PATCO Tunnel Reopening?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

More on this museum later.

World Oceans' Day at the Aquarium with Joe Piscopo

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

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

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.)

Scarlet Knights / Scarlet Tanager

For the birding set, take a look at the wonderful photo of a Scarlet Tanager taken on the Rutgers campus recently. It's over at birds.camden.rutgers.edu. This is a great site to browse through on cloudy chilly days.

Baseball Camp at Rutgers

The Rutgers-Camden Summer Instructional Baseball Camp for children ages 8 to 18 will be held June 23 to 27 and from July 14 to 18. All sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will be grouped by age and skill level and will receive individual instruction in a variety of skill areas. Sessions will be led by the Rutgers-Camden baseball coaching staff and team members, other area coaches, and current and former professional or college players.

Heroes Day at the Aquarium

This Sunday is Heroes' Day at the Adventure Aquarium, which partners with the Camden City Police Department for the event. The aquarium will donate $1.00 out of every paid admission to the Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey.

You will have the opportunity to talk to law enforcement officers, fireman and EMS personnel from around the area including Camden City's Finest up close and in person! Check out their vehicles and equipment, learn from safety demonstrations, and much more. And, with SWAT and K-9 Units, Marine Rescue Squads, and more scheduled throughout the day, Heroes' Day is sure to have something for every member of your family!

Highlights of the 2008 Heroes Day include:

* Police Motorcycles
* Fire Trucks
* Bomb Squad Robots
* D.A.R.E. Vehicles
* SWAT Teams and Gear
* Marine Rescue Units
* K-9 Demonstrations
* Rappelling Demonstrations
* Car Seat Safety Inspections
* And more!

Picnic Spot

Yesterday I ate lunch on a bench across from the Coopers Grant townhouses, which look move-in ready, and in back of the Walt Whitman Arts Center. Today as I walked by someone else was sitting at the same bench. It must be a happening spot.

Several photographs of this area are available on the web at: http://www.camdencity.net/coopergrant.htm

Alumni Weekend!

This Saturday is the annual Rutgers Camden Alumni Reunion on the River.

The schedule includes movies, receptions, exhibits, and food, lots of food.

New Issues of Two Rutgers Online Journals Available

Two online journals based at Rutgers University in Camden have released new issues.

Mickle Street Review: An Electronic Journal of Whitman and American Studies, issue 19/20: Sights and Sounds is now available.

Rutgers Journal of Law and Religion, 9.2 Spring 2008 is also up on the web.

Enjoy!

Hilton Garden Inn Proposed for Camden Waterfront

Yesterday the New York Times took note of the proposed Hilton Garden Inn on the Camden Waterfront ("In a faded city, plans to build a hotel build hope," by Kareem Fahim).

On April 10th, the Courier Post wrote about this project, in "Camden may get Hilton hotel," by Eileen Stilwell.

According to the Courier Post:

PRA plans to build a five-story hotel with 140 rooms, an indoor swimming pool, small fitness center and meeting space with catering capabilities. It will not have a full-service restaurant, which is good news for the Victor Pub, Twenty Horse Tavern and other existing eateries.

In the Times:

The five-story hotel, with an indoor pool, would cater to several different kinds of travelers, Mr. [Thomas P] Corcoran [president of the Cooper's Ferry Development Association] said, including business people and visitors to Campbell Soup, Cooper University Hospital and Rutgers University’s satellite campus here. The developers also hope to lure families visiting the waterfront’s entertainment attractions, as well as visitors to a new convention center in Philadelphia, where hotel rooms can cost far more than the Hilton’s planned rate of $125 per night. Mr. Corcoran said that rock stars playing the concert hall, the Susquehanna Bank Center, usually stay at the Four Seasons in Philadelphia, but their road crews could stay at the proposed Hilton.

satellite campus???! I beg to differ!! 5,000 students is not a satellite campus.

A hotel would be a welcome addition to the city for a number of reasons, as Mr. Corcoran says, plus the convenience of having candidates for local jobs stay in town instead of having to drive them in from Philadelphia or Cherry Hill.

NBC 10 at the Aquarium

Fans of NBC 10 and/or the Adventure Aquarium might be interested in an outing this Saturday:

On Saturday, May 10, 2008, NBC 10 and Adventure Aquarium are up to something fishy, and YOU'RE INVITED! Come out to Adventure Aquarium for its third annual "NBC 10 Day," where all day, tickets will be just $10.00 for all guests, a substantial savings from the regular admission price. In addition, members of the NBC 10 news team will be on-hand to greet guests and sign autographs throughout the day. Currently scheduled newscasters include: Jamison Uhler, Lu Ann Cahn, Denise Nakano, Vince DeMentri, Deanna Durante, Lynn Berry, Tim Furlong, Mike Strug and John Clark.

Riverwalking Notes

Today I counted 5 fisherman, two joggers, and two other groups walking along the river. It's a popular place to be these days!

Camden Streets Ovrerrun with Cellos!

There was a cello (accompanied by a young man in a suit and a ponytail) in the PATCO station this morning and other musical instruments along the street.

The Symphony in C had a performance this morning and is having another tomorrow night. Check it out:

• Accordingly Bolero - Concert for Teens May 2, 2008 - 10:00am

  Conductor: Rossen Milanov, Music Director

  The passion of Latin America and hypnotic rhythm of Boléro will engross middle and high school students in the energy and power of a symphony orchestra. Q & A with Maestro Milanov follows this lively Latin inspired concert.

• Accordingly Bolero May 3, 2008 - 8:00pm

  Conductor: Rossen Milanov, Music Director

  The rhythms, the flavors, the passion of Latin America come together to energize an evening with Symphony in C you won’t soon forget!

  
  

Nathan's Now Serving Floats and Shakes

Nathan's Famous is now serving shakes and floats. They also have several flavors of Breyer's ice cream. Though it has been chilly this week warm weather will be here soon. In summer walking along the river can be hard work and a milkshake might be just thing to cool off.

