jhummel@njadvancemedia.com Web: nj.com/ben Cellphone: 856-237-6645 U.S. Army: RA138159 The column that asks, can Pastor Rob Weinstein pull off permanent housing for the homeless in Cumberland County against tremendous odds, not the least of which is a 20 percent poverty level and ratables a fraction of most other counties? — Good morning! — "Here at Operation South Jersey, we had our...
jhummel@njadvancemedia.com
Web: nj.com/ben
Cellphone: 856-237-6645
U.S. Army: RA138159
The column that asks, can Pastor Rob Weinstein pull off permanent housing for the homeless in Cumberland County against tremendous odds, not the least of which is a 20 percent poverty level and ratables a fraction of most other counties?
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Good morning!
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"Here at Operation South Jersey, we had our mind set that we were officially done Christmas donations and then God sends a family with nine children our way.
"Will you help by sponsoring a child? By sponsoring, donate a single toy or a monetary gift for a child listed below.
"Deadline is Dec. 23.
"I know, crazy talk, but we are that close to Christmas! I swear this is our last call to action for Christmas!
"The boys ages are 14, 13, 11, 8, 2 and 3 months.
"The girls ages are 6, 5, and 3.
"The boys love out doorsy stuff and the girls love anything girly. They are not picky. If you wish to help, please let us know ASAP.
"Donation drop-off is at Cooks Cleaners, 1163 Shiloh Pike, Bridgeton.
"Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Operationsouthjersey@gmail.com
www.operationsouthjersey.org.''
-- Hillary Nichels
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We're a little dismayed that Pastor Ellen Rutherford's name has not appeared in print more.
One of the founders of Bridgeton Code Blue, Pastor Rutherford has allowed a lot of programs to meet in her church that couldn't find anywhere else to go.
She deserves accolades and the fact that she doesn't seek them shouldn't prevent their showering on her.
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While many families will be spending Christmas exchanging gifts at home with their loved ones, one local family decided to give up their annual gift exchange with one another and instead spend the day together in Camden bringing smiles to the 25 families currently staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey in Camden.
On Friday, Dec. 25, at 1 p.m., Jennifer Barrientos-Morris and her family will deliver presents for all the children and families currently staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
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Somewhere, Carmine Catalana is smiling.
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The Battleship New Jersey will allow families to spend the first night of 2016 aboard the Big J, as well as offer fireworks viewing for both the 6 p.m. and midnight fireworks show.
Guests onboard will even fire the legendary portside (Philadelphia-side) 5-inch gun at the conclusion of each fireworks show.
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Will Bridgeton World War II vet Bob Westcott, who served on board the battleship, be allowed to fire the gun?
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How naive are you?
Are there drugs in prison?
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It's only fitting that at this time, as if guided by fate, Colorado Patti reaches out to us for the first time in months.
"And as this year ends, I find myself looking back to little bits of memories, as so many of us 'chronologically gifted' folks do.
"After all, we Baby Boomers know that none of us can remember an upcoming medical appointment, but we can all recall, with vivid and ghastly clarity, the lyrics to every rock song recorded between 1958 and 1980.
"Jack, I also think of Joe Young often, and I miss him, too. And I wish California Connie was still around this earthly plane to put me in my place on those occasions when I desperately need it.
"We Fairton/Hogbin Roaders in Millville lost our matriarch, Docia "Dutchie" Nayda, a few months ago, and with her passing went the last remnants of my childhood.
"I'm not a kid anymore.
"So, one year ends, and another is beginning. A new year, with new hopes, new dreams, and a new life.
"I'm here to tell you, there is life after loss and pain, so never lose hope, and hang on to your dreams. Blessings of the season to everyone. 2016 is gonna be a great year.''
-- Colorado Patti
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Patti is really Patti Rosenfelder, Millville High Class of 1971, who relocated to Colorado and survived the terrible forest fires that destroyed her property.
You haven't experienced anything until you've sat in a Motel 8 night after night wondering if there is anything left of your world.
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MY KIND OF TOWN: Where Patti, California Connie and Joe Young had a pretty good run in this column, and now two are gone.