CNBNEWS.NET

Plea To Gloucester City Officials Falls on Deaf Ears

New Jersey Program Bought Polluted Lands for Low-income Schools

by Megan Tady

(The NewStandard, Syracuse NY)In what critics consider one of the more blatant examples of environmental racism, a fund supposedly intended to give a leg up to impoverished pupils of color was used to put them at risk while favoring private developers.

Oct. 23 – Residents in Gloucester City, New Jersey normally would have welcomed the state-funded construction of a new middle school. Instead, LaRae DiCamillo found herself fighting it.

The school was slated to be built on a Superfund site – highly contaminated land scheduled for cleanup by the federal government – and DiCamillo, the parent of a second grader, was outraged.

"I've begged [the government], 'Please don't do this to our kids,'" DiCamillo said.

But the toxic land purchased for Gloucester City's middle school may not be an anomaly.

Evidence suggests that the state government, as part of a major public-works project to build and renovate schools in low-income communities and communities of color, had purchased contaminated land for school construction in several districts.

Polluted property was purchased through an expedited environmental review process. State officials have also alleged that local municipalities also pushed the SCC to purchase contaminated land to save other property for more lucrative development and to cash in on the state's willingness to foot the bill for toxic site clean-up.

The number of contaminated sites purchased is not known. News reports have put the number above 100, but spokespeople from the School Construction Corporation (SCC) – the agency that purchased the land – would neither confirm nor deny those reports in correspondence with The NewStandard.

Last month, a state task forcecould have offered DiCamillo and others assurance that the acquisition of toxic land would no longer continue, and that contaminated land already purchased would either not be used, or would be fully remediated.

But the Interagency Working Group on School Construction, in a report to the governor, proposed few reforms concerning the purchase of toxic land. Instead, it recommended that land acquisition be discussed in "another symposium" in six months.

The Interagency Working Group was formed by Governor Jon Corzine in February amidst allegations that the SCC was mismanaging public funds designated for building schools in low-income districts and acquiring contaminated land.

There are 14,000 known contaminated sites in New Jersey. Prior to the construction program, some schools were already built and operating on toxic land, including Lanning Square Elementary School in Camden and Robert Morris School in Union City.

Unsuitable Land

Chuckles

MAKE ME LAUGH!

A Dwarf rushes into doctors surgery. "Doctor doctor, you've got to help me: every day I get smaller and smaller".
The Doctor replies - "Sorry, but I can't help you straight away: you'll have to be a little patient"

School Board Dilenma

Mt Ephraim School Board Has Some Tough Financial Decisions

By Linda Boker-Angelo

NEWS Correspondent

  The Mount Ephraim School District, as well as many other small school systems, may be looking at some tough financial decisions down the line, according to district auditor Robert Stewart.

  Stewart last week presented the results of the district’s annual school audit to Board of Education members.

  “Financially, you’re in good shape—as good a shape as the state will let you be in,” reported Stewart.

  Stewart was referring to state restrictions, which allow districts to keep only a fund balance amount equal to two-percent of the prior year’s expenditures. Anything over the two-percent mark must go to tax relief.

  Stewart praised the business office, crediting Board Secretary Melissa Raywood with doing “an excellent job”.

  Chief School Administrator Richard Serfling reported that there was no reportable violence or vandalism in the district during the 2005-2006 school year.

  In other business, Carmelita Orsini was appointed to the post of Coordinator of Special Services/Learning Disabilities Specialist, effective January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007. Orsini will be filling the vacancy left by Michael Profico, who was promoted to District Principal.

  Board members also approved Carol Sweeney to serve as lead teacher in the Kershaw School, also beginning January 1, 2007.

  The Board accepted the resignation of Eileen Barkhymer, while Sandi Myers was hired as a lunch aide. Carol Kearn, Linda Marszalek and Ann Drummond were approved as substitute lunch aides.

  The Board will hold their next regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 13 in the media center of the Kershaw School, Black Horse Pike.

 

   

 

Chuckles

Make Me Laugh!

After a long day on the course, the exasperated golfer turned to his caddie and said, "You must be the absolute worst caddie in the world." "No, I don't think so," said the caddie. "That would be too much of a coincidence."

Brooklawn Student off to Washington DC

Andrew Gillen,  Brooklawn Student Excels

Andrew Gillen a 7th grader at Alice Costello Elementary School, Brooklawn will be representing his school and the State of NJ at the 2006 Junior National Young Leaders Conference  November 11 - 16 in Washington D.C.

Andrew was chosen because  of his outstanding academic achievements and demonstrated leadership potential.

Andrew is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gillen, of Brooklawn.

Chuckles

Make Me Laugh!

A drunk is sitting on the street curb in front of a bar. A stranger comes buy and asks if he'd O.K..
The drunk replies by asking, "Do you know who I am?"
The stranger says "No. Who are you?"
The drunk proudly says "I'm Jesus Christ... and I can prove it! Come with me!"
They enter the bar and the bartender looks up and yells "Jesus Christ! Are you here again?"

