The Pirate\’s Den was demolished on Tuesday by a contractor hired by the City. Phil Franchi Demolition, the low bidder for the job was paid $38,000. The bar and restaurant located at 300-306 N. Broadway was gutted by a three alarm fire last December. For the past six months the building has set empty and was a safety hazard. The owner of the property, Brian Cohan had no fire insurance to make the necessary repairs. There was also Sheriff Liens filed against the property.

Prior to becoming Pirates Den the bar was knows as Ferry\’s Seafood Restaurant.

This is the second bar the City has had demolished since the beginning of the year. The other one, Dooley\’s Tavern, was located at Broadway and Cumberland Streets.The

The City is hoping in the near future to attract businesses to both sites since they are situated in prime locations.

photo taken December 13, 2006 by FirefightingNews.com

continued from Page 2

• The administration interviewed and hired the best person for the position of
executive secretary to the Superintendent. The salary was within the range and
guidelines for the position, recommended by the Superintendent and approved by
the personnel committee and the full Board. It is a demanding position and
requires specialized skills. The new high school secretary is a transfer from within
the district and no new money is being expended; that secretary will continue to
earn her current salary. There is no savings possible. 

• The current Public Information Officer replaced the former grant writer/Special
Projects Director as the District\’s grant writer/ Special Projects Director. Because
of her expertise and past experience both for other schools and government
agencies, after several months as the grant writer was asked to also become the
Public Information Officer for the District. There was no additional raise or
stipend offered just more job responsibilities. The salary of the grant writer is
funded entirely through the grants that are written. This year the grants total is
over $4 million additional dollars brought in to the District. 

Four million dollars buys a lot of goods and services. Just SOME of what it buys: 

1. Fifteen (15) full time teaching positions that did NOT have to be eliminated next
year 

2. One million dollars fully funds and operates the after school programs, supporting
everything including over 100 teaching and paraprofessional salaries 

3. Summer school programs, including salaries, at all three buildings 

4. Free breakfast and lunch for the children in summer school at all three buildings 

5. All of the professional development for the district staff 

6. All of the curriculum development, mandated by the state 

7. All of the college credit bearing courses for our high school students. 

8. The new autism program, including 3 new professionals – speech, occupational
and behavioral specialists 

9. The countless job shadowing, post secondary career exploration opportunities for
our high school students 

10. The family counseling service Positive Outcomes, so very much needed in this
community 

11. Books for the new high school library 

This is just the short list, because the whole list is very lengthy. There are many other goods and services, key academic and enrichment programs that grants provide. This from one professional, whose position is not even funded with district monies. 

Perhaps those that continue to have questions or concerns about school decisions should join the Key Communicators, who attend bi-monthly meetings and are given updates on the operations and concerns of the district. Many key communicators also attend school board meetings, where all decisions are discussed and opportunities to ask and hear answers are afforded. Everyone is invited to become a key communicator. 

Challenging the Board to make informed decisions about all matters is a good thing. But listening to the reply of the challenge is a responsible thing. Let\’s continue to do both! 

 

source Gloucester County Times

Gloucester was playing a near-perfect game, including two outstanding defensive plays which have become its forte. First baseman Sam Dobleman threw across the diamond, with an assist from a slick swipe tag from Erica Smizer, to complete a 1-3-5 double play in the fourth.

Catcher Kelsey Cutler made a diving catch of a popped-up bunt behind the plate, complete with a roll and popup to hold a runner at first and stymie a sixth-inning rally. Plus, the Lions managed to scratch out a couple runs off Florence ace Melissa Mehrer, who brought an undefeated record into the tilt and had allowed just four runs all year.

continues

source Courier Post

Late runs push Florence to win

Something special sure was going on for the Flashes in the Group 1 state semifinal at Lenape Tuesday. Sparked by Kehr, Florence scored four times in its final at-bat to upend Gloucester 4-2 and earn its first trip to a state championship game since 1987.

Florence will take on Pompton Lakes in the Group 1 state final Saturday.continues

 

Only 400 Ducks Will Be Sold. Call 456-2101 or email [email protected]

Day starts at 2 PM with food and games. Game tickets are 10 for $5; Duck Race begins at 3:30 PM. Boat Show and Fire Works to follow.

