Crossing the Delaware

This Weekend in Camden: XPN Concert

2009-07-23T12:55:00.003-04:00

When I first moved to the area one of my biggest adjustment challenges was getting used to the loss of New York TV and Radio Stations. Fortunately WXPN (88.5) allowed me to barely even notice the loss of NY radio (which by the way, 7 years later is atrociously bad). Every year, I hope to attend their XPoNential Music Festival , but it always falls on a busy weekend for me. However it always sounds like an amazing line-up and great family fun at Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront and one of these years I hope to get there. Tickets are available for this three day event..hope someone can check it out.
I do still miss being able to watch the Giants and Jets, but I think South Jersey radio is much much better then NY's ever was!

County Fairs this Summer

2009-07-02T09:46:00.004-04:00

Looking for a fun family activity for the summer? Here is a listing of the New Jersey County Fairs. These are a great way to have fun while learning more about local New Jersey agriculture and 4-H programs. Your presence shows your support for the 4-H members who showcase their year's worth of hard work at their county fair.

Activities at these fairs include games, rides, live entertainment, horse shows, car show, tractor pulls, vendors, and my favorite, Fresh New Jersey Produce.

Fireworks at the Aquarium

2009-05-29T11:00:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, June 27th, from 7-10 p.m. the Adventure Aquarium is hosting a special event, including the opportunity to watch the Philadelphia fireworks from their promenade. Advance reservations are required.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

AN EVENING OF FUN & FIREWORKS AT ADVENTURE AQUARIUM

You’ll be filled with fascination as you enjoy access to Adventure Aquarium’s exhibits during this special, after-hours event

Roll up your sleeves and prepare for a thrill, as you enter “touch” exhibits to get hand’s on with jellies, sea stars, anemones, sea cucumbers, sting rays ...even sharks

Discover underwater creatures in our 550,000-gallon Shark Realm Exhibit or our 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm exhibit

Check out the divers as they explore the depths of some of our largest underwater exhibits

Stop by our Feeding Frenzy Café to enjoy a full menu of food and beverage options

Best of all, you’ll have access to a premium view of Philadelphia’s Independence Day Fireworks from the promenade just outside Adventure Aquarium

GENERAL PUBLIC:
$22 ADULTS $16 CHILDREN (2–12)

PASSPORT HOLDERS:
$13 ADULTS $10 CHILDREN (2–12)

Water Features at Whitman Center

2009-05-28T10:57:00.002-04:00

The reflecting pool and the moat around the statuary at the Walt Whitman Center are full of water now. The moat around the fountain has a current and I foresee a few informal boat races over the summer.

Riverwalking Notes

2009-05-19T16:35:00.002-04:00

It was a beautiful day to take a walk today. There were three fisherman along the river. One said he had just missed a catfish. Among the geese by the boat docks were several fluffy goslings. One bird I did not recognize was very small, bright shiny blue back feathers and a little red around the throat. It was a little too big to be a hummingbird but too small to be anything else. Throngs of school kids flocked around the aquarium.

More Weekend Kick-Offs

2009-05-01T13:43:00.003-04:00

This weekend marks the opening of several other local area activities besides the RiverLink Ferry.

The Collingswood Farmers Marke t opens tomorrow. Get the freshest vegetables, flowers and other yummy things along with information on growing your own. More information here. There is also a town wide yard sal e in Collingswood this weekend.

The Camden Riversharks start their season tonight. Fireworks and opening day celebrations are on the schedule.

With the less than great weather this weekend, you may not be tempted to go right away...but keep these events in mind as they start this weekend and continue through the fall.

RiverLink Ferry opens this weekend.

2009-04-30T11:49:00.003-04:00

The RiverLink Ferry opens for the season this Saturday and there is a special promotion where kids 12 and younger ride for free with adult ticket purchase from noon until 6pm.

I've taken this across the river a couple of times, its a nice boat ride and a great way to spend some time on both sides of the river for the day.

Lost Dog?

2009-04-28T14:27:00.003-04:00

A number of people noticed a lost dog near campus this morning, a small terrier-looking dog, white but very dirty. Reports of the dog's behavior would indicate it is or was a pet. No reports of it this afternoon. If you happen to see it in the next few days please leave a comment or send an email.

Cool Breeze by the River

2009-04-28T14:25:00.003-04:00

Some buildings on campus don't have air conditioning but there is a very cool breeze down by the river. The pepper steak and rice at the Crossroads Cafe would have been worth the trip by itself but having a walk with relief from the heat made it even better.

Professional Bull Riding- This Weekend

2009-04-23T09:14:00.006-04:00

Looking for something interesting to do this weekend? Hop on the Riverlin e and check out the Professional Bull Riders, coming to the Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton. Tickets are still available and at good prices (as low as $15.00). I've been to PBR events and they are family friendly and truly entertaining. Maybe you've caught some bull riding on TV, but it is one of those events that needs to be seen live!!

Garden State Grapevine

2009-04-22T13:42:00.000-04:00

The Philadelphia Inquirer has a news blog devoted to New Jersey politics and government.

Check out the Garden State Grapevine, http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/nj_politics/

Flyers Day at the Aquarium

2009-04-20T15:39:00.002-04:00

The Adventure Aquarium is a special event tomorrow:

In preparation for their 2009 NHL Playoff match-up against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the one and only PHILADELPHIA FLYERS will host a Pep Rally at Adventure Aquarium on the Camden, NJ Waterfront on Tuesday, April 21, 2009.

From 9:30 am until 5:00 pm on April 21, any guest who presents at Adventure Aquarium's ticketing window wearing Flyers apparel will automatically receive $2 OFF the price of admission.

Come on out and meet Flyers' alum Bob Kelly, the team's ambassador of hockey who helped guide the Flyers to two consecutive Stanley Cup championships. The rally will also feature fun inflatable interactive Flyers games, the Flyers Delta Dental Ice Girls and Fan Patrol, photo ops in front of an impressive 20-foot inflatable Flyers jersey, and Flyers give-aways and prizes.

And don't forget to stop by our Penguin Island Exhibit, you'll see there is NO DOUBT that these penguins are Flyers' Fans!

So come on out to Adventure Aquarium this Tuesday to show your support for the one and only Philadelphia Flyers...and don't forget your Flyers gear for $2 OFF the price of admission!

Armitage Lilacs

2009-04-20T15:38:00.001-04:00

On Friday the lilacs (?) by the side entrance of Armitage Hall on campus were not only beautiful to look at but smelled wonderful. I hope they survive the rain today.

Restaurant Review: Five Guys

2009-04-14T16:21:00.003-04:00

Five Guys Burger and Fries has opened a store in Audubon. The street address is 130 Black Horse Pike but the store from doesn't face the street. If you turn in at Audubon Crossing (or Commons?), it is in that group of stores.

It is a large space, room for plenty of tables; they may just have opened and perhaps not all the decor is in yet.

The food is good. The menu lists the standard burgers, hot dog, drilled cheese, friends, and drinks. One note -- the little hamburger or little cheeseburger and fries will satisfy most appetites. Only those with a heartier hunger would need the regular burger.

A little hamburger, fries, and a drink is a little over $7.00. Go with a friend, split the fries, and spend around $7.00.

There are also boxes of peanuts by the door that you can take, shell, and eat. Those with allergies should take note of this.

It's about a ten minute drive from campus, twenty if you miss the turn, and take a scenic tour of the Walt Whitman Bridge.

Crossroads Cafe

2009-04-13T14:02:00.000-04:00

A week or so ago a friend and I walked down to the Crossroads Cafe for lunch; it is across the street from the Camden Children's Garden. It is a friendly place and you can count on a smile from the staff. Every day there are lunch specials, most very reasonably priced. You can chose from soups, salads, something hot off the grill, a freshly made sandwich or a slice of pizza.

