By Bill Bates

NEWS Correspondent

Andy Gilmore, Director of Public Safety, announced that there has been an interest in re-implementing the Mount Ephraim Crime Watch Program within the Borough. Police Chief Dobleman along with the Mount Ephraim Police Force will be holding their first meeting on Wednesday, December 19, at 8:00 pm in the borough hall meeting room. Anyone interested in becoming a part of this program is welcomed to attend this first informational meeting. Anyone who is unable to attend, but would like to be involved can contact the police station from 8:30 to 4:30 pm, Monday thru Friday at 856-931-2225.

An ordinance was read authorizing the acquisition of equipment, improvements to the sewer system, and various roadway improvements; appropriating the sum of $300,000 therefore; authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds or bond anticipation notes to the Township of Voorhees, County of Camden, in the aggregate principal amount of up to $285,000; making certain determinations and covenants; and authorizing certain related actions in connection with the foregoing. A resolution was also read appointing Risk Management Consultants for a three year term.

The Mount Ephraim Fire Department answered 39 calls for the month of November, 449 year-to-date, and conducted 28 drills year-to-date. The Mount Ephraim Police answered 487 calls for the month of November including 6 assault & or burglary, 13 drug offenses, 17 juvenile complaints, 17 motor vehicle accidents, made 32 adult arrests, 4 juvenile arrests (3 for criminal mischief and 1 for curfew), and served 43 out of town warrants. There were 42 emergency medical services calls answered for the month of November.

The Commissioners are working with the Borough Engineer and the Police Department on the possibility of installing road humps and or not allowing non-residential traffic to turn onto side streets during rush hours as numerous complaints have flooded the borough hall regarding traffic coming off of the Black Horse Pike and speeding. One resident spoke out during the public portion of the meeting with several concerns and possible suggestions to the Black Horse Pike and 4th Avenue in front of the WaWa. The Commissioners informed the resident that this was already a problem that they are looking into and will be working with State D.O.T. to see what can be done to the area to make improvements.

Commissioner Gilmore wanted to let the Vilardo Family know that the borough has Emergency Management Coordinator Jason Vilardo in their thoughts and prayers and wishes him a quick recovery. Jay will be out of service for several weeks following surgery.

Commissioner Bruce Greenwald, Director of Public Works, reported 70,000 pounds of recycling was collected for November. Several pot holes were filled in on Thompson Avenue and the borough is looking to make several more repairs in the upcoming year. The Green Avenue Resurfacing Project has started with the replacement of concrete curbs. Third Avenue will be completed once Green Avenue has been completed.

In the wake of severe snow, residents are reminded to park on the odd number side of the street to allow snow plows adequate room to plow the streets.

The Borough Engineer reported that Phase Two of the Kings Highway Street Scape Project, that will be replacing walkways and installing pavers from the Railroad Tracks at Station Avenue down to Green Avenue at 7-11, have been submitted and are currently awaiting approval from the State Department of Transportation. Following approval, the work will commence, weather permitting.

Mayor Joe Wolk reported that he had spoken with Post Office officials and they have now pushed the opening back to early to mid January, 2008. Mayor Wolk on behalf of the borough employees wished everyone a happy and safe holiday season. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2008 commencing at 8:00 pm in the borough hall meeting room.

EDISON—Junior Kelly Kajunski (Glenmore, Pa./Downington East) and senior John Smith (Cliffwood Beach/Matawan) of the Rider University Indoor Track & Field teams were named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Performers of the Week for all competition December 4-10.

Last week at the New Year’s Invitational at Princeton University’s Jadwin Gym, Kajunski won the high jump with an ECAC qualifying height of 1.70 meters (5’7\”).

\”Kelly is ahead of schedule already in her preparation,\” said Rider head coach Rob Pasquariello. \”Kelly is the person who the other athletes are going to look to and her consistency is going to allow her to stand on her own. Kelly is developing into a leader, a take charge type of kid and is doing everything we have asked of her.\”

Smith won the 3000 meter race with a personal best time of 8:44.42. The second place runner finished over 11 seconds behind Smith’s pace.

\”John just picked up right where he left off from cross country season,\” said Pasquariello. \”He led our distance squad today.\” Smith placed 14^th at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference cross country championships in October, earning All-MAAC honors for the third time in his career.

At Princeton Rider was competing against Loyola, Rutgers, Monmouth, Temple and host Princeton. \”The meet is a very good meet to open with,\” Pasquariello said about the competition. \”All of the fields were solid and gave our athletes a chance to test themselves right out of the blocks.\”

Rider competes again January 12 at the Penn State Relays.

-RU-

Bill\’s Point of View:

Sam Carchidi staff writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer reported in Sunday edition that Justin Breaker was the leading vote-getter as the Tri-County Conference Classic Division\’s all-star quarterback. Breaker, 19, was one of three young men accused of taking part in an April 1 gang rape of a Salem County girl in a Pittsgrove apartment, according to the Salem County Prosecutor\’s Office. Breaker was indicted on Nov. 28, three days before he sparked Glassboro to a 24-7 win over Paulsboro in the South Jersey Group 1 final. Carchidi wrote, \”With the 6-foot, 185-pound Breaker playing a leading role, Glassboro went 12-0 this season.\”

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer , since he (Breaker) has been charged with raping a 15-year-old girl, the honor of being named the All-Star Quarterback is on \”hold.\”

Joe Devine of Gloucester City traveled to Saskatchewan in November on a deer hunting trip . Using a rifle he took a 11 point buck that scored 141 points under the Boone and Crocket measurement rules.