Versus Network Moves to Philadelphia

Versus, the former Outdoor Life Network, is moving to Philadelphia.

Horton's Camden Connection

Horton Hears a Who's journey to the big screen had a stopover in Camden:

Rutgers-Camden 2002 alum Charles Lotierzo, originally from Maple Shade, is an animator with Blue Sky Studios. One of his most recent roles was serving as a character animator for the hit film “Horton Hears a Who,” featuring the voices of Jim Carrey and Steve Carell. Lotierzo was responsible for bringing the characters to life through believable motion and acting.

Lotierzo also worked on Ice Age II. While at Camden he completed his first animation short and demo reel. An art major he worked on animation projects as a student.

Rutgers Library Photo Exhibit

Selected works of photographer Jorge Shell are on display in the lobby of the Paul Robeson Library, Rutgers Camden. These photos were all taken in Camden, and some are of the campus and its environs. The people, natural environment, and structures of the city are seen through a different lens by a talented photographer.

Riverwalking Notes

Walking along the river this week I've noticed there are more fisherman out, and the fish are biting. One morning someone was reeling in what looked like a good sized catfish.

Angels in Camden

Rutgers-Camden Fine Arts Department/Theater Program is performing Tony Kushner's Pulitzer Prize Winning Play Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches from April 17-27, under the direction of theater professor Kenneth Elliott. (See the website www.angelsincamden.com for details)

Tony Kushner's groundbreaking epic, winner of the 1993 Pulitzer Prize, is a sweeping examination of American life in the age of Reagan and the AIDS crisis. Frank Rich of the new York Times describes Angels in America as "a work that never loses its wicked sense of humor or its wrenching grasp on such timeless matters as life, death and faith."

Performances are held in the Walter K. Gordon Theater located across from the Gym on the north end of the Rutgers-Camden Campus. For directions to the campus, please visit: Directions to Rutgers University - Camden Campus

A New Jersey Odyssey

This Saturday, April 12, the Battleship New Jersey and the McCarter Theatre are presenting the Odyssey:

The greatest epic of western literature, Odysseus's voyage, is transformed into an innovative participatory theatrical experience aboard the Battleship. Students interact and play characters such as Penelope, Hermes, Poseidon and more! If you are in the room, you are in the show.

The performance is at 11 a.m., tickets are $10.

Esterbrook Pens

The successful manufacture of steel writing pens in the United States was first established by Richard Esterbrook at Camden, NJ, in 1858. It's original location was on Cooper St. near the river, but later moved to Cherry Hill. In the 1960's the Esterbrook merged with another company and then closed it's New Jersey operations.

For more information see "Esterbrook once set stardard for fountain pens," by Thomas A. Bergbauer. Camden Courier Post 1/31/08

Walking Notes

Out for a stroll at lunchtime, I stopped in at La Riviera and had a pepperoni roll for lunch. They have a new website, www.LaRivieraRestaurant.net if you want to check out the menu or hours or their catering service.

Along Penn St. between the university and the river, by the Coopers Grant townshouses, there are some very lovely trees with white blossoms. The flowers are too small to be a dogwood; they almost look like Mountain Laurel blooms. If anyone knows what kind of trees these are please leave a comment.

Red and white Rutgers banners have been attached to streetlights around campus. They look very nice.

Battleship Summer Camp

Ahoy there! Looking for something different for the kids this summer?

From July 7th thru 11th, the Battleship New Jersey will host a camp program from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm each day. The Battleship’s summer camp program will include detailed tours of the ship, a ride on the 4D Flight Simulator, special classroom sessions on the history of the ship, interactive activities including knot tying and ship building, and even a graduating ceremony, award presentation and pizza party on Friday, July 11th.

“We will show campers what life was like aboard the Battleship New Jersey,” commented Michael Flynn, Director of Education for the Battleship. “But we will also have a lot of fun during the week, including some special field trips to the Adventure Aquarium and the Independence Seaport Museum at Penn’s Landing. Both trips are included in the price of the camp.”

Flynn added that the Battleship is also offering a special Overnight Encampment to all campers. Although this would be an additional expense to campers, guests can spend Saturday, July 12th overnight on the ship. This includes dinner and breakfast served chowline-style from the crew’s galley and the chance to sleep in the bunks that the crew of the USS New Jersey once did.

For details, contact information and cost, see the summer camp press release on the Battleship's website.

PATCO Cat Update

"Eloy" left two comments on my previous post about the cat(s) in the 8th & market PATCO station updating the situation. Here is the latest:

The cat that was trapped for MONTHS at the 8th & Market PATCO station was rescued last night at 11:00 p.m. by the Philadelphia Cat Care Coalition. Greene St. Rescue has the cat at a safe foster home. They have named the cat “Choo Choo” and describe him as a “healthy, just dirty, one-year-old gray tabby.” They say “he is NOT feral, just lost some of his social skills with people that will come back easily with a little TLC.”

Thanks, Eloy, for letting us know the cat is safe.

Lunch at the Silver Diner

The lunch bunch went to the Silver Diner yesterday, across the highway from the Cherry Hill Mall. Some of us had been there before. Reports were positive on the cheeseburger, chicken noodle soup, chilli, salad, and onion rings. The grilled cheese is made with multiple cheeses on sourdough bread. Drinks are HUGE. However, the highest recommendation is for the brownie sundae, a warmed brownie (with nuts), one scoop each of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, with chocolate and caramel sauce. Take a friend because the sundae is great for two, too much for one.

The decor is fifties; each booth has a mini-jukebox, and an old video of Elvis greets you at the door. Kids are welcome but couples of varying ages and groups of friends are also in evidence.

Andrea Dworkin's Camden Roots

Andrea Dworkin, noted feminist, was born in Camden and went to high school in Cherry Hill. Some of her writings are available online (note: some of her views are regarded as radical). She died in 2005 (New York Times obituary).

