tariff impact is under 2% of the retail price. Full compliance would be phased in over a year, starting with voluntary participation before becoming mandatory for larger retailers.

 

CCPO Agents Receive Liberty Mid-Atlantic HIDTA Award

Philadelphia, PA – Two agents from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office were recently honored by the Liberty Mid-Atlantic High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), announced Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay.  

On December 10, 2025, Agent Cheryl Annese and Agent Jill Foy received the Liberty Mid-Atlantic HIDTA’s Intelligence Support Award.  The award recognizes intelligence analysts who go above and beyond to assist with investigations that disrupt and dismantle drug-trafficking organizations in the region.   

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Mummers Parade Named Best Holiday Parade in America by USA Today 10Best

Philadelphia, PA – The Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia Mummers Parade has been named the Best Holiday Parade in the country in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards as it prepares to celebrate its historic 125th Anniversary on January 1, 2026. Drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators each New Year’s Day, the Mummers Parade is one of the nation’s longest-running and most unique cultural events, featuring dazzling, over-the-top performances from the Fancy, Wench, Comic, and world-renowned String Band divisions.

“Being named the best holiday parade in the nation is the perfect way to kick off a landmark year, not just for Philadelphia, but for the country,” said Jake Joyce, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. “As the Mummers ring in their 125th year, and as our city becomes the focus of the nation’s 250th anniversary, we’re incredibly proud to serve as the title sponsor of this beloved, award-winning tradition.”

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