Rams

Highland 34, Gloucester Catholic 0

(Gloucester County Times)Tedd Teschner completed 6-of-8 passes for 134 yards and three touchdowns as Highland surprised Gloucester Catholic, 34-0, in the Royal Division.

The Tartans (2-4, 1-4), who beat the Rams for the first time a year ago, jumped out to a 21-0 halftime lead despite being held to minus-one rushing yard in the first half.

Joe Grisko started the scoring by returning a blocked punt 40 yards for a touchdown. Teschner had TD passes of 67 yards to Ahmad Covington and four yards to Gary Reichert before the half.

Teschner added a 38-yard scoring strike to Chris Mims and Mike Daniels had a three-yard TD run to finish the scoring.

Pat Dougherty rushed for 61 yards on 11 carries, and George Spingler caught three passes for 61 yards for the Rams (2-4, 2-4), whose playoff hopes were dealt a serious blow.

Warning Letter RE: MRSA

Re: MRSA Outbreak In Gloucester City Public Schools From Dr. Mary Stansky, school superintendent

Dear Parents,

Recently there have been several outbreaks of MRSA - Methicillin - resistant staphylococcus aureus, throughout the tri-county region. In the past, MRSA occurred in hospitals and nursing homes, but it is becoming more common in community settings, such as schools and daycare centers. A number of students in Gloucester City Schools have been diagnosed with a confirmed case of MRSA.

Exposed wounds and other skin sites as well as nasal secretions are important reservoirs of staph aureus, bacteria. Often referred to as "staph', it is commonly found on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Please note that only a very small percentage of staph infections are actually MRSA.

Normal treatment is with an antibiotic for the individual having a MRSA infection. IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR PERSONS EXPOSED TO SOMEONE WITH A STAPH INFECTION TO BE ON AN ANTIBIOTIC. It cannot be spread through the air. Staph aureus transmission can be reduced most effectively by meticulous hand washing before and after contact.

If a student has MRSA (methicillin resistant staph aureus), more stringent infection control measures must be taken such as: limited body contact, wounds covered, prohibiting students from sharing personal items, wipe down and let dry any surface (example desks, books, etc.) with a 10% bleach solution or with Lysol, using disposable gloves, laundering soiled clothing immediately and (again) meticulous hand washing. Confirmed cases of MRSA usually require treatment with antibiotics, which only a licensed physician can prescribe. These procedures will assist in a speedy recovery and limit the spread of infection to other people.

The district has taken every precaution to limit and contain the infection. All surfaces have been disinfected and will continue to be disinfected. Parents should encourage their family members to follow all of the control measures, in order to help limit their exposure. If a student becomes infected, please notify the school nurse immediately. She will be able to assist in containment. If infection is in doubt, please seek medical attention immediately. Your cooperation in this matter will assure the continued health and safety of our students.

Re: Candidate James on City Financial Problems

James Says There Are Ways To Stop Taxes From Increasing

William James, Gloucester City Independent Mayor candidate, released the following statement on his thoughts on ways to stop the ever ending increase in our local property taxes. His statement reads as follows:

“Shared services and consolidated purchases of equipment and supplies are going to be necessary agreements to forge between neighboring small municipalities.

The State of New Jersey is making it quite clear that a failure to embrace these concepts and aggressively pursue these types of agreements will directly affect future considerations related to state aid.

Our municipality has already experienced the effectiveness and the financial benefits of one such agreement.

The Gloucester City, Brooklawn, Bellmawr, Mount Ephraim and Runnemede Police Departments, staffed, trained and equipped a critical response team to address high risk entries and hostage/barricaded subject situations that occur in the five, individually governed, municipalities.

The benefits related to public safety and the reduced financial hardships related to both sustaining the unit and in the event of a necessary response are immeasurable.

We should incorporate this concept with neighboring highway departments, water and sewage departments and fire and EMS services to keep our monies within the municipalities instead of relying on and paying expensive outside contractors.

I am confident in the abilities of our present workforce and I believe that be making consolidated purchases of the equipment necessary to address whatever foreseeable emergency task that may face us and to provide whatever training is necessary to certify or personnel in the handling of such situations, we will become more self sufficient and less reliant on the uncontrollable expenses that are placed on the taxpayer by outside contractors.

We have to step out of the mindset that has our community reactive to situations that occur instead of being proactive. We have to strive to look into the future and work on our preparedness. With the help of our surrounding neighbors, we can become more and more self sufficient.”

Yea! and Nay!

Bill’s Opinion:

Cheers and Jeers

By William E. Cleary

Compliments to the Gloucester City Highway workers for doing  such a nice job over the past several weeks planting trees along Broadway.  Lets hope those who for whatever reason get a charge out of destroying things don’t vandalize the trees.

