Taja Johnson Associate Editor and Reporter

"The people must know before they can act, and there is no educator to compare with the press.."

Ida B. Wells

Recent Articles

Troop 48 celebrates what Scouting 'is all about'

Berlin Boy Scout Troop 48 will mark 60 years of shaping young men into leaders on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The troop will commemorate the anniversary during a special Court of Honor at Holy Communion Lutheran Church in the borough. Scoutmaster Michael McCormick shared insights into the troop’s storied history, achievements and plans for the future.


“Troop 48 was founded by Joseph Derr and Joseph Schaeffer in December, 1964 at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, which remains our sponsor today,” he exp...

Project Graduation prepares for holiday craft show

Eastern Regional High School’s Project Graduation Club is gearing up for its annual holiday craft show on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the school. The event includes shopping opportunities, an emphasis on community spirit and critical fundraising for Project Graduation, a parent-driven initiative that emphasizes a safe, alcohol- and drug-free celebration for graduates.


Co-chairs Rekha Veluchamy Pandian and Jyothi Murarishetty emphasized the importance of the craft show in su...

Grants to fund bike projects in nine counties

Gov. Phil Murphy has announced $6.2 million in funding for 13 local bike path projects in nine state counties.Known as Bikeway Grants, the collective funds are meant to improve transportation infrastructure and emphasize environmentally friendly travel.


“Strengthening our transportation infrastructure requires more than investing in roads and bridges,” Murphy said. “We remain committed to active transportation alternatives that reduce our reliance on cars, increase safety and benefit our com...

Diversity Club tree is a vision of cultural identity

The Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Club brought different cultures together for holiday cheer as its members gathered at the township municipal building on Dec. 2 to decorate their community tree.The tree is adorned with unique ornaments that represent various cultural traditions, symbolize unity and capture the inclusive spirit of the township. Club secretary Lisa Witherspoon shared insights into the inspiration and collaboration behind the decorations.


“Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Clu...

Virtual care technology launched at Virtua Voorhees

Virtua Health has introduced a new virtual care program across its hospitals, positioning itself as among the first health systems in the Philadelphia region to adopt “smart” hospital-room technology. The initiative – in partnership with an AI platform – enables patients to consult with virtual medical experts via two-way cameras. The health system previewed the technology at Virtua Voorhees Hospital on Dec. 9, when a live demonstration showcased a virtual care coordinator explaining the Care Af...

Colleges partner to empower students

Camden County College and Jefferson University in Philadelphia are teaming for an innovative partnership under the Community College Educational Alliance Program.


The results will be discounted tuition, advanced academic opportunities, and career-focused initiatives for the college’s faculty, staff, alumni and families. The partnership aims to empower students by offering a wide range of degree and certificate programs, helping them to enhance their expertise, advance in their careers and me...

Libraries seek items for personal care pantries

The Camden County Library System is calling on the community to support personal care pantries at all its branches.


The pantries provide free and discreet access to essential hygiene and personal-care items like soap and shampoo to residents in need. Launched in 2020, they have in the past year distributed more than 14,000 items, including 4,000-pus pairs of socks, to individuals and families.“The library has always been more than just a place to check out books, it is a pillar of our communi...

Making and taking decorative pine cones at craft event

The county board of commissioners and the Camden County Certified Gardeners hosted a group of families on Dec. 10 for Make and Take, a chance to learn about conifers and create pine cone crafts.Held at the Camden County Sustainability Center in Blackwood, the event focused on both instruction and hands-on activities.


“It was a wonderful day for family fun, and we’re thrilled so many could join us,” said Commissioner Jonathan Young, liaison to the Office of Sustainability. “Bringing the commu...

Middle-school prep cook nominated as a 'life-changer'

A beloved prep cook at Voorhees Middle School has been nominated for the prestigious 2024-’25 LifeChanger of the Year award, a national initiative that celebrates educators and school employees who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of students.The nomination of Nancy Milbourne – submitted by colleague Tina Artusa – spotlights the former’s creativity and passion for food, as well as her cheerful demeanor and her connection to the school community. Known for her inventive appro...

Lesson in giving

In a world that often emphasizes individual success and material gain comes a story that underscores the values of generosity, gratitude and community spirit. The 14U Villains girls’ softball team recently collaborated with For the Love of Pete’s Pantry to provide lunches for needy families. The team – which is dedicated to providing opportunities for young girls – joined the pantry on Dec. 7 to prepare bagged lunches for families in need at Lions Lake Park in Voorhees.


Coach Dan Rothman, a c...

Great things ahead

Fifty-two recruits graduated from the 89th Basic Police Recruit Class of the Camden County College Police Academy on Dec. 12 in a ceremony at the Camden County College Dennis Flyer Theater.


Family, friends, and officials joined the recruits, including county Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr.; county Sheriff Gilbert “Whip” Wilson; academy director Robert Doyle; deputy director Edward R. Kunkel; and Washington Township Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik, who delivered a rousing keynote addre...

Orphange hosts annual Woofstock Festival at Town Center - The Sun Newspapers

The Voorhees Animal Orphanage (VAO) will hold its 28th Annual Woofstock Festival onSaturday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Voorhees Town Center (rain date is Sunday, Sept. 29). It is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Animal Orphanage. This year, Auto Lenders is partnering in the event.


