Category Archives: People
Pennsauken’s Officer Brewer Makes Hollywood Debut In “Big George Foreman”
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
“Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World,” is now in theatres. Movie goers will be treated to not only a biopic on the amazing life of the world famous boxer, but see a stellar performance from Pennsauken Police Officer and Township native Charles Brewer, Jr. The son of former IBF super middleweight champ Charles “The Hatchet” Brewer, Charles the younger fell into a role in the upcoming film purely by happenstance.
Local Artist Transforms AAP Pages Into Vibrant Paintings
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
I’ve often imagined what people do with their old copies of All Around Pennsauken after excitingly reading them cover to cover. Archiving the issues for posterity’s sake aside or depositing them directly into the recycling bucket, I’m sure they’re repurposed as packing material, used to cover windows, line bird cages, or assist puppies during the house training process.
Then there’s Jason Sanders. A Pennsauken resident living in the Bloomfield section of town, the talented artist uses the 10” x 10” pages as canvas for his paintings.
Obituary Of Constance M. Gaetjens
Constance “Connie” M. Gaetjens (nee Mulherin), age 70 years of Pennsauken, passed away on April 12, 2023, with family at her side.
Beloved wife of Howard R. for 49 years. Devoted mother of Samantha Muller (Steven), Adam Gaetjens (Michelle), and the late Howard Gaetjens. Loving grandmother of Emma, Owen, Eli, Wyatt, AnaMair, Greyson, and Sophia. Dear sister of Penny Chew, Marie Lepera, Kathleen Mulherin, and the late Jack Mulherin, Beth Bower, Sean Mulherin, and Jennifer Costa. Caring aunt of many loving nieces and nephews and dogmom of her pups Max, Mimi, and the late Cooper.
Connie worked as a local crossing guard for many years. She was the PTA President at Amon Heights School in Pennsauken. Connie loved trips to the casino, bingo, and decorating for every holiday. She enjoyed making art, especially murals and stained glass. If there was a party, she provided her famous deviled eggs and yummy potato salad.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation on Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 5:30-6:30 PM at the Falco, Caruso & Leonard Pennsauken Funeral Home, 6600 N. Browning Road, where a Memorial Service will be held at 6:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Autism Society Southwest New Jersey, P.O. Box 469, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054.
Pennsauken Resident Earns Eagle Scout Rank
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
After years of preparation and months of planning, lifelong Pennsauken resident Gio Marinelli has earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Pennsauken Native Hired As NCNW President And CEO
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) announced that Pennsauken native Shavon Arline-Bradley was hired to serve as the organization’s first president and chief executive officer.
“We are excited to have hired Shavon as our new president and CEO. She is an extraordinary communicator, and her expertise in the areas of public health and social justice is impressive,” said Dr. A. Lois Keith, newly elected board chair of NCNW. “She will exceed expectations because these are the areas in which NCNW would like to continue, as we bridge the generational gap.”
Artist Dressler Smith To Speak On March 10
Dressler Smith, a longtime Pennsauken resident and lifelong artist, will be speaking at the Lyceum Hall Center For The Arts, 432 High St., Burlington, on Friday, March 10, at 7:00 p.m. There is no charge to attend.
Smith is a painter, author, and colorist with a focus of depicting tranquil landscapes, inspired by “the beauty of things created by God and not by man.” Her work has been purchased by celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, the late Coretta Scott King, as well as former Eagles quarterback Randle Cunnigham.
For more information, visit LyceumHallArts.com/exhibits.
Pennsauken Teacher Publishes Children’s Book
Lisa D. Swint has been teaching language arts in the Pennsauken School District for 23 years; and after decades of using her original writing to teach literary devices such as alliteration and onomatopoeia, she recently published her first children’s book, “Tucker Took the Train.”
Illustrated by Bill Smith, “Tucker Took the Train” is a fun tongue twisting story of Tucker the turtle, who is taking a very special trip from New York City to South Carolina. This book is a catchy read-aloud that highlights East Coast landmarks and various animal species found throughout the area.
“Tucker Took the Train” is available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com. And check out Ldswint.com for more info on Tucker!
Pennsauken Native Pushes For A Few Extra Miracles
After COVID-19 severely attacked his lungs, doctors told Bob Haines that he’s lucky to be alive. But as he completes his testing for a double lung transplant, he needs some more miracles to get his life back.
Pennsauken Native, Firefighter Hopeful Returns Home After Serious Injury
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
A Pennsauken native who hopes to follow in his family’s footsteps and become a firefighter, came back to his parents’ home to continue his recovery after a serious spinal injury.
John Patane, Former Director Of Pennsauken Library
John Patane, former director of the Pennsauken Free Public Library, passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. He was 78.
Patane was the beloved husband of Rosanne, devoted father of Kevin (Rebecca) and Jenny (Eric), and loving grandfather of Christopher and Michael. He is also survived by sister, Ann, and several nieces and nephews.
John was born and raised in Canastota, N.Y. He was a graduate of Villanova University and Syracuse University, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science.
John served as library director in various locations, most recently at the Pennsauken Free Public Library in Pennsauken, N.J.