A Big Thumbs up to the police officers, who patrol the streets in Gloucester City. Even though the crime reports are being withheld from the public we know, you are out there protecting us.  Thank you.

Cheers to the political candidates running for office on November 7.   No matter what your party affiliation the job of councilperson is a thankless one.  If it weren’t for people like yourselves volunteering your time, many communities would suffer.

Moreover, a big thank you to the City Independent candidates.  Because of you, people in Gloucester City can actually take part in the democratic process this November.  Thanks for stepping up to the plate and giving the voter a choice for once.

Speaking of volunteers a big thank you to the men and women who volunteer their time as firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and ambulance drivers.  Many times in the dead of night, you are out there doing your best to help your community.  Thank you for all the time, effort, and lives you have saved.

Jeers t o the government bureaucracy that made the Gloucester City Little League/softball/mustangs organizations spend thousands of dollars to upgrade its sprinkler fire equipment in the concession stands.  It is “overkill”. The monies spent could have been used to buy kids uniforms and other sports equipment.

Praise to the Gloucester City Business Association. The members continue to pay all expenses for the Police K-9 unit. Which includes the cost of feeding the dogs to paying the veterinarian bills. Members and non-members have made this work.  There have also been donations from residents of Gloucester City.  Anyone who would like to contribute to this worthy cause can do so at the local PNC Bank.

Boo to whoever is responsible for instructing, the “ticket lady” to hand out sweeper tickets on the days it rains/snows.  The sweeper isn’t running during inclement weather why issue parking tickets.  Use some common sense.  Moreover, give the public a break for once.

Shame on the person who stole a woman’s pocketbook while she was receiving communion at St. Mary’s Church. The sleaze bag also stole the woman’s car. .

To those people whom continually complaint about their local government.  Yet, when they have a chance to change things they don’t exercise their constitutional freedom.  Our forefathers died so you would have that right.  Get out an vote on November 7^th.

A major project underway

Gloucester City South Port Development; Will Take Years To Complete

By Bill Cleary

Work continues on clearing the former GAF site at Charles and  Water Streets. The work has been ongoing for almost a year now and there is still much to do.

Beazer homes plans to eventually built townhouses and condominiums  on the GAF property once it is cleared. The company is also building new homes on the former Starlite Drive-In property at Route 130 and Klemm Avenue. Two properties at that site have been sold. The company plans to build  a total of 63 homes which are selling for the  mid $200,000.

Next week as part of the City's Fall Festival a bus tour of the South Port area is being offered. For those who will be unable to take the tour you can look at the photos of the site in the album posted in the left hand column.

One of the properties (AMPEC Chemical) has major environmental problems. Officials  said that because of the cleanup of that property and others it will take nearly 10 years before the South Port area is completely developed.

Lions slip to 2-4

Pennsville takes it to the Lions; GHS record 2-4

(Gloucester County Times)Pennsville capitalized early on two Gloucester fumbles on the Lions' first four plays. Senior kicker Howie Herrmann kicked a 34-yard field goal after the first turnover and Crawford scored his first touchdown of the day after the second fumble recovery.

Gloucester was able to answer back in the first quarter with a 38-yard touchdown pass from Liam James to Brian Collins. James initially fumbled the ball on a double reverse, but recovered and hit a wide open Collins in the end zone. James finished the day with seven receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns, including the throw.

"It's hard to overcome two fumbles, but we certainly had more chances as the game went on," said Gloucester head coach Leon Harris. "Our mistakes and missed opportunities didn't help."

The Lions dropped to 2-4 overall with Saturday's loss.

Obit (Thomson)

Jim Thomson, Local Bricklayer, Succumbs At The Age of 73

James C. Thomson, (Skipper) age 73, of Gloucester City, died Thursday, October 19, 2006, at his home surrounded by his family and friends.

Jim was born in, and was a life long resident, of Gloucester City.  He was a retired self-employed bricklayer.
Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth (nee Blanke); three daughters, Debbie Reed (Gary) of Cape Coral, Florida; Lori Ryan (Kevin) and Ruth O'Donnell (Todd) all of Gloucester City; nine grandchildren, Kristy Marchese (Bob) of Gloucester Twp.; Nichole Rodgers (John) of Voorhees; Dana Blaylock of Gloucester City; Stephanie Reed of Cape Coral, FL; Jessica and Meghan Ryan, Alicia, Thomas and Erin O'Donnell, all of Gloucester City; two great-grandsons, Matthew and Michael Marchese; and a brother, Charles Thomson (Carol) of Gloucester City. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Nancy Blaylock.

Visitation with the family will be held Wednesday evening from 7-9 pm from Davis and Wagner Funeral and Cremation Services, 171 Delaware St., Woodbury, and on Thursday morning from 10-11 am followed by the funeral service at 11 am.  Burial will be in Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053-3101.

Obit (DeBouno)

Mrs. Lucy DeBouno, Age 95, of Brooklawn

Lucy DeBouno (nee Minerva) of Brooklawn passed away on October 19, 2006, at the age of 95 years. 

