During the December BOE meeting, she said the study, which would begin in January or February 2009, would have a minimal, if any, impact on the operating budget.

In other business, Ms. Castiglione said an education specialist was in the district on January 5 to meet with school officials.

Also, she expressed her thanks for the recent United Way campaign, which netted about $3,500.

School Board Member Jamie Casey broached the possibility of creating a Field Hockey program at Bell Oaks.

Discussion ensued on the matter. Mr. Casey suggested having a clinic in the spring of 2009. He added that the games would be played in the fall, and that fifth through eighth grade students would be eligible.

Board Member Mary Di Mattesa agreed, stating that there should be more activities for students.

Board Member Ron Henry made a motion to pursue the possibility.

During Board reports, Casey commented on the recent lockdown drills held at the schools, and added that the budget is being put together for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Board President Jody Mangus commented on \”Smart Boards\” for Bell Oaks, as well as the Extended Day Program, which provides academic support in Language Arts Literacy, Math, and English as a Second Language.

The program will begin on February 4 and conclude April 30. It will be available Monday through Thursday each week, from 3 to 4 p.m., in each of the elementary schools.

Di Mattesa commented on the Policy Committee, in reference to the school dress codes.

Henry said there may be temporary vacancies, due to upcoming maternity leaves.

Under administrative bus-iness, Interim Board Secretary John Amato said that in addition to July and August 2008 being completed for the School Monies Report, September and October were also completed.

Amato said William Irving has been added to the Call Control List for the 2008-09 academic year as a substitute.

In PTO business, it was stated that Bell Oaks finished their Holiday Shop, with Ms. Castiglione adding that the Bellmawr Park PTA has raised a large amount of funds.

Board President Jody Mangus concluded the 26-minute meeting by wishing everyone a Happy Holiday and New Year.

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Councilman Lou Di Angelo opened the meeting by announcing winners from the seven voting districts.

While in most years the process runs smoothly, Councilman Di Angelo noted there were two separate ties, adding it was hard to deny residents who really went \”all out.\”

Branella conducted the December Borough Council meeting in the absence of Mayor John Soubasis.

\”Volunteerism is a passion to the two of them. We could never thank you enough for your time and efforts in placing tulips and other flowers throughout the town. You both have an outstanding community spirit,\” Branella said.

The couple, who are both professional designers, offered their services to continue to make the borough beautiful.

The REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS of the Governing Body will be held at 8:00 P.M. prevailing time at City Hall, 313 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, New Jersey on the following dates through the year 2009:

RE: the rumor that Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department is closing. Chief Hagan said that isn’t so. \”We are having trouble during the day getting enough volunteers to man a fire engine. In order to correct this problem we have asked all volunteers to respond to the Gloucester Heights Volunteer Fire Department on Nicholson between the hours of 6am and 6pm. The thought being we will have enough men to man at least one engine by following this procedure. A meeting was held recently with all the officers to discuss this arrangement. And the majority was in agreement.\”

He added that the City needs more volunteers and wouldn’t do anything to discourage those who give their time to help fight fire. \”We appreciate their help\”.

RE: this reporter’s request for a weekly list of fire calls broken down for each day. Chief Hagan said a report is produced each month giving the total number of fire and EMT calls. \”To break the report down for each day is possible but does require a lot of time. I have no problem giving you the monthly report. It is the same report we give to mayor and council.\”

Chief Hagan said that the rumor is true. \”Because we are relatives (cousins) I did not have anything to do with the punishment he received. I can tell you that he was disciplined. Firefighter Pat Hagan is also a member of the Gloucester City Board of Education.

ETC. ETC. O\’Malleys, the large restaurant and bar on Rt 130 and Klemm Ave. (Gloucester City) is closing after this weekend. The place is beautiful inside, food is great, it has an awesome bar set-up and the stage is one of the best in South Jersey for live performances. Yet it never seemed to have found a consistently large crowd. Come out this weekend for one last great time at O\’Malleys!! For the final weekend, they will be having live bands all three days. Friday Night, Jan 9th: Night Prowler,Saturday Night, Jan 10th: FMKill, Sunday: Jan 11th: One Night Stand.

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Tillie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph, F. Brunhamer. She is lovingly survived by her companion, Herb Evans; her four children, Donna (Michael) Cornely, Robert Hunnewell, Dawn (Stephen) Iwasko and Diane (Fiance, Mark Bonner) Hunnewell; 15 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild; her three sisters, Maryanne McCleery, Barbara Smith and Veronica (Les) Gallagher as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mass was held at St. Rose of Lima Church, Haddon Heights. Interment Private.

Beloved husband of the late Charlotte L. Devoted father of Charlotte E. Buscio (Frank), James T. Stocklos (Susan, and Joseph G. Stocklos (Barbara). Loving grandpop of Katrina, Jimmy, Michael, Nicole, Melissa, Frankie, Rebecca and Joey. Dear great grandpop of Taylor, Jake, Hayden, and Gianna.

Interment was in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hurfville.