Lorrie M. DeFrates, a woman of abundant of kindness and joy, passed away on February 6, 2026, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Born on April 23, 1963, Lorrie had a vibrant spirit and loving nature that left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was preceded in death by her cherished father, Joseph Visco, and is survived by her mother Anna Visco
Lorrie’s life was a tapestry of love, work, and service. After graduating from Paul VI High School in 1981, she embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship and community involvement. Alongside her beloved husband, Bruce, she co-owned Bellmawr Collision. Not only did they repair cars, but they also built a strong community foundation around the business, touching the lives of many with their integrity and teamwork.
The essence of a family woman, Lorrie’s devotion to her family was unwavering. She and Bruce welcomed their children Derek and Natalie (Austin) into a home filled with love and laughter. Her role as Nonna to Georgie Joseph was one of her greatest joys. Her siblings, Kimberly Visco, her husband Michael DiFilippo, and Joe Visco, with his wife Cindy, will forever cherish the memories of their dear sister. Sisters-in-law and caretakers, Susan Laurits with her husband Igor, Joan Boaggio, and Denise Bauer, stood by her side, ensuring her last moments were as comfortable and peaceful as possible. Lorrie’s family extended beyond blood relations, and her nieces and nephews knew her as a constant source of support and unconditional love.
Lorrie’s passion for life was evident in everything she did. Her gardens were a testament to her love for beauty and growth, as she cultivated both flowers and vegetables with tender care. A master in the kitchen, she delighted family and friends with her cooking, always ready to share a meal and a moment of companionship. Her innate ability to connect with people was one of her greatest gifts. She was the friend everyone wished for, always there to lend a hand or an ear.
Her love for animals was profound. This love translated into a successful dog grooming business that catered to the needs of many furry friends over the years. The Jersey Shore held a special place in Lorrie’s heart, and her time spent there was filled with serenity and joy.
Special thanks are extended to Chantale, her dedicated aid and caretaker, who provided comfort and care during Lorrie’s final days.
There will be a visitation Friday, February 13, 2026 from 10 am to 12 pm at Earle Funeral Home 122 W. Church St., Blackwood, NJ. Memorial Service to follow. Interment private.
This February, Discover Jersey Arts invites audiences across the Garden State to visit JerseyArts.com and discover ways to celebrate Black creativity, influence, and artistic excellence with the launch of its Black History Month Event Guide, available beginning February 1.
You Gotta Be Here for Black History Month
From laugh-out-loud comedy to soul-stirring music, the Black History Event Month Guide spotlights performances and experiences that honor the voices, stories, and cultural contributions of communities from the African Diaspora—right here in New Jersey.
As a statewide program promoting the work of more than 300 arts organizations, Discover Jersey Arts connects residents and visitors to performances, festivals, exhibitions, and cultural moments in every corner of the state. While New Jersey’s remarkable diversity is celebrated year-round, February offers a focused opportunity to uplift Black artists, traditions, and narratives that have shaped—and continue to shape—our shared cultural landscape.
“Black history is not a single story or a single month, but February gives us a powerful moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the depth, brilliance, and impact of Black artistry in New Jersey,” said Adam Perle, President & CEO of ArtPride New Jersey. “This guide invites everyone to experience that richness live, in our theaters, concert halls, community spaces, and visual arts.”
Featured Performances in the Black History Month Guide
The 2026 guide includes hundreds of events statewide, with highlights such as:Tracy MorganComedy / VarietyFebruary 7Count Basie Center for the ArtsOne of comedy’s most recognizable voices brings his signature humor and unmistakable point of view to the Basie stage.Ndlovu Youth ChoirMusicFebruary 28Mayo Performing Arts CenterThis internationally acclaimed choir delivers an electrifying performance blending traditional African music with contemporary sound.Forever Motown: So Good for the SoulMusicFebruary 20Stockton Performing Arts CenterA high-energy tribute celebrating the legendary Motown sound that defined generations and transformed popular music.More to Explore with a FREE myJerseyArts Account
Audiences are encouraged to explore the full Black History Month Guide at JerseyArts.com and unlock even more by creating a FREE myJerseyArts account, which offers:Personalized event recommendationsExclusive member-only discountsEasy access to arts experiences across all 21 counties
The Camden County Office of Emergency Management declared that Camden County will be under a Code Blue Advisory from for the following dates and times due to projected dangerously low temperatures by the National Weather Service:
Monday, February 9 7:00 a.m. – Tuesday, February 10 7:00 a.m. • Projected temperature: 15°F Tuesday, February 10 7:00 p.m. – Wednesday, February 11 7:00 a.m. • Projected temperature: 28°F Wednesday, February 11, 7:00 p.m. – Thursday, February 12 7:00 a.m. • Projected temperature: 25°F Thursday, February 12 7:00 p.m. – Friday, February 13 7:00 a.m. • Projected temperature: 20°F Friday, February 13 7:00 p.m. – Saturday, February 14 7:00 a.m. • Projected temperature: 19°F
Code Blue Advisories are declared when the National Weather Service predicts that the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, or the wind chill temperature will be zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower for a period of two hours or more.
