Farewell Post

As the semester starts to wind down and conclude, my blog will be officially complete. I have decided that I will be ending my blog once when the semester is completely over. However, I will keep my account up so that others may use it as a guidance or influence on their own work. I might check on it from time to time, but if anyone needs to contact me, you can email me through the WordPress contact tab that is on my site.

There is so much that I have learned and valued in this course. I am a history major who hopes to one-day work in a history museum. While taking this class there are some important tips that I would like to pass along. The first one is taking pictures. Pictures are very important and they are used to express feelings and emotions that words cannot describe or express. Try to get different angles because if you use different angles, you get a different perspective. Also, try to get different kinds of shots like wide, medium, and definitely try to get closer (the closer, the better). Another important tip is about videos. Videos also very important because they give us action that we do not get from other mediums. The best way to convey or tell a story through videos is through five shot. Five shot means that you should use five different kinds of angles (wide, hands, head/face, over shoulder, different/various) to tell a story.

Another important tip is always have a plan B. You never know what is going to happen so try to be prepared for anything. Finally, never give up! Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Just because something did not work, does not necessary mean you should give up or not try it again. It only takes one! It only takes one out of the thousands or millions of projects, papers, etc. that will give you success. Just because you found one that did not work, does not mean that will find one that will work.

While writing and covering stories for my blog, I have made a like of my top five posts. Here is a list of my favorite five posts that I wrote and covered for my beat.

 

1. Red Bank Battlefield Photo Gallery
2. West Deptford High School Marching Band Hosts 43rd Annual Music in Cadence
3. Candlelight Tour at Whitall House at Red Bank Battlefield
4. Places to eat in West Deptford
5. An interview with West Deptford’s Deputy Mayor James Mehaffey

Candlelight Tour at Whitall House at Red Bank Battlefield

The Whitall house at Red Bank Battlefield all lit up and ready for the candlelight tour. (Photo/Mazza)

On December 9 and 10, 2016, Red Bank Battlefield held their annual candlelight tour in the Whitall house. The Whitall house is only open in the spring and summer time so for it to be open during the close season was really special. On Friday December 9, 2016 the tour was available from six to nine at night, while on Saturday, December 10, 2016, it was open from three to nine. Tourists received a very special tour just in time for Christmas as the house was decorated with candles, lights, wreaths, and of course Christmas trees. It was very beautiful seeing each room decorated for Christmas. Apparently the Whitall’s were Quakers so they actually did not decorate their house at all for Christmas or even celebrate Christmas. The Quaker faith is based on “pacifism, social equality, integrity, and simplicity,” which is why the Whitall’s did not decorate or celebrate Christmas. I interviewed an volunteer at the Whitall house, Teresa Haroian (via email) about what is something that not many people understand about the Whitall house or the candlelight tour. She replied, “People don’t know that the Quakers didn’t celebrate Christmas at all, so none of this is really authentic, and the house wouldn’t have been decorated. Also that all of the work is done by volunteers who give of their time and effort without pay (or thanks, in most cases) to make the house what it is at Christmastime.” The fact that the Quakers did not celebrate Christmas was a reoccurring theme that a lot of the tour guides said throughout the whole tour. It seems like at lot of people did not understand the Quaker faith and their simple way of life. However, the tour was like “if it was Christmas time during the Colonial period, this is how it would look like.” Honestly, the rooms were very beautiful and breathtaking, so it was definitely worth going. I was able to interview Karen Heller (via email), a volunteer at the Whitall house and a former American History teacher for 18 years what she thinks about the candlelight tour at the Whitall house. She states, “I heard many people say it is the annual start of their holiday season. It is a lovely tradition for many people.” Teresa Haroian, another volunteer at the Whitall house said, “My favorite part of the candlelight tour is the ambiance  of seeing the house decorated – it’s very charming, no matter how it’s done, and puts us in the holiday spirit.” Going to the candlelight tour would definitely be a great start for the Christmas season. I always love going there and it definitely brought the Christmas mood, as the tour was very relaxing, peaceful, and of course cold. This is also a tradition for me and some of my family members. We always try to go on one of the days they do the candlelight tour.

