CNBNews

By Chris Concannon Gloucester City News The Bellmawr Board of Education Reorganization Meeting May 12 kicked off with the swearing-in of two returning members, along with a freshman. Jody Mangus and Michael Williams returned to continue their work, while Edward Legenski III was also sworn in as the lone newcomer. The swearing-in was conducted by Board Solicitor Ron Sahli. Following the ceremony, incoming Business Administrator (BA) Chris Rodia solicited nominations for the Board’s President and Vice President. Williams nominated Jamie Casey to return as President, seconded by Mangus. Eric Hoban nominated Mangus for Vice President, seconded by Bill Murray. Both nominees were accepted. Casey then thanked Mr. Rodia for signing on as the new BA, and thanked outgoing interim Business Administrator N. John Amato for his service to the District. Amato said he is just shy of serving three years in that capacity, and went on to thank the Board... Read more →

By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service GAYAN DISTRICT, Afghanistan, May 20, 2011 - This week, members of 'Dog' Company maintained their hold on a key hilltop located just meters from the Afghanistan-Pakistan border by winning a 14-hour firefight with insurgents. Sgt. 1st Class Adam Petrone, acting second platoon leader for the 101st Airborne Division's 'Dog' Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, shown above after an enemy attack May 18, directed his platoon's defense during an firefight at the same location May 16 and 17. DOD photo by Karen Parrish (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution imageavailable. Army Sgt. 1st Class Adam Petrone, filling in for a platoon leader on mid-tour leave, was the senior soldier on the ground with the 4th Brigade, 101st Airborne Division's Third Platoon, Dog Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment. The platoon was conducting a five-day operation, which included setting up a blocking position about three... Read more →

Gloucester City High School's success as a perennial Tri-County Conference softball power continued on Monday as the Lions clinched their sixth straight Classic Division championship with a 10-0 shutout of visiting Schalick. Tersea Anderson hit a two-run homer, Angela Harris knocked in three runs with a pair of singles, and Kate Boulden scattered three hits to get the pitching win for coach Dave Light's club. Also in the Tri-County, Erynn Sobieski's first no-hitter made GCIT a 4-0 winner at Woodstown. Sobieski struck out six and walked one, and Taylor Favinger had four of the Cheetahs' five hits. Colonial. Haddon Heights wrapped up the Liberty Division title with a 6-1 success against visiting Overbrook. The Garnets broke open a close game with back-to-back homers by Jackie Emerly and Brielle Rolon in the CONTINUE TO READ via www.philly.com Read more →

The American Legion - May 17, 2011 Photo by Charlie Tucker The Samsung American Legion Scholarship is available for high school juniors who participate in and complete the Boys State or Girls State programs and are direct descendants (or legally adopted children) of wartime veterans eligible for American Legion membership. The Samsung scholarship awards up to $20,000 for undergraduate studies (e.g.,room and board, tuition and books), and each applicant is selected according to his or her school and community activities, academic record and financial need. “I feel extremely honored to have been selected for this prestigious scholarship award that recognizes service, leadership and academic achievement,” said 2010 Samsung recipient Samantha Lessen from Louisiana. “The American Legion is well-known for its community involvement and patriotism, and association with such an influential organization comes as not only an honor to me, but also serves as a tribute to the service my grandfather... Read more →

CNBNEWS Staff Reporter The Gloucester City High School Lions baseball team leaped into the second round of the South Jersey Group 1 Playoffs by beating Leap Academy of Camden 14 – 0. Gloucester’s Brandon Blackiston capped a 10 run 1st inning with a Grand Slam, while winning Pitcher Austin Darrow (4 -1) shutdown all Leap hitters before leaving the game in the third giving way to Steven Bobo. Catcher Thomas O’Donnell finished of the Leap Academy with a 2 run homer in the third. The pitching combination of Darrow, Bobo, Kyle Gaff and Kyle Greene limited Leap to one base runner and no hits in the 5 inning shutout. The Lion’s pitchers faced the minimum number of batters (15) in the 5 inning contest. The Lion’s will host the winner of the #5 Pennsville and #13 Woodbury game Friday 4:00 at Gloucester City High School, Market Street and Route 130. Read more →