Cheryl Wynne, affectionately known as Mogie, was born on July 17, 1960 in Mt. Holly, NJ to the late Charles H. Wynne, Sr. and the late Emma V. Wynne (nee Cannon).
Cheryl graduated with honors from Lenape High School in Medford in 1978. While there, she excelled in gymnastics and also enjoyed playing softball. She appreciated art in a variety of mediums, especially crafting things with her hands. Shortly after graduating high school Cheryl welcomed her first and only child, Derek Wayne Wynne on September 22, 1979. Throughout the years she worked a number of different jobs including retail clerk. Cheryl spent the majority of her time between Palmyra New Jersey and Mount Laurel where she was well loved by both communities. She also endured a lengthy battle with mental illness nonetheless staying busy and positive along the way. In the last few years Cheryl was in the care of two facilities, Complete Care at Crescent and Silver Care where she endeared herself to the staff as well as the other patients. Cheryl entered her eternal reward on January 16th 2026 at the age of 65 at Jefferson Hospital in Cherry Hill New Jersey from respiratory failure. She will be missed by many but forgotten by none.
Join us for an inspiring private screening of Sarah’s Oil, a powerful biographical drama based on the true story of Sarah Rector—an 11-year-old girl who became one of the nation’s first female Black millionaires after oil was discovered on her land. General admission is $25. Sunday, Feb. 22, 2 p.m., AMC Voorhees 16 900 Haddonfield Road, Voorhees, NJ. Doors Open at 1 p.m. This unforgettable afternoon is made possible with the support of NAACP – Camden County East Branch; two chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; The Burlington-Camden (NJ) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; the Peter Mott House & Lawnside Historical Society; Kappa Burlington Camden Alumni Chapter, and the NAACP – Camden County Youth Council. Use the button below to buy tickets, NAACP memberships and donate.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ {CNBNEWS} FEBRUARY 9, 2025.–A new single‑family home is rising in the Riverview Heights section of Gloucester City—on a lot that has been vacant for decades. The property at 16 Stites Avenue sits on a 5,001‑square‑foot lot, and the two‑story home with an attached garage will span 2,986 square feet when completed. The asking price is $500,000.
The Zillow listing promotes the house as a modern build with three bedrooms, two and a half baths, a finished basement, and a deck overlooking the backyard. Buyers are offered the option to customize finishes. Taxes, the listing notes, are “TBD.”
The half‑million‑dollar price tag raises a larger question: Is Gloucester City’s housing market now out of sync with the community’s economic reality?
About a year ago, Zillow identified Gloucester City as one of the communities “dangerously close to a housing price correction.” At the time, prices were rising faster than local incomes, investor activity was increasing, and distressed properties were piling up. A year later, many of those warning signs remain.
Recent data shows the city’s median home value hovering between $240,000 and $270,000, depending on the source. Prices have risen modestly, but homes are taking longer to sell—an average of 46 days on the market, compared to just 18 days the year before. Price cuts are becoming more common, and public records show hundreds of liens and dozens of pre‑foreclosures over the past year.
Compared with neighboring towns, Gloucester City remains one of the least expensive markets in the region—yet also one of the most strained. Bellmawr, Westville, and Gloucester Township all have higher home values and stronger demand. Even Brooklawn, the closest comparison, sees homes selling faster and with fewer signs of distress.
So how did Gloucester City end up with rising prices but a weakening foundation?
A major factor is investor pressure. Out‑of‑town buyers, flippers, and cash purchasers have been active in the city for years, pushing prices upward based on profit potential rather than local wages. At the same time, Gloucester City’s housing stock is old—much of it 80 to 100 years old—and expensive to maintain. New construction is rare, and when it does appear, it’s priced according to regional standards, not neighborhood norms.
High property taxes and long‑standing municipal challenges add another layer. Aging infrastructure, limited commercial growth, and persistent code issues have left the city without the stability needed to support sustained price increases.
Correcting the imbalance will require a coordinated effort. Stronger code enforcement, incentives for owner‑occupied rehabilitation, and policies that encourage residents—not investors—to buy homes could help stabilize neighborhoods. A clearer long‑term housing strategy from city leadership, along with a tax structure that reflects the realities of the market, would also move the city in the right direction.
The new home on Stites Avenue is not the cause of Gloucester City’s housing problems. It is a signpost. Prices continue to rise, but the fundamentals beneath them remain uneven. Whether the market corrects itself or continues drifting upward will depend on whether the city confronts the forces shaping its future—or allows them to continue unchecked.
From the Zillow advertisement:
What’s special
Welcome to 16 Stites Avenue, a thoughtfully designed new construction home offering modern comfort, flexible living spaces, and refined finishes throughout. This impressive residence features three spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms and one half bath, a fully finished basement, and an attached one-car garage, delivering an ideal balance of functionality and contemporary design. Buyers have the opportunity to customize select finishes—please inquire for details.
