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School district backs coach, football players who kneeled for anthem

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Coach Preston Brown wanted to draw attentoon to social injustices and economic disparities.

The Camden City School District released a statement on Sunday morning supporting Woodrow Wilson coach Preston Brown and his Tiger football team’s decision to kneel for the national anthem before Saturday’s opening game against Highland.

Brown said he notified his team of his decision Friday and did not ask them to join him, but most of the players and coaches did. A few people on the Tigers’ sideline continued to stand.

The decision has generated plenty of discussion and opinion. A story on the national anthem on nj.com concerning Brown and the Tiger players' decision had generated over 600 comments as of Sunday morning.

Brown said he knelt to draw attention to social injustices and economic disparities.


TAKING A KNEE: Tigers kneel for anthem


“All my life I felt like I stood up for the national anthem as a formality,” said Brown after the Tigers’ 13-7 loss. “It never meant that much to me. I still love America. I have nothing against it, and I still love our military and all that they do but it was never a song that moved me. I always just closed my eyes and did it.

“(Because) of recent events that happened the last couple years, things I experienced in college being an African-American student athlete in the south (at Tulane), I felt it was an appropriate time to do that.”

Following is the statement released by district spokesman Brendan Lowe:

“The District supports standing for the flag, but this is a personal issue, and we strongly respect our students' experiences and their exercising our country's First Amendment rights. Whether our students choose to stand, kneel, or otherwise, we're proud of their engagement with what is more broadly a very important social justice issue."

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat for the national anthem several weeks ago as a way to protest police brutality and oppression of black people. Other athletes have joined him since, and Brown felt it was time he joined the movement and make a statement.

Senior Edwin “Tank” Lopez said he decided to continue to stand because he viewed the anthem as a way to honor American troops, including those who had been killed in combat. Brown did not have any problem with Lopez’s decision to stand, saying it was his right.

“I was just sticking to the script,” said Lopez. “One little incident in the NFL shouldn’t change that. I was going to do my own thing. It’s a free country. I can see where they were coming from. They can do whatever they want.

“The national anthem is just supporting the troops, the ones that passed. I just felt I should show respect for them and the country.”

Brown said he would continue to kneel for the national anthem. The Tigers host Northern Burlington on Saturday.

Bill Evans can be reached at bevans@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @BEvansSports. Find the NJ.com High School Football page on Facebook by following this link.


Football chat and Top 20 reveal: Talk to our writers, Sunday, 7:30 p.m.

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Join the NJ.com football writers for their first chat of the season, Sunday, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

WOODBRIDGE -- The first full week of high school football is in the books and there's plenty to talk about.

The NJ.com football writers -- Jermey Schneider, Pat Lanni, Bill Evans, Braulio Perez and Joe Zedalis will host their first Sunday night chat, 7:30-8:30 p.m. right here. Come prepared with questions, comments, thoughts.


MORE: Results and links for Sat., Sept. 10


The newest NJ.com Top 20 will be released at 6 p.m. Could there be another new No. 1?

What about the upsets, the big performances, Player of the Year candidates, the Week 2 games? It is all on the table and open for discussion.

Just enter your opinions or questions in the comments box below and be part of the conversation.

The NJ.com football writers will be here at 7:30 p.m. We hope you will be, too.

Joe Zedalis may be reached at jzedalis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @josephzedalis. Like NJ.com HS sports on Facebook.

Camden authorities seek help in finding missing man

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Camden authorities say Gregory Coleman, 20, was last seen at his home on Saturday night.

CAMDEN -- The Camden County Police Department is seeking the public's help in find a missing man.

Gregory Coleman.jpgGregory Coleman has been reported missing in Camden. (CCPD) 

On Sunday authorities said they are searching for Gregory Coleman, 20, from the city's Whitman Park neighborhood.

According to Camden County Police, he was reported missing from his home on the 100 block of Davis Street on Saturday night.

He is described by authorities as a black male, 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair.

Police say Coleman was last seen wearing white T-shirt, black Adidas sweatpants and black Nike sneakers.

He may be in the area of 5th and State streets in Camden, according to authorities.

Anyone with information on Coleman's whereabouts is asked to call the Camden County Police Department's Tip Line at 856-757-7042.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Blaze breaks out at Camden steel yard, report says

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The thick, black smoke from the fire could be seen by fans at Lincoln Financial Field in nearby Philadelphia, a report says.

CAMDEN -- The football action between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns wasn't the only thing spectators at Lincoln Financial Field in south Philadelphia were watching Sunday, a report says.

As the game was being played, a fire broke out at a Camden steel yard across the Delaware River, according to 6 ABC.