On May 22, 2011. (nee Earle) Of Gloucester City. Formerly of Oaklyn. Beloved wife of 47 years to Burd Brown. Loving mother of the late Paul Withers III. Devoted daughter of Charlotte (nee Rosin) and the late John M. Earle. Cherished grandmother of Paul Withers IV, Rachel Withers and Melissa Coates (Ricky Sr.) Cherished great grandmother of Damian, Kyrah and Ricky Coates Jr. Dear sister of Charlotte Kilgarriff (Cornelius), Kathleen Killeen, Michael Earle (Mary), Elsie Haas (Bob), Stephen Earle and the late John Earle Jr. She is also survived and will be sadly missed by her many nieces and nephews. Irene will be fondly remembered as being kind hearted, loving, and giving to all who knew her. Irene enjoyed arts and crafts, sewing, spending time with her grandchildren and weekends at the shore. Irene was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Westmont. At the request of her family, Cremation... Read more →

On May 20, 2011, (nee Grasmick) of Gloucester City, NJ. She is the beloved wife of Jack C. Brandt, devoted mother of Ronald and Frank (Jessica) Brandt, loving daughter of Louis Sr. and the late Beatrice Grasmick, the cherished grandmother of Melissa, Nicolas, Gabrielle and great grandchild Kayden and dear sister of Louis (Dee) Grasmick, Jr. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Bette worked as a Hairdresser for many years in both the Fairview and Westville areas. Relatives and friends are invited to meet Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:30am at ETHERINGTON-CRERAN FUNERAL HOME, 700 POWELL ST., GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ. Bette's Funeral Service will be held at 11:30am with interment at Lakeview Memorial Park immediately following. There will be no evening viewing. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations in Bette's name be made to either Deborah Hospital Foundation, New Jersey Region, P. O. Box... Read more →

On May 18th, 2011 South Jersey Citizens published their list of reforms and an overview of the agenda. The narrative at the bottom of this page can also be found on the Reform Agenda Discussion page. We challenge the Gloucester Township Town Council to pass these measures by October 1st, 2011. We dare the Republicans and Independents to work with Council to move these reforms forward in spite of their political differences. Governing is about doing what is right for the town, not putting your political party first or sabotaging good work because of the political affiliation of the person who introduced it. The future for our town and our legacy to our children should be the best government possible, not partisan bickering. Now is the time for our elected officials to prove to the people of Gloucester Township they are deserving of our vote. The first reform: Pay to... Read more →

On Saturday, May 21, 2011, ten men were ordained by Bishop Joseph Galante to the Order of Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Camden at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Glassboro. The new deacons are: - Deacon Paul R. Bubeck, a former manufacturing supervisor and a retired hospitality worker in the casino industry, who is assigned to Holy Trinity Parish, Margate, and will work in Healthcare Ministries. - Deacon Lawrence S. Farmer, currently Director in the Diocesan Planning Office and former executive in a large manufacturing company, who is assigned to St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Sicklerville, and will serve in the Diocesan Planning Office. - Deacon Kevin C. Heil, a social studies and English teacher at Gloucester Catholic High School and a retired attorney, who is assigned to St. Bridget University Parish, Glassboro, and will work in Campus Ministry. - Deacon Joseph A. Kain, Sr., an aviation... Read more →

Haddon Heights, NJ- Earlier this week, Congressman Rob Andrews spoke with student financial aid administrators, highlighting new student loan programs which pave the way for millions of Americans to succeed in today’s job market without being overwhelmed by student loan debt. Rep. Andrews focused on a little-known repayment program that provides student loan relief to graduates who enter lower-paying careers or suffer setbacks such as unemployment or serious illness. He emphasized two points-- that a college educated workforce increases America’s competitiveness in today’s global job market, and that no one should go broke because he or she decided to go to college. The Income Based Repayment (IBR) program lowers monthly payments low income graduates who are struggling to meet their student loan debts. Under the IBR, borrowers can cap their payments at 15% of discretionary income, calculated based on monthly income, family size, and state of residence. If payments are... Read more →

On May 6, 2011. Age 62. Of Camden City. Loving father of Carla Barberena. Miguel was born in Nicaragua and came to the United States in 1988. He was a landscaper for Eric’s Lawn Care in Mount Laurel. Viewing, Mass of Christian Burial and Interment will be in Nicaragua. Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Miguel Anjel Barberena Morales. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME : 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Ph: 856-456-1142 Read more →