While waiting outside in the freezing cold, one of the volunteers dressed up as a Colonial soldier. He explained about the musket and bayonet that was used during the Revolutionary War. According to the National Park Service, “The flintlock musket was the most important weapon of the Revolutionary War. It represented the most advanced technological weapon of the 18th century.” The volunteer explained how soldiers had to load the musket and the fact that gunpowder and flint were very important for the musket in order to shoot the enemy. The volunteer said that they could only get three shots per minute. He even created a spark because of the flint to show us how the musket worked. The bayonet was another crucial weapon used during the Revolutionary War. According to the National Park Service, “Edged weapons played a critical role in the Revolutionary War. Battles like Guilford Courthouse were decided in bloody hand-to-hand combat where bayonets, swords, and axes were used.”

A volunteer dressed up as a Continental Army soldier explains to the crowd about the musket used during the Revolutionary War. (Photo/Mazza)

In addition, there were candles lit up along the walkway to the front door and the door on the side. Unfortunately, it was a little windy outside so only a handful of candles were able to stay lit. It did make the house more appealing and breathtaking.

A candle lit up along the walkway to the front door of the Whitall house. (Photo/Mazza)

In one of the rooms, the tour guide explained about the dinner table and the importance of having a centerpiece for the meal. According to Colonial Williamsburg, “A beautifully decorated table was the focal point of every feast.” The dinner table at the Whitall house was definitely beautiful and followed according to Colonial Williamsburg description.

A volunteer explaining about the importance of decorating the dinner table for the Christmas feast at the Whitall house. (Photo/Mazza)

 

It was really dark outside and the only light in the rooms were the candles and Christmas light, which made it really relaxing and awesome. The Christmas trees and decorations really popped out from each room. I asked Karen Heller what is the most exciting part of the candlelight tour. She replied, “Perhaps exciting is not the best word. Perhaps surprising works better. I think people who don’t necessarily like “history” find it a charming experience. The candle light ambiance among the period furniture from time past is really beautiful. The hearth cooks use a real fire, cook real food, and people comment on the wonderful smells. The gardeners use real Christmas trees and all natural decorations to make the house festive. We even had musicians playing period-style music. And it is different every year.” Every time I go there, I am always excited to see how they decorate each room. I also wonder how long it took them to decorate the house as well. I really enjoy going to the kitchen too because they always have a live fire, it can really warm the room up, and it smells amazing! It’s even better if its cold outside and you go into the kitchen to get warmed up (unfortunately, it’s the last room you visit in the tour.)

In one of the rooms, there was a display of Fort Mercer. Even though they did not talk about it because the tour is about Christmas, there was an important battle at Red Bank. According to Theodore P. Savas and J. David Dameron, on October 22, 1777, General Howe launched a full-scale maritime and land assault on Fort Mercer (153). This battle was important because the British tried to get the Continental Army away from the Delaware River and Howe had difficulty supplying his army, which is why he launched a full-scale attack (151). The Continental Army actually won the battle at Fort Mercer, but lost the campaign and Washington and his troops ended up at Valley Forge for winter quarters (155). The battle at Red Bank is really important during the Revolutionary War and it was really cool to see how the fort was set up.

Finally, we moved into the kitchen, which is the last room for the tour. The tour guides said that it is a Dutch oven. They demonstrated making gingerbread and said that it would take 20 minutes to make because they could get the oven as hot as 350 degrees. This is usually how long it would take us with today’s oven. Colonial era cooking was not as far behind as I thought it would be. I was really fascinated that the cooks took some of the coals from the fire to heat up food. According to Colonial Williamsburg, “Few colonial kitchens had bake ovens. They had Dutch ovens, heavy cast-iron pots with little feet for settling into a bank of coals. A rimmed lid held coals on top. The Dutch oven shows us how hearths were used. The back was for maintaining the fire and generating coals to be raked out into piles to heat ovens or pans.” The food looked delicious and smelled amazing along with the amazing fire smell!