Fans in many seats at the Linc could see the black smoke billowing into the sky to the east of the stadium.

The fire began around 1:30 p.m. at the yard along Front Street in Camden.

Firefighters were on the scene, the report said. It added no injuries had been reported.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

 

N.J. pets in need: Sept. 12, 2016

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Dogs and cats throughout New Jersey need homes.

Sometimes, it seems our dogs just don't listen to us; we bark commands and our canine companions just don't respond.

f671dce8-75ad-11e4-_810921c.jpg 

For those dog owners who are hoping to improve communication with their pets, OneMind Dogs (oneminddogs.com) has a method that may be worth trying.

The OneMind Dogs training method concentrates on forging the dog-human bond and works in concert with the dog's natural instincts. The method follows the philosophy that dogs do not make mistakes, their behavior is a direct response to the signals they get from us humans.

So, here are OneMind Dogs' tips on how to speak dog:

1. MOTION OVER VOICE
"While vocal cues are useful in training, your dog naturally responds first to body language. If you teach your dog to sit and lie down using words and accompanying hand gestures, and then you tell your dog to "sit" but use the gesture for "lie down," your dog will lie down - following the gesture, not the word. Therefore, use your body language to really communicate meaningfully with your dog."

2. TREAT 'SMALL'
"From a dog's perspective, a large treat is no greater a reward than a small one. When training with large treats as rewards, your dog will become full and lose motivation more quickly. So treat often using small bits. The timing of when you treat is crucial, too. For example, if you reward your dog for sitting too late, after she has already gotten up from the position, the next time she will naturally get up in anticipation of her reward."

3. LEAD BY EXAMPLE
"When dogs learn new skills, they automatically associate the emotion surrounding the experience with the skill itself - so if you're having a bad day, it's not the best day for a training session. If you approach the training session with a positive outlook, your dog will be enthusiastic about what you're teaching him, both during the session and in the future. You'll find that keeping an upbeat attitude will also lengthen your dog's attention span for longer sessions."

OneMind Dogs was developed in Finland in 2003, when top-performing agility dog Tekla suddenly lost her hearing. From then on, her trainer could only rely on physical cues to communicate and had to see the world from Tekla's perspective in order to make the dog understand her. What could have been a crushing road block for Tekla's agility career turned into a groundbreaking way for all dogs and their humans to become more in sync than ever before.

Here's a gallery of dogs and cats in need of adoption from northern and central New Jersey. Make sure captions are enabled to get all the information for each homeless pet.

More galleries of adoptable pets can be seen here and here.

POLL: Do you agree with N.J. coach's choice to kneel for national anthem?

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Here's what NJ.com readers are saying on the coach's choice to kneel for national anthem. Watch video

A Camden City School District football coach made the decision to kneel during the national anthem before Saturday's opening game, with many members of the Woodrow Wilson football team joining him.

Woodrow Wilson Football Coach Preston Brown and the majority of the football players knelt to bring attention to social injustices and economic disparities.

Brown told his team that he planned on kneeling, but did not ask members to join him. While a majority of the team knelt, there were still a few players who remained standing.

The Camden football coach said he will continue to kneel for the anthem. 

The school district released a statement claiming their support in standing for the flag but in response to kneeling, it was a "personal issue."

Vote in our poll and comment below to share your views. Do you agree with the football coach and team's decision to kneel during the national anthem?


Here is what NJ.com readers are saying about the issue:

WhyNoKatana: Good for the district in understanding that the First Amendment gives them the right to protest in this manner, even if they personally don't approve.
thatfootisme: Among the things our troops fight for is the 1st Amendment. And like it or not, that guarantees everyone the right to do exactly what this coach and these kids did. The backlash against these actions is nothing more than right-wing political correctness.
cone1: The fact that they have the right to do this is the very reason they should stand up.
dcarbonephd: Good for them.  Need a lot more of this.  A lot more. Keep it coming. Keep it coming, I say. The #USA is not all that great if it can't withstand well deserved and earned criticism of how it conducts itself and some of its business.  The cheddar has been served. 
Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Football Top 20 for Sept. 11: Can N.J.'s new No. 1 bring stability?

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It's the third top 20 and our third No. 1 team. Will this one hold down the throne?

Rehab facility or open space? Builder, town at odds over future of Cherry Hill building

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The township says the property should be public space, not a 90-bed rehab facility.

CHERRY HILL TWP. -- Brookfield residents got a surprise Labor Day weekend when they opened letters from a Florida company stating that the township had approved a rehabilitation clinic in their neighborhood.

And if they were upset at the news, they weren't alone. Township officials have said they did not approve the proposed facility at the site of the former Masonic Lodge and if they get their way, it'll never happen.