Camden on Wheels

Camden is the home of the Millenium Skate World, which hosts birthday parties, offers girl Scout badge programs, and is the usual locale for Philly Roller Girls tryouts. You haven't lived until you've done the Hokey Pokey on wheels.

Meredith Gourdine, New Jersey Inventor

Thomas Edison is well known as a New Jersey inventor, sometimes called the "Wizard of Menlo Park" referring to the town he lived in. Lesser known is another Newark-based inventor, Meredith Gourdine, born in Newark and raised across the state line in Brooklyn. He returned home to Livington, NJ to set up his own company, Gourdine Systems. He was awarded 70 patents, most in the area of thermal management and electrogasdynamics.

According to his obituary in the New York Times (11/24/1998), "The companies he founded worked on purifying the air and converting low-grade coal into inexpensive, transportable and high-voltage electrical energy. They produced a commercial air-pollution deterrent, a high powered industrial paint spray and a device to eliminate fog above airports."

In his college years at Cornell he won a number of championships in track and was on the 1952 US Olympic team in Helsinki. He won the silver medal in the long jump; the gold medalist's jump was only an inch and half longer than Gourdine's.

He also served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. This was at a time when African Americans were not necessarily welcomed or well-represented in either the Olympics or as officers in the military.

As one bit of trivia, Groudine's one time track coach also coached actor Roscoe Lee Browne who was known as a half mile runner before is success in films. (NYT 7/16/1978, p. S9)

Restaurant Review: Palace of Asia

Just off Route 70 in Cherry Hill you can find wonderful Indian cuisine at Palace of Asia. The lunch group today included a vegan, a vegetarian, and two omnivores. We all found something to like. The menu offers a number of choices but we decided on the buffet which includes a salad, a variety of meat dishes (I had chicken), several vegetable dishes, rice, and a few desserts. I had fresh fruit. Everyone enjoyed their meal and it came to about $13.00 per person including tip.

You can also find the Palace of Asia in Lawrenceville, Philadelphia, and Wilmington, Del.

Start Shopping, She's A Big Girl

Weekends between March 1 and March 16 the Adventure Aquarium will be celebrating the birthday of Button the Hippo. She is coy about her age but does like a reason to party and eat cake:

On weekends from March 1st through March 16th, join us as we sing “Happy Birthday” to Button, and watch in amazement as she feasts on her very own birthday cake, a special vegetarian creation that includes carefully chosen ingredients like yams, kale, lettuce, carrots, celery, fruits and vegetables - a definite hippo treat!

Other Buttons Birthday Bash activities include: appearances by our hippo mascots, Bert & Belle; children’s arts & crafts activities and games like “Pin the Tail on the Hippo;” live shows like “Venture to Africa" and "Wild About Hippos;" photo opportunities with a Button look-alike; and children’s give-aways. Special Buttons Birthday Bash appearances currently include the Philadelphia Soul Dancers along with Soul mascot “Soulman,” Miss Teen International 2007 and Miss Teen New Jersey, and much more!

Full details and information on hippo experts. wine and cheese parties, and other related events are on the aquarium's website.

Librarian of the Year is a Jersey Girl

Normal Blake of Moorestown, New Jersey state librarian, has been named Library Journal's Librarian of the Year. One of Blake's initiatives is the New Jersey Knowledge Initiative, currently in limbo due to proposed state funding cuts.

Another is Super Librarian, pictured at the left.



For more on Norma, read "Award speaks volumes about her innovations," by Erin Duffy in today's Inquirer.

PATCO Cats

The PATCO station just across the river in Philadelphia, the one that connects to 8th & Market and the Gallery, has no doubt seen its share of wildlife. If people watching weren't enough entertainment, the occasional mouse skittering across the tracks, or a lost bird or two provide alternatives.

This winter a new species has become more visible. One or more gray tabby cats can sometimes be seen wandering around the tracks. Once the cat jumped up on the station platform but jumped back down again quickly. Perhaps the trains seem less dangerous than the passengers. There are enough places to hide when the trains come through and the vibration and sounds provide enough notice that the cat or cats can avoid harm. The cat (or cats) I've seen appear healthy and fit; chasing mice and birds is exercise, catching them is dinner.

The only concern is that parents of toddler have to keep closer watch on their children as they sometimes rush to the edge of the platform for a better view of the cat.

Poetry and Haggis!

A celebration of Robert Burns birthday and an open reading will be held Tuesday, January 29th, 7 p.m., at A Slice of New York Pizza Parlor (122 North 3rd St, between Market and Cooper Sts).

Wee beasties are optional as is ganging aft agley.

If there is indeed haggis I suggest you opt for a slice of pepperoni instead.

Cold Weather and Hot Jazz

Shake off the chill of winter with some jazz. the Rutgers Center for the Arts in Camden is sponsoring their annual Jazz Festival.

On Saturday, January 26, at 8 p.m. the Bill Frisell Trio is performing with Jamaaladeen Tacuma (admission $20)

On Saturday, February 23, at 8 p.m. the McCoy Tyner Trio with Savion Glover will be on stage (admission $25 / 35).

Both will be held at 3rd and Pearl Streets @ the Ben Franklin Bridge, close to PATCO and the Riverline.

The Experience Jazz series of free events are held at the same venue.

Saturday, January 26, 1 - 5 p.m. guitar virtuoso Frank Butrey explores the versatility and the extremes of acoustic and electric guitar in Jazz.

Friday, Febuary 23rd, 1-5 p.m. discover Jazz Tap with master "hoofer" Brinae Ali and modern improvisational dance with Zornitsa Stoyanova.

A Band Along the River

Yesterday it was such a beautiful day that I went out walking along the river. A small band had set up in one of the parking lots, with drums and a guitar. The water made the music sound even better. Brass, Skins, and Strings (Philadelphia Street Musicians Live) would like us to know they will be appearing at Warm Daddy's, 1400 Columbus Blvd, in Philadelphia, on January 28. Flutist / saxophonist Byard Lancaster and other musicians will also be performing.