Overall, the Whitall tour at Red Bank Battlefield is really amazing. I am always in awe of how beautiful the rooms are and the candle lights throughout the rooms make it even more spectacular. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and they definitely knew what they were talking about. I asked Teresa Haroian about how much research she conducted to prepare herself for the tour. She replied, “I didn’t do any research for the candlelight tour – I’ve been at the house for 24 years, so I knew what to say.” The tour guides are volunteers who love history and the Whitall house. They are there for the joy of it. They want to public to know the importance and significance of the Whitall house and Red Bank Battlefield. So if you get a chance to see them, thank them for their time. However, it is very shocking that not many people come and tour the house. A lot of people go there because Red Bank Battlefield is a holy grail for Pokemon Go. Karen Heller describes the struggle, “Many people are totally unaware of the house, the battle, or the tours. I am sure most don’t realize we are all volunteers and put in countless hours for the pure joy of being there. The hearth cooks work especially hard among very heavy pots and implements.” Red Bank Battlefield is a very important historical place and it should be treated with respect. If you ever get a chance to take a tour, especially a candlelight tour, I suggest you go. You can follow Red Bank Battlefield’s Twitter and Facebook page for more information.

A sign advertising the candlelight tour at Red Bank Battlefield (Photo/Mazza)

A Christmas tree decorated like the Colonial period (Photo/Mazza)

One of the cook volunteers explaining to the group about the Dutch oven in the Whitall house. Above the fire is a pot that is cooking food. In front of the fire is another pot cooking on top of coals from the fire. (Photo/Mazza)

Mr. Whitall’s desk in his office. There is a door on the left that leads to the kitchen. It made it easier for servants to serve tea and food to Mr. Whitall and his business guest. (Photo/Mazza)

A table with a plate of oyasters, cards, and cups of alcohol. The best trio anyone in the Colonial period could of have. (Photo/Mazza)

Another Christmas tree decorated like the Colonial period. (Photo/Mazza)

Hand-made Christmas tree ornaments. They were made out of paper. (Photo/Mazza)

Decorations on top of the fire mantel. (Photo/Mazza)

Volunteer Karen Heller with a visitor near one of the many Christmas trees decorated like the Colonial period. (Photo/Mazza)

A Christmas tree near the dinner table. (Photo/Mazza)

A picture of the Whitall house with a Christmas wreath. (Photo/Mazza)

A line of visitors waiting to tour the Whitall house. Everyone was bundled up as it was 37 degrees with 7 to 11 mph winds. It made it feel like it was 28. (Photo/Mazza)

Sources

Savas, Theodore, and Dameron, J. David. (2006). Guide to the Battles of the American Revolution. Havertown, US: Savas Beatie, ProQuest ebrary. Web. 9 December 2016.

2016 West Deptford High School Powder Puff Game

On Thursday December 1, 2016, the Junior and Senior class had their annual powder puff game held at the football stadium at West Deptford High School. This is a tradition that the West Deptford High School has. The Senior class won by a score of 16-13. It was decided by sudden death field goals. Below is a video highlight of the game.

 

Places to Eat

One of the biggest questions when visiting or touring West Deptford is “Where can I get something to eat?” Look no further! Below is a list of a few good places to grab a meal, whether you’re on the go or dining in. In addition, this list does not include every place in West Deptford. The list would be very long and would never end. Also, this list does not include convenient stores such as Wawa or Heritages. So without further ado, here is a list of some really good places to chow down in West Deptford.

1. In A Pickle 
   

   The fried pickles appetizer (Photo/Mazza)

   In A Pickle is a very small, but great place to go. Its one of those places where no one really hears about them, yet its really good. They were actually voted Best Lunch of Gloucester County in 2011 and 2012. They have salads, wraps, deli specials, soups, appetizers, special sandwiches, and quesadillas. They also have a children’s menu and a small pickle bar. I’ve heard about it, but I never got a chance to try something. So this week, I was able to go there and try something. I ordered their Louisiana Style BBQ Pulled Pork. It is described as “savory pulled pork tenderloin marinated in a tangy BBQ sauce on a long roll.” You can upgrade and get a slice of cheese for another dollar if you want to. It was really good, but I didn’t care for the sauce. For me, it was too tangy, but overall it was really good. It also came with a small bag of chips. I also got the fried pickles appetizer and it was really good too. It came with ranch dressing and there were three flavors (Traditional, Southern, or Pickle Fries). It was really good! My sister, who came with me, ordered blackened salmon salad. It was a special that they were offering. She got it with balsamic vinaigrette. She said it was really good! So if you ever get a chance, try to go to In A Pickle.