April Flowers

2009-04-09T15:00:00.000-04:00

The campus is looking very springy these days. The grounds crew has been busy planting flowers, hyacinths, pansies, tulips, daffodils, and others. Walk through and take a look and a sniff.

Button's Birthday Bash

2009-04-08T14:13:00.003-04:00

Yes, it's that time again. Button the Hippo is turning 12 (next up: the teen years!!!). Here's some info from the Adventure Aquarium:

From April 4 through April 19, we're transforming Adventure Aquarium into party central...HIPPO PARTY CENTRAL, that is! We're pulling out all the stops for Button's 12th birthday to throw one HIPPO-sized birthday party, and we cordially invite YOU to attend!

Here's a preview of what's offered during Button's BIGGER Birthday Bash:

Meet characters from Nickelodeon's The Backyardigans™
Enjoy LIVE kids musical performances by father/daughter duo Secret Agent 23 Skidoo on April 4th & 5th
Boogie down to the fun-loving family music of Ernie & Neal on April 18th and 19th
Get crafty with the Party Maniacs on April 11th & 12th and April 18th &19th
Watch Button devour gourmet hippo treats on weekends!
Doodle on The Crayola Factory's giant birthday wall
Boogie down at Button's dance party
Help Sing "Happy Birthday" to Button and pose with her larger-than-life birthday cake!
Kids get their very own hippo party hat (while supplies last)!

Camden has the only aquarium in the U.S. where you can see Hippos in a land and water setting.

Friends Cafe

2009-04-08T13:55:00.002-04:00

The Friends Cafe at 319 Friends St, right behind the parking lot by the business and science building, has a full menu. You can eat in or take out. The dining area has a big screen tv if you want to catch the news or your favorite tv show while you eat.

There are breakfast items for the morning crowd, all under $5.00 For the noon and evening meals there are a variety of options, cheese fries, chicken fingers, buffalo wings, salads, hoagies and sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and Asian noodles. Hours are Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. They will deliver, but only for lunch.

Is Your Idea MMM Good?

2009-04-03T15:31:00.003-04:00

Campbell Soup has set up a new website to let people who don't work for Campbell submit ideas. The introduction on http://www.campbellsoupcompany.com/ideas/ states:

Dear Friend of Campbell,

Campbell Soup Company has a passion for innovation. We continually seek to improve the quality, convenience, and value of our products. We are always interested in ideas for new products, packaging, marketing, and production technologies that will help us meet the needs of our consumers and customers better, faster and more completely.

At Campbell, we recognize that valuable ideas for innovation may come to us from many sources, both inside and outside the Company. Consumers, customers, suppliers, contractors, inventors and friends often have suggestions that they would like to share with us, and we welcome their interest in doing so.

We have created this Web site to provide a convenient method for people who are not employed by Campbell to submit ideas for innovation to us. If you have an idea that you think may interest us, we hope you will submit it for our consideration.

Thank you for your interest – we look forward to hearing from you!

Douglas R. Conant
President and CEO

So if you've always thought the company should create a "cream of shrimp" soup or have any other productive ideas for Campbell, check out the site for guidelines, terms, and how to send in your thoughts. Keep it clean, keep it positive.

Camden Historian Researches Baby Books

2009-04-02T13:51:00.000-04:00

As you always suspected, first children have completed baby books, subsequent children tend to have their milestones scribbled in the margins.

This was one of many conclusions historian Janet Golden came to when studying collections of baby books dating back to the early 1900's; this was part of a larger study on babies in American history. She also studied the use of babies in advertisements. For more information see "Camden historian researches babies across the decades," by Coleen Dee Berry in the 3/25 Rutgers Focus.

One of Golden's other finds:

“I was surprised to see how, throughout the 20th century, parents have been extremely focused on the costs of childrearing and on saving for education,” Golden said. “I always cringe when I read baby books from the 1920s and see that parents have opened bank accounts for their babies, because I know they'll be wiped out in the Great Depression.”

Matthew Henson Statue at Maritime Museum

2009-04-01T15:33:00.002-04:00

Yesterday Michael Lang, John Giannotti, both emeritus professors at Rutgers Camden, and Father Doyle of Sacred Heart, gave a presentation on the Camden Shipyard & Maritime Museum. On April 6th, the 100th anniversary of Peary and Henson reaching the North Pole, Giannotti's statue of Matthew Henson is slated to be unveiled. To honor the contribution of the expedition's canine contingent a husky has been added to the statue; it is not in the sketch on the museum's website.

The museum is housed in the former Church of Our Savior. The parrish house was build from stones brought back from North Pole expeditions sponsored by Philadelphia area institutions. There were ballast stones from ships used on the expeditions. The parrish house was built in 1891. Matthew Henson and Robert Peary also worked in Philadelphia for awhile. Several of the stained glass windows in the church have nautical themes.

Giannotti, who created the wonderful statue of Walt Whitman which stands in front of the Campus Center, has made an impressive 8' tall statue of Henson. It is the first life-sized statue of this explorer. NJN's show "State of the Arts" will be film the statue's unveiling as part of an episode on Gianotti.

Riverwalking Notes

2009-03-24T15:53:00.001-04:00

The Adventure Aquarium is landscaping the area along the river. Hopefully the plants will survive this week's colder weather. The greenery will really perk up the view.

Riverwalking Notes

2009-03-18T15:53:00.001-04:00

It is still a little chilly along the river but the fisherman are out, school groups are taking field trips to the Aquarium, and the Battleship is open for business again. Spring has arrived.

Brian Dennehy in Camden

2009-03-12T14:26:00.000-04:00

Actor Brian Dennehy will be in town to do a benefit performance for the Camden Creative Arts High School. Friday, March 20th, 7:30 (another report said 7:00) at the Haddonfield Memorial High School.

Trivia: Dennehy was in Camden around this time last year also.

New Eagle is Camden Native

2009-03-11T21:10:00.001-04:00

According to Fox News, Rashad Baker, newly signed to the Eagles, is a Camden native.

Roller Girls Redux

2009-03-11T14:59:00.000-04:00

The 2009 Roller Derby season is underway. On March 14th hometown team, the Murder Beach Militia battles it out with the Right Coast Rollers at the Convention Hall is Asbury Park.

For more information see the Jersey Shore Roller Girls site (http://www.jerseyshorerollergirls.net/)

March on the Battleship

2009-03-10T12:37:00.002-04:00

The Battleship New Jersey sent around a list of upcoming events (info theirs, headings mine). For your perusal:

Tours
Battleship Open for Guided and Self-Guided Tours on Weekends;
Opens Daily on March 13th!

Spring is in the air! As we enter March, the Battleship is preparing herself to open everyday from 9:30 am to 3 pm, which begins Friday, March 13th. Our volunteers and staff have had a busy winter painting, maintaining and upgrading the tours throughout the Big J!

The Battleship is currently open for tours on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 10 am to 3 pm.

Come on aboard and relive history this March on our nation's largest and most decorated battleship.

Live Irish Music
Guests touring the Battleship on Sunday, March 15th can enjoy live Irish music on the Fantail , presented by AmeriHealth. The Hamilton Celtic Pipes and Drums Band will perform during the afternoon at 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm. Irish beer and refreshments will be available for purchase. These performances are free with any tour, or for a $10 donation that allows fantail access only.

Tickets can be purchased at the Battleship Ticket Office or online at www.battleshipnewjersey.org.

Driver's Ed on the Big J
The Battleship will host a special driving behavior modification course on Sunday, Mar. 15th from 9:30 am through 3:30 pm. New Jersey drivers who participate in the course can get 5% off insurance rates and a reduction of
2 points off their driving record.

Further, there has been a marked decrease in violations after the course is taken. Learn how to handle road rage, new challenges from weather conditions, the seriousness of Blood Alcohol ratios, fatigue issues, the physics of stopping a
vehicle, the margin of safety, and perhaps most importantly the need to minimize distractions of all kinds such as cell phones and even cell phone discussions.