Woofstock is a day-long, outdoor festival that celebrates community and pets. It is a family friendly, fun-filled day with something for everyone, even your four-legged furry frien...

Calling for a day off - The Sun Newspapers

A Camden County student has taken the bold step of advocating by petition for the recognition of Diwali as a school holiday in local districts. Aarav Jain’s petition, which he started on change.org, calls for county schools to honor Diwali, the festival of lights, with an official day off. While some schools, like Voorhees Middle and Osage Elementary, have adopted the change, others, including Eastern Regional High School, have yet to follow suit.


The petition underscores a broader point: If...

County efforts to prevent substance abuse are paying off - The Sun Newspapers

The Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Camden County Addiction Awareness Task Force gathered with activists, health-care providers, law enforcement and area residents on Aug. 28 to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day at the county’s Remembrance and Hope Memorial Vigil in Gloucester Township.International Overdose Awareness Day is a global campaign dedicated to preventing overdose, honoring those who’ve lost their lives to substance use disorder and offering support to lov...

Apple cites Eastern High for innovation in tech education - The Sun Newspapers

Eastern Regional High School has been named an Apple Distinguished School for the years 2024 to 2027.


The prestigious recognition celebrates a school’s continuous innovation in teaching and learning through the integration of Apple technology.The Eastern Camden County Regional High School District and Eastern itself have long been committed to fostering an environment of innovation and excellence, according to Apple. The Apple Distinguished School designation highlights a school’s dedicatio...

A surge in whooping cough - The Sun Newspapers

Health officials are raising alarms as cases of whooping cough have surged by more than 40% in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York over the past year.


This highly contagious respiratory infection – also known as pertussis – can cause severe coughing fits, and left untreated, can result in severe illness or even death, particularly in babies, older adults and those with weak immune systems. There has also been a significant increase nationwide.Officials are also seeing a rise in whooping c...

North Camden site gets $1 million Brownfields grant - The Sun Newspapers

A $1-million Brownfields Cleanup Grant has been awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to Camden Lutheran Housing Inc. in North Camden, an investment aimed at transforming a contaminated site into affordable housing for local residents.The Aug. 29 announcement of the grant took place at the intersection of North Front and Elm streets, a Camden location that symbolizes the ongoing efforts to revitalize the city’s neighborhoods. Among those in attendance were local and county offic...

Candlelight vigil will honor victims of domestic violence - The Sun Newspapers

Harambe Social Services will host its second annual candlelight vigil on Thursday, Oct. 3, at the Winslow Township Municipal Building, an event that coincides with October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month to honor victims and survivors of abuse.Harambe Social Services – a statewide nonprofit based in Winslow – was founded in 2013 by executive director and Sicklerville resident Rose Williams. The organization is dedicated to promoting the well being of victims of domestic violence victims w...

State gets $801,000 federal grant to boost specialty crops - The Sun Newspapers

New Jersey’s agricultural sector will get a boost from an $801,000 grant from the U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help promote and enhance the advantage of the Garden State’s specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, horticulture and nursery products. The Specialty Crop Block Grant will fund 14 projects, part of the USDA’s ongoing efforts to support specialty crops nationwide that play a crucial role in food and agriculturally based economic development. Specialty crops account for...

Township council meeting addresses several issues - The Sun Newspapers

Gloucester Township Council held its regular meeting on Aug. 26, and among issues discussed was a resolution authorizing a sidebar agreement between the township and Teamsters Local 500, the union that represents sewer-utility employees.


The sidebar agreement ensures continued employment for current employees in the event of a potential sale of the sewer utilities, an issue that will be subject to voter approval in the November 2024 referendum. Council agreed to place the resolution on the...

Arsenic in apple juice prompts Walmart recall - The Sun Newspapers

Walmart has initiated a recall of nearly 10,000 cases of its Great Value brand apple juice sold across 25 states due to elevated levels of arsenic.


The recall affects 9,535 juice cases and was issued after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified it as a Class II recall on Aug. 15. That designation means the product could cause health problems, although it is unlikely to result in serious or permanent conditions.The recall impacts Great Value apple juice distributed in New Jers...

Police co-launch registry for those with special needs - The Sun Newspapers

Gloucester Township police have partnered with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office to introduce a Special Needs Registry that will enhance the safety and well-being of individuals in the community who have special needs and disabilities.


The registry is designed to provide police with quick access to critical information during emergency situations, ensuring that those with special needs get the appropriate care and support. It also allows families and caregivers to submit important detai...

Free coffee and 'cheers' to school staffers - The Sun Newspapers

As the new school year approaches, companies like Barnes and Noble, Apple, Google and Costco are stepping up with promotions to support school staffers. Among them is Wawa, which will make life a little sweeter with its Cheers to Classrooms initiative. From now through Sept. 30, the convenience store chain will offer teachers and other school employees free hot coffee and fountain drinks daily in New Jersey, Delaware and its other mid-Atlantic locations.


The promotion is designed to show app...

County provides back-to-school vaccines - The Sun Newspapers

The Camden County Department of Health and Human Services and its local health-care partners offered free vaccinations to uninsured children and those with Medicaid Part A in Pennsauken and Camden over four days this month.


The initiative, which began on Aug. 21, was aimed at preparing children and their families for the upcoming school year.


“With the back-to-school season approaching, it was essential to help families ensure their children were ready to enter the classroom on the first d...
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