PEMBROKE, N.H. — When Thursday's game was over and the Portsmouth (N.H.) baseball team had secured the national record for consecutive victories by beating Pembroke Academy 10-2, Portsmouth pitcher/outfielder Keegan Taylor admitted to feeling a sense of relief. He insisted there was no sense of satisfaction, however. "It's definitely, definitely relief," Taylor said. "It's always nice to have something off your back, but to me we're not done. It's more than just this. Definitely not satisfied yet. We want to be the last team standing." The theme coming from the Portsmouth players following Thursday's contest seemed to be this: They still haven't achieved their No. 1 goal, which is a fourth consecutive state championship. The victory over Pembroke Academy stretched the program's winning streak to 76 games, one more than Homer (Mich.) won in 2004 and 2005. The 2005 Homer team featured pitcher Josh Collmenter, who made his Major League... Read more →

by Guy Benson But...I thought Obamacare, "front-loaded" with wondrous benefits, was going to lower premiums and bend the healthcare cost curve down. The joke's on us: U.S. employers can expect an 8.5 percent increase in their medical costs next year due in some part to the healthcare reform law, the consulting firm PwC said in a report Wednesday. The widely read annual report on cost trends points to three main drivers of healthcare costs, two of which are exacerbated by the new law. At the same time, PwC said the law will have a "minimal effect" on 2012 prices because the provisions that go into effect before 2014 are "small changes for which employers already have fully accounted." Still, the consulting firm said employers will have to work with health insurers and providers to ensure better care and pricing as the law is implemented further. Got that? Healthcare costs aren't... Read more →

William E. Cleary Sr. CNBNEWSNET EDUCATION V. SPORTS...Gloucester Catholic High School Alumni Association sent out a survey form this past week to a select group of alumni members asking their opinion on the idea of spending $4 million to build athletic fields and a media room. From the letter... “First, we want to transform 75 acres of land in Deptford into Gloucester Catholic’s centralized ATHLETIC COMPLEX. This land has been granted to us by Bishop Joseph Galante of the Diocese of Camden. The tradition of Ram sports includes 25 varsity teams and the need for practice and playing fields is staggering. Since our founding, we have borrowed fields throughout the area. The new complex is a short drive from school and will include an all purpose stadium with a turf playing surface, locker room facilities, and a full complement of 11 other grass playing and practice fields with outdoor lighting.... Read more →

CNBNEWS.NET Staff Reporter The Gloucester City High School Lions baseball team takes the field Monday in a first round playoff game. The Lions (13 – 6) host Leap Academy of Camden (2 -8). First pitch 4 PM. Two of the Lions 13 wins have come at the hands of #4 rank Highland High School and #8 Pitman High School. Lions skipper Kevin Fahy has juggled his inexperience ballplayers into a team not to be taken lightly. The Lions are led by seniors 2B Brandon Blackiston, SS Kyle Greene, DH Dalton Dunn and 3B Tom Lindsay. The Lions offense is provided by Blackiston who currently is tied for 4th in So. Jersey with 10 doubles and 20 runs scored, Jr. Kyle Gaff tied for 3rd with 22 RBI, 19 runs scored and Greene 20 runs scored. Blackiston, Gaff, Greene and Lindsay set the table for power hitters Sr. Dunn and Jr.... Read more →

Americans—and Republicans—are lucky that the Donald has bowed out. 19 May 2011 Donald Trump’s announcement that he will not run in the Republican presidential primaries after all is great news for the Republican Party and for the country. The only thing more frightening than Trump’s running for president would be Trump’s getting elected president. From a party perspective, while losing an election is bad, winning one with the wrong candidate for the party and for the country is worse. I know something about this: I come from Italy, a country that has elected as prime minister the Trumplike Silvio Berlusconi. Trump and Berlusconi are remarkably alike. They are both billionaire businessmen who claim that the government should be run like a business. They are both gifted salesmen, able to appeal to the emotions of their fellow citizens. They are both obsessed with their looks, with their hair (or what remains... Read more →

By Marty Callaghan - May 13, 2011 The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that the Department of Veterans Affairs "unchecked incompetence" is causing many of its mental-health patients to "agonize or perish." However, The American Legion says the ruling is one-sided and overlooks the fact that the VA has excellent programs in place for the treatment of post-traumatic stress (PTS) and suicide prevention among veterans. "Balanced criticism of VA's performance is justified, but the 9th Circuit Court seems to have gone out of its way to portray VA as an incompetent organization. That simply isn't the case," said Peter Gaytan, executive director of The American Legion in Washington. On May 10, the 9th Circuit Court in San Francisco ordered the VA to come up with a new mental health-care plan, calling its current system seriously flawed. The court's decision overturns a 2008 judgment by U.S. District Judge... Read more →

