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William R. Baker, age 42 died on February 18, 2011. Raised in Gloucester City, NJ he was a graduate of Gloucester High School in 1987 where he was a star football player. He has lived in West Deptford for the past 11 years. Bill formerly worked for Red Lion as an operation manager and has worked as a crane operator for Wheelabrator in Westville for the past 2 years. He enjoyed golfing at Westwood Golf Club and played wiffleball for Brooklawn. He was Brooklawn’s Wiffleball Champ. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 23 years Carolyn (nee Warwick), children Nicholas Corvino, William Baker Jr., Robert Baker, Theresa Baker, parents Robert and Alice Volkman, brothers David (Michael) Baker, Daniel (Vicki) Baker, Raymond (Samantha) Baker, John (Tracy) Volkman, Julia (Donald) Freeman, Theresa (Dennis) Hancock, Kathleen Baker, father and mother in law Ruth and Robert Warwick and sister in... Read more →

Holy Family Regional School, Ventnor, will close in June at the end of this school year. The announcement was made in a letter to parents by Father Joseph Ferrara of Holy Trinity Church, Ventnor, Father Patrick Brady of St. Gianna Beretta Church, Northfield, the sponsoring parishes for the school, and principal Sister Lydia Etter, OSF, principal. The letter noted that Holy Family’s low enrollment – 92 students over eight grades, kindergarten and pre-kindergarten – made it impossible to continue beyond this school year. Efforts to boost enrollment proved to be unsuccessful. The school was also coping with a $172,000 deficit. Holy Family was founded three years ago, the result of the merger of St. James School, Ventnor, and Blessed Sacrament School, Margate. “This decision should not diminish the pride we all have had in the school for its academic excellence, its strong sense of community, and its success fostering moral... Read more →

Image by cliff1066™ via Flickr Delaware Deepening Project, Not in President’s Budget Once Again: Haddon Heights, NJ – Earlier this week, Congressman Rob Andrews announced that for the third year in a row the Obama Administration had decided not to invest a single dollar towards the Army Corps of Engineers’ efforts to deepen the Delaware. In both his State of the Union Address and his $3.7 trillion budget submitted to Congress Monday, the President has signaled to America that only the most economically sound projects will be funded for Fiscal Year 2012. Image: Congress Rob Andrews (1st District NJ D) Congressman Andrews stated that the dredging project’s significant shortcomings, both economic and environmental, continue to keep it off the President’s list of approved projects year after year. “Funding efforts that will lose 51 cents on every dollar spent is not how America will rein in the deficit and achieve economic... Read more →

By Bruce Darrow BROOKLAWN NJ-On Thursday, Feb. 17 the Camden County Open Space Preservation Trust Fund approved an application filed by Brooklawn American Legion Baseball to reconstruct the Joe Barth Field in Brooklawn. The Recreation Facility Enhancement funding will allow Joe Barth Field to meet the demands and exposure the Brooklawn American Legion Baseball brings to the Camden County Area. The $25,000 grant includes removal of 10” to 14” of infield dirt which has accumulated in the past 20 years since the last renovation. Once the existing dirt is removed and the field graded, infield sod and infield sprinkler system will be installed. Crushed red stone will surround the infield fencing providing a warning area. In addition to the infield project the outfield will be hydro seeded and the batting cages repaired. Once this construction is completed replacement of the scoreboard will be considered. The Brooklawn American Legion Baseball team... Read more →

Mark F. Gottsch... of Cherry Hill, peacefully at home on Feb. 16, 2011, age 64. Companion of Sally Zupan; father of Mark & Monica; brother of Celeste Suplee of Bellmawr and several nieces, nephews & grandchildren. A member of Gloucester High School Class of '64, Mark was a warehouseman at Packaging Specialists in Pennsauken for almost 20 years. Funeral MASS Monday 10 AM in St. Mary's RC Church, 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Interment beside his beloved parents & sister at Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill. Arr. by BLAKE-DOYLE FUNERAL HOME Collingswood Milan Sladek...On February 12, 2011. Age 61. Of Atlantic City. Born in Poland and immigrated to the United States. Survived by several cousins and truly devoted caregivers and friends. Services and Burial are private. Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Milan Sladek. Funeral Arrangements and Inquires may be made through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME:... Read more →

Haddon Heights, NJ – This week, Congressman Rob Andrews joined State Senator Donald Norcross (D-5) and Camden City Mayor Dana Redd to announce that over $5 million had been awarded to the City of Camden to rehire over half of the firefighters laid-off last month. The funds were awarded through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a program that provides $420 million in grants nationwide for rehiring laid-off firefighters and retaining those whose jobs are in jeopardy due to budget constraints. SAFER grants are awarded on a competitive basis depending on a department’s financial and staffing needs. In each application, FEMA considers the grant’s impact on the department's daily operations and prioritizes its awards based on how the community and current firefighters are at risk without the newly funded positions. The funds awarded to Camden... Read more →