   

   Louisiana style BBQ pulled pork sandwich (Photo/Mazza)

    

   

   Blackened salmon salad with balsamic vinaigrette (Photo/Mazza)

   

   The pickle bar at In A Pickle (Photo/Mazza)

   

   Customers dining in at In A Pickle (Photo/Mazza)

   

   Customers dining in at In A Pickle (Photo/Mazza)

2. Amazing Wok Amazing Wok is another great place to visit. It’s in the same complex as In a Pickle. (Side note: when me and my sister went to In A Pickle, she said that there was an Asian place further down the complex and wanted to see what they had. Instead of just grabbing a take-out menu, she ending up ordering food, which happened to be a really good idea because their food is awesome!) We tried their dumplings and general tso’s tofu. The tofu came with rice and it was absolutely amazing! I’m going have to go back and order the tofu again! Amazing Wok is really small and there is barely any room to sit and eat there. I suggest you order take-out from them rather than dining in. Overall, they are very nice people and their food is really good so I suggest you go there too.
   

   Amazing Wok’s dumplings (Photo/Mazza)

   

   Amazing Wok’s General Tso’s tofu (Photo/Mazza)

   

   A painting at Amazing Wok (Photo/Mazza)

3. Colonial Diner The Colonial Diner is another great place to grab something to eat. They have been serving for over 40 years and they recently finish rebuilding some parts of their restaurant as well. They are a traditional diner and basically serve what tradition diner’s usually serve. Their food is good nevertheless and a great place to go with family, friends, or a date.
4. Ciconte’s Pizza Ciconte’s Pizza is one of my favorite pizza places to go to. Their pizza is really good and the rest of their menu is really good too.
5. Riverwinds Restaurant Riverwinds Restaurant is another great place to go to. Their prices are little bit above average for diners. So for those on a budget, please be carful going there. In addition, their dress code is a little nicer than average restaurants. So again, be careful when going there. Overall, their food is really good. Riverwinds Restaurant is right on the Delaware River so I suggest you get a table by the window so you can enjoy the beautiful view.

Video Class Assignment

Here is the link to my video for the class assignment…

Red Bank Battlefield Photo Gallery

Red Bank Battlefield also known as Fort Mercer is one of the most historical places in West Deptford. The battle of Red Bank started on October 22, 1777 and it later became a historical site because the Continental army, which was outnumbered by the Hessians, was able to defend the fort and defeat the Hessians as well. The James and Ann Whitall House served as a hospital helping injured soldiers on both sides. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset (expect for Christmas and New Year’s). The James and Ann Whitall House is open seasonally, from April through mid-October, mostly on Thursdays through Sunday, from 1pm to 4pm. There are many things to do besides touring the Whitall House including walking the trails, fishing, enjoying a picnic (there are picnic tables), and the playground (for children). You can walk around the trail and learn the history of the battlefield because there are wooden plaques that educate you about the battle, the fort, the casualties, the aftermath, the soldiers, and the medicinal garden. Every December, Red Bank Battlefield hosts a candlelight tour. They usually pick a theme and you get a chance to tour the house even though its closed during the off-season. They also provide cookies and hot chocolate after you tour the house. This year the candlelight tours are on December 9 and December 10. I have gone there a couple of times and it is very awesome! I absolutely love it and I’m always excited to go when December comes around. One year they decorate a Christmas tree and it was very beautiful and breathtaking. If you’re not busy from Christmas shopping or decorating, I suggest you try to go on one or both days. Its always fun and the tour is not long at all. You can like Red Bank Battlefield on Facebook or follow them on Twitter for more information or about upcoming events.