Prizes include: 1^st prize 27 inch TV, 2^nd prize $100, 3^rd prize $75, 4^th Prize $50, 5^th Prize Family Bowling Package worth more than $40 (Westbrook Lanes), 6^th, 7^th, 8^th prize (s) $25 each, 9^th prize gift certificate to Antonietta\’s Restaurant, 10^th prize gift certificate to be announced day of the race.

continued

Challenging the Board and District administration, asking if everything was done in order to reduce the impact of the recent layoffs – is a good thing. That is a right protected by the First Amendment. The School Board and the Administration should have considered every option before reducing the staff by 17%. If the Board of Education had been asked that question, and if then those who had questions had then listened to their answer, they would have discovered the following:

Once finalized that the School District had to cut $7.2 million from next year\’s budget, the District administrators met for many days, going line by line through the $40 plus million budget. Every expenditure, every position, was reviewed and discussed. Then, suggestions were made, building by building, what could be eliminated as a tally of the savings was kept. Once the $7.2 million was reached, the administrators looked at the cuts and discussed the impact of those cuts on their programs and the children. At this point, only positions were discussed, NOT individual personnel. Several more meetings allowed the administrators to continue to review their decisions, making adjustments when needed, all the while keeping an eye on the $7.2 million required by the state.

Once this list was finalized, the Superintendent\’s office began a review of all personnel records, making sure dates of hire, current and previous positions held, certifications earned, were accurate. Then, the task of putting names with the positions, adhering to the complicated rules of certification, \”bumping rights\”, tenure laws and years of service ensued. When a preliminary list of names was established, building principals, district administrators and finally NJEA representatives reviewed the list, assuring that all rules and laws were observed. When needed, legal counsel was consulted. Finally, the Superintendent brought the recommendations to the Board\’s personnel committee, who questioned and reviewed decisions made, finally making their recommendations to the full Board of Education.

So you can see, more than a little thought was put into the process.

As to some specific recommendations recently suggested that could save the district money, and thus perhaps could save additional positions, the following more accurately responds:

• Closing of Highland Park School and moving the children into the high school at 3 pm or eliminating the program – GHS runs a full complement of programs after school. Moving the program to GHS would interfere with those operations AND removing those students from the high school building has resulted in

a. reduction of violence and vandalism at GHS and

b. has attributed to the success of the students who enroll at HPPS.

c. It has also contributed to the reduction of the dropout rate – which was
6.8% and is now 0.2 %.

Neither the Board nor the District is willing to compromise violence reduction or the overwhelming success of the students enrolled in the program. Not everyone fits into a traditional high school program and Gloucester City Schools has found a way to make sure all of its students succeed. Every child is important!

see page 3 

 

 

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA—Rider University sophomore Desmond Hamilton (Pennsauken) placed 20^th in the preliminaries of the long jump Wednesday evening at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships, hosted by Sacramento State. \”Everybody back at Rider should be very proud of how Desmond represented us out here, said Rider head coach Rob Pasquariello. \”He carried himself really well.\”

Hamilton, just the second Bronc to ever compete at the NCAA Track & Field Championship, jumped 7.35 meters or 24’1.5\” at the Alex G. Spanos Sports Complex on the Sacramento State campus Wednesday. \”He just picked a wrong time to not jump his best,\” Pasquariello said. \”Desmond knows he belongs out here with the best, it is just a matter of who has a better day,\”

The top 12 jumpers advance to the finals Thursday. The 12^th place jump on Wednesday was 24’9.75\”. \”Obviously he didn’t jump his best but it wasn’t because of nerves or anything,\” Pasquariello said. \”He handled everything well. He just didn’t get the jump he needed to get. He didn’t get the extension that he needed. He didn’t finish the jump, and at this level, it cost him.\”

Hamilton placed fifth in the men’s long jump with a distance of 7.45m (24’5.5\”) at the NCAA Regional Championships, hosted by the University of Florida May 25 in James G. Pressly Stadium at Percy Beard Track to qualify for the NCAA Championships.

\”Desmond was comfortable in the surroundings at Nationals,\” Pasquariello said. \”We both felt that he belonged here.\”

At the ICAAAA Championships May 12, Hamilton won the long jump with what was then the fourth best jump (25’8.75\”) in the nation, and was sixth best heading into Nationals. The win was only the third all-time for Rider in IC4A competition and first since 1994.

\”To come as far as he has in just one year is amazing,\” Pasquariello said. \”He knows he has a lot to learn, and he’s only 20 years old, so he is going to get stronger, get faster. And he’s going to get technically better.\”

The only other Bronc to ever compete at the NCAA Track & Field Championships was Jose Lopez in the 400m hurdles in 1994. \”Any time we get our kids to a different level I think it raises the profile of the program and the University,\” Pasquariello said. 

-RU-

Dear Mr. Lamont:

As a lifelong resident of Gloucester City, New Jersey; I find it extremely offensive that on one of your recent shows, you categorized my hometown as, \”the armpit of South Jersey\” and \”just a town full of drunks all over the street.\”

Your ill-informed and reprehensible remarks have cast an undeserved aspersion upon an entire community of hard working and honorable people.

Your petty attempt at garnering a few ratings (even though you are technically a public service show) maligns the good name and credibility of Greater Media Philadelphia, which I have always considered to be a one of the best media groups in Philadelphia.

You took a cheap shot…with a broad brush! That sir is pathetic!

 

You owe the people of Gloucester City an apology. Thank you.

Thomas J. Gurick, Gloucester City

Former Camden County Freeholder

By Lois Staas

NEWS Correspondent

 Student Government Day has been a part of the May meeting of Bellmawr Mayor and Council for several years and this May was no exception.

The following ladies and gentlemen participated:

Mayor, Brianna Mc-Knight; Borough Attorney, Kaylee Mitchell; Construction Official, Reno Franchetti; Director of Finance & Personnel, John Brocious; Director of Health, Welfare and Education, Ashley Ordile.

Also, Ecological Superintendent, Kevin Cano; Highway Superintendent, Timothy Patterson; Police Chief, Glenn Holden; Tax Collector, Brianna Fiorelli; Water Superintendent, Andrew Carlin; Director of Building & Lands, Chris Panico; Borough Treasurer, Ryan Fisher; Tax Assessor, John Bartnikowski; Director of Recreation, Caitlin Schalalbeo; Sewer Superintendent, Jennifer Funk.

The purpose of Student Government Day is to encourage interest, imagination and activity in government. The basic belief is that the future of Bellmawr is with its youth.

The State Government also gave each student commendation and praise for participating in the day\’s events.

Councilman Louis DiAngelo related the plan of the day. Students met at the Borough Hall and were sworn in by State Speaker of the House Joseph Roberts, who swore them in and explained the interaction of state and local governments.

Next was a visit with Camden County Freeholder Riletta Cream in Camden City. Then it was off to the Sheriff\’s Department and the Office of the Superintendent of Elections.

After lunch the student officials met with Superintendents Ciano and Coleman for a tour of the Ecology Center. There they saw the new dirt being weighed and spread the development.

At 7 p.m. students conducted a brief meeting and read reports. Student Director of Public Safety Frank Sandrock stated that the Fire Department responded to about 100 emergencies last month and that the department passed OSHA inspection with flying colors.

Student Director of Finance and Personnel John Bricious noted a modest increase in the budget due in part to salaries, insurance premiums and fuel.

There is a hope for state discretionary funds.

Timothy Patterson, who was student Highway Superintendent, stated that the department not only repaired roads, but also assisted the other departments and school district.

Student Director of Buildings and Lands informed everyone that his department was running smoothly and within budget.

The outdated computers in the office had been replaced and the system updated.

Special thanks to Bellmawr Police Chief, William Walsh for his part in the smooth upgrade and uninterrupted service.

Caitlin Schlalabeo, student Director of Recreation, reminded everyone that the July Fourth celebration will begin with the Baby Parade at 9 a.m. followed by the Bicycle Competition at 10 a.m.

As usual, the Main Parade will commence at 11 a.m. from the Annunciation School parking lot.

The Youth Summer Program, which lasts seven weeks, will begin July 6. Night Out will be August 7 at the Rec. Center.

Student Director of Health, Welfare and Education noted the categories for welfare: open, closed, denied and approved.

Small cash grants for medication and rent are available for the unemployable, who are directed toward Social Security Disability. Those who are employable are assisted in finding work. All money is reimbursed by the state.

Nicole Dalessio, student Municipal Court Administrator, reported that state and local police had written 475 tickets within the last month. There were 94 criminal complaints.

Student Police Chief Glenn Holden thanked local businesses for their assistance in supporting the Bellmawr Police Bike Rodeo on May 19 at Annunciation School. PBA raffled off 10 bikes and the ambulance donated helmets.

Student Water Superintendent Andrew Carlin said his department was responsible for the operation of Bellmawr water. The six-department employees make sure clean, drinkable water flows to all Bellmawr homes.

Jennifer Funk, student Sewer Superintendent, said her department operated the pumping stations, responded to complaints and assisted when possible.

Some student resolutions were a Teen Center with ping pong and pool tables, a Memories Book funded by the BOE and a basketball court with playing times, parent permission slips and passes.

The Student Council unanimously supported May-or and Council for the redevelopment project, especially the mall and movie theater.

Councilman Stephen Sauter commended the participants, \”The students did a fantastic job. I look forward to this day every year. The eighth grade teachers do a great job. We always get positive feedback about how respectful and well mannered they are. These are great kids.\”

Councilman DiAngelo said, \”I echo what Steve said. I thank Chuck (Sauter) and all the borough employees for their hard work today.\”

\”Ditto,\” stated Councilwoman Regina Pointkowski, \”and this is such a nice time of year with a lot of nice things for our young people.

\”I was overwhelmed at the Junior National Honor
Society induction. About 32 seventh graders were inducted and about 8 eighth graders. There were about 24 eighth graders there who were inducted last year. This is so important; they are really interested in education.

\”We also had our spring concert, spelling bee, and scholarship awards. Seventeen students got scholarships. Thank you to the parents for giving us such good kids.\”

In regular business the council amended the new traffic ordinance that makes Anderson Avenue one-way between Bell Road and Harbor Road from 8 to 9 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

This ordinance has been adopted to reduce traffic congestion during the hours children arrive and are picked up from school.

Council also passed on a second reading bond ordinance authorizing the rehabilitation and upgrading of the storm sewer system.

 

By Sara Martino

News Correspondent

Brooklawn officials have been trying for years to receive permission and funding from the state to start stream bank improvements along the waterfront.

Borough Engineer Chuck Reibel told Borough Council last week that while attending a NJ Department of Environmental (DEP) meeting, he was told that the area in need of the stream bank improvements was the site of Fort Nassau.

\”The State Historical Society was notified by the DEP concerning Brooklawn\’s request for improvements and their opinion was that Brooklawn is the location of Fort Nassau and the area possibly could not be disturbed,\” he said.

Fort Nassau was a Dutch settlement built in 1623 on the eastern bank of the Delaware River. According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, the fort was located near Gloucester City in 1626 and was used for the trading with the Lenni Lenape Indians.

In another historical account, the site had been a subject of much controversy and is recorded as being at the mouth of Big Timber Creek in Brooklawn, just west of where Big Timber Creek, Little Timber Creek and the Delaware join.see history of Fort Nassau

During the early 1600s, the Delaware was known as the Nassau River.

There was also another location for Fort Nassau that was built in 1614 on the Hudson River in New York. It was destroyed by floods and was a long distance away from Brooklawn. Soubasis asked council members to contact the Gloucester City Historical Society for their knowledge of the fort location.

Riebel also said the NJ Wetlands Department has found a rare aquatic plant on the edge of the bank slopes. Councilman Gerald Granstrom said he has seen more than plants along the waterfront.

\”There is a lot of trash including syringes, hospital waste and other unsanitary items that wash up on the bank,\” he said.

A study costing up to $20,000 may have to be conducted in the stream bank area to determine if the location is truly the site of Fort Nassau, and if the aquatic plant would be considered endangered.

Upon completion, permission may be given to start the improvements that would stop erosion along the shoreline.

\”The Borough could be liable for some of the costs,\” Riebel said.

Granstrom also said he observed some activity in the closed Amoco gas station on Route 130.

Mayor Soubasis said the owner is trying to sell the property because he cannot get out of his lease and is selling small items in the store on the property.

In other business, the governing body approved four resolutions; the refund of overpayment of taxes, setting employee salaries for 2007, liquor license renewals and support of \”Click of Ticket\” mobilization.

Councilwoman Theresa Branella inquired about the number also reminded everyone about the \”Town Wide\” yard sale Saturday, June 2 at the cost of $5 for participation. Make checks payable to Theresa Branella. For information, call 456-0750 extension 162.

An ordinance was approved on first reading that would raise the registration fee to $200 per year for rental properties. The present cost is $100.

Once the ordinance is enacted, landlords will have to provide floor plans of the properties at registration.