Dina Patel (above) of Clementon, the Camden County 4-H Senior Ambassador and Amber Bizup (below) of Sicklerville, the Camden County 4-H Junior Ambassador, attended the New Jersey State Agricultural Convention Delegates' Dinner on Tuesday, February 8. Patel and Bizup, along with 27 other New Jersey Fair, Commodity and 4-H youth representatives, were presented at the dinner as part of a longstanding convention tradition. The young people were honored as the future of the state's agricultural industry. Patel and Bizup are pictured with New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher (left) and NJ State Board of Agriculture President W. Scott Ellis (right). Read more →

photos by SHANNON SIMS GLOUCESTER CITY NJ: Update: The accident happened at around 6 PM not 7:15 PM as originally reported. According to WPVI Channel 6 the driver of the white pickup was charged with being under the influence. The school bus was transporting 20 seven and eight year olds home from the after-school program at Cold Springs Elementary School in Gloucester City. Police say the pickup truck with two people inside, drifted from its lane and slammed head on into the school bus. The bus driver was not injured. The occupants of the truck were badly hurt and rushed to Cooper Hospital. Some of the children were also treated at Coopers and others at Lourdes. One youngster expects to be sporting a shiner he says from banging into the seat belt. Police say the driver of the pickup truck will be charged with driving while intoxicated. They say heroin... Read more →

SEE UPDATE GLOUCESTER CITY NJ: Around 7:15 PM Friday, February 18 there was a traffic accident near the intersection of Nicholson Road and Johnson Blvd., involving a school bus and a white pickup. The children on the bus were from the Cold Springs Latchkey program. It is not known at this time if there were any injuries. Rescue personnel were at the scene. RELATED SEE UPDATE GCPD PRESS RELEASE click advertisement Read more →

Now - March 6 A Moon for the Misbegotten Arden Theatre Company 40 North 2nd Street 215.922.1122 www.ArdenTheatre.org February 15 - 20 STOMP Merriam Theater 250 South Broad Street 215.893.1999 www.kimmelcenter.org February 17 and 19 2011 Young Voices High School Monologue Festival Philadelphia Young Playwrights InterAct Theatre Company 2030 Sansom Street 215.665.9226 www.phillyyoungplaywrights.org February 19 & 20 Paleopalooza Festival The Academy of Natural Sciences 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway 215.299.1000 www.ansp.org February 19 - 21 Presidents Day National Constitution Center 525 Arch Street 215.409.6600 www.ConstitutionCenter.org February 22 & 23 Shen Yun Performing Arts Academy of Music Broad & Locust Streets 215.893.1999 www.kimmelcenter.org Dancing at the Gallery Dance/UP presents Dance in Public Places, through February 26 at The Gallery at Market East. From 10am-7pm each day, 24 local dance companies- ranging from African to ballet, contemporary to clogging, Hip Hop to tap and more- will create new works and perfect their moves... Read more →

HUNTING AND FISHING NEWS compiled by CNBNEWS.NET NRA NEWS Assembly Bill 3807, sponsored by Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald (D-6) and Assemblyman Annette Quijano (D-20), has been introduced in the New Jersey Assembly. If passed, A3807 would reduce the maximum capacity of ammunition magazines to 10 rounds from 15. This legislation is an example of yet another attempt to restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens, while doing nothing to actually combat crime. As of now, the language for the bill has not been released and a hearing has not been scheduled, but the NRA will continue to update you on the status of the legislation as it progresses through the New Jersey General Assembly. So, please continue to check your e-mail and www.NRAILA.org for updates. TURKEY HUNTING IN NJ Does turkey hunting appeal to you but just don't know where to start? Or do you turkey hunt now and want to... Read more →

photo by Linda Hubbs Mount Ephraim students who participated in Honor's Band Festival in Audubon on January 22 include: (left to right) Jesse Efymow, Richard Bonzak, Michael Arechevala, Emma Ball, Zach Pacetti, Anthony Cristino, Gregory Veach, Josiah Bracey, Not present in the photo; Michael Snyder. The students proudly display the citations they received. (below) Mount Ephraim Students of the Month: (left to right) Richard Musselman, Shannon Hyde, Christine Kirk, Emma Ball, Cassidy Chambers, Marissa Rickter, Haley Grady. Not in photo: Destiny Minyon. photo by Linda Hubbs Read more →

February 17, 2011 Joseph Wolk, Mayor 121 S. Black Horse Pike Mt. Ephraim, NJ 08059 Dear Mayor Wolk, Commissioners’ Gilmore and Greenwald, I would like to personally thank the Mt. Ephraim Public Works Department, under the leadership of Ken Jones, for all their help and assistance this winter during the snowstorms. I would also like to recognize the Mt. Ephraim Police Department for their daily help in assisting our children arrive safely to school. These individual departments were recognized at the February 15, 2011 Board of Education meeting for their continuous, outstanding community service. In addition, I would also like to recognize the Mt. Ephraim Fire Department for all that they do for the school district to educate the children in fire safety. With the combined efforts of all these departments they continuously create a safe environment for the children of Mt. Ephraim. Respectfully, Joseph G. Rafferty, Sr., Chief School... Read more →

