Sorry everyone, I know it's been a while. There just hasn't been much to talk about...until now.
Why, why, why is there a Dollar Store opening on Broad Street?????? Broad Street in Palmyra is starting to resemble Broad Street in Camden. Come on Council! At least try to attract some worthwhile businesses to town.
If anyone sees the mayor or any current council member frequent either of the two new businesses (Crown Fried Chicken or Dollar Plus), please let me know.
On to the incident at Friendly's in Cinnaminson. Read the article below. I can't even comment on this...
http://phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/112-12032008-1631470.html
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Election Day
Just a reminder to everyone that the polls open tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m. Don't let your vote go to waste. If you don't like the options that you have (Norcross and Scheffler), follow the instructions below. This way, you can be sure that your vote is heard.
f you wish to cast a write-in vote, go to the Personal Choice column, then:
f you wish to cast a write-in vote, go to the Personal Choice column, then:
• Press the button on the Borough Council Line. A blinking green X will appear.
• Go down to the keyboard and type the name of your write-in candidate one letter at a time.
• To make a space between first and middle name or initial and last name use the arrow pointingto the right on the keyboard.
• To make a correction, use the arrow pointing to the left.
• The name you enter will appear in the display to the left of the keyboard. Be sure the nameappears correctly.
• When you have completed typing the name, press the ENTER key on the keyboard panel.
Do not press the CAST VOTE button until all other choices are completed.
Be sure that your write-in vote is cast in the PERSONAL CHOICE column on the same line as the office for which you are casting the write-in vote.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
New Burlington County Gang
So there really hasn't been much to blog about recently, until I saw the cover of the Burlington County Times this morning.
Burlington County officials believe that a new gang, called MOE, or "Muslims Over Everything" is responsible for the dramatic increase in bank robberies and other criminal activity in the county. They say that this gang is as dangerous as the bloods and crips. What's scary is that the MOE's origins are right here in Burlington County, unlike the bloods and crips, whose origins can be traced to Los Angeles.
Eight members of MOE were recently arrested during a county-wide sweep. Among them were an 18 year old Willingboro resident, and 18 year old Trenton resident, two Beverly residents in their early 20's and a 33 year old from Mt. Holly. They were charged with drug distribution and possession of a .40 caliber handgun.
The Inquirer states that including this week's sweep, the arrests have yielded an M-1 carbine assault rifle, seven semiautomatic handguns, and more than $55,000 worth of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and marijuana.
Members of this and other gangs are believe to have been responsible for the armed robbery of a Beneficial Bank branch, for the August double shooting at the Marriot in Mt. Laurel, and for a shooting at a strip mall in Willingboro.
This stuff is hitting too close to home, in my opinion. It sounds like the authorities (local and federal) are on top of the situation, so hopefully they'll be able to keep it under control. The fact that some of the arrests are coming out of Beverly worries me, because these are the kids that are coming to our high school.
Burlington County officials believe that a new gang, called MOE, or "Muslims Over Everything" is responsible for the dramatic increase in bank robberies and other criminal activity in the county. They say that this gang is as dangerous as the bloods and crips. What's scary is that the MOE's origins are right here in Burlington County, unlike the bloods and crips, whose origins can be traced to Los Angeles.
Eight members of MOE were recently arrested during a county-wide sweep. Among them were an 18 year old Willingboro resident, and 18 year old Trenton resident, two Beverly residents in their early 20's and a 33 year old from Mt. Holly. They were charged with drug distribution and possession of a .40 caliber handgun.
The Inquirer states that including this week's sweep, the arrests have yielded an M-1 carbine assault rifle, seven semiautomatic handguns, and more than $55,000 worth of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and marijuana.
Members of this and other gangs are believe to have been responsible for the armed robbery of a Beneficial Bank branch, for the August double shooting at the Marriot in Mt. Laurel, and for a shooting at a strip mall in Willingboro.
This stuff is hitting too close to home, in my opinion. It sounds like the authorities (local and federal) are on top of the situation, so hopefully they'll be able to keep it under control. The fact that some of the arrests are coming out of Beverly worries me, because these are the kids that are coming to our high school.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Some More Palmyra History
Here's some sports related history, in honor of the Phillies first trip to the World Series in 15 years.
Lena Blackburne was a Major League Baseball Player during the early part of the 20th century, who later went on to be a coach for the Philadelphia Athletics. In 1938, while he was a coach, an umpire made a comment to him about the awful condition of the baseballs. When Blackburne returned to his home (on Cinnaminson Avenue in Palmyra!), he went searching along the tributaries of the Delaware River in search of mud or clay that he could rub on the baseballs to remove the sheen.