The Aquarium Is Cool!

The New Jersey Aquarium invites you to a special event this weekend:

READY TO PLUNGE INTO A DEEP FREEZE?
Looking for something "cool" to do with the whole family in January? On Saturday, January 12 and Sunday, January 13, you are cordially invited to take a plunge into our annual Deep Freeze event. Now in its third year, Deep Freeze was created to help educate guests about cold weather animals in an atmosphere that is fun for your whole family. Deep Freeze guests will enjoy:

• Live seal and penguin feedings
• A Coke Polar Bear Moon bounce and beverage sampling
• Free Turkey Hill ice cream samples from 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (while supplies last)
• A 300 lb ice sculpture created before your very eyes!
• A variety of other fun-filled kids activities throughout the day
• The Polar Express ^TM 4D Experience in our 4D Theater, powered by PSE&G
• A FREE Deep Freeze giveaway for all guests! (while supplies last)

Eating at Nathan's

Today I stopped in for lunch at the new Nathan's Famous at 3rd and Market in Camden. I had a cheeseburger, onion rings, and lemonade. The food is made to order, not kept hot under a lamp, and the grills are right behind the counter where you can see them. I watched the burger cook on the grill, saw the onion rings go into the fryer. You know what is happening to your meal and who is preparing it. The burger was good, as you might expect being freshly made; the bun was lightly toasted. The onion rings were exceptional, light and crispy. The lemonade was just right.

There was a long line when I went in a little after noon. Things were just calming down when I left about 30 minutes later. There was ample seating for all those who wanted to eat in as opposed to take out.

The staff was courteous and well-organized considering it was only their third day in business.

I will definitely be going back.

Nathan's Famous Now Open

At 3rd & Market Streets in Camden, we have four great tastes in one place. You can find:

• Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs
• Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips
• Kenny Rogers Roasters Express
• Breyers Ice Cream

Be sure to stop in and say hello.

Holiday Cheer at the Camden Post Office

A big shout out to the very pleasant, always smiling young woman who works at the downtown Camden post office. This must be a busy stressful time of year for postal employees but she stays sunny side up.

Recharging My PATCO Freedom Card

This morning I was able to successfully recharge my PATCO Freedom Card at one of the card machines. You select the add value option on the machine, tap your card to the spot on the machine, then select one of the amounts listed, and feed in your money. You tap your card again at the end. The turnstiles will flash the amount on your card each time you go through so you can keep track of your account balance (though that can be done at the card machine as well).

So far, so good.

Santa's All Wet!

From the Adventure Aquarium:

Before (and after) he delivers toys to girls and boys all over the world, Santa will SCUBA dive at Adventure Aquarium! During Fishmas, Santa will swim with the shark rays, Pearl and Opal, sea turtles, cownose rays, and thousands of fish in the Aquarium's 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm exhibit. Other Fishmas activities include a "Twelve Days of Fishmas" scavenger hunt with FREE prizes, weekend dance parties led by hippo mascots Bert and Belle (dressed for the season, of course), and interactive storytelling of "Twas the Night Before Fishmas." Kids and families can get their picture taken with an Aquarium Elf and an animal friend, or Scuba Santa. Could be a great family holiday portrait! And don't forget about the limited showing of The Polar Express^TM 4D Experience! All the activities are sure to put your family in the holiday spirit!

In other aquarium news:

Adventure Aquarium is pleased to announce that it has a brand new parent company - Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE) - which recently purchased the Adventure Aquarium, along with its sister aquarium, the Newport Aquarium, in Newport, KY.

PATCO Freedom Cards

PATCO is switching over more stations to the new Freedom cards, and permanently phasing out the old magnetic tickets. You can still buy paper tickets if just one or two trips are needed. I've had my Freedom card for 2 weeks now and it was worked perfectly. Every time I go through a turnstile it tells me how much money I have left on the card. The next challenge will be recharging it.

Renovations in the Student Center

The cafeteria in the student center on campus has been gussied up. The sit down restaurant is gone. There are a number of food stations to chose from, deli, grille, pizza and pasta, a large salad bar, and so on. I've been in for breakfast and lunch. The corn muffins are especially filling. Someone I shared a table with highly recommends the pasta. The new decor is striking, complete with a curved stone wall and a fireplace. The fireplace will work though when I asked about toasting marshmallows for s'mores the answer was no.

It's definitely worth a look.

Riverwalking Notes

There are more and more people out walking along the river these days, undaunted by the heat and humidity. Two fishermen today, and a large tour group at the Battleship New Jersey. The aquarium was hosting a number of school groups, as it does on a daily basis.

Today, along my route, I noticed that the windows (and some doors) have been installed at the Coopers Grant Commons. The doors look quite a ways off the ground so a porch or stairs will have to be added. It is interesting to see the work progress.

Another nice touch at the Victor Building: a few tables on the sidewalk outside the Riviera Bistro and the Subway sandwich shop. If there is a breeze you can sit outside and enjoy it.

Camden Riversharks

I recently took my friends and their children (5 and 2) to a Camden Riversharks game and I will continue to enthusiastically report on my experiences at this ball park. I have gone there many times before, but this was the first time with children and as usual the experience was positive for adults and children.
The tickets are inexpensive and there is not a bad seat in the house, the concessions are reasonably priced. My friends who frequent minor league parks in the Boston area were astonished at the price of the ticket, the free program and the quickness of the concession lines. The ball park however continued to impress when the children took a free ride on the carousel, watched the Fireworks after the game and had the opportunity to run the bases. The children's zone looked like fun, but we arrived too late for the children to enter (they seem to close the children's zone about the same time they stop serving beer- top of the seventh, though this may only have been because of preparations for the fireworks).
Between inning entertainment is fun to watch and of course so is the baseball game! The view of Philly and the bridge during sunset is worth the price of admission alone.