When: Saturday, February 19, 2011 Time: ETA 2:00 PM Where: VFW Post 7925 45 Plymouth Street Fairfield, NJ 07004 Please come out to welcome home Cpl. Brian Casendino from serving in the US Marine Corps. Brian has fulfilled his commitment and is coming home for good. A little history about our hero…Brian is 24 years old. He graduated from Mount Olive High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corp. on 2.20.2007 and graduated boot camp on 5.18.2007. He first deployed to Afghanistan to fight the Taliban in Garmsir, Helmand Providence. He served with unit 1/6 Weapons Co. Brian returned on 10.20.2008. He then attended Squad Leader School and earned rank of Corporal. On 12.14.2009, the 1/6 deployed back to Afghanistan. Brian was part of a surge into Marjah, Afghanistan under General McChrystal. He returned 7/14/2010. His EAS date was 12/22/2010. Brian is now serving Inactive Reserve for the next 4... Read more →

Image via Wikipedia presented by Nike ATLANTA – The nation’s top 20 high school senior girls’ basketball players have been selected to participate in the 2011 WBCA High School All-America Game presented by Nike, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced today. The 20th annual All-America Game, which is held as part of the WBCA National Convention, will be played Saturday, April 2, 2011, at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., site of the 2011 NCAA® Women’s Final Four®. Tipoff is 4:30 p.m. ET. The game will be played on the NCAA Women’s Final Four court for the second straight year. “Indiana, the Hoosier state, is synonymous with high school basketball; so, it’s only fitting that the WBCA showcase its High School All-America Team there,” said WBCA CEO Beth Bass. “What a great platform for this game to be held in Indianapolis.” The 20 players will be divided into two... Read more →

13 Communication from NJDOT request for resolution supporting or opposing on construction of Noise Walls. Communication from Lynn Pierce NJ Transit Bus Stop Broadway and Morris Read more →

From a White House News Release WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2011 - The Veterans Affairs Department is launching the first of a series of new and enhanced services supporting family caregivers of seriously ill and injured veterans. President Barack Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 legislation in May, authorizing VA to establish a wide range of new services to support certain caregivers of eligible post-9/11 veterans. "Caregivers make tremendous sacrifices every day to help veterans of all eras who served this nation," Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said. "They are critical partners with VA in the recovery and comfort of ill and injured veterans, and they deserve our continued training, support and gratitude." In addition to the new benefits and services for eligible veterans who were disabled in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001, VA also will begin providing enhanced benefits and... Read more →

THANK YOU I would like to thank my family and friends for their love and support, my wonderful neighbors for their comfort and support, the Gloucester City Police and Firefighters for their professionalism, courtesy and quick response. Without it, I might not be writing this and thank God that I had working smoke detectors during my recent house fire. There are not enough words to express my thanks for all you have done! May God bless all of you and your families. Sandy Saler, Gloucester City THANK YOU Thank you to the police officers and highway department men of Gloucester City for helping me with my truck during the snow storm on Wednesday, January 26, at 1 a.m. on Burlington and Somerset streets. Tom Hayney VFW Post 3620, Gloucester City Read more →

By Jennifer Yachnin File Photo Rep. Howard Coble, who offered legislation to scale back Congressional pensions in the 1990s, said trying again now would be “an exercise in futility.” Taxpayers are likely to foot the bill for at least $26 million in pensions for former Members of Congress this year, even as Congress embraces austerity by curbing its annual pay raises and voting to slash office budgets. That estimate, drawn from data published by the Congressional Research Service, is based on payments to 455 former Members as of October 2009 and doesn’t include potential payouts to dozens of newly retired lawmakers who are eligible to draw their pensions. While Members have taken aim at Congress’ internal spending habits in recent months — lawmakers voted against an automatic pay raise in the current fiscal year and the House voted last month to cut its office budgets by 5 percent — the... Read more →

By Joseph Myers Posted Feb. 10, 2011 Photo by Greg Shutters Instead of continuing to inspire inquiries on its presence, the SS United States soon may sate locals’ desires for a more enviable Delaware River waterfront. Members of the SS United States Conservancy, the lifeline group for the 59-year-old vessel, announced their acquisition of the ship Feb. 1. The revelation occurred at IKEA, 2206 S. Columbus Blvd., and included two opportunities to board the historic 990-foot craft at its Pier 82 location. The conservancy’s Board President Susan Gibbs and her allies will now seek the best possible new identity for the creation of her naval architect and marine engineer grandfather, the late William Francis Gibbs. Purchasing the ship from Norwegian Cruise Line/Genting Hong Kong, who had owned it since 2003, the conservancy amplifies its efforts to develop “dynamic amenities” to preserve the ship’s “heart and soul,” Gibbs said. The $3-million... Read more →