For more information or to register, visit www.VoiceBehindTheCurtain.com.

Travel Expo '09
Visit with many popular travel professionals and plan your dream vacation while on the Battleship! The 2009 South Jersey Travel Expo will take place on the Fantail, presented by AmeriHealth, on Sunday, March 29th from 10 am to 5 pm.

Representatives from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Grand Canyon Railway, Star Clippers, Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, the Philadelphia Zoo and more will be on hand to answer questions about their venues. 92.5 WXTU will also be distributing tickets to their upcoming anniversary show and playing music.

Admission to the expo is free. And guests can get a special $8 ticket to take a self-guided tour of the Battleship that day.

Battleship New Jersey Institute
Attention Teachers and the General Public! Come and earn professional credits while exploring parts of the ship not yet open to the general public.

DATE: March 20 OR 21, 2009, 9:30AM to 3:30PM

COST: $45 per person (Lunch Included)

PLACE: Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
Camden Waterfront, NJ

DETAILS: The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial is hosting Battleship Institute 2009 on The Big J! Experience demonstrations in the machine shop and the radio room. Guests will also visit the Engine Room, an area not yet open to the general public. The focus of the seminar will be MATH and SCIENCE and will contain two lessons that Teacher’s could use in their classrooms! New Jersey Teachers can earn five professional development credits.

Odyssey Experience
The Battleship will host the McCarter Theatre's Odyssey Experience on Saturday, April 4th. This interactive show, based on the literature epic of the Odysseus voyage, will take place ont he Battleship's Fantail at 11 am. Prior to the show, guests can experience a self-guided tour of the ship and then some activities and games on the fantail.

Tickets are $20 per person and includes the self-guided tour, or $10 per person to see and participate in the show only. Tickets can be purchased at the Battleship Ticket Office or online at www.battleshipnewjersey.org.

Children and War Conference

2009-03-06T13:43:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendars:

The Department of Childhood Studies at Rutgers University–Camden is sponsoring an international conference on the topic of “Children and War” to be held April 3-5, 2009. Rutgers–Camden is a leader in the national and international discourse on the state of children and childhood both at home and internationally.

The impact of war and armed conflict on children, and the various roles they play during wartime, is a timely subject of keen interest that cries out for historicizing and in-depth investigation. Scholars from around the world in fields such as sociology, anthropology, psychology, history and religion have accepted invitations to speak at the conference. They will be joined by human rights lawyers and NGO officials.

The “Children and War” conference will be held in Philadelphia and on the Rutgers–Camden campus. The conference is free and open to the public.

For conference registration and schedule, please visit http://childhood.camden.rutgers.edu

Miscellaneous Restaurant Notes

2009-03-05T13:45:00.000-05:00

A few notes on lunch over the past few weeks:

The soup at the Victor Pub is good.

Deep dish pizza and turkey wraps at the Market Street Pizzeria are also worth a trip out in cold weather.

Tax Assistance

2009-03-04T13:32:00.005-05:00

Students at the Rutgers Law School in Camden are part of the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. Those needing help filling out tax forms can take advantage of this program:

The Rutgers–Camden law school VITA program is offered on the Rutgers–Camden Campus on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 7 p.m. through April 8, and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon on Feb. 21, Feb. 28, March 7, March 21, and March 28. Each session will be held in West Conference Room A on the lower level of the Campus Center, located on Third Street, between Cooper Street and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge on the Rutgers–Camden Campus.

This for federal and New Jersey state forms. In 2008 students help over 400 people with their tax forms which led to a total of over $400,000 in returns. More information available here.

Rutgers Camden Closed Tomorrow

2009-03-01T19:55:00.002-05:00

The Camden campus of Rutgers will be closed tomorrow (Monday, March 2nd) due to an expected snow storm.

PATCO History

2009-02-27T11:27:00.002-05:00

PATCO is celebrating it's 40th anniversary this year. There is a slide show on www.ridepatco.org if you would like to see how some of the stations and railways looked in earlier years. On the same website you can register to win ten free trips on PATCO. No word on whether or not there will be cake.

Pinelands Birding and Wildlife Trails

2009-02-26T11:52:00.003-05:00

In the Delaware Valley, we are lucky to be located close to the unique Pine Barrens of South Jersey. A place where one can find birds, reptiles and plants that do not exist anywhere else in the state and in very few places in the country lies just a short drive from the area. If you have already explored some of these places, or are even just interested in taking part in the creation of mapping and sharing information about these places, then keep Tuesday, March 3rd free.

The New Jersey Birding and Wildlife Trails (sponsored by NJ Audubon Society) program has extensive information on wildlife trails throughout the state and now they are working on the Pinelands Region...and they want your input.

Please join the Clementon Environmental Comission for an informative and entertaining presentation on the Pinelands Region. Representatives are asking people from the county to share their wisdom of the best places to view wildlife.

The meeting is Tuesday, March 3rd, 7:30 pm at the Clementon Community Center, 195 Gibbsboro Rd, Clementon NJ 08021

Gas Leak Near Patco Station

2009-02-25T17:58:00.001-05:00

PATCO is/was running shuttle buses between Broadway and Ferry Ave. because of a gas leak (you don't want a spark anywhere near one of those). Hopefully all will be well soon, if it isn't already.

Day Notes

2009-02-25T16:05:00.001-05:00

It was a little warmer today, which may have accounted for the longer than usual line at Jordan's hot dog cart around 11:30.

Rowan Univ. Expanding Its Camden Presence

2009-02-19T15:32:00.003-05:00

According to a new article on Philly.com (the Inquirer's website), Rowan University plans to expand it's campus in Camden. The university wants to triple the size of its enrollment in Camden and increase classroom space:

The college wants to purchase the First Camden National Bank & Trust building, at Cooper Street and Broadway, catty-corner to its current building — which it co-owns with Camden County College.

For more details see "Rowan U to expand in Camden," by Susan Snyder

WCCR Rutgers Radio

2009-02-17T10:28:00.002-05:00

Who knew? Rutgers Camden has a radio station, WCCR. No further information available but you can follow them on twitter

www.twitter.com/WCCRcamden

Other RU-C twitter addresses, although not actively tweeting at the moment:

www.twitter.com/rutgerscamden
www.twitter.com/RCCA (Rutgers Camden Arts)
http://twitter.com/CamdenIDT

Other Camden twitters:

http://twitter.com/hopeworkscamden

Victor Building Business Updates

2009-02-11T12:49:00.004-05:00

A few updates on the businesses at or coming soon to the Victor Building.

The Susquehanna Bank branch is open.

Rita's Water Ice will open this summer in a spot next to the Victor Pub.

The Market Street Pizzeria was doing good business at the lunch hour.

Miss G's is expanding their offerings. In the next few days they will open a deli counter with Boar's Head meats and Del Buono's Italian Bakery breads. Soup, salad, and wraps will follow. They will also be offering breakfast wraps and breakfast sandwiches. There will be some space set aside for seating also. The store is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Riverwalking Notes

2009-02-11T12:46:00.003-05:00

It was such a beautiful day today that I went out for a walk. Seems a lot of other people had the same idea. The Cooper Grant Commons townhouses look really nice, with appropriate but varied colors of paint on the trim. The metal fence around the statuary in front of the Walt Whitman Center is amazing, with carved alligators, herons and other water birds on it. Along the river I saw three joggers and one walker. Back at the campus, a class was meeting on the grass by a tree in front of the library and in the green space between the library and the admissions building a group of students were playing a game of scrimmage. A nice breath of spring before another snow.