Thursday, May 19, 2011 by Michelle Malkin Hear that? It's the escalating cry of American employers and workers trying to hold on to their health care benefits in the age of stifling Obama health insurance mandates: Gangway! Gangway! Save me! Waive me! Obamacare refugees first began beating down the exit doors in October 2010. As I've documented since last fall, waiver-mania started with McDonald's and Jack in the Box; spread to Dish Networks, hair salon chain Regis Corp and resort giant Universal Orlando; took hold among every major Big Labor organization from the AFL-CIO to the CWA to the SEIU; roped in the nationalized health care promoters at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (whose board of trustees includes health care czar Nancy Ann DeParle); and is now gripping entire states (Maine, New Hampshire and Nevada all recently got in on the act). The latest to catch the waive? West Coast... Read more →

PRESS RELEASE Check out the new web pages at www.PhillyBizMedia.com and gain- -a FREE ad, 2" x 2"- -in an upcoming issue of ACT, this regions business-to-business newspaper. To qualify send an e-mail to [email protected], providing us with the telephone number you see listed for the radio show, "Business of Sports." Joseph Ball Publisher CLICK ADVERTISEMENT Read more →

On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense. Each of the military leagues and orders was asked to drop sponsorship of its specific service day in order to celebrate the newly announced Armed Forces Day. The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for Marine Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day, too. In a speech announcing the formation of the day, President Truman "praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas" and said, "it is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace." In an excerpt from the... Read more →

The remnants of a slum empire are up for grabs. By Isaiah Thompson Evan M. Lopez [ neglect ] In 2008, Bob Coyle, the now-infamous slumlord, walked away from millions of dollars in mortgages he'd taken out on a small empire of crumbling houses in Kensington and Port Richmond, leaving the local banks that'd loaned him the money sitting high and dry — and on top of more than 100 of Coyle's properties. Among those properties was 3310 Argyle, a vacant shell that had sat neglected for years when Jamie Moffett moved in next door and watched as drug users went in and out of the abandoned house daily. Moffett — an acquaintance who first brought Coyle to this author's attention — had called Coyle repeatedly, demanding that he do something about the situation. When that didn't work, Moffett offered to buy the house, but was brushed off. Not long... Read more →

Showcases Latest Products And Trends In Golf Industry Monroe Township, NJ, May 16, 2011 – The New Jersey Golf Course Owners Association’s (NJGCOA) NJ Golf B2B networking event at the Forsgate Country Club, in Monroe Township, June 15, will provide a forum for the state’s golf course operators to discuss ideas and see the latest products and services in the industry. The event, to be attended by golf course owners, club managers, superintendents, PGA professionals and other personnel responsible for the operations of many of New Jersey’s 300 golf courses, will include a trade show with more than three dozen exhibits of products and services used by the golf industry, and several presentations on current issues. “In today’s economy, it is important for the golf courses to give the consumer the best possible product at the best possible price, and this show gives them many of the tools to do... Read more →

Firehouse.com News Posted: Thu, 05/19/2011 - 11:49am Updated: Thu, 05/19/2011 - 12:39pm A former volunteer with the Friedensburg Fire Company was sentenced Wednesday to 12 to 24 years in prison for his role in an arson ring, according to The Republican Herald. Shawn M. Hoy, 22, entered a guilty plea agreement Schuylkill County President Judge William E. Baldwin, who handed down the sentence that includes $725,982 in restitution. The plea negotiated was for more than 100 charges ranging from arson and risking a catastrophe to burglary, agricultural vandalism and criminal mischief, the report said. Earlier this year, four other former firefighters and a fifth man pleaded guilty for their roles in the ring. Hoy's sentence was the most severe of the six men. via www.firehouse.com Read more →

by Gus Ostrum While the time-tested baseball cap still has its sparkle, Smithson and fellow Gloucester Catholic alumnus Pat Harker (courier post photo) have given the school reasons to be proud. Smithson was a standout pitcher under former coach Joe Gallagher for the Rams prior to his 1964 graduation. He and Harker, a 1977 GCHS graduate and former standout football player, belong to an exclusive club these days: The South Jersey natives each hold positions as presidents of major universities. Smithson takes over as St. Joe's interim president Wednesday, while Harker has served as president of the University of Delaware since 2007, after a lengthy career as dean of the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania. Each took different paths to their current careers, but both see South Jersey roots and a Gloucester Catholic education as ........................... read via www.courierpostonline.com Read more →