And to make things even more appealing...the Riversharks are in the Atlantic League Playoffs, having clinched the Southern Division championship for the first half of the season. Check out their promotions and events and spend a summer day/night enjoying some baseball!

Restaurant Review: The Victor Pub

A few weeks ago I went with a group of friends to try out the Victor Pub in the Victor Building. The larger tables tend to be near the back of the room which is too near an air duct when trying to talk across a distance but it wasn't loud enough to be annoying. It was crowded so neighboring conversations also impacted the table talk.

Everyone liked the food. We had a combination of soups, sandwiches and salads. It is a little pricey for a frequent lunch spot ($10 for a burger and fries), at least for our budget, but makes a great place for a special outing.

Other people who have gone for lunch have liked the food and report that there is a good crowd when they've been there. Those who have gone for dinner have said the same.

The Victor Pub makes a nice addition to the restaurants in the city.

Harry Potter at the Adventure Aquarium

On Saturday, July 21st, Camden's Adventure Aquarium is celebrating the release of the 7th Harry Potter book (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) by offering a special $7.00 admission price to any child 2-12 who dresses as their favorite witch or wizard. Some aquarium employees will also be in costume and the gift shop be decorated for the occasion and have special merchandise, wands and such, in stock.

Miscellaneous Updates

Miss G's grocery and convenience store in the Victor Building now sells fresh popcorn.

I've stopped in at La Riviera for pizza at lunch for a few days recently. It has all been good.

Update on Cooper Grant

The townhouses going up as part of Cooper Grant are progressing. The framing is done and most of the plywood has been put up.

New Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Rutgers University Board of Governors has a approved a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program to be offered jointly by Rutgers University and UMDNJ’s School of Health Related Professions, which is located in Stratford.

The DPT will upgrade significantly the existing master of physical therapy program currently offered in order to better prepare students for success in the discipline. Rutgers will begin enrolling DPT students in Fall 2008.

Summer Farmers Markets in Camden

Sometimes it is easy to forget that we live in the "Garden State", but during the summer it is impossible to resist the Jersey Fresh Produce that comes from our local farms and gardens. More and more farmers markets are appearing because of our demand for fresh local produce and I encourage everyone to support the local farmers and enjoy healthy, yummy produce!

Here is a listing of the Camden Farmers Markets:

Camden Farmers Markets

Camden Neighborhood Renaissance Book Drive

The Ferry Avenue Library is looking for book donations, new or gently used children's books (age 3 and up) and on up to adults.

The library is located at 426 Broadway in Camden.

Volunteers of America and Leavenhouse

Leavenhouse published it's final newspaper this month. For those unaware, for 26 years Leavenhouse has provided meals and transitional housing for Camden's homeless. Volunteers of America will assume the housing duties but the soup kitchen and breakfast program are closing. There are more options for meals in the city now that there were when Leavenhouse started. A bouquet of roses for all those who volunteered at Leavenhouse over the years, for all the good work they have done. Best wishes to the Volunteers of America as they take on this responsibility.

Ramona's

I've been walking by Ramona's (415 Cooper Street) for some time now, wondering when it would open and what kind of food it would be. I noticed a menu in the window and was excited to learn they would be serving "Authentic Hispanic Food".

I am now happily sitting in front of a generous portion of roasted pork, rice and beans with a fried plantain on top. YUM.

It looks like Ramona's hs relocated from Haddon Ave, according to a review from the Philadelphia Inquirer in 2002 that is hanging on the wall.

The menu includes soup of the day, house salad, empanadillas, platters (a selection of meats and fish served with beans and rice), sandwiches, a kids menu (standard kid fare; chicken tenders, hot dog, hamburger), side dishes (those yummy plaintains) and desserts.

Their hours are M-F 11:00-3:30. I stopped in and ordered take-out and my order was ready in about 15 minutes.

Aquarium Updates

There are a lot of things going on at Camden's Adventure Aquarium!

Starting Memorial Day weekend interactive attrations will be available.

On Saturday, May 19, $1 of every admission will go towards the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Collingswood Farmer's Market Opens This Weekend

Starting this Saturday, through Thanksgiving, the Collingswood Farmer's Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon, between Collings and Irvin Avenues, along PATCO. In addition to fruits, vegetables, beef, lamb, and pork, you can also find flowers and other plantings. Cheese, breads, preserves and other ready to eat items are also available. Special events and performances are scheduled for some weekends. See www.collingswoodmarket.com for details.

Nathan's Coming to Camden

Out on a walk recently I noticed some renovations in a storefront around 3rd and Market. One of the workmen told me a franchise of Nathan's Famous would be moving into the building. He said the area didn't have a coffee shop or a place nearby to get hotdogs or french fries. When asked he assured me that onion rings would also be available. No idea on when it will be opening but I will keep an eye on it.

Riverwalking Notes

It's a rainy day today, perfect for sitting in the office with a cup of hot chocolate from the Starbucks in the Campus Center.

Yesterday, though, it was a great day to stroll up the brick walkway along the river. On my way there I noticed some progress on the Coopers Grant project. The foundation has been dug and some concrete is in place. With the warmer weather the fisherman are back. I counted 6 or 7 fishing poles and at least one family group out to see what they could catch. The Delaware River itself was calm. Construction is nearly complete on the new building next to the aquarium and a sign is up announcing space for lease. Small children and parents trying to keep up with them were in evidence outside the aquarium but no school groups in sight. On my way back I exchanged greetings with one of the friendly employees of Miss G's convenience store. Three college kids were playing frisbee on the lawn of the Walt Whitman Cultural Center. The new benches along the walkway there are very nice.

It was an early spring day in Camden and people are starting to get out and enjoy the weather.

Summer Camps at Adventure Aquarium

This time of year parents start to plan out the summer week by week, summer camp by summer camp. If there are some empty weeks in July, consider the camps offered at Camden's Adventure Aquarium, run by the New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences (full camp information here).