She is the wife of the late Augustine (Gus).  Mother of Elaine Simkins of Tuckerton, Joan Zito of Brooklawn, and the late Doris Grimmie. Sister of Marie White of Barrington, and the late Louise Minerva, Michael Minerva, Charles Minerva, and Anthony Minerva.

Grandmother of seven, great grandmother of 11, and great great grandmother of one. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation with her family on Monday from 10 am to 11 am at the Assumption RC Church, 318 Carl Hasselhan Drive, Atco. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am.

Interment, Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Berlin. For more info or to e-mail condolences, please visit: www.lpwooster funeralhome.com

Chuckles

MAKE ME LAUGH!

A drunk man boards a bus. A Bible thumper tells him, "You're going straight to hell."
The drunk struggles to get up and says, "My God, I'm on the wrong bus."

Friends Getting Together

The Ray Ford  Old Timers Night

By Bill Cleary

The annual event was held Friday night, October 20  at the Gloucester Heights Fire Hall. Over 100 men were in attendance.

You can see the entire photo album located in the left hand column at the top.

Rider Sports

Rider Sports

The Rider University women’s soccer game with Iona, scheduled for
Friday, October 20, was postponed due to rain, and will now be played on
Tuesday, October 24, at 3pm.

Rider hosts Fairfield on Sunday at 1pm in a Metro Atlantic Athletic
Conference game. Even though that is no longer the final home game, the
graduating seniors will still be honored on Sunday in a pre-game ceremony

Link: TypePad Blogs - Blogging Software and Tools for Businesses and Professionals.

October

Halloween and Fall Festival Events

Saturday

Halloween Hodgepodge Craft for all ages. 11 a.m. Evesham Library, 984 Tuckerton Road, Marlton. (856) 983-1444.

Pumpkin Painting Party. 10 a.m. to ? Commerce Bank, 236 Sicklerville Road, Williamstown. (856) 751-9000.

Allhallows Eve Costume Ball. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Brandywine River Museum Courtyard, US Route 1, Chadds Ford, Pa. $70 members; $85 non-members; $100 at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Brandywine Conservancy. (610) 388-8315.

Franklin Square Pumpkin Patch. Noon to 4 p.m. or while supplies last. Franklin Square, Sixth and Race streets, Phila. Free. Rain date is Sunday.

Sunday

Halloween Parade. 3 p.m. in Cape May. Register at 1:30 p.m. followed by a Halloween Party at 4 p.m. at the Physick Estate (parade end) 1048 Washington St., Cape May.

Pumpkin carving pro, Tomas Gonzales, displays his artistic talent. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Somerset Village at Crystal Lakes, 204 LaCosta Drive, Egg Harbor.

Ghost Hunting Experience. 7 to 11 p.m. Old Stone House Village, Egg Harbor Road, Washington Township. $6 adults $4 kids under age 12. (877) 478-3168.

Tuesday

Ghost hunters on the historic ship, Olympia. They will talk about searching for paranormal activity. 7 to 9 p.m. aboard the Olympia, Penn's Landing.

Scary Tales. 10 a.m. Borders Books & music, 515 Route 73 S., Marlton. (856) 985-5080.,

Ghostly Jinglers craft program for 6-12-year-olds. 3:45 p.m. Maple Shade Library, 200 Stiles Ave., Maple Shade. (856) 779-9767.

Tricky Tales for preschoolers, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday; 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and at Toddlertime for 2- to 3-year-olds, 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Haddonfield Library, Haddon Avenue and Tanner Street, Haddonfield.

Wednesday

Halloween stories and crafts for 5- to 7-year-olds. 4 p.m. Burlington County Library, 5 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton. (609) 267-9660, ext. 3035.

Audio/video presentations about ghosts and haunted places by members of the South Jersey Ghost Research. 7 p.m. Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., Phila. (215) 686-5415.

Thursday

Goblin Cup program for 4- to 8-year-olds and their caregivers. 3:45 p.m. Maple Shade Library, 200 Stiles Ave., Maple Shade. (856) 779-9767.

Halloween Party with the American Girl Doll for age 7 and up. 3:30 p.m. Marie Fleche Memorial Library, 49 S. White Horse Pike, Berlin. To register, (856) 767-2448.

Halloween Parade. 7:15 p.m. on Asbury Avenue from 6th to 11th streets in Ocean City. A First Fright celebration will follow on the days of the parade. (609) 525-9300.

Scary Tales. 10 a.m. Borders Books & Music, 4010 Dearborn Circle, Mount Laurel. (856) 866-9090.

Pumpkin Carve Festivities. 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday to Oct. 28. Chadds Ford Historical Society, Creek Road, 1/4 mile north of US Route 1, Chadds Ford, Pa. (610) 388-7376.

Pumpkin and Scarecrow Contest. Thursday to Oct. 28. Cumberland Mall, off Route 55, Vineland.