Lutfu Balbay... On February 15, 2011. Age 75. Of Camden. Formerly of Millville. Loving husband of the late Anna Balbay (nee Kalkan). Cherished father of Levon Balbay and Kennedy Balbay. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend his viewing on Saturday from 9 am to 10 am at the Holy Virgin Protection Russian Orthodox Church: 333 Weymouth Road, Buena. Mass 10 am in the church. Interment New Kuban Cemetery, Buena. Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Lutfu Balbay. Funeral Arrangements and Inquires may be made through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Ph: 856-456-1142 Robert J. Wilson On February 15, 2011. Age 79. Of Gloucester City. Formerly of South Camden. Loving son of the late Francis H. Wilson, Sr and the late Elizabeth V. (nee Jennings). Predeceased by his siblings Francis “Reds” Wilson, James Wilson, Jacob Ambruster and Elizabeth... Read more →

Robert Roy Kanady KANADY, Robert Roy (Bob) "Keet" on February 12, 2011 of Deptford, formerly of Gloucester City and Tuckerton. Age 68. Husband of Patricia A. Kanady (nee Heitzmann). Father of Jacqueline Harris (Howard) of San Diego, CA and Patricia "Trish" Robinson of National Park. Grandfather of Samantha and Brooke. Also survived by his pet Skeeter. Bob was employed for over 35 years at Eagle Point Plant in Westville. He was a member of the NRA, enjoyed target shooting and loved working on his many projects and helping friends. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family Saturday 10am to 11am at BOUCHER FUNERAL HOME, 1757 Delsea Dr., Deptford. Memorial service 11am at the funeral home. Interment private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 1415 Rt. 70 East, Suite 311, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. Joanne M. Norman NORMAN, Joanne M.... Read more →

February 15, 2011 Catholic League president Bill Donohue responds to today's New York Times editorial, "More Shame": The editorial says, "The Roman Catholic Church in this country has promised accountability and justice for children sexually abused by priests. We fear it has a long way to go." Wrong: no religious or secular institution in the U.S. today has a better record than the Catholic Church. To wit: from 2005 to 2009 (the last year data are available), the average number of credibleaccusations made against a priest for the sexual abuse of a minor is 8.6; in 2009, the number was six (out of more than 40,000). The Times cites the latest grand jury report against the Philadelphia Archdiocese as evidence of wrongdoing, noting that three priests and a teacher are accused of abuse extending back to the 1990s, and that there are many more abusers in active ministry. The first... Read more →

By Chris Concannon Gloucester City News Recent layoff notices issued by Bellmawr Mayor Frank Filipek to all Borough employees was the subject of an animated Council Meeting January 31. Filipek was adamant about certain elements of these layoffs, in stating that he and members of Council are going to do everything they can to avoid them as they did last year. The Mayor went on to say that with regard to the municipal budget, the Police Department actually comprises 42 percent of the total annual budget. A previously-published Gloucester City News article listed that figure at 50 percent. Filipek also said he met with all department heads, as well as Municipal Judge Nicholas Trabosh, about the layoffs, adding that some of the longer-tenured staff have already agreed not to take pay raises this year. Filipek reiterated prior remarks about staying under a state-mandated 2 percent tax cap, but cautioned that... Read more →

“We are very happy to welcome Camden City into the Camden County Library System, becoming the 27thof 37 municipalities in the County to join,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “By joining the County System, Camden City residents will have access to the full range of programs and services for children and adults, including literacy programs and job search help.” Just as with other municipalities who join the County library system, Camden County residents will pay a dedicated tax to the County Library Commission to cover the costs of operating this branch and an outpost proposed at Rutgers Camden Library to open later in the year. The City of Camden will assess the residents of Camden with a levy for library services. The tax assessed is based on property values and the library tax rate, which is about 4 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The Camden County Library System... Read more →

from Camden County Freeholder Director Cappelli. (Camden, NJ) – Former 2010 Republican candidate for Camden County Freeholder Scot DeCristofaro calls the current Camden County Freeholder Board a 20 year exercise in failed leadership. "The current group of career and greedy politicians that comprise the Freeholder board have devastated Camden County far more than the recession.” Scot DeCristofaro said. "For Louis Cappelli, who is a career politician and benefits from lucrative school board and county contracts as a lawyer, to blame the economy is a sorry and easy excuse. The current group of Camden County Freeholders has controlled all seven seats for nearly two decades. This is their budget, their vision, and now, when push comes to shove, Mr. Cappelli demonstrates his leadership by pretending Camden County is the only government in the country to struggle. Like the police and fire layoffs and the attempt to privatize the corrections officers, these... Read more →