The front of the Whitall House at Red Bank Battlefield

Tourists walking on one of the trail at Red Bank Battlefield.It was a beautiful fall afternoon. It was 57 degrees and a little windy. Always bring a light jacket with you because its an open field and right on the Delaware Rive, which makes it a little colder

One of the many wooden plaques at Red Bank Battlefield educating the public about the historical significance of the battlefield

The Fort Mercer statue facing the Delaware River

The back side of the Whitall House

The Whitall House Museum sign just in front of the walkway to the front door

A replica of a canon used at the Battle of Red Bank

The front door of the Whitall House

The beautiful Delaware River in the afternoon. You can walk and fish along the river

The amazing Philadelphia skyline just across the Delaware River

 

A Profile of MTL Blog

Before you continue to read my post, I would like to apologize. Our assignment for this post was to contact a blogger who had a similar beat/blog like ours and do a little interview. We had to ask them a few questions for our interview and do a mini profile of their blog. Well, for some reason, after contacting multiple bloggers, NO ONE responded. Pleas do not get mad at me, I tried my best to find as many as I could and asked them the same questions that I had and I came up with nothing, which is not entirely my fault. I not only contacted one or two, but FIVE different bloggers and NOT ONE of them decided to help a fellow blogger. I contacted West Deptford Patch, Chester Township, Best of the Eastern Townships, The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation, and MTL Blog. Not one of the decided to check their email or Facebook and help me out…thanks a lot! In addition, when you have a deadline you have to try your best, which is what I’m trying to do. Even with the clocks turning back an hour (spring forward, fall back); I gained an extra hour to not only do this post, but also to wait (sometimes desperately) for one of these bloggers to respond back. I could of fabricated answers for this blog, but after having a little background on journalism, it is VERY UNETHICAL. For more information about ethics, look no further to the Society of Professional Journalism code of ethics. You can also watch the movie Shattered Glass, where the main character Stephen Glass fabricated or “cooked” almost half of his articles. An editor figured it out and it ruined his career! So I suggest you not do that.

So, without any answers (AKA help from any of these bloggers) to the questions that will help me write this blog, I would like to do a mini profile on the MTL Blog, which really caught me attention. This blog is by far my favorite blog that I found for this post. It is about Montreal, the largest city in the Québec province of Canada. In this blog, they have fours sections: news, lifestyle, best of, and things to do. The news section is about events that are happening in Montreal such as a LEGO festival that is coming up next month. The lifestyle section is about life in general like 50 little things that make Montreal so awesome. For their “best of MTL,” they usually have lists of best places to visit or restaurants to go like top five restaurants with five dollars menus. Finally, in their things to do section, they have events, places, and many other things to do like Montreal’s hidden pho spots you need to try. Overall, this is a great blog for either someone who lives in Montreal or near by or a tourists who is visiting Montreal. This bog is very resourceful and provides a lot of information and gives you ideas to do with your family, wife, girlfriend/boyfriend, date, and friend(s). So, if you are planning a trip to Canada or live in or near Montreal, look no further to the MTL Blog. Go on an adventure, try some of these things, and make your day interesting instead of boring. There are so many amazing things that you can do or awesome food and places to try/visit. Go ahead, I dare you to visit Montreal and do some of these things or attend some events.

Flyers Beat Bulldogs 5-3 in West Deptford PAL Hockey

On Friday October 28, the Flyers defeated the Bulldogs 5-3 in a Beaver Division game at the West Deptford Police Athletic League (PAL). The Flyers (3-13, 5th place) played an intense game against the Bulldogs (8-8, 4th place) in which both teams battled back and forth until the Flyers took control late in the third period and never looked back. The game was at the street hockey rinks located at RiverWinds. The Beaver Division are for boys and girls between the ages ten and twelve.