Oct. 27

Wicked Good Time. Costumes encouraged. 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Glen Foerd on the Delaware, 5001 Grant Ave., Philadelphia. $30 members; $35 non-members. (215) 632-5330.

Halloween Fun. Spooky Magic shows, 7 and 8 p.m. in Macy's Court; Halloween festivities, 5 to 8 p.m. Boscov's Court. Echelon Mall, Burnt Mill and Somerdale Roads, Voorhees.

Halloween Parade & Fun Fair. 5 p.m. registration at Main Street, 3306 Pacific Ave., Wildwood. 6:15 p.m. parade. Fun fair at Wildwoods Convention Center, 7 p.m. Free. (609) 729-1934.

Oct. 27-28

Haunted House: The Haunted Ship. 7 to 9:30 p.m. Merchantville Elementary School, 130 S. Centre St., Merchantville. $3.

Cobwebs & Cobblestones Tours. 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights through Oct. 28. Tour departs from the Free Quaker Meeting House, Fifth and Arch streets, Phila. $25 adults; $23 senior citizens, students and military; $20 age 12 and under. (215) 629-4026.

Hayride taking you to the end of the cabin colony for a walk down a long creepy trail through the haunted woos. 7 to 10 p.m. Parvin State Park, Almond Road, Pittsgrove. (856) 358-5370.

Oct. 27-29

Nightmares X-treme Scream Park featuring Prison Break Live. Wachovia Spectrum, Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, Phila.

Oct. 27-31

Haunted Gazela tours. Special matinee of haunted tours on Saturday, Oct. 28 from noon to 4 p.m. Tall Ship Gazela, Penn's Landing. $6 adults; $3 children. Proceeds will benefit the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild. (215) 238-0280.

Oct. 28

6th Annual Costume Pet Parade. 1 p.m. Historic Smithville, Village Greene, Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville. Donations benefit the Atlantic County Humane Society and save Haven Cat Rescue. Pre-register by Oct. 27. (609) 748-7110.

Trick or Treat, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cumberland Mall for ages 12 and under. Off Route 55, Vineland.

Annual Campsite & Cabin decorating contest. Judging begins at 7 p.m. Parvin State Park, Almond Road, Pittsgrove. (856) 358-5370.

Boo at the Zoo. Trick or Treat at the Zoo, 24th Street and Girard Avenue, Phila, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, Free with regular admission. (215) 243-5205.

Spooky Magic Shows, 1 and 2 p.m. in Macy's Court; Meet and Greet Halloween Friends in Macy's Court, 1:30 to 2 p.m.; Halloween festivities in Boscov's Court, noon to 3 p.m. Moorestown Mall, Route 38 and Lenola Road, Moorestown.

Franklin Square Trick-or-Treat trail. Noon to 4 p.m. or while supplies last. Franklin Square, Sixth and Race streets, Phila. Rain date is Oct. 29.

Theater: The Woman in Black. 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Oct. 29. Cape May Stage, Cape May. $25 adults; $18 senior citizens; $8 students. (800) 275-4278.

Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tours offered most nights until Oct. 31. Tour begins at the Washington Street Mall at Ocean Avenue, Cape May. $10 adults; $5 ages 3-12. (800) 275-4278.

Halloween Bash. 1 to 3 p.m. Insectarium, 8046 Frankford Ave., Phila. Come in costume and get $1 off admission. (215) 335-9500.

Rittenhouse Square Halloween Festival. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, rain or shine. 10:30 a.m. costume contest for babies up to 1 year; 11 a.m. for toddlers, ages 1-3; 11:30 a.m. for 3- to 8-year-olds; noon contest for families and groups; 12:30 p.m. costume contest for pets. Rittenhouse Square, Phila. www.rittenhouserow.org.

Historic Haunts Combination Tour. Oct. 28 in Cape May. $20 adults; $10 ages 3-12. (800) 275-4278.

Halloween Show & Costume Contest. 7;30 to 11:30 p.m. During the 8 p.m. musical set there will be an adult costume contest. Albert Music Hall, 131 Wells Mill Road, Route 532, Waretown. $5 adults; 41 children under age 12. (609) 971-1593.

Troop Support 08059 Adult Halloween Costume Fundraiser for the Troops. 8 p.m. to midnight. Mepri Hall, Kings Highway, Mount Ephraim. $25. (609) 217-6177.

Dress up for fun-billed day at the Independence Seaport Museum, Penn's Landing, Phila. (215) 925-5439.

Halloween Sail. 1:30 to 4 p.m. aboard the AJ Meerwald, from Bivalve. Wear costumes. (856) 785-2060, ext. 100.

Halloween Social. 8 p.m. to midnight. St. Luke's Church, 55 Warwick Road, Stratford. $15 or $25 per couple. (856) 783-2304.

Oct. 28 and 29

Goblins in the Garden Event. Train ride on the Spooky Express, Haunted Maze, etc. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Camden Children's Garden, Camden Waterfront. (856) 365-8733.

