I am writing this letter to inform the residents of town about the future of the Fort Nassau Playground. As the volunteer coordinator of Community Built Playground, I feel that I owe an apology to all the volunteers who assisted with the building of the playground. Eight years ago, I asked people to come out and help with this wonderful project. Back then it was great to see the community come together for the benefit of the children of this town.

Everyone involved in the project felt the true spirit of Gloucester City. But now it seems that after several meetings with City Officials, it has been decided by the City that this playground cannot be maintained properly and must be modified.

The modifications are very severe. The City officials have decided to tear down most of the components of the playground inside the picket fencing.

There have been several meetings to discuss the future of the playground. At the meeting on February 19 it was decided that the playground Committee members would assist in the cost and labor to bring the playground up to code.

According to the official survey dated April 11, 2006, the \”conditions at the Fort Nassau Park remain favorable and in good condition. Equipment at the park appeared to conform to CPCS Guidelines for the safety of children. However a few items of concern were noted during the survey and are offered as suggestions for improvement.\”

The most recent survey dated January 15, provided a complete listing of all necessary repairs to bring the playground up to code and even possibly meet yearly to make sure that the playground doesn\’t fall into disrepair again.

However, at the meeting held at the playground site on February 25, 2007, it appears that the City officials have \”changed their minds\” and all that was agreed upon at the February 19, 2007 meeting is now null and void.

The new City Officials have now made it clear that they do not want to deal with the issues of this playground and are unable to fully maintain it, so it needs to go!

Most people realize that it takes a lot of work to maintain a unique wooden playground and all of the people at the meetings understand the issues that occur at the site of the playground. We also realize that PSE&G had donated playground equipment to the city.

But do you have to tear down a playground in order to place that equipment on that site? Put the new equipment in an area of town that needs it the most. Why spend more money to tear it down when it will cost the city much less to make the changes that are needed? There are many options that have been discussed in order to work together to make some changes, but it seems that the city had already made their decision (even prior) to these so called meetings).

So for my apology to residents who donated money, sponsored playground equipment, provided food for the crews, lent your tools for the project, purchased a picket or paver, and who came out and donated their time for five days in the sun and rain to build this unique playground.

I am so sorry that all of your efforts are being destroyed after only eight years. It is very disheartening that other towns have made efforts to keep their community built playgrounds for over 15 years, but Gloucester City can\’t…or won\’t?

I will continue to try to work with the City Officials to save the playground; but as they say sometimes \”you just can\’t fight the City Hall\”.

Marie McNutt, Gloucester City

By Lois Staas

News Correspondent

Lifelong Bellmawr resident and product of the town\’s school system, Frank Lynch, asked many pointed questions at the district meeting concerning the sudden resignation of former Superintendent Deborah Monahan.

 

During the second public portion of the meeting, Lynch asked about Monahan\’s doctorate and how she was hired.

The board reassured everyone that Monahan was certificated. Board President Ron Henry recalled that at the time of the hiring process six of the sitting board members had less than four years of experience. A consultant was hired at $5,000 to help with the search.

The New Jersey School Board Association assisted with the search and did the background check for certification. (The board, itself, is conducting the current search).

Mr. Lynch requested the salaries of the former superintendent as well as Mr. Timothy Bell, who had been superintendent prior to Monahan. Lynch also inquired if Bell held a doctorate, if Monahan earned more than Bell.

Henry replied that Mr. Bell had the higher salary having worked within the district as teacher, principal, and superintendent for forty years.

Business Administrator-/Board Secretary Bruce Finkle responded that the figures were not readily at hand, but that he would give them to Mr. Lynch the next day.

Lynch pressed the board for information about Monahan\’s doctorate. To this Board Solicitor John Wade replied that confidentially laws dealing with employees and personnel would not allow public discussion. The Board did contact the County Superintendent, received instructions, and acted accordingly.

\”In my opinion, somebody owes you guys\’ money,\” Lynch said. \”You got beat. You got ripped off. What are you doing about it?\” Lynch continued.