To this day, 70 years later, each team in baseball purchases a can of "Blackburne's Mud" at the start of the season. The location of the mud is a highly guarded secret, but it comes from somewhere in our area.
Lena Blackburne was a Major League Baseball Player during the early part of the 20th century, who later went on to be a coach for the Philadelphia Athletics. In 1938, while he was a coach, an umpire made a comment to him about the awful condition of the baseballs. When Blackburne returned to his home (on Cinnaminson Avenue in Palmyra!), he went searching along the tributaries of the Delaware River in search of mud or clay that he could rub on the baseballs to remove the sheen.
To this day, 70 years later, each team in baseball purchases a can of "Blackburne's Mud" at the start of the season. The location of the mud is a highly guarded secret, but it comes from somewhere in our area.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Homeless
I left for work this morning on the 6:30 RiverLine. I was extremely disappointed to see a homeless person sleeping on one of the benches. I called the non-emergency police number to notify them. I have a lot of confidence in our Police department, so I'm sure they'll address is appropriately.
This is not the type of environment I want to raise my children in. If they don't already have one, Palmyra should adopt a no-tolerance policy on vagrants and panhandlers. In 5 years, I've only seen two others, begging outside Wawa. Take care of it before it becomes a bigger issue.
This is not the type of environment I want to raise my children in. If they don't already have one, Palmyra should adopt a no-tolerance policy on vagrants and panhandlers. In 5 years, I've only seen two others, begging outside Wawa. Take care of it before it becomes a bigger issue.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
A Little Bit of Palmyra History
Did you know that the only survivor of the Titanic that was from New Jersey lived in Palmyra, both before and after the accident? His name was Augustus Weikman and he was the first class barber. He lived on Leconey, and is buried in Morgan Cemetery in Cinnaminson.
Click here to learn more
Click here to learn more
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
September Public Council Meeting
I realize it was a few weeks ago, but I wanted to mention what happened at September's Borough Council Meeting. I've recently been making an attempt to attend these meetings, to hear and see first hand what's going on and who is involved.
I arrived at the last meeting around 7:00, right on time. At that point, only Ted Scott, Bob Bostock, and Michelle Dobbs were there. Greg Benson was going to be late. Karen Scheffler and Dave Dorworth were not going to be there. At 7:20, Mayor Gural called and said he was sick and wouldn't be able to attend. At this point, Ted Scott got up, grabbed his briefcase, mumbled something, and walked out the back door (he did return to the back of the room about 3 minutes later). Benson still wasn't there, so they attempted to call him, but he didn't answer. Since 4 members of council are needed to hold a session, they were forced to cancel.
I had been in Harrisburg for work since early in the morning, but I was able to arrange my schedule so I could drive home and be at the meeting in time (as a plain old town resident). Couldn't at least 4 out of the 7 council members have made an effort? I can understand that all of them can't always make it, but only 3 out of 7??? These public meetings are the one time a month where the residents get to be involved and hear first hand what's going on with the town.
I arrived at the last meeting around 7:00, right on time. At that point, only Ted Scott, Bob Bostock, and Michelle Dobbs were there. Greg Benson was going to be late. Karen Scheffler and Dave Dorworth were not going to be there. At 7:20, Mayor Gural called and said he was sick and wouldn't be able to attend. At this point, Ted Scott got up, grabbed his briefcase, mumbled something, and walked out the back door (he did return to the back of the room about 3 minutes later). Benson still wasn't there, so they attempted to call him, but he didn't answer. Since 4 members of council are needed to hold a session, they were forced to cancel.
I had been in Harrisburg for work since early in the morning, but I was able to arrange my schedule so I could drive home and be at the meeting in time (as a plain old town resident). Couldn't at least 4 out of the 7 council members have made an effort? I can understand that all of them can't always make it, but only 3 out of 7??? These public meetings are the one time a month where the residents get to be involved and hear first hand what's going on with the town.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Legion Field
We took a detour through town yesterday to see the progress that is being made with Phase 3 of the Legion Field project. They are indeed making some great progress, but there is a lot that is going to be done, and it is coming at a huge cost. The plans include an artificial turf soccer field, softball field, tot lot, irrigation systems, new lighting, a fountain, and a putting green. According to a recent article in the Burlington County Times, this is all coming at a cost of $4.5 million, of which $1.5 is being picked up by the route 73 developers. I am in full agreement that the Legion Field complex, when complete, will be great for our town. Every person that rides the RiverLine will see it, and I think it has the potential to be a huge draw for our town. Let's hope it pays off, because that's an incredible amount of money to spend. Let's also hope that council hasn't underestimated the amount of time and money it will cost for upkeep - to keep it clean, graffiti free, etc.