Halloweekend Cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia, Penn's Landing, Phila. Two-hour late-night dance party. Come in costume. Must be 21+. www.spiritofphiladelphia.com.

Spooky Sleepover aboard the Battleship New Jersey, Camden. $49.50 per person; must be age 7 or older. (856) 966-1652, ext. 203.

Oct. 29

Harvest Festival. Noon to 4 p.m. Croft Farm, 100 Borton's Mill Road, Cherry Hill. Rain or shine. Free. (856) 488-7868.

Oct. 31

Monster Bash Halloween Bash. 9 p.m. to midnight. Independence Seaport Museum, Penn's Landing, Phila. $20. (215) 413-8630.

Greater Wildwood Elks Halloween Haunted House. 5 to 8 p.m. Elks Lodge, First and New Jersey Avenue, N. Wildwood. (609) 729-2170.
Published: October 20. 2006 3:10AM

Where Time Stands Still(Travel)-

Spring Lake Offers Solitude, History

There are no traffic lights, no parking meters, and no need to wear watches.

Time stands still in Spring Lake, a New Jersey shore town 65 miles from New York to the north, 65 miles from Philadelphia to the west, and light years from the frenetic pace of the 21st century urban landscape.

Even during the off-season, Spring Lake is an idyllic place to escape. 

The Ashling Cottage Inn

It has a two mile-boardwalk

Chuckles

MAKE ME LAUGH

What do have when a lawyer is buried up to his neck in sand?
Not enough sand.

Brooklawn school receive A+

BROOKLAWN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dr. John Kellmayer Superintendent Telephone: (856)-456-4039 Fax: (856)-456-7980 Alice Costello School Brooklawn Public School District 301 Haakon Road Brooklawn, NJ 08030

                  

Brooklawn School Security Earns an A+

With the recent wave of school-based violence in the United States, there has been much discussion about the safety and security of America’s school children. The Brooklawn Public School District is highly secure and the safety and well being of the children is the foremost concern of the Board of Education, administration, faculty, and staff.

All access into the building is controlled through a series of electronic locks. Cameras that record continuously are positioned at many locations throughout the building. All visitors must be admitted through the main office and are required to wear identification that identifies them as visitors as they move throughout the buildings. Faculty and staff have been trained in emergency preparedness and security measures. Training is provided for situations such as school-wide lockdowns procedures and evacuations.

School personnel have a close working relationship with the Brooklawn Police, whose headquarters is attached to the school building.

Should there be questions or suggestions about matters related to security, emergency preparedness, or the safety and well being of the children, please do not hesitate to contact the administration of the Brooklawn Public School District.

Ashley Boulden GHS Graduate Excels At Rider

SPOTLIGHT ON: Ashely Boulden Boulden Excels On, Off Field

Ashley Boulden with a student

Gloucester City High School Graduate

Ashley Boulden’s passion for teaching, hockey and softball go hand in hand.

She credits her biological family, Rider University's field hockey and softball families and the teacher education department in the School of Education for instilling a positive attitude that is deeply rooted in her personal and professional development. “I am surrounded by positive people who help make what I do so incredible,” said Boulden of Brooklawn , a senior elementary education/psychology major and special education minor and a co-captain of Rider’s field hockey team. “I would not have it any other way.”

Coming off a winning season last spring in the MAAC (softball) and the fall Northeast Conference (field hockey), Boulden, named one of five senior co-captains, looks forward to this fall’s hockey season and spring softball season.

“We make practice and games fun because we all work so hard,” said Boulden, who has played second base in softball and midfielder, wing and now back positions in field hockey. “When you work hard together, great things happen. I am so lucky to be a part of both the field hockey and softball teams. I feel the same way about teaching. Before and after practice, I am right back in the teaching mode at Stony Brook Elementary School. “I’m striving to be the best teacher I can be to help shape the minds of our future.”

Boulden’s parents, Harry and Ellen, and her sister, Maddy '05, who excelled in field hockey and softball at Rider, have been the “backbone” of her success. Her father, who passed away in a plane crash during her sophomore year, continues to fuel her desire to excel. “My true inner drive comes from knowing that my dad is always watching me and supporting me from above,” said Boulden. “He lived his life to the fullest and in my own way I am still striving to do the same.”

Boulden greatly appreciates the intense academic training she has received at Rider, one which has allowed her to start her teaching in the field during her sophomore year. “I think that Rider’s support system for educators is really one of a kind,” she said. “They respect us, believe in us and most importantly support our growth as professional educators. From what I have experienced, I know that Rider works toward making all students knowledgeable, committed and professional. That’s one of the reasons I came here to study elementary education.

“Children’s minds are so inquisitive that I’m constantly on my toes,” said Boulden. “There is something special about being in a classroom and watching a child’s eyes light up when they finally understand a new concept that they’ve learned during the day.”