SIMERO Georgeanna F. On February 13, 2011. Age 68. (nee Gladden) Of Gloucester City. Loving mother of Jacqueline P. Burdick. Loving grandmother of Jennifer A. Lascala (Frank), Kelly Burdick and Jacqueline M. Burdick. Loving great-grandmother of Kira, Joseph, Peyton and A.J. Dear sister of William Schaeffer, Thomas Gladden and Sandra Rittenhouse. Predeceased by her siblings Robert Schaeffer and Mary Abbott (surviving John). Loving companion of Edmund Trykowski and friend of Eleanor Trykowski. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Georgeanna was a longtime resident of Gloucester City since 1968 and resided in Gloucester Towne since 2006, where she was President of the Seniors Association from 2006-2009. She worked as an office clerk for American Shower and Bath in Moorestown for 15 years. Georgeanna loved sewing, sudoku, puzzles, country music and animals. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend her viewing on Wednesday evening from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at... Read more →

By Mike Ference Examiner June 11, 2009 http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-12613-Pittsburgh-Independent-Examiner~y2009m6d11-Is-Pennsylvania-a-propedophile Now that we know an entire country (Ireland) permitted dysfunctional sex freaks, disguised as Catholic clergy, to torture and molest innocent children for decades, maybe, it's time to expose the same heinous crimes in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Former PA State Rep. Lisa Bennington, D-Allegheny County, held a press conference on May 12, 2008 in Harrisburg, PA to discuss legislation known as the Child Victim's Act of Pennsylvania, which addressed statute of limitations and identifying sex abusers. If the bill had passed, it would have changed the age at which a civil suit could have been filed from until the accuser is 30 to 50, bringing the civil statute of limitations in line with the criminal statute. The bill would also have suspended the civil statute of limitations for two years in child sex abuse cases in which the statute had expired... Read more →

released February 12, 2011 Related articles Statement from the District Attorney on the arrest of four Philadelphia Clergy Members and Teacher (gloucestercitynews.net) Philadelphia DA: Investigation of Sexual Abuse by Clergy II (gloucestercitynews.net) St. Anne's Westville parishioner thinks Galante finds parishioners expendable - Save St Mary's Malaga (gloucestercitynews.net) Letters: Christian Churches Are Not Equal (gloucestercitynews.net) Diocese of Camden - Corlis L. Sellers named associate director of Lifelong Faith Formation for Black Catholics (gloucestercitynews.net) FoxNews.com - Educating Our Children: Catholic Schools Doing More With Less (gloucestercitynews.net) Read more →

WHEN EAST MEETS WEST By Hank F. Miller Jr. On my most recent trip to visit family and friends in Portland, Oregon, an earnest young lady asked,"Don't you think the Japanese people have a unique sense of beauty?" From her expectant manner it was apparent that her question had been a rhetorical one. When it came,my answer must have been a disappointment."I'm not at all sure of that," I said. Her smile faded and two wrinkles made furrows between her eyebrows. "But you've been living in Japan for 33 years,"She said."Perhaps that's the reason I can't answer your question,"I replied. After six months or a year in Japan, many foreign visitors know all there is to know about the country, and I was no exception. How pleasant it is to understand everything, to be an expert. But as years pass, the facile generalization prove to have too many exceptions, the... Read more →

TIPS AND SNIPPETS: by Bill Cleary BAD NEWS...The recession continues to hurt public employees in the state of New Jersey and elsewhere. For example, nearly 260 Camden County employees received layoff notices on February 11. The notices, which went out to everyone from clerks, to painters, to corrections officers, are scheduled to take effect April 4. Aside from the layoffs, the county plans to furlough remaining civilian employees for 22 days beginning in March. The furlough days would occur every other Friday for the remainder of the year. According to the Courier Post the layoff plan -- submitted by the county to the State Civil Service Commission for approval -- included a total of 261 employees, with 77 of the cuts from the county health and human services departments; 67 positions from buildings and operations; and 59 from the county's corrections department, which oversees the county jail. The plan also... Read more →

Earlier this week, South Jersey Citizens United released a statement decrying the Courier-Post’s decision to give George Norcross a seat on their editorial board. Though the Courier-Post is a privately held company that can appoint whomever they choose to their editorial board, I find this decision to be a sad testament to their lack of journalistic objectivity and political bias. READ THE SJCU PRESS RELEASE HERE There is no doubt that republicans are the minority party in Camden County, however this area of the state has tens of thousands of conservative minded residents who deserve to have a voice in a newspaper that attests to serve the entire region. We support Tom Crone of the South Jersey Citizens United and agree with their position. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE SJCU's WEBSITE The following is our letter the Courier-Post’s editorial board. We encourage all residents who feel the same on... Read more →