Sessions include:

Operation: Open Ocean!
July 9—13
Children ages 7—12

You'll need your life jacket as we explore a feature that covers over 70% of the surface of the earth -- the open ocean!

Voyage: Venom!
Departs: July 16—20
Children ages 7—12

Stingers, fangs, and even electricity are used by many animals to defend themselves and stun prey. Come join us as we take a close (but not TOO close!) look at how they do it!

Junior Oceanographer Seafari
July 16—27
Children ages 13 & 14

Take an in-depth look at animal care, research, collecting, and lots of hands-on science in this special 2-week adventure for older campers.

Biotech-Life Sciences Business Incubator at Rutgers Camden

The U.S. Economic Development Administration has awarded the Rutgers Camden Technology Center 1.5 million dollars to construct wet lab space for 18 laboratories in the new Biotech-Life Science Business Incubator. It is expected to create 255 jobs and generate more than $17 million in private investment. The RCTC currently serves 35 on-site client companies and 15 virtual client companies, representing 155 jobs with a combined payroll of $6 million.

More information is available here.

Feminist Fairy Tales at Rutgers Library

This afternoon the Paul Robeson Library of Rutgers University, Camden, hosted a talk by Dr. Holly Blackford of the English Dept. on "Feminist Fairy Tales." She discussed the standard versions of stories such as "Cinderella" and "Little Red Riding Hood" as well as modern interpretations of fairy tales by writers such as Margaret Atwood and Angela Carter. To top it off she talked about an article which describes "Shrek" as more of a male buddy film than a princess-oriented fairy tale. Twenty-five people attended. This was the third faculty research presentation the library has sponsored and hopefully there will be more next year.

Yu Wei Comes to Camden

Internationally known dancer Yu Wei will be giving a free performance of Chinese dance this Thursday, March 22nd, at 12:15 in the Black Box theater on the Rutgers Camden campus. The performance is free and open to the public. Not to be missed!

Riverwalking Notes

With the warmer weather it's been nice enough to go out walking again. The river has been quiet the days I've been out, and the water calm. Today there was one fisherman along the brick walkway. In summer there are usually a number.

Miss G's Lunch Specials

While out for a walk today I stopped in at Miss G's, the convenience store in the Victor Building. They now have lunch specials. Although subject to change, they are at present:

Monday
Soup -- Popi's Pasta Fagiole
Hot Roast Beef w/ provolone, cherry peppers and garlic relish on the side

Tuesday
Soup -- Grammy's Potato Leek
Oven Roasted Turkey Breast w/ lettuch temoatoes, homemade mac salad w/ ricotta salada

Wednesday
Soup -- Rosei's Pasta Bise (pasta w/ peas)
Chicken Cutlet Sandwich w/ sauteed peppers on side

Thursday
Soup -- Chicken w/ spinach
Joe's Italiano Wrap, genoa salami, cappicole, provolone cheese w/ lettuce, tomatoes, Italian dressing

Friday
Soup -- Manhattan Clam chowder
Tuna salad sandwich

Everyday
in-season fresh fruit
homemade chili
Mama's marinated mozzerela

Victor Pub Now Open

The Victor Pub, in the Victor Building on the side facing the waterfront, is now open. I poked my head inside today. It looks like what is intended to be, a high class sports bar, with several big screen tvs strategically place. There were a number of people there, who seemed to be enjoying the food and the ambience. They serve lunch and dinner.

Hippo Birdies to Button

Remember those old birthday cards that had a hippo and two birds on the front? It said Hippo Birdies! as a variation on Happy Birthday.

This month it actually is Hippo Birdies at Camden's Adventure Aquarium as Button the Hippopotamus is having a birthday. A number of festivities are planned in her honor. There are special events each weekend and you can reserve a "breakfast with the hippos." For details see the Adventure Aquarium website's Button page.

Missing Monday: Jessica Paolini

This Missing Monday post is later than usual. Some local bloggers set aside the first Monday of each month to post about a missing persons case.

Jessica L. Paolini

Jessica was last seen on September 10, 2006 when she was taken to Cherry Hill, NJ at 6:00 pm. She was last seen wearing a green shirt, jean skirt, tan slip on shoes, and carrying a tan purse. Jessica does have a pierced lip, belly button and tongue. She does have a burn scar on her back and left arm. She also has a tribal tattoo on her lower back.

Jessica is known to frequent Camden City, NJ. She may possibly be in the Jersey City/Newark, NJ areas.

Race	Caucasian
Date Of Birth	07/19/1984
Place Of Birth	PA
Height	5'3
Weight	130 pounds
Hair	Brown
Eyes	Brown
Complexion	Olive

Restaurant Review: La Riviera

A new restaurant has opened in the Victor Building. It is next to the Subway Sandwich Shop and across the lobby from the dry cleaners.

La Riviera has, as you might have guessed from the name, Italian food. It was very busy when I was in and pizza was a popular item for people in a hurry. Those of us with a little more time chose other options. I had a tuna rustico sandwich, tuna salad on focaccia bread, with tomoatoes, mixed greens and red onions. It came with fries and more greens as a salad ($7.50). My lunch buddy had a hot eggplant parmigiana sandwich (with fries and drink, $9.90). We both enjoyed the meal. The fries are wonderful!!! Thick cut with just the right amount of crunch. The sandwich was really good, too. Large enough for me to take half home for dinner, so the meal was a real bargain.

The menu also features steak sandwiches, salads, pasta and entrees. You order at the counter and wait for your meal. Ours was brought to our table.

The ambience is good. The pizza / warming oven in plain sight and it is fun to watch the slices, pizza, and hot sandwiches being warmed and cooked.

La Riviera is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and closed Sundays. I will definitely be going back.

A worthwhile walk across the PATCO parking lot

I've been commuting to Camden from the Lindenwold PATCO station for almost 4 years now and I finally went to the Indian restaurant that I've looked at from the platform almost every day.