Mayor Chuck Cahn and Council President David Fleisher told residents in a letter of their own that the township hopes to preserve it as open space -- something Advanced Recovery Systems of Florida is well aware of.

"We will continue to vigorously pursue that preservation," they wrote.

Jeffrey Baron, a Voorhees attorney representing Advanced Recovery Systems, told Philly.com that the Planning Board did not act on the application in a timely manner and thus has granted default approval.

He told the site the board had 45 days under the state land-use ordinance to act on the application filed Feb. 19, but never took action despite ARS giving members an extra 105 days.

Costco opponents cry 'spot zoning' in land use battle, report says

Under the proposal, the Masonic Lodge building and grounds at 1205 Berlin Road would be converted into a 90-bed clinic to treat people with addictions and eating disorders, Philly.com reported.

Cherry Hill spokesman Bridget Palmer said there is no merit to Baron's argument, both because because the company's application was not "deemed complete" until this summer and because his 45-day deadline is incorrect.

She said that state law gives a planning board 95 days to approve or deny a site plan that involves more than 10 acres or 10 dwelling units.

"Their application was deemed complete on July 18 -- giving the township until Oct 21 to bring it in front of the planning board," Palmer said.

No meeting has been scheduled but it will be before that date, she added.

In their letter to residents, Cahn and Fleisher said that residents' participation will be welcome when the proposal is considered. They called any statement that the township granted default approval "false and misleading."

The letter stated that the township applied a few weeks ago to the Camden County Open Space Preservation Committee for funds to buy the lodge and grounds.

Baron told Philly.com that his client considered a different property at the request of the township, but was then told that second property was "off the table."

Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Big games: N.J. alums who made an impact in college football Week 2

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A look at how some of the N.J. natives in college football fared this weekend.

N.J. man stole neighbor's Wi-Fi to distribute child porn, officials say

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The Wi-Fi did not have a password, and the homeowners were unaware it was being used by a neighbor.

CLEMENTON -- Authorities said Monday that they arrested a resident who was using his neighbor's unprotected wireless internet to download and distribute child pornography.

Louis LaSalle, 55, of Woodmill Drive, was charged Thursday with possession and distribution of child pornography. Investigators recovered over 33,700 pornographic images and videos from his laptop, according to a press release from the Camden County prosecutor's office.

Investigators from the office's High Tech Crimes Unit and Gloucester Township Police Department Special Response Team executed a search warrant at a Woodmill Drive residence that they believed was connected to their investigation into child pornography possession and distribution, according to the release. 

Former teacher arrested in child porn sweep

"Interviews with the homeowners convinced detectives that the residents of the targeted house were not involved," the prosecutor's office said. "It turns out that the targeted homeowner's Wi-Fi was not password-protected and was being pirated by a neighbor."

Detectives determined that LaSalle used the wireless internet to download and distribute child pornography. They seized his laptop with thousands of images and videos, as well as a router he used to connect to his neighbor's Wi-Fi, the prosecutor's office said.

After his arrest, LaSalle was remanded to the Camden County Jail on $150,000 full cash bail.

Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

 

Audubon High School's Project Memorial recognizes military service

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Student Allen Chase receives POW*MIA Flag on behalf of school

Allen Chase, a senior at Audubon High School, was asked to speak at Saint Mary's Episcopal Church on Sept. 11 about the high school's Project Memorial and the Project Memorial Foundation.

Audubon is the home of three Medal of Honor recipients: Samuel M. Sampler (World War I), Edward Clyde Benfold (Korean War) and Nelson V. Brittin (Korean War). Twenty years ago, a group of students from Audubon Junior/Senior High School decided to create a Medal of Honor Memorial to recognize those in the community who have served in the military. The students created a group called Project Memorial and every year since they have organize and run a moving memorial service.

Allen was given the honor of receiving the POW*MIA Flag from the USS Benfold (DDG-65) on behalf of Audubon High School and the Project Memorial Foundation and was entrusted with its safe keeping to transport the flag over to Audubon High School.

The Audubon High School Project Memorial Foundation was established in 1994. Since then, the organization has been honored for patriotism by civic and military groups around the country.

This item submitted by Assistant Principal Eric Miller, Audubon High School.

Gloucester City soccer dedicates season to local police

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GCYSL makes donation to Gloucester City Police K-9 Association

GLOUCESTER CITY -- Gloucester City Youth Soccer League (GCYSL) would like to thank everyone for participating in its Opening Day Ceremony on Sept. 11 at Gloucester High School. The 2016 season will be dedicated to the Gloucester City Police. A $350 donation was presented to the Gloucester City Police K-9 Association.