By Anne Neborak Background: Dave Schlott grew up in Brooklawn, New Jersey, and Oak Lane Manor in Delaware where he started his volunteer career in firefighting in 1958. He has volunteered at Brookhaven Fire Company for 33 years and is now Fire Police Captain. Schlott is committed to giving back to his community. Schlott attended Brandywine High School and joined the United States Navy in 1960. He was in the Navy for 20 years becoming a Master Chief. When he retired from the Navy he worked at Boeing Company as a technical writer. He opened his own business as a landscaper and started doing animal control work in 1987. In 1999 he retired from Boeing. During his time at Boeing he learned all he could about wildlife animal control and worked at this newfound passion while at Boeing for the next 10 to12 years. After retiring from Boeing he made... Read more →

WUNDER Joseph F., Jr. On February 11, 2011, Age 60 yrs. of Mt. Ephraim, formerly of Gloucester City, NJ. Beloved husband for 38 years of Stella (nee Viereck), loving and devoted father of Veronica Bartley, SPC Joesph F. Wunder, III, Mark Wunder, Andrea Wise and Gabe Wentzel and loving father in law of Richard, Joslyn and Jessica. Cherished grandfather of Morgan, Richard, Jr., Jimmy, Mason, Nash, Alyssa, Savanna, Timmy and a grandchild due in June. He was also the dear brother of Betty (Carl), Frank (Nancy), Theresa (Jimmy), and Ron (Debbie) and loving son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Wunder. Mr. Wunder was a Proud Army Veteran serving during the Vietnam era. Most importantly he was a loving and devoted family man. Relatives and friends are invited to meet Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:00am at St. Mary’s RC Church 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. A Memorial Mass will be... Read more →

From a Tricare News Release FALLS CHURCH, Va., Feb. 10, 2011 – When the Defense Department weighs in on kissing and spitting, it’s with good reason -- two good reasons, in fact: love and health. Using smokeless tobacco can pose a stinky, unsavory obstacle to sharing a kiss with a loved one, parent, child or sweetheart. It also may cause a slew of serious health problems. That’s why TRICARE wants military personnel to participate in the Great American Spit Out on Feb. 24, and kiss the spit goodbye for a day. About 19 percent of 18- to 24-year-old men in the armed forces use smokeless tobacco -- that’s more than double the national rate. The DOD Quit Tobacco -- Make Everyone Proud campaign at www.ucanquit2.org is focusing on helping those who spit and chew tobacco to develop a personalized cessation plan. “Many of our servicemen started using smokeless tobacco at... Read more →

MECCHELLA Alma M. On February 10, 2011. Age 75. (nee Cooney) Of Gloucester City. Formerly of Philadelphia. Loving and devoted wife of Peter J. Mecchella. Loving mother of Louise (Joe) Willis, Bobby (Cindy), Frankie (Kim) and Alma Mecchella (Anthony). Loving grandmother of 19 and great-grandmother of 3. Dear sister of Eileen (Ron) Zacconi and sister-in-law Teresa Cooney. Pre-deceased by her brothers; Elmer, Alfred and Raymond and sister Mary Jablonowski. Alma’s family would like to thank all the nurses from Our Lady of Lourdes Dialysis Unit on the 5th floor and a special thanks to Father Mike from Our Lady of Lourdes for all his prayers. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend her viewing on Tuesday morning from 9 to 11 AM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth St. Gloucester City. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday morning at 11:30 AM at The Episcopal Church of... Read more →

ROBERTS Thomas J. On January 23, 2011. Age 62. Of Voorhees. Formerly of Glassboro. Survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Services and Burial are private. Memories and Condolences may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the online obituary of Thomas J. Roberts. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME Read more →

Harrison Twp., NJ) - Construction of the final stage of the Route 322 improvements and bypass will begin on or about February 15 announced Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger and Freeholder Heather Simmons. "We are asking motorists to be aware of the construction that will be taking place, to slow down and use caution when traveling through the work zone to ensure the safety of the traveling public and workers," said Freeholder Director Damminger. "There are no planned detours, but there will be traffic shifts and we will be using message boards throughout the project so that drivers are informed of the construction," Damminger said. This final segment of the multi-phase Route 322 improvement project will remove all through traffic on 322 from travelling through downtown Mullica Hill and alleviate the bumper-to-bumper traffic congestion in this historic district that has plagued the area. "All businesses will be open and access... Read more →

Agency Announces $500,000 in Grants, Presents “Plate of Distinction” Awards (PHILADELPHIA, PA) – The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) today unveiled a comprehensive plan to strengthen the food system that feeds the Greater Philadelphia region and announced nearly $500,000 in grants to help implement the plan. “Eating Here: Greater Philadelphia’s Food System Plan” is the result of a two-year collaborative effort to identify opportunities and provide recommendations to increase the security and economic, social and environmental benefits of the regional food system. “How we grow, package, transport and distribute our food are significant factors in the health of our economy, our environment and our community,” said DVRPC Executive Director Barry Seymour. “This plan is designed to help strengthen our complex food system so it sustains the Greater Philadelphia region for decades to come.” The plan is organized around six core values — farming and sustainable agriculture, ecological stewardship and... Read more →