The main level showcases a bright, open-concept layout that is perfectly suited for both everyday living and entertaining. Abundant natural light fills the living and dining areas and flows seamlessly into the well-appointed kitchen, designed to serve as the true heart of the home. Modern finishes and an efficient floor plan provide both style and practicality. The fully finished basement offers valuable additional living space, ideal for a family room, home office, fitness area, or entertainment space. Upstairs, the private bedroom level features generously sized bedroom
s, including a primary suite with ample closet space and a private en-suite bathroom. Outdoor living is enhanced by a spacious deck overlooking the backyard—perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Additional highlights include quality craftsmanship throughout and a layout designed to complement today’s lifestyle needs.
Situated in one of Gloucester City’s most desirable neighborhoods, the home is conveniently located near parks, shopping, dining, and major commuter routes, including Route 130 and Route 295, with easy access to Philadelphia bridges—placing Center City Philadelphia just 15 minutes away. This is a unique opportunity to personalize and own an exceptional new construction home. Schedule your private showing today. “Taxes are not $1 and are TBD. Taxes and square footage are the responsibility of the buyer to have verified.”
This comparison shows a clear pattern: Gloucester City remains one of the least expensive towns in the region — yet also one of the most economically strained. Neighboring towns with higher prices have stronger demand, newer housing stock, and fewer signs of distress. Even Brooklawn, the closest match, sees homes selling far more quickly.
So how did Gloucester City end up with rising prices but a weakening foundation?
A major factor is investor pressure. Out‑of‑town buyers, flippers, and cash purchasers have been active in the city for years, pushing prices upward based on profit potential rather than local wages. At the same time, Gloucester City’s housing stock is old—much of it 80 to 100 years old—and expensive to maintain. New construction is rare, and when it does appear, it’s priced according to regional standards, not neighborhood norms.
High property taxes and long‑standing municipal challenges add another layer. Aging infrastructure, limited commercial growth, and persistent code issues have left the city without the stability needed to support sustained price increases.
Correcting the imbalance will require a coordinated effort. Stronger code enforcement, incentives for owner‑occupied rehabilitation, and policies that encourage residents—not investors—to buy homes could help stabilize neighborhoods. A clearer long‑term housing strategy from city leadership, along with a tax structure that reflects the realities of the market, would also move the city in the right direction.
The new home on Stites Avenue is not the cause of Gloucester City’s housing problems. It is a signpost. Prices continue to rise, but the fundamentals beneath them remain uneven. Whether the market corrects itself or continues drifting upward will depend on whether the city confronts the forces shaping its future—or allows them to continue unchecked.
The Discover Boating® Atlantic City Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive®, returns to the Atlantic City Convention Center February 25–March 1, 2026, bringing five days of summer vibes and fun for the whole family. A longtime Atlantic City tradition, the boat show welcomes tens of thousands of attendees eager to explore boating, one of the nation’s most popular outdoor recreational activities.
From first-time boaters to seasoned enthusiasts, showgoers can shop hundreds of new boats, connect with industry experts, and discover the latest gear and accessories, including exclusive show-only specials. Beyond the boats, the boat show offers interactive experiences like the Indoor Paddle Pool, fishing demonstrations, and kids’ activities designed to inspire the next generation of boaters. Tickets are available at acboatshow.com.
President Donald Trump and Secretary Krisit Noem are turning the Department of Homeland Security into a political weapon, using ICE to instill fear in our neighborhoods instead of keeping people safe. This is not who we are as a nation, and it has to stop.
I introduced a bill in Congress to require all public facing immigration enforcement officials to wear body cameras, just as police officers in New Jersey are already required to do. Do you think that ICE agents should wear body cameras? Let me know below:
I will keep pushing until my bill gets over the finish line and body cameras are required by law. Without enforceable rules, real oversight, and accountability, DHS and ICE will keep operating without consequences.
Pennsauken Police received the report that a comment was made about a shooting at the Intermediate School tomorrow. This report was investigated and it was determined that the threat was not credible and there is no enhanced risk to the safety of the students and staff. There will be an increased police presence at the school.
Everyday accidents, like slipping on a wet floor, being rear-ended in traffic, or tripping on pavement, can appear as a minor incident at first glance. While people usually focus only on their immediate medical bills or visible damage, these incidents frequently carry hidden costs that surface weeks or months later. To fully understand the true impact of an accident, it is essential to know these less obvious consequences. Read on to discover what they are.
Financial Loss from Missed Work and Reduced Productivity
Accidents frequently disrupt a person’s ability to work. Even mild injuries can require time off for rest, medical appointments, or rehabilitation. Workers without paid sick leave may lose income immediately, while self-employed individuals often experience even greater financial pressure when injuries prevent them from working.
In many cases, the impact does not end when a person returns to work. Ongoing pain, stiffness, or fatigue can reduce productivity and efficiency. Some individuals may struggle to perform physically demanding tasks or maintain previous workloads. Serious injuries may even force career changes or long-term work limitations.