Women's History Month

2009-02-06T14:14:00.002-05:00

Here is a list of events scheduled for Women's History Month (March) on the Rutgers Camden campus; the public is welcome to attend:

Tuesday, March 3 at 12:20 pm in Armitage Faculty Lounge, Dr. Antoinette Pole, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and Law, Montclair State University: "Women: Blogging the Political"

Thursday, March 5 at 1:30 pm in FA110 -- Dr. Jennifer Fisher, Associate Professor, Department of Public Health, Temple University: "How Much Is Enough? Portion Size and Satiation in Young Children"

Tuesday, March 10 at 4:30 pm in Penn 401 -- Dr. Lorrin Reed Thomas, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Rutgers: "What Happened to History in the Seventies? Beyond 'The Personal is Political'"

Monday, March 23 at 12:10 pm in Armitage Faculty Lounge, Dr. Margaret Marsh, Interim Chancellor and Professor II, Department of History, Rutgers: "The 'Mothers' of the Pill: Margaret Sanger, Katharine McCormick, and Oral Contraception"

Thursday, March 26 at 12:20 pm in Armitage Faculty Lounge, Dr. Martin Rosenberg, Professor, Department of Fine Arts, Rutgers: "A Complex Weave: Women and Identity in Contemporary Art"

Noon Concerts

2009-02-05T11:43:00.001-05:00

The schedule for this year's noon concerts, sponsored by the Rutgers Camden School of Fine Arts Music Program has been released:

Feb 11 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Mallery Room
Milo Morris, Bass-Baritone, will perform Spirituals in celebration of Black History Month, with Mathew Wright (CCAS ’07), piano accompanist

Feb 18 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Mallery Room
2 clarinet & bassoon
Yao Guang Zhai, clarinet
William Amsel, clarinet
William Short, bassoon
Mostly Mozart: Divertimenti

Feb 25 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Mallery Room
Heidi Jacob, cello – performing works with Haverford College students Simon Linn-Gerstein, cello, and Michal Schmidt, piano, cello

Mar 25 – 12:00 pm – 1:00 | Mallery Room
Youngjoo An, soprano - Heroines of Puccini and Mozart Operas

Apr 8 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Mallery Room
Charlie Abramovic, piano

Apr 22 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Mallery Room
Asst. Professor of Electroacoustic Composition Mark Zaki

Apr 29 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Mallery Room
Distinguished Professor Julianne Baird – Madrigal Ensemble

All concerts are held in the Mallery Room (unless otherwise indicated), which is located on the second floor of the Fine Arts Building. Admission is free. The concerts are under the direction of Prof. Emeritus W. Davis Jerome.

The public is welcome to attend.

PATCO Food Drive

2009-02-04T15:24:00.002-05:00

Feb. 9-13 marks PATCO's 18th annual Valentine Food Drive.

On those days bring any non-perishable food item (no glass bottles or soda cans please) to any of PATCO's nine New Jersey stations. Look for large red barrels inside the fare gates. The food will reach those in need through the Food Bank of South Jersey, a United Way agency.

Among the most needed items:

canned meats, beans, fruits, and vegetables
peanut butter
100% fruit and vegetable juices
dried fruit
soups / stews
sauces
condiments
evaporated and powdered milk
non-refrigerable puddings and custards
plastic containers of infant formula
rice and pasta
breakfast cereals
muffin and bread mixes

If you live or work near a station, maybe you would offer to be a point person in your office or neighborhood to collect items from those who don't take the train?

Camden Student Activism, 1960-1985

2009-02-03T16:06:00.002-05:00

The Paul Robeson Library is hosting an exhibit in the library lobby on Rutgers Camden Student Activism, 1960-1985. Those who were in Camden during those years may want to take a stroll down memory lane. Those who were not might want to come just to look at the fringe vests and bell bottoms in the pictures.

PATCO Turns 40

2009-01-30T13:48:00.001-05:00

While riding home yesterday, I found a flier on the seat announcing that PATCO turns 40 this year. There are going to upcoming events to mark the years of service and they would like to hear from people about their thoughts and experiences riding PATCO. They are looking for vintage photos and are particularly interested in stories from people who were among the first to use the service.

If you have some stories or photos or know someone who would like to share their stories and photos, PATCO would like to hear from you by Feb 6th.

Email them at info@lists.drpa.org.

Camden in Winter 2009 Rutgers Magazine

2009-01-29T15:32:00.003-05:00

Camden has several points of pride in the latest issue of Rutgers Magazine:

"The Shipping News," (p. 17) on Newark alumnae Beverly Grissom, who is a co-founder of the Camden Shipping Corporation.

"The Sister Act," (p. 31-32) on interim chancellor Margaret Marsh and her sister Dr. Wanda Ronner, who co-authored a book on fertility expert John Rock.

"And Justice for All (p. 38-43) on law school professors who work at the Urban Law Clinic and the Children's Justice Clinic. Profs Laura A. Cohen and Sandra Simkins are profiled.

Mark Your Calendar: Aquarium Events for 2009

2009-01-28T15:47:00.003-05:00

For those who like to plan ahead, here is a list of Adventure Aquarium events for the year:

BRIDAL EVENT
February 25, 2009, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
All brides-to-be (and one additional guest) are invited to attend this one-day event FREE OF CHARGE! Want to bring the entire bridal party? Not a problem...additional guests are invited to attend for just $10 each. Even event parking is free!
Guests of the Bridal Open House in CURRENTS will be invited to sample signature hors d'oeuvres and cocktails and will be introduced to Adventure Aquarium's preferred partners offering services for everything from entertainment, floral and stationary to photography/videography, fashion, transportation and more. CURRENTS Event Specialists will also be available throughout the evening to answer questions and discuss the details of your very special day. Special pricing incentives will be offered to those who book that evening!

BUTTON'S BIRTHDAY BASH
April 4 - April 19
Celebrate Button the hippo's 12th birthday with live music, games, hippo birthday cake, and more!

A SPECIAL "MOTHER'S DAY" NBC 10 DAY!
May 10
Guests pay only $10 admission, compliments of NBC 10! Members of the NBC 10 team will greet guests and sign autographs.

DISCOVERY CHANNEL'S SHARK WEEK
July 25 - August 2
Celebrity shark experts, shark shows, giveaways and more! Come with a shark fin on your head (creativity encouraged!) and get $2 off admission.

NBC 10 DAY!
October 10
Guests pay only $10 admission on NBC 10 Day, compliments of NBC 10! Members of the NBC 10 team will greet guests and sign autographs.

CREEP IN THE DEEP
October 24th - 25th
Creepy fun for the whole family!
*Special hours offered for Passport holders.

COAT DRIVE
November 1 - November 31
Bring a new coat with the tags still attached and receive $2 off your ticket purchase!

FISHMAS WITH RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER
November 26 - January 3
Meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and watch as Scuba Santa dives into our 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm exhibit!

DEEP SEA SPLASH NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
December 31
Welcome the New Year at Adventure Aquarium! Enjoy dinner, drinks, dancing, and a flawless view of the fireworks celebration at midnight!

Breakfast and a Smile

2009-01-26T15:24:00.000-05:00

One morning last week was one of those mornings when things do not go well. A casualty of this was breakfast. A quick stop at Jordan's Hot Dog Cart, which is set up between the Business & Science Building and the Student Center, put things to right. Jordan offered up a bacon & egg sandwich and a bottle of orange juice, at a reasonable price, and a big smile, which was free.

Stormin' Norman: Jersey Boy

2009-01-24T15:04:00.002-05:00

Gen. Norman Schwartzkopf, commander of the Coalition Forces in the 1991 Gulf War, was born in Trenton and lived for part of his childhood in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. (See his autobiography for details.)

Vergilio Ceremony Sunday

2009-01-22T22:27:00.003-05:00

A ceremony in honor of Camden haiku poet Nick Vergilio will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Rutgers University Campus Center, 326 Penn St., Camden, $10. The event is a fundraiser.

Vergilio, a Camden resident, who died in 1988, is considered a haiku master.

For more information see "A salute to Camden's haiku master," by Chuck Darrow, in today's Philadelphia Daily News.