Who: Airman 1st Class Michael Harrold – United States Air Force When: Sunday, February 13, 2011 Time: 1:00 PM Where: VFW Post No 4715 603 Saint Louis Ave Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742-3250 (732) 892-9725 Contact: Darlene Rasmussen (Mother) 732-552-6831 David (Yellow Ribbon Club) 856-986-7587 Please come out to welcome home Airman 1st Class Michael Harroldfrom serving in Afghanistan. Michael is 20 years old and a graduate of Colts Neck High School. He completed two years of ROTC in High School, in addition to playing Lacrosse all four years, being named MVP his Junior year. Michael comes from a family of veterans. His mother, father and uncle are all veterans of the Air Force. His girlfriend, Kristen is a student at Montclair State University. Michael enlisted in the Air Force in June of 2008. At the end of July, he received his approval and was sworn in the 1st week... Read more →

By Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2011 – Unemployed veterans, wounded warriors, reserve-component service members and their spouses searching for jobs can find one-stop shopping at a Web portal designed just for them. Operated by the Army Reserve, the military-friendly Employee Partnership of the Armed Forces at www.employerpartnership.org lends assistance not only to those looking for a job, but also to public and private employers who are ready to hire former service members and help to support the troops, said Maj. Gen. Keith L. Thurgood, deputy chief of the Army Reserve. “It’s all about connecting supply and demand,” Thurgood said. Employers are attracted to veterans because they are highly skilled leaders from the finely tuned military atmosphere, the general explained. “That’s the crux of the program,” Thurgood said. “It’s a mutually beneficial program where the employer gets someone who’s drug-free, understands collaboration, [and] can think... Read more →

Image via Wikipedia Citizens Asked for Assistance PHILADELPHIA, PA – The winter’s excessive snow and extreme temperatures have taken a toll on the City’s roads. As the City’s three weeks of snow and ice fighting efforts begin to wind down, street defects that have been caused - and often hidden - by the snow and ice will become visible and, in some instances, serious. Streets Commissioner Clarena I.W. Tolson says, “Citizens can be our best inspectors. Whether you see a pothole, or a ditch unraveling, or the presence of water at the location, citizens should contact the Streets Department Customer Affairs Unit at (215) 686-5560 or 3-1-1 to report the defect. Citizens may also visit the Streets Department’s website at www.phila.gov/streets/Potholes.html.” Potholes are typically caused by the freezing and thawing of moisture that has seeped into the roadway structure. But residents should be aware that not all road defects are... Read more →

Woodbury, NJ) - Gloucester County Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said the State's Department of Human Services is increasing its daily charge for certain patients at state institutions by 17.5%. In addition, the per diem rate for care of patients at state institutions has been increased 28.5% over the last two years for the patients. Simultaneously, the county is required to stay under a 2% budget cap. "This is the height of hypocrisy and we have to speak up and oppose this increase being arbitrarily placed upon the county," said Director Damminger. "I am sponsoring a resolution to oppose this increase because the State has mandated a 2% cap on spending increases for the county. We can live with that cap, but for the State to start telling us they are going to pay less and the county will have to pick up their share, while dramatically increasing the total... Read more →

By Dawn Watson You didn’t mean for it to happen. The situation developed without warning: your best buddy, Fido is housetrained, quiet, a pleasure to your family and then BLAM! You find another dog or another dog finds you and your quiet home becomes a noisy, chaotic, multi-pet household! Photo: Dawn Watson with Tasha Fido suddenly begins marking (urinating everywhere), barking, and growling at Fifi. Short of splitting each room down the middle with a barbed-wire fence, what can you do about these behaviors? There is no short answer on this one but you can make the process less stressful if you follow a few simple rules: Do not allow either dog together without human supervision. If you catch Fido in the act of marking make a loud sound and immediately take him outside. Offer praise when he has ‘finished up’ outside. Clean the place where he marked with a... Read more →

HUNTING AND FISHING NEWS compiled by CNBNEWS.NET Horseshoe Crab and Whelk Processors & Dealers Contribute $15,000 to Horseshoe Crab Survey Arlington, VA - Members of the horseshoe crab and whelk industry from the Chesapeake Bay Packing, LLC, Bernie's Conchs, LLC, LaMonica Fine Foods, Southern Connection Seafood, Inc., Sea King Corp., and Spot's Fish Company have collectively pledged $15,000 to support the Horseshoe Crab Trawl Survey for 2011. Combined, the biomedical industry and whelk and horseshoe crab processors and dealers have contributed more than $115,000 to conduct the survey this year. Rick Robins, who coordinated the additional financial support for the survey, stated, "The Commission deserves credit for putting the Delaware Bay regional horseshoe crab population on a solid path to recovery. The Virginia Tech Horseshoe Crab Trawl Survey provides scientific information to the Commission that is essential to the successful management of this ecologically and economically important fishery." The survey,... Read more →