Curry Cafe is located on Rt.30, but parking is in the back, across the street from the PATCO parking lot. If you take the train across the Delaware (the food is well worth it) you can see the blue sign on the building when standing on the platform and facing Rt.30.

The menu includes items from North and South India and everything that we sampled was excellent and the prices are reasonable. There is a nice selection of vegetarian choices at this BYOB. I'm looking forward to trying the lunch buffet.

The Philadelphia City Paper wrote this review confirming my feelings that it is worth a trip from either side of the river.

Staring a conversation

Taking public transportation across the Delaware (and all around) can be an opportunity to see new things and meet new people. Here is an interesting guide on how to start a conversation with someone on the train, bus or subway. I encourage people to try the suggestions out as I would much prefer to overhear a two-sided conversation among humans than the usual one-sided cell phone conversations!

New MFA Program at Rutgers Camden

Starting this fall Rutgers Camden will offer a Masters of Fine Arts degree, as part of the creative writing program. A Masters of Arts in English is already available. The campus has already been able to attract known writers. Carol Plum-Ucci, author of the award winning novel, The Body of Christopher Creed, took graduate classes in the existing program. MA graduate Susan Muaddi Darraj has a collection of short stories forthcoming, as well an impressive list of existing works. The department's faculty can boast of Lisa Zeidner, novelist as well as professor, Joe Barbarese, a professorial poet, and program coordinator / short story writer Lauren Grodstein. The new program will be part English Department.

Miss G's is Open!!!

The past few weeks it has been too cold and icy to venture out much but today I took a walk to check on the progress of Miss G's, the new convenience / grocery store at the Victor Building. It is open, and has been, they said, for about a month (how did I miss that?).

It's a nice place. There are the usual things you would expect at a convenience store -- frozen meals, staples, coffee (in the back), items you might need once you realize there's nothing in the fridge for dinner or you're out of cat food or you would really like a warm pan of brownies. However, they also have a selection of greeting cards and party supplies -- paper plates and napkins, gift wrap, even some boxes of chocolate. They also have a selection of fresh fruit.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. They deliver to the Victor.

It is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.

Rutgers Professor Edits Business History Journal

From the web:

The Business History Conference is pleased to announce that Philip Scranton will assume the editorship of its journal, Enterprise & Society: The International Journal of Business History, for a four year term commencing January 2008. Scranton is Board of Governors Professor at Rutgers University and Director of the Center for the History of Business, Technology, and Society at the Hagley Museum and Library. Rutgers and Hagley will provide support for Enterprise & Society, which is published by Oxford University Press. Scranton succeeds Kenneth Lipartito, professor of history at Florida International University.

Campbell's to Expand Camden Presence

This is late being posted, but is good news nonetheless:

The Campbell Soup Co.'s plans to expand its world headquarters and build an office park in Camden city, where it opened 138 years ago, has justifiably won the praise of state, county and city officials.

The $98 million project -- including $72 million Campbell will spend -- is fantastic news for the city. It means new development, jobs, infrastructure improvements, new tax ratables, the investment of private dollars and the hope that this commitment to the city by a Fortune 500 company will make other businesses consider locating in Camden.

(Source: "Campbell's plan is a triumph for Camden," Camden Courier Post 2/11/07)

Eat more soup!!

Gordon Theater Jazz Festival

From January 27 through March 31, each Saturday the Gordon Theater will present FREE performances and workshops by great Jazz musicians from across the Delaware Valley, plus three special concerts with some of the most respected names in Jazz, including Terence Blanchard, Miguel Zenón and Robert Glasper, hosted Bob Perkins.

A complete lineup is here.

This Saturday, Feb. 10th there will be a program teaching the basics of tap and drum.

Missing Monday

It's the first Monday of the month -- Missing Monday, and here is this month's regional missing person's case:

Susann E. Costello

Susann was last seen on December 31, 2006 in Gloucester Township, NJ. She was last seen wearing a brown sweater, blue sweatshirt, and blue jeans. She does have a tattoo on her right arm that says Suzie and a burn scar on her lower back.

She is 21, 5' 4", 100 lbs, brown hair, hazel eyes

More info here.

Upcoming Aquarium Events

This weekend, February 3rd and 4th, Camden's Adventure Aquarium will be hosting some special events to celebrate African American History Month.

Baba Abiodun, an African storyteller, tells animal, folk, family, and community tales.

Diego, a live action version of the tv show "Go, Diego, Go" will meet aquarium guests and be part of a sea turtle show

The Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble of Camden will give a presentation as well.

Details here.

New Production at South Camden Theatre Company

The South Camden Theatre Company is currently presenting "The Exoneration," by Jessica Blank and Eric Jensen. The play won the Outer Circle Critics Award for best off-Broadway play of 2003. It is based on interviews with forty exonerated death row inmates.

"The Exonerated" will run from January 19th through February 4th, 2007 in the basement of Sacred Heart Church located at the intersection of Broadway and Ferry Avenue in Camden, NJ. Shows will be on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8PM and Sunday afternoons at 1:30PM.

Tickets are $15 [ seniors and students $12] and reservations can be made; contact information is on the theatre's website, www.southcamdentheatre.org. Seating is limited. There is plenty of on-site parking.

Coming Soon: Miss G's

One day this week I went down to the Subway store in the Victor building to get some lunch (good sandwich, okay chips, great cookie) and noticed a few things:

The New England Soup Company is closed. Sorry to see it go.

An Italian restaurant will be opening. The area is under construction now.

Miss G's Convenience Store should be opening soon. It looked like the shelves were being stocked. From the outside looking in there seemed to be a lot of floor space and I look forward to
stopping in a soon as they open.

Merchantville Native to Take Lead Role in Iraq

From the Courier Post on January 6th ("S.J. Native Gets Role in Bush's Iraq Strategy," by Carol Comegno) :

Navy Adm. William J. Fallon, who was raised in Camden and Merchantville, has been chosen to oversee U.S. forces in Iraq.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates recommended Friday that President Bush nominate Fallon as new chief of the U.S. Central Command overseeing the Middle East, calling him "one of the best strategic thinkers in uniform today." The command is based in Tampa.