Special Price on Aquarium Passports

2009-01-22T12:04:00.002-05:00

A note from our friends at the Adventure Aquarium:

For a limited time only...when you buy an Adventure Aquarium Annual Passport, you'll receive $10 off the Family Explorer package (2 adults & 4 children) and $15 off a Family Explorer Plus package (2 adults, 4 children and 2 guests)! Annual Passports offer year-round access to thrilling exhibits, creative events and special programming through exploration of the world above and below the ocean's surface!

Enjoy Exclusive Passport Benefits:
FREE Admission to Adventure Aquarium for One Year!
Fast Track Entry - Skip the ticketing lines and scan your membership card at our entrance to begin your adventure!
Special Passport Holder-Only Events - Participate in signature events like our Passport Holder-only Creep in the Deep Trick-or-Treat Celebration!
Exclusive Discounts - Receive discounts on birthday party packages, Aquarium Adventures and purchases in our café and gift shop!
Insider Information - Be the first to learn about new exhibits and exclusive events and receive regular updates on animal arrivals, births and more!
Special Benefits - Receive FREE 4D Theater tickets and more!

Rutgers Assistant Dean Wins Drinan Award

2009-01-20T22:32:00.002-05:00

Eve Biskind Klothen, assistant dean of the Rutgers-Camden Law School, has been recognized by the Association of American Law Schools with 2009 Father Robert Drinan Award for outstanding contributions to pro bono and public service. "Priceless work marks Rutgers Law," by Cynthia Henry in the Jan. 19th Philadelphia Inquirer notes:

Though Rutgers-Camden doesn't require pro bono work, as law schools such as the University of Pennsylvania do, more than two-thirds of its 750 students participate. It's a credit to the program, pro bono coordinator Pamela Mertsock-Wolfe said.

Volunteers are involved in death-penalty appeals, bankruptcy, immigration, domestic violence, financial literacy, disability benefits, mediation, legal research and voters' rights.

Klothen took over the pro bono program in 2002.

New Jersey Public Libraries at Risk?

2009-01-16T11:44:00.003-05:00

This is circulating around some email lists. Those who value public libraries may wish to check on the situation in their own area:

On January 8, 2009 the League of Municipalities distributed a draft resolution to its members requesting that local municipalities support the League's efforts to slash public library funding by 50%. The resolution is available online at:

http://www.njslom.org/ml010809-library.html

Some municipalities are acting very quickly on this resolution -- allowing little time for debate or discussion. What can you do? Call your mayor or council people and let them know you strongly oppose this attempt to cut minimum funding for public libraries. Make sure library supporters know about any attempts in your community to support this draconian measure proposed by the League. Review all agendas prepared by the municipality. Some municipalities are trying to act on this resolution quickly, even this week. Don't let this happen. Speak out against this resolution.

It is now more important than ever that NJLA members reach out to local library boards and municipalities requesting that they reject this attempt to devastate public library funding in the state. NJLA has prepared a draft resolution that library boards and municipalities can use to show their support for the existing minimum funding level for public libraries. This resolution is available at:

http://njla.pbwiki.com/Public+Policy

Central and South Jersey Sports Blog

2009-01-15T16:11:00.002-05:00

Those who enjoy Central and South Jersey sports might enjoy reading New Jerzey Sports (http://www.newjerzeysports.blogspot.com/). It covers college and pro teams and has some feature articles on selected athletes.

A View from the Bridge

2009-01-13T18:29:00.002-05:00

Tonight on the way home, as the train was heading up towards the bridge, a large flock of birds swooped in and out of sight, circling the city. Their black silhouettes against a sky just starting to darken but still blue was beautiful.

Brass Rail Now Taking RU Express Cards

2009-01-12T15:04:00.002-05:00

The Brass Rail Restaurant (425 Market St) in Camden is now accepting RU Express cards.

Their breakfast menu features, omlettes and eggs, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches and other items. The lunch menu includes wraps, soup, salads, hot and cold sandwiches and assorted other items. I am a big fan of the egg salad sandwich on whole wheat toast.

A Few Other Victor Building Updates

2009-01-08T15:30:00.003-05:00

While out walking yesterday and testing out the new pizzeria I noticed a few other things that have changed recently in the Victor Building. The Susquehanna Bank branch is open. Also, the Victor has a children's menu now. No details on either at present.

Market Street Pizzeria Open

2009-01-07T13:17:00.004-05:00

Great news!! The Market Street Pizzeria is now open, in the Victor Building, where La Riviera used to be. The menu is similar. I had a large slice of pepperoni and sausage on thin crust, and a bottle of soda (the soda fountain isn't up yet but will be soon) for $5.08. It was good. The preliminary menu has pizza, stromboli, appetizers (the garlic knots looked delicious through the window), chicken, a variety of salads, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, and assorted other items. There is also a soup of the day, with bread. Hours are Monday through Friday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturdays noon to 6. I'm not sure they are open all hours yet so you might want to give them a week or so before going for dinner, but those working late at L3 or students heading for the riverside parking lot will surely enjoy the opportunity to get something to eat before heading home, not to mention the residents of the Victor who might appreciate having a pizzeria so close to home again.

A New Year

2009-01-05T08:59:00.002-05:00

Apologies for the lack of posts for the past few months. I was away. Now it's a new year and a new start. I look forward to seeing what has changed while I was gone and what new and exciting things are happening in the city. It is nice to be back.

Roller Derby News

2008-11-13T09:11:00.001-05:00

Found in Facebook:

ROLLER DERBY LEAGUE TO HOST SEASON-ENDING BOUT AND FOOD DRIVE IN ASBURY PARK SATURDAY, NOV. 29
Local women to offer up exciting skating battle; event is also a food drive and a ‘thank you’ to armed forces

The exciting world of roller derby will descend upon the Jersey Shore as two local teams from the Jersey Shore Roller Girls league battle it out Saturday, Nov. 29 in Asbury Park Convention Hall. The bout is also a collection point for a food drive to benefit the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

The female athletes of the Anchor Assassins and the Murder Beach Militia teams will serve up the fierce blocks and jams that roller derby is known for, as Asbury Park’s Convention Hall is transformed into a roller derby rink.

The event marks the final intra-league match-up for the Jersey Shore Roller Girls 2008 season. The teams have prepared a night of derby mayhem in a full-length bout where the women don their derby personas and showcase their skills as skaters hit, dodge and block to get through the pack and score.

With teams named Anchor Assassins and Murder Beach Militia, the league took note its bout was military-themed and decided to honor veterans and current members of the armed forces with a military discount to the event. Patrons who show a military ID will receive $5 off the $20 ticket price the day of the show.

The Saturday event doubles as a collection point for local food bank, The Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The public is invited to drop off non-perishable food items to Convention Hall anytime after 3 p.m. until the final whistle blows. Donors will be entered into a drawing for a 2009 season pass for all Jersey Shore Roller Girls home games.

A Horse in Camden?

2008-10-15T10:33:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I was enjoying the weather and taking a walk. As I passed the Federal Court House, I had to do a double take as there was a mounted policeman. I was surprised to see one as I know many of the mounted patrols in the area have been dismantled. It appears that the Camden Police Department Mounted Patrol is still active, though I could not find much information about it. They may have been part of the Camden County mounted unit as well, though once again I can only find brief mentions of these and no solid information.

Fall Weekend Fun

2008-10-03T21:49:00.002-04:00

It's Fall, my favorite time of the year. If you are looking for some ways to celebrate the season here are a few, including a Pumpkin Festival, Art and Music Festival, Kroc Fest, Poetry and Kite Flying.

Enjoy the weekend!

Jane Cleland at Camden County Library

2008-10-01T21:58:00.002-04:00

Mystery lovers take note! Thursday, Oct 2nd at the Camden County Library Book Discussion at the Bellmawr Branch in Bellmawr, NJ., 6 p.m., Jane K. Cleland will lead a book discussion of her new mystery ANTIQUES TO DIE FOR.