\”We have asked about it,\” Henry replied. \”I would rather see the money in the borough than in the county, what are you offering the interviewees?\” asked Lynch. \”That is negotiated. Our offer is undecided as yet,\” commented Henry.

Councilman Jim D\’Angelo was also present. \”In the Board\’s defense sometimes you get burned. They had to trust the New Jersey School Boards Association. They did the clearing. They did this to us.\” D\’Angelo said on a final not Frank Lynch requested the cost of the Bellmawr Pride newsletter. During committee reports Board Member Betty Sheppard related that the Negotiations Committee had met on February 26, and future dates would be announced.

As for the Summer Reading Program, Board member Jody Mangus reminded everyone that at the end of March a letter would go out to all parents inviting them to meet and give their input to the committee.

Bruce Finkle reported that not all of the State Aid that Bellmawr is designated to receive is unrestricted. A-bout $207,000 is for the expansion of the Early Childhood Program.

\”This is no tax relief for Bellmawr. There are a lot of strings attached,\” Finkle said.

Bell Oaks Principal Anthony Farinelli publicly thanked Counselor Lorraine Gancher for the successful registration of eighth grade students to Triton Regional High School. Farinelli also thanked Coaches Leary and Maz-zuca, Ms. Holt, and Mr. Duus for their work on the Boys and Girls 3 on 3 Fundraiser.

Olympic Conference Honors Band members were lauded: Stephanie Andrews, grade 8; Mrs. Sally Kolody, Director; Jessica Kolody, Courtney Clark, Valentina Bragg, and Matthew Flager-Triton Regional.

Kirandeep Mand, nominated by Mrs. Burns, will receive the Enthusiastic Reader Award in Trenton.

GEPA and NJ ASK tutoring are presently going on. \”Students are ready to go. The teachers have done a great job in preparing them for the test,\” Farinelli said.

Acting Superintendent and Bellmawr Park Principal Elizabeth A. Calabria gave, \”a special thank you to Mr. Dale Lanard, Mr. Glenn Cook, and Mr. Joe Ciano and the Borough employees for doing such an outstanding job during the recent snow and ice storm. It was grueling work over a four-day span, but our school was ready to open that Friday. I commend them for a job well done.

\”Mrs. Deborah Foster, Miss Jennifer Tofts, Mr. Doug Sexton, Mrs. Christine Monanero, and I were invited to participate in a teacher leadership program at the foundation for Educational Administration Building in Monroe Township. These workshops will aid us in creating a teacher leadership team whose focus will be on bringing the staff together to work collaboratively to improve school culture, climate and student success.

\”On Tuesday, February 20, we held a \’Million Dollar Machine\’ assembly. Fran Wright form the Police Station set up a visit from \’Gizmo\’ the machine, who spoke to the children about drugs, family, and being responsible for their Million Machine, their bodies.\”

Ethel M. Burke School Principal Frank E. Jan-kowski, Jr., was enthusiastic about students and staff celebrating the 100^th Day of School by counting off different items each numbering 100.

On February 13 students were treated to a visit from the Phanatic because of their participation in the \”Be a Phanatic About Reading\” program. The Phanatic was in rare form as students listened to a story about \”Super Phanatic\” and interested with the Phanatic.

On March 2 students honored Dr. Seuss\’s birthday by celebrating \”Read Across America\” with an array of literature-based activities. Some scheduled guest readers are Congressman Rob Andrews, Mayor Frank Filipek, Newscaster Terry Ruggles, Philadelphia Soul Arena Football representative, Po-lice Chief William Walsh, and Fire Chief Jim Burleigh.