The FDNY has released a list of fire companies that could soon be closed, according to WNYW-TV. View List The report targets 20 firehouses that would be shuttered due to budget cuts. Eight of them are in Brooklyn. City Island's only fire company -- Ladder 53 -- is on the list as well as Engine 4 and Ladder 8, which are near the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan. Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano was trying to not release the list, but firefighter unions have been demanding for its release. "Today Mike Bloomberg willfully abdicated responsibility for protecting the safety of New Yorkers with his proposal to close 20 fire companies; 20 closed fire companies will affect at least 60 communities and the city as a whole," Uniformed Firefighters Association President Steve Cassidy said in a statement. "The mayor has been saying that New Yorkers must do more with less... Read more →

by Jesse Eisinger ProPublica, May 18, 2011, 3:10 p.m After the worst crisis since the Great Depression, President Obama has unleashed an unusual force to regulate the financial system: a bunch of empty seats. With Sheila C. Bair soon to leave her post at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Obama administration will have five major bank regulatory positions either unfilled or staffed with acting directors. About The Trade In this column, co-published with New York Times' DealBook, I monitor the financial markets to hold companies, executives and government officials accountable for their actions. Tips? Praise? Contact me [email protected] The administration has inexplicably left open the vice chairman for banking supervision, a new position at the Federal Reserve created by the Dodd-Frank Act, despite having a candidate thatmany people think is an obvious choice: Daniel K. Tarullo. The new Consumer Financial Products Board chairman is unnamed. There are some lower-level... Read more →

Christ Church and Christ Church Burial Ground Christ Church and the Burial Ground feature engaging, enriching and educational activities this summer for visitors and residents to experience living history first-hand. PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 18, 2011 – Sit in George Washington’s pew, hear compelling stories of our nation’s early days and visit graves of the Founding Fathers. With 315 years of history and counting, Christ Church and the Burial Ground, two of Philadelphia’s leading historical sites that played a pivotal role in our nation’s birth, feature engaging and enriching guided tours and special events throughout the year. This summer, local residents and visitors of all ages are invited to discover these authentic sites and learn more about Colonial and Revolution-era history. There is something for everyone! Summer 2011 Events For more information call (215) 922-1695, 32 or visit www.christchurchphila.org. Special July Fourth Celebration! Signers’ Day, July 3: Who better to... Read more →

On May 18, 2011. Age 92. Of Audubon. Loving and devoted husband of 28 years to the late Roseanne Moore. Dear brother of the late Marguerite Moore. At Robert’s request, Services will be private in New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Robert W. Moore. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME : 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Ph: 856-456-1142 Read more →

May 20, 2011 Dear Parents, As you know, the St. Mary’s Gloucester school community, the Office of Catholic Schools and the Diocese have been working hard to address economic challenges caused by declining enrollment and increased operational costs at the school. This work started three years ago when the school added an advancement director and formed a development committee and work began on securing alternate funding sources. In January of 2009 Monsignor Curran met with us to express his concern about the school’s financial situation and asked if he could borrow money for school operations to give the advancement program and development committee the chance to develop an annual fund program. At that point enrollment stood at 194 students. At the meeting we agreed to give the school the opportunity to find these other financial resources and committed to lending the parish $200,000 for the 2008-2009 school year and $200,000... Read more →

By Bill Cleary (CNBNEWS.NET)-The rumor about Saint Mary Grammar School closing at the end of this school year is true. Bishop Joseph Galante, Bishop of the Camden Diocese released a statement about the closing on the school’s website about an hour ago. The rumor began last Sunday after parishioners read a brief statement from Monsignor Curran, pastor of the parish in the church bulletin that the school was facing financial problems and could be shut down. Several people in the know said off-the-record the school would be closed at the end of this year but an official announcement would not be made until this coming Sunday after school staff were told on Friday. Apparently because the media learned about the forthcoming announcement the Diocese decided to release a formal statement now. Declining enrollment and increase in operating cost are the reasons for the closing. In February the grammar school increased... Read more →

(CNBNEWS.NET)-A rumor has been circulating this week that Bishop Galante head of the Camden Diocese will announce on Friday that Saint Mary's Grammar School, in Gloucester City will be closed at the end of the 2010-2011 school year. We have reached out to St. Mary's School, to St. Mary's Rectory, and to Nick Regina, Camden County Diocese Executive Director of Schools to either confirm or denie the rumor. As of this posting we are still waiting for a response. We do know that there were meetings yesterday about closing the school between Msgr. Curran, pastor of St. Mary's Parish and representatives of the Diocese. Further information will be forthcoming ASAP. Related articles Candle Light and Prayer Virgil Service at Three Corner Park Friday Evening (gloucestercitynews.net) April 2011 CHEERS AND JEERS (gloucestercitynews.net) Read more →