By the way, do we really need a fountain and an artificial turf soccer field? It seems more than extravagant. I have to believe that they could have done just as good a job and spent a lot less money.
By the way, do we really need a fountain and an artificial turf soccer field? It seems more than extravagant. I have to believe that they could have done just as good a job and spent a lot less money.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Why start a blog?
Within the past year, I've become a bit dismayed at how things are moving along in Palmyra. I've seen good businesses leave and I've seen not-so-worthwhile businesses move in. I've seen the streets and train station littered with trash, only to go uncleaned for what seemed like weeks on end. I've seen what appears to me as an increase in the number of abandoned cars in folks back yards. I've seen an increase in graffiti, on street signs, mailboxes, and even fences. I've seen millions of dollars (literally) being spent in the wrong places and on the wrong things. I've seen an increase in crime, including muggings and break-ins that are starting to hit a little too close to home. I've seen a borough council that can't get enough members together to hold a monthly public meeting.
I started to voice my opinions to some other residents, and it seems that quite a few of us are hungry for a change. I was approached by a few people about getting involved in council, and while it was too late to get on the ballot, I recently made my name available for folks to write-in at the upcoming elections. I am giving fellow residents the opportunity to vote for someone different and new who is not involved in any way with the current regime. Since the current folks are running un-opposed this year, this gives people a different option. I started this blog so people can learn a little bit about me and how I feel.
I preface all this with the fact that I have NO political experience. In fact, I really don't like politics. What I do like, though, is the idea of being able to live and raise my family in a safe, beautiful, successful town. I want to be proud to live in Palmyra.
I started to voice my opinions to some other residents, and it seems that quite a few of us are hungry for a change. I was approached by a few people about getting involved in council, and while it was too late to get on the ballot, I recently made my name available for folks to write-in at the upcoming elections. I am giving fellow residents the opportunity to vote for someone different and new who is not involved in any way with the current regime. Since the current folks are running un-opposed this year, this gives people a different option. I started this blog so people can learn a little bit about me and how I feel.
I preface all this with the fact that I have NO political experience. In fact, I really don't like politics. What I do like, though, is the idea of being able to live and raise my family in a safe, beautiful, successful town. I want to be proud to live in Palmyra.
About Me
Hi everyone,
Before I explain why I am starting this blog, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Daryl Vassalluzzo. My wife Jill and I moved to Palmyra, NJ in November of 2003, immediately after we got married. We have two boys, one who turned 3 in July, and one who will turn 2 in February. I was raised in Cherry Hill and attended Bishop Eustace Prep in Pennsauken. I have a BA in Business Management from Allentown College (now DeSales University) and am a Systems Administrator for a large law firm in Center City.
My wife and I bought our first home in Palmyra because we found a house that we loved on a quiet, tree-lined street, in a town that was close to both of our families, who live in Cherry Hill and Cinnaminson. We saw the potential that Palmyra had and the changes that were taking place, and we wanted to be a part of it. Plus, since I work in Philadelphia, I was able to take advantage of the RiverLine, which I still use on a daily basis.
In the fall of 2006, our family was growing, and we decided that we needed more space. We were very close to moving out to Chester County, PA, but decided against it, primarily because my commute to work would have doubled, and the homes we were looking at didn't have much of a yard for the kids or dogs to play in. We chose, instead, to add on to our home in Palmyra, and in doing so we made a commitment to staying here long term - a decision we haven't regretted.
Before I explain why I am starting this blog, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Daryl Vassalluzzo. My wife Jill and I moved to Palmyra, NJ in November of 2003, immediately after we got married. We have two boys, one who turned 3 in July, and one who will turn 2 in February. I was raised in Cherry Hill and attended Bishop Eustace Prep in Pennsauken. I have a BA in Business Management from Allentown College (now DeSales University) and am a Systems Administrator for a large law firm in Center City.
My wife and I bought our first home in Palmyra because we found a house that we loved on a quiet, tree-lined street, in a town that was close to both of our families, who live in Cherry Hill and Cinnaminson. We saw the potential that Palmyra had and the changes that were taking place, and we wanted to be a part of it. Plus, since I work in Philadelphia, I was able to take advantage of the RiverLine, which I still use on a daily basis.
In the fall of 2006, our family was growing, and we decided that we needed more space. We were very close to moving out to Chester County, PA, but decided against it, primarily because my commute to work would have doubled, and the homes we were looking at didn't have much of a yard for the kids or dogs to play in. We chose, instead, to add on to our home in Palmyra, and in doing so we made a commitment to staying here long term - a decision we haven't regretted.
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