 

MOOS, WILLIAM
on March 9, 2007 age 84 of Berlin, NJ, formerly of Gloucester City.
Beloved husband of the late Josephine (nee Perdikis). Loving companion of Helen Loll of Berlin. Also survived by his son William Jr. and daughter-in-law Adele Moos of North Carolina. Also granddaughter Carolyn (Jeff) Bryan of Tennessee. Two brothers Harry and Joseph Moos of New Jersey and a niece, Peggy Jane.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend his viewing Tuesday from 11AM to 12Noon at Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church 615 Mercer, Cherry Hill, NJ where has been a member for many years. Following will be a Funeral Service Tuesday 12Noon at the Church. Interment Locustwood Memorial Park, Rt. 70 Cherry Hill, NJ. Arrangements by.
MAHAFFEY-MILANO
Funeral Home
Mt. Ephraim, NJ
(856)931-1628

By Mark Matthews

There are deer living within the Bellmawr Landfill. Are they poised to dangerously move into our streets and neighborhoods?

In early September I took a walk through the Bellmawr Landfills. It was a nice sunny day, and there really was some great sights to see along the waterfront. The Big Timber Creek in that area really is a hidden gem. I took hundreds of photos, including many pictures of people enjoying the waterways along side the landfill. I really can see why the town and developer want to make something more of this land.
Read more

O\’DONNELL, JOSEPH P., JR.
of Westmont, on March 9, 2007 peacefully at home surrounded by his family, age 85 years.
Beloved husband of 65 years to Doris O\’Donnell (nee Garity); devoted father of Patricia O\’Donnell-Baugher of Collingswood, Joseph P. O\’Donnell, III of Collingswood, Dennis (Linda) O\’Donnell of Haddon Twp., John O\’Donnell of Westmont, Mary (Joseph) DiLolle of Pennsauken, Kevin O\’Donnell of Westmont and Maureen (David) Alamia of Westmont; 24 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
A lifetime resident of Westmont, Joe was a member of the Camden Catholic High School Class of \’39. Mr. O\’Donnell was tail gunner in the US ARMY Air Corps seeing extensive action in the European Theatre during WWII. Joe attended Temple Univ. for 2 years, then was a sheet metal specialist in heating & cooling, working for American Home, Houck and under his own name \’O\’Donnell\’s Sheet Metal\’.
Viewing & Funeral Wednesday 9AM in Holy Saviour RC Church, 50 Emerald Ave., Westmont, NJ 08108. Funeral Mass 11AM. Entombment at New St. Mary\’s Mausoleum, Bellmawr.
The family suggests donations in Joe\’s memory to Holy Saviour RC Church.
Arr. by BLAKE-DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, Collingswood.

REICHERT, WILLIAM D. SR., \’BILL\’
Age 44, of West Deptford, peacefully with his family by his side after a courageous battle on March 7, 2007.
Born in Woodbury, Bill is a lifelong resident of West Deptford and graduate of West Deptford High School Class of 1981. He then graduated from Rowan University with a B.S. Degree in Law Enforcement. He served the community as a Police Officer with the West Deptford Police Department for 9 years before joining the Gloucester County Prosecutor\’s Office where he worked for the past 16 years in the Detective Bureau and rose to the rank of Lieutenant.
Away from work, Bill enjoyed his membership with PBA Local 122 and served as Secretary with the Southern Counties Narcotics Strike Force. Bill also was past -president of the West Deptford Wrestling League where he served as coach for the past 10 years. Family was most important to Bill and he would often be seen coaching one of his children\’s teams, volunteering as room parent or chaperoning a field trip. Bill will be remembered as a loving, devoted, hard working, husband, father, son brother and friend who will be missed by all who truly knew him.
Beloved husband for 20 years of Karen ( nee Rubena). Devoted father of William D. Jr., Alyssa and Katelyn Reichert. Loving son of Norman and Lucille (nee Toto) Reichert. Dear brother of Norman (Cindy) Reichert, III, Karen (Walt) Raymond and Kim Reichert. Also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Viewing Monday 4 to 8 PM and Tuesday 8 to 9 AM in the McGUINNESS FUNERAL HOME, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury. Funeral Mass 10 AM in St. Patrick\’s R.C. Church, Cooper Street, Woodbury. Interment Woodbury Memorial Park, West Deptford. Memorial Contributions for the benefit of a West Deptford Wrestler may be made in Bill\’s memory to the Bill Reichert Memorial Scholarship Fund, 1022 Mantua Pike, Wenonah, NJ 08090.
Tributes and memories may be shared at www.mcgfuneral.com