THE STAR-LEDGER TOP 20 HS Baseball Teams 1-Gloucester Catholic (24-1) 2-Don Bosco Prep (21-0) 3-Manalapan (20-1) 4-Steinert (22-1) 5-Pope John (15-2-1) 6-St. Augustine (16-2) 7-Jackson (15-3) 8-Red Bank Catholic (18-2) 9-Toms River South (14-4) 10-Cranford (17-4) 11-Hunterdon Central (16-4) 12-Westfield (18-4) 13-Millburn (20-4) 14-West Essex (17-2) 15-Robbinsville (20-2) 16-St. Joseph (Mont.) (18-3-1) 17-Paramus (18-3) 18-Seton Hall Prep (16-4) 19-Roxbury (18-6) 20-Montville (17-2) read via www.nj.com Read more →

Message of hope for old Pennsauken firehouse by Jim Walsh | courierpostonline.com Circle of Hope believes its needs will be met through the Marlton Pike station, said Nate Hulfish, the 32-year-old pastor of the local congregation. "It's ready-made for us," he said, noting the six-bay station has a hall for church functions, as well as a kitchen, restrooms and ample parking. At the same time, Hulfish will not be sliding down a pole to address church gatherings. "It's a one-story building, but I hear that joke a lot," he observed wryly. Circle of Hope is not a typical church, said Hulfish, a former youth minister and mental health worker. "In the region, I think it's unique," the Gloucester City resident said. For example, participants often meet in "cells," or groups of 10. "We talk about life and the needs of our community and how to meet those needs," said Hulfish,... Read more →

Independent investigators have faulted Coatesville fire officials in the response to a blaze last fall that injured seven firefighters, according to The Daily Local News. The 26-page report listed mismanagement, poor communication and broken leadership by Fire Chief Kevin Johnson and other commanders as significant factors during the Sept. 10, 2010 apartment fire. More than 100 firefighters responded to the blaze at the Millview Apartments in the 1800 block of Saginaw Drive that caused approximately $1.5 million in damage to the 28-unit building. A ceiling collapsed during the blaze, injuring seven firefighters, including Deputy Chief Robert Pacana. Pacana -- who is also a paid firefighter in Washington, D.C. -- suffered severe burns and a serious leg injury and not been able to return to work. The report states that the breakdown in communication led firefighters to "stay in an area of danger for far too long." It also alleges that... Read more →

on Carrying Firearms for Self-Defense in Illinois Fairfax, Va. -- The National Rifle Association is funding and supporting a lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of Illinois’ complete and total ban on carrying firearms for self-defense outside the home. The case, filed today in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, is Shepard v. Madigan. The lead plaintiff is church treasurer Mary Shepard; joining her is the Illinois State Rifle Association, the NRA’s state affiliate. Mary Shepard is an Illinois resident and a trained gun owner with no criminal record, who is licensed to carry a concealed handgun in two other states. Because Illinois remains the only state that completely prohibits all law-abiding citizens from carrying firearms for self-defense outside the home, Mary Shepard also became a crime victim. While working as the treasurer of her church, Mrs. Shepard and an 83-year-old co-worker were viciously attacked and... Read more →

Dear Guns & Patriots Subscriber, We all know what happens when Democrats run the show — increasing, unrelenting and unconstitutional threats to our Second Amendment rights. Here's my worry. Barack Obama is still the hero of voters 18-34, who voted for him 67% to 33% in 2008 — and are mobilizing to do it again in 2012. The Obama campaign arsenal is purpose-built to reach those younger voters where they live — online, with email, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and cell phones. It cost us our country in 2008 — and we conservatives have nothing like it. Internet Tactic: 2008 Presidential Race Obama McCain Facebook friends on Election Day 2,397,253 622,860 Unique visitors to the campaign website for the week ending November 1 4,851,069 1,464,544 MONEY RAISED ONLINE $750 million $370 million That's why Human Events, the conservative weekly that publishes Guns & Patriots, has launched Click to Victory 2012, an... Read more →

Townhouses At Meadowbrook Mews Improve Gloucester City’s Housing Stock Students Give Forensic Science Presentation To Gloucester City School Board Bellmawr School Board Reorganizes; Welcomes New Member Mount Eprhaim School Superintendent Says School Choice Creates Competition Westville Council Restores Defeated Proposed School Budget Read more →

