May 15, 2024
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–On May 11, 2024, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham hosted its second annual Veterans Appreciation Day with more than 140 veterans from four branches of the United States Armed Forces and their families in attendance. It was a day of remembrance and appreciation for the dedication and commitment of the U.S. Armed Forces to the nation.
BAPS and the local community celebrated and appreciated the service, courage, and commitment of the current and former members of the U.S. Military. They gathered to honor the brave men and women who have selflessly served the nation. The ceremony was led by Capt. Medina Wilson, Director of the Mercer County Veteran Services and proud veteran of the United States Army.
The event commenced with a Hindu Vedic prayer for peace and a beautiful duet of the American national anthem by BAPS youths. This was followed by the presentation of colors, a traditional military ceremony where the American flag is carried and displayed, conducted by Master Sergeant Joshua Strouse and the Color Guard from McGuire Air Force Base.
Both BAPS and our U.S. Military are rooted in the spirit of service and greatly value selflessly giving back to society. Command Chief Master Sergeant, Mike Ferraro shared deep gratitude to BAPS for giving him the opportunity to commemorate his fellow Veterans at the Veterans Appreciation Day at Akshardham.
A highlight of the event was a heartfelt pinning ceremony performed by Staff Sergeant Harish Rao as a token of BAPS’ appreciation for Veterans’ unwavering dedication. The presentation also recognized and acknowledged the role of families of veterans and active-duty U.S. Armed Forces. Families are the foundation of our nation’s strength and resilience that enable our armed forces to serve with purpose.
Photos and story provided by: BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham
Vivian M. Harrell, 37, of Trenton was identified in a video posted on social media allegedly covering an 8-week-old infant’s face, possibly blocking the infant’s airway, speaking in vulgar, derogatory language, and also pushing the infant’s head.
May 15, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police say that on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Trenton Police Department was made aware of a disturbing video being shared on social media. This video depicted an individual covering an infant’s face, possibly blocking the infant’s airway, speaking in vulgar, derogatory language, and also pushing the infant’s head. Multiple people contacted the Trenton Police regarding this incident. The individual in the video was identified as Vivian M. Harrell, of Trenton. The infant was 8 weeks old. An investigation was conducted by Trenton Police Department Special Victims Unit Detective Sh’Quanah Lopez and a detective from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit. Harrell was subsequently arrested and charged with second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child and second-degree Aggravated Assault. The Division of Child Protection and Permanency was contacted and also assisting.
Vivian M. Harrell, 37, of Trenton Charges: Aggravated Assault (2nd Degree), Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2nd Degree)
CHARGES ARE MERE ACCUSATIONS AND THE ACCUSED ARE CONSIDERED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY
May 15, 2024
Manchester Twp NJ – Manchester Police Department swiftly responded to the sound of gunshots early Sunday morning, leading to the apprehension of a suspect involved in the reckless discharge of a firearm.
On Sunday, May 12, 2024, at approximately 0209 hours, Ptl. Maliff was conducting patrols in the area of Manchester Boulevard and Wranglebrook Road, when he heard several gunshots. Ptl. Maliff quickly identified a vehicle coming from the area and conducted a motor vehicle stop. During the on-scene investigation, a 9mm handgun and ammunition were seized from the vehicle. It is suspected that the driver, Nathaniel Chudkowski, fired the weapon into the wooded area of Manchester Boulevard while driving in the area. Due to the swift response and decisive actions of our officers any public safety threat was quickly eliminated.
As a result of the investigation, Chudkowski was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, failure for a permit to carry holder to disclose to a law enforcement officer that they are carrying a handgun or that a handgun is stored in the vehicle, and consumption of alcohol by an authorized holder of a permit to carry a handgun. He was lodged in Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
The criminal charges are merely an accusation, and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Residents are reminded that they may report suspicious activity to the Manchester Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com, by clicking the “Tip Line” link.
Stacie Maigue, BSN, RN, Named Magnet Nurse of the Year
May 15, 2024
HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, honored Stacie Maigue, BSN, RN, Tele North, as its 2024 Magnet Nurse of the Year. The award was presented during the hospital’s annual Nurse Excellence Awards Program held during National Nurses Week, May 6-May, 12, 2024.