SMITH
Isaiah Elijah
Of Westville, NJ, on 3/6/07, age 1 month 24 days. Service – Wed. – 11am Living Faith Christian Ctr. – Pennsauken. Carl Miller FH. 365-2966

by: jay lassiter reprinted with permission of Blue Jersey

An update about the Wayne Bryant juggernaut coming to an unceremonious ending. This one looks to the future a bit. Soon Bryant\’ll be an after thought and I will no longer be obliged to write updates about his nincompoopery. In any event, I have heard some good stuff for Dana Redd who\’s poised to take Bryant\’s place.   New Jersey lost a rock and roll legend yesterday. Bill Chinnock was an early member of Bruce Springsteen\’s E Street Band. The pInky describes Chinnock as \”a key figure in the Asbury Park music scene that propelled Springsteen to stardom.\”   In response to recent scandals involving the BurlCo bridge commission, Sen. John Adler has a plan. The commission hates it which probably means it\’s a good idea.   Frank LoBiondo is calling for the Army\’s surgeon general to resign in light of the Walter Reed implosion. Of couse if heads are gonna roll LoBiondo might do well to take his frustrations out on his own political masters in the White House, IMHO.   Switching gears to the topic of hot-tubs. With hookers or without. Make sure you\’ve had your coffee first. The first article is especially salacious, even by Garden State standards.   Before you go to sleep tonight, don\’t forget to Spring your clocks ahead by an hour. So tell me Blue Jersey, what\’s on your mind today? Last one to comment is a rotten egg!

jay lassiter :: News Roundup, Saturday Openthread

COURIER POST
1683: John Hugg, an Irish Quaker immigrant, purchases 100 acres at the junction of Little Timber and Big Timber creeks. The area is known as Huggville for generations to come.

1840: Hedding United Methodist Church is founded and the region is popularly referred to as \”Heddings.\”

1868: Hedding Church is rebuilt after a fire destroys the original structure.

1896: Hedding Church is rebuilt after a fire destroyed the second structure. This building, too, is damaged by fire.

1900: A village store is built at Browning Lane and Black Horse Pike to serve the growing population.

1926: The borough of Bellmawr officially is incorporated the same year as the United States celebrates its 150th anniversary. The borough\’s principal landowners are the Bell family, after whom the town is named, along with the Marples, Brownings, Glovers, Budds, Zanes, Crispins, Starrs, Haines and Rowlands.

1930s: Borough faces significant financial hardship during the Great Depression. Borough hall is built under the federal Works Progress Administration program.

1941: Bellmawr Park built as part of a federal housing project.

1976: Bellmawr celebrates 50 years as U.S. celebrates bicentennial.

2001: Bellmawr mail facility closes briefly due to concerns over anthrax following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Sources: \”Courier-Post\’ archive

LANDMARKS IN BELLMAWR
1. Club Diner, 20 N. Black Horse Pike. It is celebrating its 60th year.

2. Hedding United Methodist Church, 53 N. Black Horse Pike. While not the original structure, the church still provided the name for the area for decades after it was built in 1840.

3. Bellmawr Lake Park off Creek Road, opened in 1957 and included 10 acres of land, a 200-foot by 300-foot lake, dance pavilion, refreshment stand and picnic tables. It now offers miniature golf, a water slide and picnic groves.

QUOTABLE
\”That\’s the way we are in South Jersey. We help each other out.\”

Joe Paul, Bellmawr resident and winner of the Wing Bowl in 2000, on his interaction with fellow South Jerseyan and Wing Bowl legend Bill Simmons