At Rider, Boulden has been named to the dean’s list each semester since freshman year, a member of the All Academic Team in both field hockey and softball every season and a member of Kappa Delta Pi, a national honor society for education majors. She is also an active member of the Rider Council for Exceptional Children.

Upon graduation this May, Boulden plans to travel to Hawaii to teach students with special needs. Her ultimate goal is to become an inspiring teacher, a motivational coach for both field hockey and softball, and a loving and supportive wife and mother.

“My guiding philosophy is to live life to the fullest,” said Boulden. “If I am going to do something then I’m going to do it with passion and enjoy every moment of it.”

(reprinted from Newswire)

Beazer Homes Financial Results to be released Nov. 7

Beazer Homes USA, Inc. Conference Call for Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2006 Financial Results Scheduled for November 7, 2006

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Tuesday, November 7, 2006, before the open of the market, Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (NYSE: BZH) (www.beazer.com) will release results for the fiscal fourth quarter and year ended September 30, 2006. The Company will hold a conference call on the same day at 11:00 AM ET to discuss the results and take questions. You may listen to the conference call and view the Company’s slide presentation over the internet by going to the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website at www.beazer.com. To access the conference call by telephone, listeners should dial 800-369-1904 (for international callers, dial 773-756-4625). To be admitted to the call, verbally supply the passcode "BZH". A replay of the call will be available shortly after the conclusion of the live call. To directly access the replay, available through November 14, 2006, dial 866-480-3542 (for international callers, dial 203-369-1546). The replay will also be available at www.beazer.com.

Locally Beazer is building 64 homes in Gloucester City, called Meadowbrook Run. And plans to build

Meadowbrook II on the former GAF property at Charles and Water Streets.

MRSA INFECTION IN CITY SCHOOLS

Gloucester City Schools hit by an outbreak of MRSA infection

The antibiotic-resistant strain was found in both  the elementary and high school

By Bill Cleary

A letter from the Gloucester City School District has been sent home to parents warning them to take extra precautions after classmates were infected by a staph bacteria outbreak that has swept the country. 

A rumor circulated in mid-summer that a Gloucester City Public School custodian along with a teachers' aide had the  disease but those incidents could not be confirmed at the time. Nor did the City School District make any announcements to that effect.

Recently it was reported in the Philadelphia Inquirer that eight football players at Haddonfield Memorial High School were the latest area students diagnosed with the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The infection, known as MRSA, has been on the rise among athletes nationwide.

Elsewhere in Camden County, there have been six confirmed cases of the infection at Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees, according to Eastern school officials. They include three athletes and three students not involved in sports.

Staph bacteria, including MRSA, can cause skin infections that can look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen and painful, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Typically, the infection is spread through close skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, and contaminated items and surfaces. It generally is treated with antibiotics.

Haddonfield Memorial High principal Priscilla T. Vimislik told the Inquirer that stadium lockers were being cleaned daily with a disinfectant. Football players have been asked to wash their uniforms daily, and wipe equipment with bleach and water.

The Inquirer reported at Eastern Regional, the artificial turf has been sanitized, and the school's weight room is being disinfected twice daily. Students must bring their own towels and are encouraged to shower after exercising.

GHS JV photos

Gloucester High JV 6, Glassboro 34

Gloucester High Junior Varsity faced Glassboro on Monday, October 16. The Lions only managed one touchdown, scored by # 5 Brett Darrow. The final Lions 6, Glassboro 34

Photos by Bruce Darrow

Lions 2, Schalick 1

GLOUCESTER HIGH 2, SCHALICK 1

The Lions faced Schalick Monday, Oct. 16, winning the contest by a score of 2-1

Scoring for the Lions was Lauren Ross and Leanna Wiley.

Photos by Jill Darrow. You can view the entire photo  album in the left hand column.

The City Has Colossal Financial Problems

GLOUCESTER CITY 

2006 Budget Statement

Below please find the verbal portion of the Extraordinary Aid application submitted by Gloucester City to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.  This provides a detailed explanation of the various matters affecting the city and steps that have been and are being undertaken or planned to lessen the burden on the local taxpayer:

Explanation of Need for Extraordinary Aid:

The City of Gloucester City is applying for Extraordinary Aid based on need as evidenced by the proposed increase in the local tax rate of 41.4 cents per hundred dollars of assessed value.  This is after continuing rate increases of the past several years just to maintain the current operations and services of the City. 

Again this year, this increase is due largely to circumstances beyond the City’s control. 

To begin, there is an $85,000 emergency appropriation from 2005.  Last year the City had attempted to address the need to increase staff levels of the Fire Department for first response, yet due to work-related injuries during 2005, an emergency authorization was necessary in the Fire Department’s Salary & Wages to back-fill these positions.  This authorization is addressed in this year’s budget proposal.

To Continued click  on the link The Budget. If you have trouble viewing it use your refresh key (F5) on your keyboard. Also read the commentary Is there An Election In Gloucester City?