In December he and his friend Ken Klodnicki, of Voorhees traveled to Iowa. Joe took a 10 pointer with a Muzzle loader that scored 143 points while Ken
shot an 11 point deer also with a Muzzle Loader which scored 150 points under Boone and Crocket.

A reader wrote me today (Monday) that there is a part Beagle and something else little dog running around the neighborhood of Park Avenue and Klemm Avenue in Gloucester City. According to the concerned animal lover it is not known if the dog is a he or a she.

It has a collar with tag and shoulder harness so he/she was obviously someone\’s pet. The reader writes, \”He has been in my yard a few times, but he/she won\’t let us get too close to see the tag. He has taken shelter in my back yard so I have put some food and water out for him. He was either injured when he got out because he holds his back left leg up when he runs. He is very fast so we can\’t even catch him. He doesn\’t growl but is definitely scared when I try to talk to him and throw him some treats.\”

If anyone has lost their dog you can contact the concern person at the following email address: [email protected]. And or contact [email protected] and I will forward your message.

The Fire Department was also at the celebration, uninvited but necessary. The reason? The smoke alarm at the municipal building went off after the \”two-some\” made a wish and blew the 115 cake candles out.

Now I know you are all thinking of something else to say….just remember to be kind. It is after all their birthdays. Myself I think they are good sports who know how to celebrate the special occasion with style….Bill

Mr. and Mrs. Marc Rouin of Bellmawr, NJ, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Jenna Marie Rouin, to Thomas Joseph Basilio, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Basilio of Sicklerville, NJ.

Jenna is a 2003 graduate of Triton Regional High School and will soon be a 2008 graduate of Thomas Jefferson University. She is currently employed as a Perinatal Sonographer in NJ.

Thomas is a 2000 graduate of Highland High School and will soon be a 2008 graduate of Camden County Technical School. He is currently employed at Subaru in NJ, but will soon be a licensed Electrician.

A May 2008 wedding is planned.

GOURY, ANNA JOSEPHINE
On December 8th, 2007, age 91, of Mt. Ephraim, NJ.
Beloved wife of the late William P. Goury. Devoted mother of William P. (Susan) Goury of Mt. Ephraim, NJ. Loving grandmother of Jennifer Rossell of Mt. Ephraim, Marianne Goury of Deptford, great grandmother of Joshua. Dear sister of: John, Edward, Francis and Bill.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend her viewing Thursday from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church, Kings Hwy., Mt. Ephraim, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday 10 AM at the church. Interment New St. Mary\’s Cemetery, Bellmawr, NJ.
Arrangements by MAHAFFEY-MILANO
FUNERAL HME
Mt. Ephraim, NJ
(856)931-1628

IRVINE, RICHARD DALE, SR.
On December 5, 2007, of Haddon Twp. Age 74.
Beloved husband of Marion E. (nee Hackman). Devoted father of Rich, Jr. and his wife Diana of Seaford, DE and Robert and his special friend Maryellen of West Collingswood, NJ. Loving grandfather of Aaron and his fiancee Stacy, Trevor and Shannon. Dear brother of the late Peggy. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Irvine was a volunteer English tutor through Jewish Family Services for Ukranian immigrants and was on the Board of Directors of New Visions Community Services of Camden.He enjoyed music, especially playing the piano and organ.
Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing from 10:00 to 12 noon Tuesday morning at Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 E. Clements Bridge Rd., Runnemede, NJ 08078. Funeral Service 12 noon at the church. Interment at Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Irvine\’s memory to Trinity Lutheran Church or to New Visions Community Services, 523 Stevens St., Camden, NJ 08103.
Expressions of sympathy may be e-mailed to Condolences@Gardner FuneralHome.com

A Vermont man, who was hunting during Maine\’s muzzleloader season, went missing Monday, according to the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Luckily, he was found alive by a snowmobiler Wednesday on Jackson Mountain near Madrid. The location was outside of the 5-mile search zone.

At least 26 game wardens, seven Forest Service rangers, three canine units and nine volunteers from the Maine Association for Search and Rescue had been conducting the search. Two aircraft and two helicopters — one from the Maine Forest Service and one from the Maine Army National Guard based in Bangor, took to the skies when weather permitted.

Steven Wright, 53, of Woodford, Vt., an experienced hunter, was picked up by the snowmobiler, Donald Eisenhaur, 68, of Madrid. He had set out Monday on a deer track near Tumbledown Mountain and Byron, during a snowstorm that dumped 15 inches of snow in the area.

Wright was airlifted late Wednesday afternoon to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston and was in stable condition. According to Lt. Patrick Dorian of the Maine Warden Service, the hunter endured an \”incredible story of survival.\” As darkness set in Monday night, Mr. Wright was lost and told game wardens that he decided to keep walking to stay warm. He fell into a water hole and was submerged up to his neck, got out and continued to walk.

Tired, his clothes freezing on him, Mr. Wright eventually climbed in a ditch and covered himself with spruce thicket in an attempt to stay warm. The search began on Tuesday morning after his two hunting companions reported him missing Monday night. He didn\’t turn up that day.

On Wednesday morning he stayed on a roadway, hoping that he\’d be found. In the middle of the afternoon, Wright became thirsty, left the road and walked into a gully to get a drink of water. At that time, Eisenhaur drove by on his snowmobile.

Wright heard the snowmobile engine and became upset. His only chance of survival just drove by. But Eisenhaur decided to retrace his trails and head home before dark.

Source SouthCoastToday.com READ MORE