GCYSL Collage.jpgThe Gloucester City Youth Soccer League is dedicated to the task of promoting and enhancing the culture of youth soccer in Gloucester City. 

This was GCYSL's 15th year as a youth soccer recreational soccer league. This year the season is dedicated to local law enforcement. A special live rendition of the National Anthem was played by one of the league's 11-year-old players via guitar. Ceremonies were lead by Gloucester City Councilman Daniel Spencer. 

GCYSL police.jpgThis year Gloucester City Youth Soccer League's season is dedicated to local law enforcement. 

The Gloucester City Youth Soccer League is a 501(c)3 non-profit recreational youth soccer organization dedicated to the task of promoting and enhancing the culture of youth soccer in Gloucester City. It strives to develop players at all levels of play, ages 4-13 for girls and boys, by building and improving their skills, confidence, fitness, initiative and a sense of teamwork.

The league is committed to developing coaches to the highest level through a quality instructional program. It promotes and encourages high standards of sportsmanship and fair play. It continues to accomplish its goals each year with the continued support from our friends and supporters. 

For more information on the Gloucester City Youth Soccer League visit www.gcyouthsoccer.com or www.facebook.com/GCYSL

This item submitted by Jeff Spotts, Gloucester City Youth Soccer League.

Camden Diocese will suspend players who don't stand for anthem

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The Diocese of Camden told its schools in an early-September letter that any player who opted not to stand for the national anthem would be subject to suspension, according to a report.

The Diocese of Camden told its schools in an early-September letter that any player who opted not to stand for the national anthem would be subject to suspension, according to a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

According to the letter in the article, "Failure to do demonstrate appropriate respect will result in suspension from play (2 games) or dismissal from the team for subsequent offenses."

The letter adds that the "best approach (to dealing with the issue) is helping our young people understand that blood was sacrificed so that we all can enjoy the gifts of our faith and our country.

"However, let me be clear. We are not public institutions and free speech in all of its demonstrations, including protests, is not a guaranteed right."

The Camden Diocese oversees several South Jersey high schools, including Holy Spirit, Camden Catholic, Gloucester Catholic, Paul VI, St. Joseph (Hamm.), Bishop Eustace, Our Lady of Mercy and Wildwood Catholic.


TAKING A KNEE: Tigers kneel for anthem


Woodrow Wilson players and coaches kneeled for the national anthem before Saturday's 13-7 loss to Highland. Coach Preston Brown said he made the decision to kneel to bring attention to social injustices and economic disparities.

Brown let his team know his intention before the game and did not ask them to join him but almost all of the coaches and players did. On Sunday, the Camden City School District released a statement saying they supported the players and coaches' First Amendment right to kneel during the anthem.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was the first to protest police brutality and oppression of African-Americans by sitting for the anthem during a preseason game. He has been followed by other professional athletes before the Wilson football team's stance on Saturday.

Bill Evans can be reached at bevans@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @BEvansSports. Find the NJ.com High School Football page on Facebook by following this link.

Rider U. student charged with assaulting security officer

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Connor Lukowiak, of Haddonfield, was detained shortly after police arrived at the campus at 3 a.m. Friday.

LAWRENCE -- A 19-year-old Rider University was arrested on an assault charge after allegedly scuffling with security officers on campus., Lawrence police said.

Connor Lukowiak, of Haddonfield, was detained shortly after police arrived at the campus a little after 3 a.m. Friday. He was later charged with one count of aggravated assault on a police officer, police said.

Lawrence police said they were called to the Kroner Hall dormitory by Rider Public Safety officers, who needed assistance in dealing with Lukowiak. Police said the student was belligerent and combative with the campus officers.

Student sues college over 'sexual assault that never happened'

Lukowiak allegedly tussled and pushed one of the officers while they attempted to render medical aid to the teen, who appeared impaired.

Lukowiak was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton for treatment after he was in custody.

A campus spokeswoman declined to comment on the arrest Monday.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

 

8 charged with running Camden crack, heroin ring

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The group allegedly operated on Lansdowne Avenue, authorities said

CAMDEN-- Five city residents were arrested Monday and three others already in custody for unrelated offenses were charged for operating a ring that distributed crack and heroin for nearly a year, the office of U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said in a statement.

 

Jason Boyd, 36, Preston Thomas, 30, Julian Dickerson, 24, Derek Stallworth, 20, and Tony Wilson, 24, were arrested and charged with drug trafficking conspiracy.

Two other Camden men, Joseph Boyd, 31, and Nafeez Griffin, 30, as well as Jeffrey Whitaker, 32, of Collingswood, were also charged.