                        

People Want Post Office Rebuilt

Mt. Ephraim Commissioners Want Feds To Rebuild Post Office

By Linda Boker-Angelo

NEWS Correspondent

  Mount Ephraim residents will make another appeal for a new Borough post office later this month when a special meeting will be held with Postal Service officials.

  Mayor Michael Reader last week asked that all residents attend the meeting, which will be held at 6 p.m. on October 23 in Mepri Hall. 

  Reader and his fellow commissioners have been trudging through red tape for the past few months attempting to convince postal officials to give the go-ahead to rebuild the Kings Highway post office, which collapsed last year during a winter ice storm. 

  Borough residents have been told to use the Audubon Post Office, located in the in the newly refurbished shopping center on Black Horse Pike.

  Reader said many residents have complained about the service in Audubon, citing unfriendly clerks and lost and delayed mail as reasons for their discontent. He added that many of the Borough’s senior citizens, who must walk to their intended destinations, now have difficulty even getting to the post office to mail their letters.

  The mayor said that letters would be going out to each Borough household, encouraging residents to come out to the meeting.

  Commissioner Anthony Chambers reported that there has been a considerable amount of vandalism taking place at both Shining Star and Norcross parks.

  He said that Public Works employees are spending hours each day repairing play equipment and cleaning graffiti. Chambers said that the Borough is spending about $300 per month in graffiti remover, despite increased police patrols.

  “The parents have to control their kids,” he said. “Please discuss it with your kids, to be more respectful of Borough property.”

  Chambers said that kids caught in the parks past hours will be given one warning. If they persist in loitering, they will then be taken into custody and their parents will be called.

  In other business, Gary Gavin was appointed to serve as an alternate member of the Planning Board.

  The commissioners will meet again at 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 2 in the Borough Hall, 131 South Black Horse Pike.

 

   

 

 

 

City Council Hires More Employees

City Council Adds More Employees To Payroll;

Part-time Workers In UEZ Office

BY MEGAN PAOLINI

At the Gloucester City Council Meeting held Thursday, October 5^th, Mayor Thomas Kilcourse issued Certificates of Appreciation to members of the Gloucester City Police Department and Gloucester City Fire Department.     Corporal Craig Reinhart and Patrolman William Johnson, Jr. from the Gloucester City Police Department were honored for their cool, calm demeanor and bravery while placing the safety of the city above the safety of themselves while responding to a call on September 11^th, 2006.

Daniel Harkins, Steven Quinn, Patrick Hangan, William Reagan, Battalion Chief William Glassman, Lt. Joseph Schili, Eric Johnson, Michael Walters, Gary Pierce, Christopher Oliver, Battalion Chief Robert Williams, Lt. Jerry Hubbs, Charles Sanderson III, and Mark Campanell, all member of the Gloucester City Fire Department, were honored for their professionalism and quickness when responding to different emergency calls.

Kilcourse also swore in three volunteer firefights, Ryan A. Fox, Leonard C. Brown, and Brenda Pierce. Recommendations by Chief Hagan regarding the placement of Fox and Brown were accepted.

One ordinance was passed on first reading this week establishing stormwater control.  This ordinance establishes regulations for stormwater control that are required by the State of New Jersey.

   A resolution was passed awarding a contract to American Asphalt Company, INC for Fiscal year 2006 NJDOT trust fund resurfacing of Johnson Boulevard.  The contract has been awarded in the amount of $88,815. 

Council adopted a resolution allowing the tax office to accept electronic transactions or payments for all outstanding municipal charges. This resolution allows homeowners the option of paying their charges online.

A resolution endorsing a contract amendment to the Gloucester City Urban Enterprise Zone FY2007 administration budget was adopted.  This resolution allows the city to hire part time office assistants.

The council passed an ordinance on second reading vacating a portion of Right-of-Way on Reading Avenue in Gloucester City.  Coxe abstained during the voting. 

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Obit (Johnson)

Virginia Johnson Services At Etherington Creran Funeral Home

Member Of The Brooklawn United  Methodist Church

Virginia F. Johnson,  (nee Young) died on October 13, 2006.

A long time resident of Brooklawn she is the wife of the late Edmund S. Johnson. mother William C. Johnson and his wife Joyce of Sewell. She was the loving grandmother of Stacy Maldonado (Danny), Jennifer Costello (John), and Kathryn and Kimberly Johnson, and great grandmother of Stephen, Sam, Benjamin and Tyler.

Mrs. Johnson was a long time member of the Brooklawn United Methodist Church, and Collingswood Cloud Chapter #150 OES. She also worked for many years as a floor clerk at Cooper Medical Center in Camden.

Friends will meet Wednesday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 am at The ETHERINGTON-CRERAN FUNERAL HOME, 700 Powell St., Gloucester City. Funeral services will be held 11:00 am. Interment to follow Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson. There will be no evening viewing.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations in Mrs. Johnson's name be made to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton.