SMITH, DESMOND G.
On May 12, 2007 at home in Collingswood. Age 54.
Surviving are his wife Noelia (Nee Lebron) a son Michael, two daughters Alisia Smith and Frances Rivera. 3 Grandchildren, a brother Biran Smith and four sisters, Vandolyn Anglin, Vilma Smith, Hillary Campbell, and Judith Smith.
Funeral Services will be held 11AM Thursday at the EICHEL FUNERAL HOME 8323 Maple Ave. Pennsauken, NJ. Relatives and friends may call for visitation from 9 to 11AM Thurs. Interment Morgan Cemetery, Cinnaminson, NJ. Contributions in his memory may be made to The American Cancer Society.

BARRAR NADINE

Nadine Prickett Barrar age 89, of Mt. Ephraim, NJ, widow of Joseph Prickett and Robert Barrar. Died at her daughters residence in Moncks Corner, SC back on January 4th, 2007.
Mrs. Barrar was born December 23, 1917, in Runnemede, NJ, a daughter of the late Frederick and Lillian Derbyshire Sweesy. She was a graduate of Audubon High School, NJ. She was a member of the Runnemede Widows Club. She retired as Sales Supervisor with JC Penney and she was a member of The First United Methodist Church, Mt. Ephraim, NJ.
Survived by daughter, Joy Burton of Moncks Corner, SC, stepson, Larry Barrar of Haddon Heights, NJ, stepdaughter, Ruth Dagostino of NJ, 3 grandchildren, Rebecca, Joshua and Joseph Burton all of Moncks Corner, SC, 1 great grandson, Christopher Burton of Moncks Corner, SC, 1 sister, Grace E. Fillman Sweesy of Blenheim, NJ. She was predeceased by her son and brothers, Robert Prickett, Thomas and George Sweesy.
Relatives & friends are kindly invited to call Sunday starting 1pm at First United Methodist Church, 201 New Jersey Ave. Mt. Ephraim NJ 08059. A memorial service will follow 1:30pm Sunday at the church. Interment of cremains will be at Chews Landing Cemetery, Glendora NJ immediately following the memorial service. Family request in lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the above named church in Nadine\’s memory. Arrangements by
MAHAFFEY-MILANO
FUNERAL HOME
856-931-1628

photos and story by Bill Bates

The Mount Ephraim Fire Department, Station 45, was dispatched at 15:27 hours on Friday, December 1, 2006 in front of 602 North Black Horse Pike, the WaWa, for a two car motor vehicle accident. Basic Life Support unit 297, Haddon Heights, came upon the accident moments after it was dispatched. BLS 297 ascertained that they had a two vehicle MVA with one entrapment. Camden County Communications re-toned the assignment and added Rescue 32, from neighboring Bellmawr, as Mount Ephraim\’s rescue is temporarily out of service. The MEFD is awaiting the arrival of the new truck which should be in a few weeks. The truck is currently being mounted with special equipment and having the lettering and painting completed. 

Beginning Band Concert

The Mary Bray Elementary School Beginning Band will be having their concert on May 23^rd. The concert will be held in the Mary Bray School Media Center at 10:00am for the student\’s parents and friends. The administration is asking that the parents and friends to arrive no earlier than 9:45am via Station Avenue.

 

Family & Friends CPR Anytime Personal Learning Program

The American Heart Association sponsored a program for the Eighth grade students at the RW Kershaw School to learn how to administer CPR. Staff from Cooper Hospital administered the one hour training to the students. Each student received a CPR Anytime kit which contained a personal inflatable CPR manikin-\”Mini Annie\”, CPR Anytime Skills Practice DVD, an American Heart Association CPR for Family and Friends booklet and accessories for the program. The students are asked to instruct five family members and/or friends once they return home.

 

Battle of the Books Competition

Both of our teams from the RW Kershaw School, and 7^th/8^th grades, won the Battle of the Books Competions. The 7^th/8^th grades team won their competition first May 2 and the 5^th/6^th grades teams won on May 9. This is the second year in a row that the 5^th/6^th grade team won first place in the competition. The days of the competitions were extremely stressful for our students. The students showed great composure, knowledge, maturity and made their classmates, teachers and administrators very proud. Over 30 students from the RW Kershaw School competed again this year. This is the fifth year that the Mt. Ephraim district has competed. Each student had to complete as many books as they could out of the 15 titles that were required this year. Also, as part of the team eligibility, students must have attended meetings after school. The students were very proud and excited to display their winning banners.

 

 

Robert Zettlemoyer, 8^th grade student at RW Kershaw, learns how to administer CPR with the aid of the Family & Friends CPR Anytime Personal Learning Program.

 

The Championship 5^th/6^th grade team includes from left to right: Owen Donia, Alison Guldin, Gabby Bocchicchio, Amber McNally, Rachel Cosgrove, Alexis Venere, Kristyn Young, Eric Ingram Maria Qualtieri, Brian Morris, Tyler Capner, and Brandon Lanchang. Susan Mosebrook, language arts teacher was the team\’s coach.

 

The Championship 7^th/8^th grade team includes from left to right: Samantha Capagna, Leia Hall, Brittany Kirk, Melissa Jost, Bobbi Borrelli, Jessica Lanchang, Kaitlyn Alibrando, Melia Wetmore, Evan Brown, Apryle Panyi, Miranda Mistalski, and Lauren Greenwood. Susan Leon, the language arts teacher for 7^th and 8^th was the team\’s coach.

 

MARSILIO, GLADYS R.
On May 9, 2007 (nee Kitts) of Berlin, formerly of Gloucester City, NJ, age 85. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles. Loving mother of Charles Marsilio (Barbara) of Prospect Park, PA, Nancy Sasse (Gene) of Ocean City, and Cathy Darrell (Paul) of Somerdale. She is also survived by her 9 dear grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Gladys had previously been a parishioner of St. Mary\’s Catholic Church in Gloucester City and had been the housekeeper for the Convent.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet Friday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at St. Mary\’s Catholic Church, 426 Monmouth Street in Gloucester City. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private at the request of her family. In lieu of flowers, her family has requested donations to Holy Redeemer Hospice, 150 Ninth Ave., Runnemede, NJ 08078. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the ETHERINGTON-CRERAN FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City.

Scott Bevan, aboard the \”Gracie\”, reports stripers showing at Banana Peel and the Horseshoe, smaller fish at the Rips. Drum at the Pin Top. Fish will be moving to Slaughter Beach in the next week or so. Flounder are being caught in back bays but cannot be kept. Season starts May 26^th. A sad day for recreational fishing due to commercial fishing boats killing many 10\” and 12\” flounder!

Reef fishing at Cape May Reef and Wildwood Reef should be good for Sea Bass by next week and should continue into September.

Remember, a bad day fishing is better than a good day working!

Captain Bob Bevan

\’THE GRACIE\”

Fishing Aboard \”The Gracie\”

On Sunday, June 10, The Right Reverend George Councell, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey, will visit Gloucester City to celebrate the 160th Anniversary of Incorporation of The Episcopal Church of the Ascension.

 

There will be a Mass of Thanksgiving at 4 p.m. in the Church, located at Sussex and Ridgeway streets.

 

A dinner will follow at the Thommy G\’s Restaurant in Audubon.

 

Ascension has a long history in Gloucester City.

 

Although the parish was not incorporated until 1847, when the Church was built, services began in Gloucester Towne in 1722.

 

The Rev. Larry Fish, Historiographer, said the Gloucester Towne Anglican congregation was the only congregation in New Jersey to hold services during the American Revolution.

By Lois Staas

NEWS Correspondent

The regular meeting of Bellmawr Council began with Mayor Frank R. Filipek\’s Proclamation for the National Day of Prayer.

Councilwoman Regina F. Pointkowski presented the proclamation to Bellmawr Baptist Church Pastor Vincent Kovlak.

In his report Councilman James F. D\’Angelo referred to the Borough\’s initiative for Earth Day.

Representatives from the Public Works Department visited the Bellmawr schools to give each student a litter bag of goodies, \”Keep Bellmawr Clean.\”

The bags had various items such as a coloring book, crayons, a squeeze ball, a water bottle. The objective was to encourage everyone to recycle.

D\’Angelo also reminded everyone about the \”Recycling Collection Changes\” flyer that was delivered to each house.

Single Stream Collection started April 30. Aluminum cans, glass, plastic #\’s 1 and 2, newspapers, paper bags, corrugated (unwaxed) containers, and magazines may be placed in a container no larger than 32 gallons.

Mondays are Single Stream Recycling; Tuesdays are for grass collection between April 11 and October 24; and Fridays are white goods.

For information please call 931-1111 about the Recycling Works in Bellmawr program.

This will free Fridays for needed asphalt work, and also allow temporary help to become involved with inter-local work in Mount Ephraim, who will be paying those salaries.

\”It\’s a win/win situation for everyone,\” D\’Angelo said. \”We are waiting for the final okay from the county to take away the pipe from the repair work across 42. This project will be funded through our insurance.\”

Councilman Stephen M. Sauter began, \”Building and Lands are running smoother. This year the horticultural students from Triton High School will stop by for about four hours and spruce everything up.\”

Councilman Louis P. DiAngelo thanked everyone for their help during the Easter Egg Hunt.

The Protect Your Identity event will take place in the parking lot at Camden County College, Blackwood. For information, call 866-Camden County (266-3362) or visit the web at CamdenCounty.com.

Councilwoman Regina F. Pointkowski reminded everyone about the Free Rabies Clinic on Saturday, May 12, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Bellmawr Park.

The Bell Oaks Band and Chorale Concert will be Tuesday, May 15 in the All Purpose Room at 7 p.m.

Councilman Peter A. DiGiambattista said, \”We have already submitted our budget to Trenton, and it will probably take a long, long time to hear from them. Rumors are going around about what they are going to give and what they are not going to give. No one really knows.\”

He said, \”The Bellmawr Business Directory is ready to go to press. We will have one more meeting to update the businesses about reconstruction and redevelopment.\”

An application for special permit for social affair was approved for the Annunciation Church Carnival on school grounds through May 12.

All residents are reminded that the Miss Bellmawr Pageant is scheduled for Sunday, May 20. Please check the Bellmawr Bulletin for details.

 

HIRST MADELINE B. \”MADGE\”

On May 12, 2007, (nee Longo) Life long resident of Gloucester City, age 80 yrs. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles A. Hirst. She was the loving mother of Charles Hirst and his wife Judy, and Conrad Hirst and his wife Donna.. She is also survived by her dear grandchildren, Anthony Hirst, Tara Coyle, Nicole Daisey, Lourine Hirst, and Brad Hirst and Conrard Hirst. and 7 great grandchildren.

Madge was the former cook/ caretaker at both St. Mary\’s Church Rectory in Gloucester City and St. Joan of Arc Church Rectory in Fairview, Camden. Madge was also a member of several St. Mary\’s Church Prayer Groups and a former member of the St. Mary\’s Church Choir.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing Wednesday morning from 10:00 to 11:00am at St. Mary\’s Church 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City,NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00am. Interment to be held at the convenience of the family. There is no evening viewing. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Alex\’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, 333 Lancaster Avenue #414, Wynnewood, PA 19096 or donations may be made online at www. Alexslemonade.org.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the ETHERINGTON-CRERAN FUNERAL HOME, 700 Powell St., Gloucester City, NJ.

 

By Bill Bates 

NEWS Correspondent 

 

Residents in Mount Ephraim no longer have to wait for a mutual aid ambulance if they call 911 during the daytime hours. Monday, September 4th marked the first day of the first full week of having daytime Emergency Medical Services personnel provided by Virtua Health. Mount Ephraim\’s EMS has signed a contract with Virtua that gives them staffing from Monday thru Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. including all applicable holidays. The Virtua Health employees are all NJ State certified Emergency Medical Technicians that go through continuous training throughout the year. These EMT\’s will be staffing Mount Ephraim\’s ambulances and will be stationed at the MEPRI Ambulance garage to the rear of the MEPRI building on Kings Highway.  

 

PHOTO BY BILL BATES 

 

DUTY CREW RESPONDS – Virtua Health EMT Laurie Bernstein (left) and EMT Walt Woodward (right) respond to a Cardiac Emergency call that came in as I visited the crew at the MEPRI Ambulance building on Friday afternoon. This was one of eight calls that the duty crew had during their 12 hour day shift in Mount Ephraim.

The Mount Ephraim Police Reserves Incorporated Emergency Medical Services, also known as the MEPRI EMS, has been serving the borough of Mount Ephraim and its neighboring communities since 1945. They have seen many changes over the years and by far this is one of the best decisions the organization has ever made. 

 

\”This is an exciting change that the officers of our organization have worked very hard to bring for the residents of the Borough of Mount Ephraim\” said MEPRI EMS Chief Joe Lutz. \”I want to personally thank each and every member for their effort that they have put forth since we have become licensed\” he also added. Members have done everything from replaced light bulbs to mounting fire extinguishers in both rigs, which is one of the many requirements by the state. The members did an awesome job in making the trucks look great for the recent inspection.  

 

Both of MEPRI Ambulances recently met the requirements for the state to issue a state license to the organization. One of the main requirements is that the ambulance must have a minimal of two EMT\’s on board in order to respond to any emergency call. This license also allows the organization to \”soft bill\” the patients\’ insurance company for services rendered. If the patients insurance company only pays a percentage of that bill and not the entire amount, the patient nor the insurance company are responsible for that outstanding balance. In essence, MEPRI EMS only receives the amount that the insurance company is willing to pay. If a patient does not have insurance, the patient is not responsible for the expenses incurred. The money that is paid to Mount Ephraim EMS from the insurance companies will be more than enough to pay for the services that are provided by Virtua Health. This means that there will be no tax burden on any resident to have these services in place. 

 

The last time Mount Ephraim had daytime EMS coverage was almost 15 years ago when at that time only one adult had to work to support the household. Many members were homemakers and those who worked the second shift. As time passed, more and more families were starting to rely on that second spouse for additional income to cover the basic costs of living. \”At one time we had approximately 12 to 15 members that were available to turn the wheels during the daytime hours. We never even had any trouble getting a second ambulance during those hours as well\” said retired member Marietta Corson who ran with the MEPRI ambulance for over __ years. \”Frank & I lived right up the street and we always had a good response time to the ambulance garage because we were so close.\” \”As more of our members returned to work during the daytime hours, it was harder and harder, year after year, to get the ambulance to respond.\” \”Eventually we had to turn about 75 percent of the daytime calls over to mutual aid to handle\” she also explained. 

 

An average call, from the time the pager goes off to the time you return to the ambulance building, can be anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the nature of the call. It is not easy to find many people who are willing to give up that time, not to mention all of the state mandated training that is required to keep your Emergency Medical Certification up-to-date from year to year. Thankfully, this expense is provided to each member by the NJ State Volunteer Training Fund. This allows members to complete the required training for free. 

 

\”We have been very fortunate, Mount Ephraim has a great group of young adults that are able to volunteer their time\” said EMS Captain Dan Walker who is a career EMT in a neighboring town that works a rotating schedule like most other professionals in his field. Several of the current volunteer members are from neighboring towns, but when they are on call, they are required to be in town and at the ambulance building. Mount Ephraim\’s current volunteers provide coverage to its town and surrounding communities when called upon from the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a .m. on Monday thru Friday. Members have an option from covering a 6 hour shift or if they wish they may cover the entire 12 hours. 

 

Mt. Ephraim still continuous its rotation \”Duty Weekend\” with Haddon Heights and Audubon Borough. One town covers an entire weekend from 6 a .m. on Saturday morning thru 6 a .m. on Monday morning. Each squad covers a weekend which responds to calls in all three towns and has the next two weekends off, until their rotation comes up again. The average number of calls on a \”Duty Weekend\” averages from about 13 to 18. These three ambulance organizations have been sharing this coverage for almost two years now and have had much success and praise from its members, local officials, and residents as well.  

 

\”We have been waiting for this day to come and it has finally here\” Said MEPRI President Frank Corson. Frank has been serving with the Mount Ephraim Police Reserves Incorporated organization for more than 25 years and has been president of the organization for the past __ years. The members of MEPRI EMS are looking forward to the many changes as the organization continues to blossom to new levels.