“Stacie is a remarkable nurse and her passion and dedication for nursing is evident in the work she does every day,” said Dawn Hutchinson, MSN, RN, PCCN-K, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer at RWJUH Hamilton. “Stacie was selected as RWJUH Hamilton Magnet Nurse of the Year because of her visionary leadership and unyielding commitment to providing safe, reliable and high-quality care.”
Stacie has been with RWJUH Hamilton since 2017 and was recognized for consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership abilities, complemented by her commitment to not only providing top-tier care but also enhancing the collaborative spirit of the team on her unit. Her nomination acknowledged her unparalleled dedication to patient well-being and her ability to communicate with various members of the interdisciplinary team to secure the best outcomes for those under her care.
The following awards and award recipients were presented at the Nurse Excellence Awards Ceremony on May 10, 2024 at RWJUH Hamilton.
- Magnet Nurse of the Year Award: Stacie Maigue, BSN, RN, Tele North
- Unit Secretary Award: Sophia Hardwick, LFT2
- Clinical Tech Award: Flora Leone, ICU
- Nursing Quality Award: Stephen Gwiadzowski, BSN, RN, LFT2
- Friend of Nursing: Lorena Allendes, EVS
- Provider Collaboration: Ronaldo Go, MD
- New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvements: Cynthia Casale, RN, PACU
- Nursing Mentor Award: Natasha Terilus, MSN, RN, CCRN, ICU
- Exemplary Professional Practice: Cassidy Ritter, BSN, RN, ICU
- Transformational Leadership Award: Feliciana Jimenez, MSN, RN, CCRN, ICU
RWJUH Hamilton is Magnet® recognized for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center – the nation’s most prestigious nursing honor. Its more than 300 nurses serve in various roles throughout the hospital, including inpatient, surgical and emergency care, cancer care, outpatient services, care management, education, clinical research, infection prevention, quality improvement, patient navigation services, information technology services, community outreach and administration.
For more information about RWJUH Hamilton, including job opportunities for nurses, rwjbh.org/nursing.
Lisa Breza, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Administrative Officer, RWJUH Hamilton; Nina Melker, Chair, Board of Trustees, RWJUH Hamilton; Lorena Allendes; Nancy Holecek, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer; Cynthia Casale, RN; Dawn Hutchinson, MSN, RN, PCCN-K, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer; Sophia Hardwick; Stephen Gwiadzowski, BSN, RN; Flora Leone; Natasha Terilus, MSN, RN, CCRN; Stacie Maigue, BSN, RN; Feliciana Jimenez, MSN, RN, CCRN; Ronaldo Go, MD; and Mark Manigan, President and Chief Executive Officer.
May 15, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–On May 14th, 2024 at approximately 4:05 p.m. multiple Toms River Police officers responded to the area of Camino Medio for reported gunshots heard in the area. Contact was made with a male victim who stated that he was riding his bicycle through the Friendly Village development and was shot at by a juvenile he apparently knew. Multiple rounds were fired, none of which hit the victim but some did hit neighboring houses.
The Ocean County CSI Unit responded to document the scene and collect evidence. The juvenile suspect (in white shirt) has been identified and juvenile complaints were approved and signed for Attempted Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.
Investigators need your help to identify the individual in the black shirt and/or the silver vehicle depicted. This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Mastronardy 732-349-0150 X1346.
May 15, 2024
CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic County, New Jersey, man was charged today with possessing unregistered machineguns and other items, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Michael John James, 30, of Somers Point, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of possessing unregistered machineguns and other firearms, as defined under the National Firearms Act. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ann Marie Donio in Camden federal court and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In February 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel intercepted two packages that contained suspected controlled substances and were addressed to James’ residence. On Feb. 27, 2024, investigators conducted a controlled delivery of the packages, observed James bring the packages into his residence, and executed a search warrant at the residence, where they recovered dozens of firearms and ballistics items. Among the recovered items were three operable machine guns, an operable weapon modified to be shorter than a standard rifle, an operable weapon modified to be shorter than a standard shotgun, and three silencers.
The possession of an unregistered machinegun or other firearm, as defined under the National Firearms Act, charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti; special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker; personnel from the Atlantic City Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William Reynolds; and officers of the Somers Point Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert C. Somers, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Waegener and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Christopher O’Malley Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com