By Bill Cleary (CNBNEWS.NET)-A prayer service will be held on Friday evening, May 20 at Angels Playground, also known as the Three Corner Park, Burlington and Middlesex Street, Gloucester City. A shooting occurred in this area three weeks ago. Andrew Stosny, age 19, a resident of Glendora was shot in the upper chest. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and released. The shooting suspect Robert G. Figueroa, age 19, of Camden was arrested yesterday (May 17) in Camden. PHOTO: The new playground as it appeared in 2007 Because of the shooting incident and complaints about ongoing fights in this area Reverend Kathyrn Morgan, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church and Girl Scout Leader Helen John came up with the idea of holding the Candle Light and Prayer Virgil. Those interested in attending are to meet at 8 PM at the First Presbyterian Church, corner of Monmouth and... Read more →

Camden, NJ - As ironworkers placed the final steel girder atop the new Cooper Medical School of Rowan University on Monday, Congressman Rob Andrews joined local officials to highlight the local economic benefits and job growth stemming from the project. With more than 90 ironworkers currently on the project and a need for an additional 200 construction jobs before its completion, the new medical school in Camden has provided an excellent source of job creation for our region. When the building project is complete, the school will have created over 100 new teaching, administrative, and maintenance jobs. The new school, which will eventually serve 400 medical students, will welcome its first class of 50 in the fall of 2012. The six-story 200,000 square-foot building will contain classrooms, teaching and research labs, a gross anatomy lab, a vivarium, an auditorium, and administrative offices. The building itself is designed to meet Leadership... Read more →

BY JENNIFER MAYERLE - Story by cbsatlanta.com Posted: Fri, 05/13/2011 - 01:39am Updated: Fri, 05/13/2011 - 09:07am ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department announced Thursday night that it was recalling more than 18,000 smoke detectors it distributed, after a CBS Atlanta News investigation uncovered that the smoke detectors were counterfeit. The CBS Atlanta investigation led by reporter Jennifer Mayerle triggered an investigation by the FBI and Underwriters Laboratories, a company that puts smoke detectors through rigorous tests and decides if they meet national safety standards before they reach your home or business. Virginia McDay and her neighbor, Cheryl Harper, live in what they call a forgotten neighborhood. "This is my family home," said McDay. Morehouse Drive is an older area of northwest Atlanta. Many of the homes are run down; the people living there, disadvantaged. It's also a neighborhood where the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department handed out free smoke... Read more →

TO ‘LIVE WHERE YOU WORK’ PROGRAM Haddon Township Is 37th Municipality to Partner with Agencies on Program HADDON TWP., N.J. – Representatives of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) today joined Mayor Randall W. Teague at Haddon Township’s Municipal Building, 135 Haddon Avenue, to announce that the township is the newest member of the Live Where You Work program. Haddon Township is the 37th municipality to partner with the HMFA on this housing initiative. “By becoming a Live Where You Work participant, Haddon Township will now be able to attract people who work in the township to become homeowners in the township, which helps increase community involvement and strengthen neighborhoods,” said New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Lori Grifa, who is Chair of the HMFA Board. “There is really no reason not to join Live Where You Work. I encourage other municipalities to follow Haddon... Read more →

Governor Christie Exercises Veto Friday, May 13, 2011 Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie today exercised his veto authority to guard against wasteful spending practices by rejecting the minutes of the April 26 meeting of the South Jersey Port Corporation for its approval of $3,036.80 in expenses, including more than half of it for “wining and dining.” Governor Christie noted that, while he recognized the importance of generating new business, the SJPC is not private industry and is subsidized by the state and taxpayer dollars. “These are not expenses that the taxpayers of New Jersey should be expected to bear,” Governor Christie wrote in his veto letter today to SJPC Executive Director Joseph A. Balzano. “It is incumbent upon SJPC to create innovative ways of attracting business to the SJPC without incurring unnecessary expenditures inappropriate for the public sector.” The amount of $3,036.80 was approved for payment of the Operating... Read more →

Volume XVI No. 19: May 13, 2011 Yet again we are reacquainted with flooding from the "Father of Waters," or "Ol Man River," -- the mighty Mississippi. Just like 2008, 1995, 1993, 1973, 1950, 1945, 1937, or 1927, or 1543, when the De Soto expedition observed "little by little [the Mississippi River] rose to the top of the cliffs. Soon it began flow over the fields in an immense flood and ... there was nothing to stop the inundation." What starts in Minnesota as a wadeable stream, eventually drains more than 40 percent of the lower 48 from the Rockies to the Appalachians. When the Illinois and Missouri Rivers join, the Mississippi doubles in size. After the confluence with the Ohio, it doubles again. The Mississippi flooding Memphis is twice the river that flooded the St. Louis area, and four times the size of the one that flows past Minneapolis.... Read more →