From her website:

Jane K. Cleland is the author of the Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries, which have been referred to as an Antiques Roadshow for mystery fans. Her first novel, Consigned to Death, was a finalist for the Agatha, David, and Macavity Awards for Best First Novel. The second in the series, Deadly Appraisal, was published in April 2007 and the third, Antiques to Die For, in April 2008 [all by St. Martin's Minotaur]. Killer Keepsakes will be published in April 2009.

Address:
Camden County Library System
Bellmawr Branch
35 East Browning Rd.
Bellmawr, NJ 08031
www.camden.lib.nj.us

Camden Doctor Leading Campaign Against Sepsis

2008-09-30T13:14:00.001-04:00

Dr. R. Phillip Dellinger, a critical care doctor at Cooper Hospital in Camden is the guideline writing chairman of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign.

Rutgers Camden Enrollment Up

2008-09-29T14:07:00.001-04:00

The Camden campus of Rutgers University has a notable increase in enrollment, up nearly 15% for both undergraduate and graduate students. Welcome to all the new arrivals!

Riverwalking Notes

2008-09-26T15:05:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week I got a glimpse of that beautiful brick building at 3rd & Market. Work on it is progressing nicely.

Arts Forum

2008-09-25T12:08:00.002-04:00

Here's an interesting way to pass tomorrow afternoon:

STRENGTHENING DIVERSE COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE ARTS

*

** FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2008
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (reception follows)
WALTER K. GORDON THEATER
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Campus at Camden

A symposium on the topic of why and how the arts can provide a path to stable, inclusive & prosperous communities. Integrating the arts in community and economic revitalization to celebrate diversity is a strategy that is transforming New Jersey's cities, towns and neighborhoods.

Keynote: Anna Aschkenes, Director, Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission and Councilperson, New Jersey State Council on the Arts

Two panels will provide research data, strategies, best practices, and resources as well as New Jersey success stories.

REGISTRATION IS FREE AND REQUIRED: online at www.opensoc.org

Temporary Street Closings

2008-09-25T11:48:00.002-04:00

For your information:

The U.S. Federal Marshall's Office has announced that, starting Monday,
Sept. 29, traffic patterns on Cooper Street will change and remain
altered throughout the duration of the "Dix Six" trial at the U.S. Court
House.

The two eastbound lanes (heading away from the Delaware River) of Cooper
Street between Fourth and Fifth Sts. will be closed. One westbound lane
(heading toward Lot 7 and the Delaware River) will continue to carry
traffic in that direction; the other westbound lane will be dedicated to
traffic heading in the opposite direction.

Street parking on the 400 block of Cooper Street will not be permitted
during this trial, which is expected to last throughout the remainder of
2008.

Camden Urban Gardens Tour

2008-09-25T11:31:00.003-04:00

For those who garden and those who just enjoy looking at gardens:

The online magazine DIG IT! and the Camden City Garden Club, Inc. are co-hosting an autumn garden tour with a twist on Saturday, October 4.

‘The Garden People of Camden’ will showcase stories of urban horticulture by the people who live it – and love it. The self-guided tour starts at 11 a.m. from the Camden Children’s Garden, 3 Riverside Drive on the downtown Waterfront.

“When we started talking about this tour, someone in a suburban garden club told me ‘there are no gardens in Camden,’” says Mary Jasch, the magazine’s editor. “We want people to know that not only are there some great gardens in Camden - there are great gardeners, too. This is a chance for them to share their stories.”

The stops on the tour will include the home of Josephine, a container gardener who’s created a gracious oasis in her East Camden backyard; a once-vacant lot where Paulito and fellow high-rise tenants grow a truly global variety of fresh edibles; and a South Camden garden whose proprietor, Sam, epitomizes the old-fashioned values of hard work, neighborliness and civic pride.

Adding a dash of seasoning to the tour: A garden of aesthetic delights. The guide, Bernie, will usher visitors through a sculpture park that’s a showcase for the work of four well-known artists – and the backdrop for a fascinating story about restoring public space.

“This is a storytelling tour, a horticultural heritage tour and a historical tour all in one,” Jasch says. “Some of these gardeners bring with them the knowledge their families gained over generations.”

Tickets are $8 for Camden City Garden Club members and $15 for non-members and can be purchased at the Children’s Garden on the day of the tour, or in advance at www.dig-itmag.com. Participants are welcome to bring lunch to the picnic pavilion at the Children’s Garden, which will offer reduced-price admission for tour-goers. In addition, Triple Oaks Nursery, in Franklinville, will offer tour-goers a 20 percent discount on all nursery plants Saturday and Sunday, October 4 and 5.

“The notion there are no gardens in the city - or that nothing grows – is just plain wrong,” says Mike Devlin, executive director of the Children’s Garden. “Across the country, more and more people are gardening, because they’re worried about the economy and the environment, and are interested in healthy eating and enjoying the outdoors with their children. This is happening in Camden, too.”

Camden Riversharks Playoffs

2008-09-24T13:52:00.002-04:00

Tonight's playoff game between the Camden Riversharks and the Long Island Ducks begins at 7:05pm. Campbells Field. There will also be fireworks!

Newark Black Film Festival in Camden

2008-09-05T13:47:00.000-04:00

For film enthusiasts:

Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts is delighted to welcome the Newark Black Film Festival to the Gordon Theater from September 11th through 26th @ 7:30 pm. FREE ADMISSION. Head to www.rutgerscamdenarts.org for a complete film schedule.

Since its inception in 1974, the Newark Black Film Festival has become known among its peers as the longest running black film festival in the United States. Throughout the years, it has continued to provide a progressive public forum for hundreds of emerging writers, directors, producers, performers and film buffs who enjoy African American and African Diaspora cinema. Each film selection encompasses a wide range of cinematic forms and formulas, from documentary to the avant-garde. The Festival is FREE of charge to the public and receives funding in the form of special grants from foundations and corporations. The 2008 Festival season is made possible by a grant from Bank of America.

Kids' Night at RU-C Soccer

2008-09-04T13:42:00.001-04:00

An FYI for soccer parents:

KID'S NIGHT

Friday, September 5th
7:30pm

Men's Soccer vs. Alvernia College

Bring your kids to the game for a night of exciting soccer as your Rutgers-Camden Scarlet Raptors take on Alvernia College in the first round of the Cialella Soccer Classic

Games, Prizes and Giveaways for all kids in attendance

Autograph session with the Scarlet Raptors the 20th Ranked Team in the Nation

Special Appearance by The Raptor!!!!

Rutgers Community Choir

2008-09-02T13:12:00.001-04:00

If you like to sing this may be for you:

This fall, the Rutgers University Choir is opening its doors to the community, staff, and faculty members. Choir rehearsals are taking place in the Black Box Theater (FA136) in the Fine Arts building every Tuesday and Thursday 1:30 - 2:50 PM. Students are required to attend rehearsals on both days in order to receive credit for the class. Non-registered singers may join us on Tuesdays and as many Thursdays as possible.

The goal of the choir is to provide our singers and audiences with a rich musical experience. Singers can expect to perform repertoire in a variety of languages (English, German, Latin, French, Italian, Spanish, Church Slavonic, Russian, Hebrew, etc.) and in various musical styles (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Twentieth-Century), all of which will be enjoyable to the novice and experienced alike.

Professor Julia Zavadsky will be the choir director.

New Law School Courtyard

2008-08-28T10:20:00.000-04:00

The walkway under the new bridge of the law school addition is starting to open up. There is a small courtyard on the side closest to the Ben Franklin Bridge, with some benches. It has become a popular gathering place for students.

Jill Biden, Jersey Girl

2008-08-27T22:19:00.002-04:00

Jill Biden, wife of vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden, was born in Hammonton, New Jersey.

William Still and Lawnside

2008-08-07T13:41:00.002-04:00

For those interested in a short history of why William Still and the Lawnside community in New Jersey are important in the African American community and the history of the underground railroad, watch this video on YouTube.