Flyers and Bulldogs players fight for the ball along the boards (Photo/Mazza)

Flyers defensman trying to keep the ball in the Bulldogs zone (Photo/Mazza)

Flyers goalie in his ready position wtching and waiting for the ball (Photo/Mazza)

Flyers goalie ready for the face-off (Photo/Mazza)

Family members bundle up for a cold and windy night (Photo/Mazza)

Bulldogs goalie on his knees while waching the play (Photo/Mazza)

#78 of the Bulldogs heading to the penalty box after committing a penalty (Photo/Mazza)

The Bulldogs goalie’s reaction after giving up a goal in the 3rd period to increase the Flyers lead (Photo/Mazza)

Members of the Flyers celebrate with their goalie after getting the victory (Photo/Mazza)

Flyers and Bulldogs show good sportsmanship by shaking hands after the game (Photo/Mazza)

The final score after a really good and tight game (Photo/Mazza)

West Deptford High School Marching Band Hosts 43rd Annual Music in Cadence

West Deptford’s robotic/futuristic show entitled, The New World (Photo/Mazza)

On Saturday October 15, West Deptford High School Marching Band hosted its 43^rd “Music in Cadence” competition. The “Music in Cadence” is also known as a “home show” for those who are hosting. This is West Deptford’s “home show” because West Deptford is hosting a competition in which other high school marching bands can sign up and participate. Bands compete in their group, which is based on the size of the band (how many musicians are marching). There are also different classes (A and Open). For instance, West Deptford is in Group II, Open Class. West Deptford will compete against other bands that are in Group II, Open Class bands. The “Music in Cadence” was a Tournament of Bands (TOB) competition. TOB is like a league. Bands do not only compete against other bands in their state, but those outside of the state that are in the league as well. For instance, West Deptford not only competes against bands that are at the show, but also against all in Group II, Open Class bands that are in the TOB league. Its not like regular sports where two teams play against each other and one of them wins. In marching band, its one verses all.

On Saturday, West Deptford hosted 22 bands! This does not include West Deptford, so there was actually a total of 23 bands that performed. This is one of the biggest home shows ever. When I marched for West Deptford during my high school years, we would always host 20 or more bands each year. The competition started at three in the afternoon and ended around ten at night. It was a long day, but it was totally worth it! It was awesome watching all of the hard work and dedication each member of each band put forth during the summer and school year to work on their show. They have spent months to perfect their show and it’s always awesome to see how the band improves each week as they practice and compete. If you ever get a chance to go to a marching band competition or a Drum Corps International (DCI) show (the professional marching league of marching band), I suggest that you try to get in between the 40 to 40. Sitting at the 50 is the ultimate goal, because it is right in the middle of everything. Also, try to get a seat that is higher so that you can watch the drill (where each band member march from one dot to the next). In addition, try to get a program so you can get an understanding of each band’s show. Each band picks a show or a theme and then pick music, drill, body movements, props, etc. that fit with the theme. In the program, you can get a short description of the show and list of songs that each band plays.

Going to the home show brought back some very good memories when I marched for West Deptford. Winning four chapters (states) and two Atlantic Coast Championships (ACC’s) my junior and senior years. When we won ACC’s for the first time, it was the first time ever in our school’s history. It was also the 50^th anniversary of our school, so it was a little more special.

While going to the home show, there were some really good shows to watch. I personally enjoyed Oakcrest High School. Their show is entitled, Ascension. Dante’s Divine Comedy inspired their show and it takes “you on a journey climbing out of the depths of the Inferno, rising up through the struggle between vice and virtue in Purgatorio, and soaring to the desire of righteousness in Paradiso.” I really enjoyed their show because they brought a lot of energy and it was really good overall. Out of all of the bands that performed that day, they brought the most energy on the field.

Oakcrest performing their show entitled, Ascension (Photo/Mazza)

Oakcrest performing their show entitled, Ascension (Photo/Mazza)

I also enjoyed Timber Creek Regional High School’s show. Their show is entitled, Enigma. Their show is based on a murder mystery in which “the main characters are introduced throughout the opening of the show and continue their antics throughout the movements. The Sleuths are constantly on the hunt for more clues as to “Who Done It?’” This show was very enjoyable to watch because it was like a Victorian-style version of Clue. I absolutely loved that each member had the Victorian copper-style goggles. I also liked the Victorian-style uniforms that the guard wore.