Stem Cell Research Center Coming to Camden

There was a lot to celebrate on New Year's Eve in Camden. According to an article in the Inquirer, "Camden looks forward to new stem cell center," by Troy Graham (12/31/06), the city will see a new research center, built near the Cooper Hospital. It could take 3 years to plan and build, and eventually house 100 researchers, complete with its own business incubator to develop potential commercial applications. More good news for the city!

A Camden Christmas Carol

The classic tale by Charles Dickens is set in Camden for "A Camden Christmas Carol," playing at the Gordon Theater on the Rutgers Camden campus, on Dec. 16th, 17th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. The production is being supported by the Knight Foundation. For more information see www.seethreeonline.com. Tickets are $12.00

Missing Monday: Jose Samuel Ordonez

Participating regional bloggers set aside the first Monday of the month as a day to post about a local missing persons case.

JOSE SAMUEL ORDONEZ
Case Type: Endangered Runaway
DOB: Mar 15, 1988
Sex: Male
Missing Date: Feb 19, 2006
Race: White/Hisp
Age Now: 18 Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
Missing City: HAMILTON Weight: 190 lbs (86 kg)
Missing State : NJ
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Circumstances: Jose was last seen on February 19, 2006. He may still be in the local area.

Riverwalking Notes

I haven't been down by the river in a few months and was surprised at all the new things I saw today. The river itself was up and choppy. It was breezy but amazingly warm. The city is putting up new signs for Wiggins Park. They look nice. The work on Johnson Park is coming along and behind it the Cooper Grant Commons has started construction. At the Victor work is progressing on Miss G's grocery and convenience store. The area looked alive and vibrant. I can't wait until spring when the stores will be open and people will be out and about.

Harry Potter Camp in Philadephia This Summer

Families often struggle over what to do with kids during the summer when school is out. If you happen to have some free time in July and a health bank account, look into Enlightening 2007, a family camp based on the Harry Potter books. It is sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education and Bonding Over Books. Looks pricey but fun.

Haddonfield Symphony Finds A New Home

The Haddonfield Symphony has a new home -- The Rutgers Camden Center for the Arts.

As stated in the Inquirer ("Symphony finds home in Camden: Though it is named for Haddonfield, the nomadic ensemble is settling in on the Rutgers campus," by David Patrick Stearns, 11/02/06):

News of forthcoming Shostakovich symphony performances is not what you expect to see on the time-and-date monitors at PATCO's High-Speed Line stations. But there it is, the Haddonfield Symphony's next concert in its first season at Camden's Gordon Theater, where Shostakovich's Symphony No. 11 is being readied for an 8 p.m. performance Saturday.

In previous years the symphony had performed in a variety of venues but did not have a home of its own.

The Courier Post has more information on the symphony ("Haddonfield Symphony gets by with a little help from its friends," by Frank Halperin, 11/04):

While many arts patrons may be familiar with the orchestra, they may not realize how much preparation each concert requires -- work that is often being done by volunteers.

Approximately 40 volunteers help the symphony's five administrative staffers organize mailings, conduct fundraisers and usher patrons to their seats during performances at Rutgers-Camden's Walter K. Gordon Theater -- the symphony's primary venue.

The symphony, one of the region's cultural gems, has been in existence since 1952.

Happy Feet Tickets!!

Camden's Adventure Aquarium is giving away tickets to see the new movie "Happy Feet." Friday is the last day to toss your hat in the ring to win. See details here.

Missing Monday

The Missing Monday project calls for area bloggers to post about a local missing person on the first Monday of the month.

PEDRO MALDONADO
DOB: May 21, 1989
Missing: Sep 14, 2006
Height/Weight: 5'11" / 180 lbs
Eyes/Hair: Brown/Black
Race: White/Hisp Male
Missing From:
CAMDEN
Pedro was last seen on September 14, 2006. He may still be in the local area. Pedro has a scar above his right eye. More information here.

Run the Bridge!

On Sunday, Nov. 5th the Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to vehicles. Instead people from all over the country will be participating in the 2006 AmeriHealth Ben Franklin Bridge Challenge, a 10K run and 2 mile bridge walk. According to the Run the Bridge website:

The 10K course (USATF Certified) begins at the base of the Ben Franklin Bridge on the New Jersey side, crosses the bridge, doubles back and continues along the scenic Camden Water Front passing such attractions as Campbell’s Field, the Adventure Aquarium, the Battleship New Jersey and the Tweeter Center finishing next to the Rutgers Camden Campus.

The event benefits the Larc School.

Robinson Crusoe, the First Survivor...

The Paul Robeson Library of Rutgers Camden has a lobby exhibit of the illustrations of Robinson Crusoe. Stop in and take a look.

New Website for South Camden Theatre Company

Our friends at the South Camden Theatre Company has set up their own website: www.southcamdentheatre.org that provides information on their new production, "Indoor Picnic."

The Love Life of Leeches

Dan Shain, associate professor of zoology and biology at Rutgers Camden, specializes in the study of segmented worms, including leeches. One of his more unusual projects was finding a mate for what may be a new species of leech found in New Jersey.

He was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to study leech cocoons, which have withstand extremes of heat and pressure. Coccon fibers might lead to breakthroughs in biomedical and other technical research.

Read more about Shain and his leeches in the latest issue of Rutgers Magazine. See the full-text of "Dr. Worm" by John T. Ward here.

October Missing Monday

SABRINA TAMBA is a 15 year old African American endangered runaway. Born on Sept. 5, 1991, she was last seen on July 12, 2006 in Carteret, NJ. She is 5 feet tall and weighs 95 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Circumstances: Sabrina was last seen on July 12, 2006. She may be in the company of a juvenile female. They may still be in the local area.