Mt. Ephraim School District Honor Roll Distinguished Honors: Helen Barrett, Ariana Beebe, Emily Calhoun, Kenzie Calhoun, Cassidy Chambers, Jessica Chambers, David Critch, Samuel Czerski, Emily DiPadova, Amy Guldin, Shannon Hyde, Jordan Klingner, Alyssa Marszalek, Matthew Marszalek, Meghan McDonough, Lindsay Musselman, Colin Rapa-Slover, Andrew Romano, Jewelia Stojansul, Kelsey Vespe Honors: Nicholas Alexander, Timothy Alexander, Michael Arechavala, Rachel Baker, Emma Ball, Steven Baxter, Jonathan Bell , Christopher Blaylock, Gabrielle Bobo, Chelsea Bocchicchio, Courtney Bocchicchio, Michael Bocchicchio, Richard Bonczak, Josiah Bracey, Alexis Brassill, Melinda Brassill, Brittany Brown, Julianne Brown, Hailey Burns, Gabrielle Campise, Hunter Capner, Jade Carson, Allen Chase, Dominick Cipolone, Taylor Cobert, Mark Colavito, Gabrielle Crain, Maryellen Crain, Anthony Cristino, Gabriel Crothers, Isabel Cruz, Claire Czerski, Gary Czerski, Nevada DeFord, Bianca DiPadova, Angel Dougherty, Analyn Efymow, Jesse Efymow, Jordyn Eggert, Andrew Fehr, Kevin Fennimore, Holly Fitzgerald, Scott Fitzpatrick, Mason Fowler, Charlize Galcik, Meghan Garbacz, Kasey Gardner, Taylor Gavin, Haley Grady, Stephan Gravenor,... Read more →

Camden NJ - Grafitti on Ferry Street The poverty-ridden New Jersey city faces police cuts amid increasing crime. 9 February 2011 States and municipalities around the country are struggling to tighten their fiscal belts, but few cities face as stark a choice as the hard-luck South New Jersey city of Camden. One of America’s most dangerous cities, Camden seeks to close a $26.5 million budget hole by laying off one-quarter of its city government workers—including half of its police force. In an austerity plan that went into effect last month, the city laid off 180 uniformed officers and 20 police dispatchers from its 375-strong force. Camden expects to save $14 million from the police department cuts, but there is growing alarm that the city, one of the country’s poorest and most violent, will wind up paying a much higher price for its budget savings. Camden residents, already afraid to venture... Read more →

On February 10, 2011, a Philadelphia Grand Jury released a report and a presentment following an investigation into allegations that two priests and a teacher sexually abused a 10-year-old boy at St. Jerome Parish in Philadelphia, and that another priest assigned to St. Jerome sexually assaulted a 14-year-old boy. The presentment recommended criminal charges, including for rape and indecent sexual assault, against the three priests, Edward Avery, Charles Engelhardt, and James Brennan; and the teacher, Bernard Shero. The Grand Jury also recommended charging Monsignor William J. Lynn, the Secretary for Clergy for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia under Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. From 1992 until 2004, Msgr. Lynn was responsible for investigating reports that priests had sexually abused children and for recommending appropriate action to ensure that priests could not reoffend. The Grand Jury found that Msgr. Lynn endangered children, including the... Read more →

By Anne Marie Riha Published February 08, 2011 | FoxNews.com Earlier this month, President Obama challenged high schools across the county to compete against each other in the second annual "Race to the Top” educational success program for the chance to have him give the commencement address at their graduation. Not included in the contest, though, are the more than 2 million students in America’s Catholic schools. If they could participate, the nation’s parochial schools would be fearsome competitors. A 2009 comparison between public and Catholic school SAT scores show that public school students had an overall average of 496 points on the critical reading portion of the test while Catholic school students scored 533 points on the same portion. Catholic school students outscored their public school counterparts by an average of 23 points. What makes the numbers more impressive is that Catholic high schools spend more than $2,000 less... Read more →

Harry S. Amwake, V passed away suddenly on February 7, 2011. Beloved son of Colleen L. Amwake (nee Mader) of Gloucester City and Harry S. Amwake, IV of Glendora. Brother of Chelsea L. Amwake of Gloucester City. Also survived by maternal grandparents Dolly and Jack Rotchford of the Villas, NJ, formerly of Gloucester City and the late Charles C. Mader. Paternal grandparents Harry S. Amwake, III and Anna May Amwake of Newport Ritchie, FL, formerly of Vineland. Nephew of Dee and John Prendergast, Chalie Mader, Walt and Marcie Mader, Cheryl and Al Scuibba, Lizzy and Mike Cuthbert and Esther Amwake. Twelve cousins. Harry was a 2009 graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School where he was a football star. He received a scholarship to attend Wesley College. He was a wonderful son, grandson, brother, nephew and friend who was loved by all who knew him and he will be deeply missed.... Read more →