 

Timber Creek performing their show entitled, Enigma (Photo/Mazza)

The Victorian-style goggles that each member of the band wore for Timber Creek’s show (Photo/Mazza)

Last, but not least, I really enjoyed West Deptford High School’s show. I might be biased because it is my alma mater, but they are literally tearing it up! Their show is entitled, The New World and the music is from Gustav Holst and Antonin Dvořák. Their robotic show is based about the future. The six time Atlantic Coast Champions and eight time TOB Region I Champions are one of the most professional high school marching band! They do not miss any detail and every detail is very important to them. They are creating their own dynasty and its fun watching them. For me, it’s such an honor to start the dynasty and then watch them continue the success years after I graduated from high school. I’m very proud and honored to wear that uniform and when I was at the home show, I was willing to go back and do it again. You can follow the West Deptford High School Marching band’s Facebook page or website for more information and upcoming performances. If you want to find out the scores of each band that performed at West Deptford’s home show, follow this link and click on what group and class you want to see the scores.

West Deptford’s robotic/futuristic show entitled, The New World (Photo/Mazza)

West Deptford’s robotic/futuristic show entitled, The New World (Photo/Mazza)

Interviewing Deputy Mayor James Mehaffey

(Photo/West Deptford Township)

James Mehaffey, the Deputy Mayor of West Deptford, holds a lot of responsibility for the residents of West Deptford. Not only is he the Deputy Mayor of West Deptford, but he is also the Chairperson of the Department of Public Safety. He does not take his job lightly and always wants the best for West Deptford and the residents in West Deptford. James Mehaffey strives to make West Deptford a better community despite tough circumstances, like a tight budget. In this interview with James Mehaffey, we look at the trials and triumphs of being involved in the political community of West Deptford, the behind the scenes, and James Mehaffey’s political background. If you have any questions, you can contact him via email or by the phone.

1. What is your goal for West Deptford?

I would like to continue to serve our community as a member of the Township Committee. As the Deputy Mayor I would continue to explore more options in the area of shared services. We have made good progress in this area in the last 2 years such as: taking over Police and Municipal courts services for the Borough of National Park. We have also partnered with the City of Woodbury to provide construction and code enforcement services. These shared services agreements have benefited the taxes payers of West Deptford, Woodbury, and National Park.

2. What is the most interesting thing about being Deputy Mayor?

Being the Deputy Mayor puts you on the front line for decisions making that will shape the future of our community. This is a tremendous responsibility and I do not take it lightly. This is a difficult time for all communities and the decisions we make today will likely affect what will take place next year, two, five and ten years from now and I am very mindful of this responsibility.

3. What is your favorite/least favorite thing about being Deputy Mayor?

The thing I find enjoyable is being able to help the residents of our community by the things we do as elected officials that make our community better. Least favorite… hmm that would be the opposite sometimes we can do all the things we would like to do for our residents due to budget constraints and I find this disappointing.

4. What is the most rewarding/least rewarding thing about being Deputy Mayor?

I have been a resident of West Deptford for over 55 years and being a member of the Township Committee and serving as our Deputy Mayor is an honor and privilege. Giving back to our community and serving on the Township Committee is very rewarding.

Least rewarding? There are two different political parties on the Township Committee and sometimes we do not all agree on all the issues which is good, but when it becomes personal this is a distraction and the best interest of our community suffers.

5. What is something that not many people understand about being Deputy Mayor?

That the D/M is chosen from the 5 members of the Township Committee same with the Mayor. Furthermore, the vote of the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor carry the same weight as the other members of the Township Committee.

6. Tell me about how you got involved in politics and became Deputy Mayor of West Deptford.

I was a member of the West Deptford Police department for over 26 years and served as the Chief of Police for 10 of those years so I got to see what politics was all about from the employee side. I was also on the West Deptford Township Board of Education for over 13 years and served as the President of the BOE for 10 years so it seemed like the natural progression to go into the political arena after my police career ended. “I also like to stay busy.”

7. What does the future hold for West Deptford?

Like most communities across our country we have our issues, keeping taxes down and providing good municipal services with less money. But in West Deptford we have resources that we can utilize. West Deptford is located in a prime spot along the Northeast business corridor and this is attractive for businesses. In the last two years we have attracted new business development to our community and more is planned in the near future. Also, we are committed to the development of the Riverwinds area by bringing more businesses to our beautiful riverfront development. So I believe our future is promising.