Battleship Events This Month

2008-08-06T15:08:00.001-04:00

The Battleship New Jersey has a number of special events scheduled this month:

- WOGL's Battleship Bingo, Sun., Aug. 10th. . Listen to WOGL or visit WOGL.com to win a chance to play Bingo for prizes on the fantail of the ship.

- WMMR's Band on the Battleship, Fri., Aug. 15th. Listen to WMMR 93.3 FM or visit wmmr.com to win tickets to a show by the rock group, Filter on the fantail.

- Military Vehicles Day, Sat., Aug. 16th. See jeeps, transport trucks on more on the ship's pier.

- Bedlam on the Battleship Wrestling Event, Sun., Aug. 17th. Pro-wrestling makes it deput on the Big J! Highlighted by The Patriot, pro-wrestlers will grapple on the ship's fantail.

- Union Members Free for Labor Day, Mon., Sept 1st. The Battleship celebrates Labor Day by offering free self-guided tours to all union members with valid ID.

Bruce Garrity Artwork

2008-08-05T13:06:00.000-04:00

The new lobby of the Paul Robeson Library is now the temporary home of some of Prof. Bruce Garrity's paintings. They are very colorful and really liven up the space; taking in all the elements of each canvas would take several viewings so even if you've seen them be sure to look again.

Big Purple Flowers

2008-08-04T13:04:00.002-04:00

Right outside the Rutgers Camden student center there are some very large, deep magenta hibiscus-y looking flowers. Make a point to walk past now as they are very lovely but likely to fade soon.

National Children and Youth Gardening at CCG

2008-07-30T19:24:00.001-04:00

This past weekend the Camden Children's Garden played host to a number of visitors. From their report:

The visitors came from as far away as New Zealand and as close as New Jersey.

But in their admiration for the Camden Children’s Garden, they all came from the same place.

About 330 participants in the 16th annual National Children and Youth Gardening Symposium of the American Horticultural Society (AHS) toured the Children’s Garden on Saturday, July 26. It was the closing day of the conference, which was co-hosted by the Children’s Garden, Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Museum and Country Estate, and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

“We were thrilled to be able to give people from all over the country who love youth gardening the chance to see what we’re doing here in Camden - especially with our youth employment and job training program,” said Michael Devlin, executive director of the Children’s Garden. He and his wife Valerie Frick co-founded the nonprofit Camden City Garden Club in 1985, and the club opened the Children’s Garden on the Camden Waterfront in 1999.

Local Food Network Star

2008-07-28T14:55:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Aaron McCargo, winner of Food Network's "The Next Food Network Star". As the winner, he will have his own show on the Food Network, "Big Daddy's House."

Camden in Flower

2008-07-23T17:26:00.001-04:00

From our friends at the Camden Children's Garden:

More than 500 participants in the American Horticultural Society’s “Growing Fertile Minds and Communities”conference will visit the Camden Children’s Garden from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 26.

The Garden is co-hosting the conference along with Longwood Gardens, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and Winterthur Museum and Country Estate. This is the 16th annual National Children and Youth Garden Symposium sponsored by AHS, the largest and oldest organization of its kind in the nation.

“We’re honored to be selected as a co-host, and we’re eager to have horticulture and education professionals from across the country see first-hand what we’re doing in Camden,” says Mike Devlin, executive director of the Children’s Garden.

“Gardening’s popularity has never been higher among adults and children alike, driven in part by concern about the economy, the environment, food, and obesity,” Devlin adds. “Gardening is something families can do together. Gardening enhances the ‘green’ quality of homes and neighborhoods. It’s good for the environment – and good for people, too.”

Devlin and his wife, Valerie Frick – the Garden’s director of education – last month were presented with the AHS’s Jane L. Taylor Award, which is given to individuals and organizations that inspire future horticulturalists through children and youth gardening. Devlin and Frick co-founded the Camden City Garden Club, Inc. in 1985. After hearing Taylor speak at the first National Children and Youth Garden Symposium in 1993, they went on to open the Children’s Garden in 1999.

The Garden provides youth education and employment programs and has helped 250 city youngsters stay in school and graduate since 1994 – despite Camden’s 60 percent dropout rate. The Garden Club operates Grow Lab (greenhouses on wheels) programs in most of the city’s public, private, and parochial elementary schools and helps hundreds of community gardeners citywide.

The AHS conference will be headquartered at the University of Delaware in Newark, Del.

Faerie Folklore at the Camden Children's Garden

2008-07-09T14:03:00.001-04:00

Next Wednesday, July 16, The Camden Children's Garden is having a Wednesday Workshop:

Faerie Garden Funtasies for Parent & Child Workshop
Presented by Lorraine Kiefer, Triple Oaks Nursery & Herb Garden co-owner, and garden columnist. Attendees will be entertained with some of the fascinating folklore that has been associated with fairies through the centuries and will make their own Faerie dish garden using herbs, an alyssum and a variety of small flowering annuals. This workshop is held 10:00am-11:30am. $15.00 for Garden members and $20.00 for non-members.

See the calendar for reservation information.

Rutgers Future Scholars

2008-07-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

A select number of middle school students have been tapped for mentoring, enrichment and support from Rutgers University. If they keep their grades up they can get a tuition free college education.

From yesterday's Inquirer ("Rutgers program brightens youths' future:

The students have been selected by their schools and the university to be the first Rutgers Future Scholars. Starting this summer and going through their high school years, they will receive enrichment and support. If they keep their grades up and maintain 90 percent attendance, they will get guidance, tutoring, mentoring and test preparation. There will be programs for their parents, as well.

If the students graduate from high school with a 2.5 grade-point average or better, they will be in line for a Rutgers college education tuition-free.

Of the 200 students chosen each year 50 will be from Camden.

Rutgers also has a Q&A about the program. It's purpose is given as:

As the state’s premier public university, Rutgers is committed to making higher education accessible to New Jersey students and to enrolling a student body that reflects the diversity of the state. The university also has a long history of educating a large percentage of students who are the first in their families to obtain a college degree. The Rutgers Future Scholars Program is being undertaken now to continue and enrich these traditions by building an early path to higher education for young students. According to President McCormick, “Rutgers has an imperative to make a difference in the world” through programs such as this.

Camden Celebrity Chef

2008-07-02T22:34:00.004-04:00

I don't watch "The Next Food Network Star", but I might have to catch it now that I found out there is local representation. Camden resident Aaron McCargo, Jr. is a finalist on the show. The name caught my eye because I remember when there was "McCargo's" Restaurant on Cooper St in the building that has sadly seen several restaurant come and go...wonder if this was the same McCargo. In an interview with Aaron he states that his dream is to open a restaurant on the Camden Waterfront, let's wish him the best on the show and keep our fingers crossed for that Waterfront restaurant. Good Luck Aaron.

Camden Little League Team Plays at White House

2008-07-01T15:38:00.000-04:00

Cramer Hill Little League team, the Little Red Sox, played on the South Lawn of the White House yesterday. (See "S.J. T-ball champs are wowed at the White House," by Matt Katz, Inquirer, June 30).

Sleepover at Sea

2008-06-30T12:02:00.000-04:00

The Battleship New Jersey is offering the Overnight Encampment program again this summer. For a fee you can enjoy dinner and breakfast served from the Crew's Mess, a ride in the 4D Flight Simulator, a tour of the ship -- which includes the new City at Sea Tour and the chance to sleep in the bunks that the crew of the USS New Jersey once did. For details and pricing see the battleship's website.

Camden, Home of the Drive-In

2008-06-27T13:35:00.001-04:00

Carrie Rickey reported on www.philly.com on June 5 ("Camden's immortal contribution to film ")

The drive-in, that convergence of two late-19th-century technological innovations, cars and cinema, was born in Camden County, N.J., one sultry June 75 years ago. “The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are,” advertised innovative exhibitor Richard Hollingshead, Jr., who opened the first drive-in on Admiral Wilson Boulevard, charging 25 cents, the price of a ducat at a conventional moviehouse, but offering the advantage of not having to dress up (as people did in those days) or worry about the conduct of your children.