Authorities say the ring operated in the 1100 block of Lansdowne Avenue beginning in November. Joseph and Jason Boyd, along with Thomas, allegedly led the operation, while the others sold drugs on the street during assigned shifts, authorities said.

The men face up to 20 years in prison and up to a $5 million fine if convicted.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.  

 


Cops warn of burglar posing as neighbor, salesperson

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Police warn residents of a burglar making his way through areas in Pennsauken.

PENNSAUKEN TWP. -- Authorities are warning residents in Camden County of a burglar who is posing as a neighbor and salesperson to gain entry into homes.

Pennsauken Police say once the burglar walks into the house, he then distracts the resident while stealing items and then leaving.

According to authorities, the suspect usually targets older individuals.

Residents are being reminded not to let strangers into their home and if there is any suspicious activity, contact authorities.

Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

 

Bad precedent on N.J. school residence? | Editorial

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Camden County prosecutors should have taken a back seat in a probe of whether Timber Creek High School's football team included ringers from other districts.

Every time the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) proposes a change to district residency rules, it brings on column upon column of pro-and-con sports page analysis. For people with just a passing interest, it makes their heads spin.

So, for purposes of this editorial, let's leave the rule-setting to the experts.

However, a residency decision announced right before this weekend's high school football games causes some general concern, not because of what was decided, but because of who decided it.

The Camden County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement that it found no evidence that coaches at Timber Creek High School in the Black Horse Regional School District had conspired to put ineligible players on the field. The upshot was, no sanctions against the coaches or the team. Its tilt with Delsea (54-28, Timber Creek) went on as scheduled.

The prosecutor's office did find, however, some "discrepancies in transfer documents" that presumably brought players to playoff caliber Timber Creek  from elsewhere. Prosecutors said they'll turn the findings over to the NJSIAA -- which could still impose game forfeitures or other penalties.

Why did this investigation start at the prosecutor's office rather than at the NJSIAA? The probe reportedly took several months.

The prosecutors had received an anonymous 13-page letter from a group called S.T.O.P., an acronym for Stop Taking Our Players. The same letter went to the NJSIAA, Gloucester Township officials and members of the press.

Does the Camden County Prosecutor's Office have the time, money and personnel to peruse inter-school transfer papers and find out where students sleep at night? If so, it ought to assure relatives of all 31 victims of Camden City homicides so far this year that it has been working just as diligently on their behalf.

The prosecutor's statement on Timber Creek made clear that there was no "criminal" conduct by the coaches, but why was this even assumed to have been a criminal matter? Any tip from a group called Stop Taking Our Players obviously came from those connected with competing teams. Since this is about  fair play according to NJSIAA rules, shouldn't that organization have been the first place to check the allegations? Lord knows, it seems to have enough revenue to police itself.

Of course, if NJSIAA investigators had uncovered any potential criminal activity, they should have alerted prosecutors.

Certainly, families of students who attend school in districts where they don't pay taxes or tuition get a financial benefit they don't deserve. But districts plagued with repeated "transfers-in" of ineligible students -- for educational quality reasons, as opposed to sports supremacy ones -- usually have to invest in their own probes. County prosecutors' offices don't normally swoop in to help out.

Timber Creek is nothing more than one of those "Johnny-moved-in-with-his-uncle" to be on the team incidents, perhaps writ large. The NJSIAA should take a hard look, but that should have occurred before prosecutors intervened. There's more than enough serious crime out there to keep them busy. 

Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com

N.J. alums who made noise during NFL opening week

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Several New Jersey products put up big numbers in the first weekend of NFL action.

'Your Hometown Hero' -- Gloucester City Police | Video

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Gloucester City Police officers sing 'Take Good Care of My Baby' Watch video

WASHINGTON TWP.-- The South Jersey Voice and the Your Music Matters Morning Show on WNJC 1360 and WWDB 860 Radio continues its "Your Hometown Hero" segment. The second week features Gloucester City Police Officers singing 'Take Good Care of My Baby."

Taping sessions continue Nov. 21, Paul Dilks, The South Jersey Voice, and the Your Music Matters Morning Show will feature 12 local police departments singing a song from the radio station's playlist. 

Each week, The South Jersey Voice will be recording a different police department singing a song that will air each Monday at 8 a.m. on the Your Music Matters Morning Show.

Each of the songs will be placed on video and posted on social media. The radio station decided to incorporate the police in this promotion to show their support for local police.

Your Music Matters with host Paul Dilks is on Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to noon.

This item submitted by Paul Dilks, The South Jersey Voice.

Top performers: NJ.com football helmet stickers for Week 1

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A look at the stars from each conference in Week 1 of New Jersey football.

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