Haddon Heights, NJ - This past Tuesday, Congressman Rob Andrews spoke to members of the Gloucester County Workforce Investment Board, a group comprised of local business and industry leaders, developers, and employees, to address the state of the local economy and to highlight major efforts that will put more people back to work. At the economy’s lowest point, Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties lost a total of 38,000 jobs. To date, nearly half of those jobs have been regained. Congressman Andrews noted that despite this progress, more work remains, and that there are still great opportunities for private sector job growth in South Jersey. As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Andrews is working to add an artillery firing range at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, which will create hundreds of construction jobs and provide an influx of servicemembers to the area, boosting the local economy. “The more... Read more →

FELLOW PATRIOTS, Gun-grabbers around the globe believe they have it made. for menu click advertisement Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently announced the Obama Administration will be working hand-in-glove with the UN to pass a new “Small Arms Treaty.” Disguised as an “International Arms Control Treaty” to fight against “terrorism,” “insurgency” and “international crime syndicates,” the UN’s Small Arms Treaty is in fact a massive, GLOBAL gun control scheme. I’m helping lead the fight to defeat this radical treaty in the United States Senate and I want your help. Please join me by taking a public stand against this outright assault on our national sovereignty by signing the Official Firearms Sovereignty Survey. Ultimately, the UN’s Small Arms Treaty is designed to register, ban and CONFISCATE firearms owned by private citizens like YOU. So far, the gun-grabbers have successfully kept the exact wording of their new scheme under wraps. But looking... Read more →

By Bill Cleary (CNBNEWS.NET) I enjoy my daily walks with Erica and Lacey but lately I have wondered whether or not I should continue. Within the past two weeks we have been attacked by a pit bull and also a little rag mop of a dog. I been told this same pit bull has gone after other dogs as well in the neighborhood. As for the rag mop, well he bit Lacey hard enough that she let out a yelp! He also bit Erica’s nose. About a year or so ago, we were walking down the street when a good sized dog jumped the fence ran up to Lacey and bit her in the neck. Lacey went down and surrendered but the dog kept biting. Erica came to her rescue and the mongrel ran off. Right before that incident two pit bulls came after me when I was walking my... Read more →

The American Legion - May 12, 2011 American Legion posts across the country are taking advantage of the new Flag Rewards program offered by American Legion Emblem Sales, and are earning significant credit to spend on items for their posts and programs. Top Flag Rewards posts with more than $1,000 in community flag purchases from January 1 to May 1 include Corinth, N.Y. Post 533; Honeoye, N.Y. Post 1278; Fair Haven, Vt., Post 49; Sanborn, N.Y., Post 1451; Williams, Ariz., Post 42; Bradford, Ill., Post 445; New Windsor, N.Y. Post 1796; Wendell, N.C., Post 148; Marseilles, Ill. Post 235. Top Flag Rewards posts with more than $500 in community flag purchases from January 1 to May 1 include: Punta Gorda, Fla., Post 103; Oyster Bay, N.Y., Post 4; Waterman, Ill., Post 654; Hermon, Maine, Post 200; Mayville, Mich., Post 181; Franklin, Ind., Post 205; Glasford, IL Post 35; Genesco, N.Y.,... Read more →

Dear Friends: As in the past, I'm working to drive down gas prices that are putting an unwelcome dent in families’ budgets and our country’s economic recovery. While I have a plan to gain access to the national oil reserve and reduce our reliance on foreign oil, I also want to eliminate the tax loopholes that oil companies have been taking advantage of for years. CLICK ADVERTISEMENT The nation’s five largest oil companies have made nearly $1 trillion in profits over the past decade, which is why just this week, I announced the introduction of the Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act. This bill will put an end to taxpayer handouts to the five largest oil companies making record profits, and use the billions in savings to help reduce the deficit. In a Senate Finance Committee hearing yesterday, I also pressed the CEOs of the five largest oil companies to... Read more →

On May 14, 2011. (nee McAndrews) Former resident of Gloucester Towne and also Market Street in Gloucester City. Loving wife of 39 years to the late Thomas J. Belfiglio. Loving mother of Thomas Jr., Gary, Bob, Steve Belfiglio and Kathy Lyons. Cherished grandmother of 20 and great grandmother of 18. Catherine was a proud member of the Townsend C. Young VFW Post #3620 Ladies Auxiliary of Gloucester City. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend her viewing on Wednesday morning from 9 to 11 AM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Catholic Funeral Service will begin at 11 AM in the funeral home. Interment New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Townsend C. Young VFW: 27 N. Burlington St., Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Please write in the memo: Catherine M. Belfiglio. Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under... Read more →