Parada San Juan Bautista

2008-06-26T13:32:00.002-04:00

Parada San Juan Bautista is celebrating a 51st anniversary this year. The annual parade will be this Sunday, June 29, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 7th and Elm Streets onto Market St, proceed to the Camden Waterfront.

The post parade concert will be from 4:00 to 8:00 at the Wiggins Waterfront Park.

Left on a Bench?

2008-06-26T13:30:00.003-04:00

Someone, most likely a woman, left something that is probably of value on a bench behind the Walt Whitman Art Center. It was turned in to the security guard at the Board of Education Building.

Sea Movie!

2008-06-24T11:54:00.003-04:00

Looking for something to do this weekend? The Battleship New Jersey and Sunoco Welcome America are presenting a free family movie, "Happy Feet," on the ship's pier on Sunday, June 29th at 8 pm. There will be food, drinks and prizes.

PATCO Tunnel Reopening?

2008-06-20T16:23:00.003-04:00

This morning in the PATCO station, the gates were open to the tunnel under the street. The entrance on the other side has been closed for years if not decades. Is this a sign of things to come or just someone doing some spring cleaning? Time will tell.

Update: On the way home the gates were closed. Just a momentary thing apparently.

West Oak Lane Jazz & Artz Festival

2008-06-19T14:15:00.000-04:00

The 5th annual West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival will be held June 20-22, on the 7100 to 7400 blocks of Ogontz Avenue in Northwest Philadelphia. Live music by, among others, the Benny Golson Quartet, The Whispers, The O'Jays, Mandrill, War, Kevin Eubanks, Ashford & Simpson, and Pieces of a Dream.

Susquehanna Bank Branch Coming to Victor Building

2008-06-19T13:41:00.002-04:00

Steve left a comment on yesterday's post saying that yes, indeed, that is a Susquehanna Bank branch moving into the corner of the Victor Building. It is expect to open in the fall. Someone I know is already planning to open an account there. Thanks, Steve, for the news.

Riverwalking Notes

2008-06-18T15:39:00.004-04:00

Something is moving into a corner of the Victor Building, between the concierge / front entrance and the Victor Pub. I'm not sure what but workmen are putting up drywall, etc. The permit taped to the window says Susquehanna Bank, 1 Market St. but that could just as easily be the organization paying the bills as the one moving in.

For the curious, the Crossroads Cafe by the Adventure Aquarium does not start serving lunch until 11:30 but Jordan's Place, the hotdog cart on the edge of campus is almost always open. You can get a hotdog, some chips, and a drink for around $3.00, which is a good price.

The white hydrangeas (?) blooming in front of the Rutgers Campus Center smell wonderful. The bees are in heaven, zooming around the blossoms.

That beautiful red brick building on the corner of 3rd and Market is finally being renovated. A workman who paused to answer my questions pointed out the herringbone brickwork near the top. He said it was a lost skill, setting bricks in that pattern. He did tell me what the building was going to be used for but it would be better to get confirmation before posting it. It sounds like the former Hector's Place restaurant next door will be incorporated into the new venture. The gentleman was very well-read and I was impressed with his gallantry (reminding me to watch for traffic) and his use of historical allusions in describing the building's architecture. You could tell he truly loved his work.

Now, if only we could get La Riviera back.....

Rutgers Summer Writers Conference

2008-06-18T14:09:00.000-04:00

The 22nd annual Rutgers Camden Summer Writers' Conference will be held June 23 through July 2.

An intensive program of workshops and readings, featuring a staff of nationally-known writers, poets and editors. The series of workshops, lectures and lunch meetings is open to both Rutgers students and the community, though some prior workshop or professional experience is required. It may be taken for either undergraduate or graduate credit as well as on a non-credit "certificate" basis. See the course listings for Undergraduate and Graduate course numbers.

EVENING READINGS
The 2008 Summer Writers' Conference features evening readings by the staff members and students. These affairs with refreshments begin at 7pm and are free and open to the general public. All readings will be in the Stedman Gallery in the Fine Arts Center.

SUMMER 2008 SCHEDULE
Monday, June 23: J.T. Barbarese and Lisa Zeidner
Tuesday, June 24: Aaron Hamburger and Karen Karbo
Wednesday, June 25: Moira Crone and Jim Daniels
Thursday, June 26: Rodger Kamenetz and Sidney Wade
Monday, June 30:Jonathan Galassi and Rachel Pastan
Tuesday, July 1: Victoria Chambers and Lauren Grodstein
Wednesday, July 2: Students from the program

Riviera Update

2008-06-17T14:03:00.002-04:00

My favorite lunch spot, La Riviera, has been closed for a few days now. A sign has been put on the door saying it is closed for the day. A little snooping has led me to believe this is temporary, but that isn't certain. The Camden Courier Post ran a story "Waterfront eatery closes," on June 11, which implies the closing is permanent. Hope springs eternal -- I'll assume it will re-open in good time.

Camden Shipyard & Maritime Museum

2008-06-10T16:16:00.003-04:00

Another cultural gem in our fair city is the Camden Shipyard @ Maritime Museum, located at 191o Broadway St. According to their website:

The Camden Shipyard and Maritime Museum is a new, family oriented, interactive, cultural and educational facility that is being developed near the Delaware River in a beautiful, historic (1881) church that was built using ballast stones brought from around the world in the holds of sailing ships. Situated in the historic district of Waterfront South in Camden, New Jersey, the aim of the Museum is to present a variety of programs and exhibitions related to local and regional maritime history and host a variety of recreational boating programs for children and their families. The Museum’s programs will have a thematic orientation to the people, places, enterprises, and events associated with the maritime history of the New Jersey side of the Delaware River estuary.

World Oceans' Day at the Aquarium with Joe Piscopo

2008-06-06T16:40:00.002-04:00

Joe Piscopo will be at the Adventure Aquarium this Sunday, June 8, to celebrate World Ocean's Day:

Enjoy a day complete with arts & crafts, activities, and displays presented by various conservation-minded organizations. Also, meet our volunteer divers and learn about their dive equipment and methods of care for the aquarium's animals. Guests will also have the opportunity to watch as a 530-lb artificial reef ball is placed in the Aquarium's underwater exhibit to help raise awareness as to the importance of creating and maintaining sustainable marine life habitats.

Also on-hand for World Ocean's Day will be actor and comedian Joe Piscopo, who, along with his three children, is featured in a brand new Adventure Aquarium Public Service Announcement that highlights the damage that ocean pollution can cause. More importantly, the video urges viewers to commit themselves to keeping our oceans clean by becoming ocean champions! Piscopo will also lead guests in a World Ocean's Day Pledge:

"I pledge to do my part to help protect our oceans. From this day forward, I will never litter. I will pick up trash. I will help make our world a better place."

A Shout Out to Officer Maria Rodriguez

2008-05-28T09:19:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, halfway across the Ben Franklin Bridge, I realized my purse (keys, wallet, etc) was still on the bench at the Camden PATCO station. I called the police number on the wall and a friendly transit worker also called it on on his radio. When I got back to Camden DRPA Officer Maria Rodriguez was there with my purse. She dutifully quizzed me on name and address to make sure it was mine. Nothing was missing.

A thousand thank yous to the people on the platform who must have seen the purse and either didn't bother it or handed it over to Officer Rodriguez, and to the officer herself for acting so quickly in retrieving it. This is a great example of the Camden kindness and efficiency.

New Salad Place

2008-05-22T15:01:00.003-04:00

Fresh Fruits and Salads has opened at 114 N. 3rd St. They offer a variety of salads, starting at around $5.00 and fruit salads starting at $3.00. Delivery service is available.

(If you are looking for the previous occupant of that address, Cafe & Salad Work, they have moved around the corner.)