Vicki Orzechowski will be joining some of her former players when she is inducted into the Camden County Hall of Fame.

Orzechowski, who coached the Paul VI High School girls\’ basketball team to four state titles between 1967 and 1977, will be inducted along with former Eagles\’ great Mary Scharff during a ceremony Oct. 20 at the Woodbine Inn in Pennsauken.

Orzechowski also will join her former Paul VI star player Deidre Kane, who was inducted last year.

\”It is a real honor, they were outstanding athletes,\” Orzechowski said.

Orzechowski, a 1963 Camden Catholic graduate who grew up in Haddon Township, said she never thought of entering a Hall of Fame with her players back when Paul VI and Gloucester Catholic reigned in South Jersey girls\’ basketball.

Interestingly, Orzechowski and Scharff will enter the Camden County Hall of Fame in the same class with former Gloucester Catholic coach Bert Nolan and Rams\’ star player Mickey McGlade.

\”We are all going in together,\” Orzechowski said with respect, \”two rival players and two rival coaches at the same time. That\’s kind of neat.\”

During Orzechowski\’s 10 years at Paul VI, the Eagles won four Parochial State Championships. She coached championship teams while making the transition from the six-player game to the five-player game.

\”When I first started playing back in sixth grade, you could only bounce the ball once,\” Orzechowski said with a laugh about her days at St. Rose of Lima in Haddon Heights. \”It was amazing, it really was.\”

So was Orzechowski and the coaching tree she has developed.

In addition to Scharff, who played and coached at Immaculata and is an inductee in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., and Kane, who is the long-time head coach at West Chester University, former players Crissy Palladino (Camden Catholic), Donna Harris (Paul VI) and Judy Rekow (Cherokee) are all head coaches.

\”It is really exciting now to see so many former players now coaching,\” she said.

Ironically, Palladino, Harris and Rekow (who played for Orzechowski at The College of New Jersey) all coach now at former coaching stops of their mentor. Orzechowski coached at Cherokee in the 1980\’s.

\”I\’m so glad Donna is the head coach at Paul VI, and Crissy at Camden Catholic and Judy at Cherokee as well as Diedre at West Chester,\” Orzechowski said. \”It is a great feeling for me to say I coached these women and they all are doing great jobs.

\”They made my life a wonderful experience.\”

After earning 12 varsity letters at Camden Catholic for field hockey, basketball and tennis, Orzechowski went on to play at Immaculata. She made all-conference as a senior in 1967.

Immaculata went on to win three national championships in the early 1970s with Scharff playing a leading role. A movie on the Mighty Macs, \”Our Lady of Victory\” is due out in April.

\”We are all excited to see it,\” Orzechowski said, \”it will be neat, a truly Cinderella story.\”

Orzechowski, who followed the legendary Cathy Rush as coach of Immaculata, serves on the board of the Albert Carino Girls Basketball Club.

\”My Dad (Jim Sclasani) was instrumental in getting the Carino Club to honor women,\” she said.

\”Diedre Kane gave an incredible speech that night and it became so big we had to separate from the boys.\”

Orzechowski also dedicates much of her free time as a volunteer for Special Olympics and as a wish grantor and mentor for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey.

BETHLEHEM, Pa.–In a tale of two halves, the Broncs lost a two-goal lead, giving up four second half goals, falling in a non-conference game at Lehigh Wednesday night. \”I’ve always said a 2-0 lead is the most dangerous lead you can have and unfortunately, I was right tonight,\” said head coach Lori Hussong.

Rider (6-6) opened the scoring 14 minutes into the game with senior Emily Egan (Gibbsboro, N.J./Eastern) hitting the back of the cage. For Egan, it was her first goal of the season in only her second game after returning from a stress fracture and a torn ACL that kept her sidelined for the last year. Junior Diana Celebre (Lake Grove, N.Y./Sachem) assisted on the goal.

\”Diana made a great move and there was an opportunity to make an offensive play and I went for it,\” said Egan who’s last game was against Lehigh on October 8, 2006 before being sidelined with a stress fracture missing the final eight games of the season. Egan tore an ACL in the spring causing her to miss the first 10 games this season. \”It feels great to be back on the field and able to help the team. It was a long road back.\”

\”Having Emily back in the lineup is huge for us,\” said Hussong. \”Her effort, the senior leadership that she brings to the team, it is just a big lift to have her back and it was very emotional when she scored tonight.\”

Freshman Lindsay Rajeski (New Egypt, N.J./New Egypt) notched her third goal of the season two minutes later off assists from junior Julie Vaccarelli (Oceanport, N.J./Shore Regional) and freshman Margaret Ecke (New Egypt, N.J./New Egypt) and Rider led 2-0 at the half.

The Mountain Hawks scored two minutes into the second half and tied the game four minutes later. Lehigh (6-6) notched the eventual game-winner with 19 minutes left in the game and added an insurance goal with just over two minutes left.

\”I’m disappointed with our effort in the second half,\” Hussong said. \”Even in the first half, Lehigh was taking it to us and we weren’t defending very well. Lehigh got a quick goal and the momentum to start the second half and really took it to us. If we would have battled and shown effort for the ’50-50’ plays, I wouldn’t be so upset. But we’ve had a reoccurring theme this season not making those plays and that’s not acceptable. It comes down to a point where the ‘Rider pride, the Rider way of playing field hockey’ has to show and that wasn’t there tonight.\”

The Mountain Hawks out-shot Rider 9-5 in the second half and 13-11 for the game.

\”You don’t ever want to lose but we are fortunate to have the opportunity from a non-conference game to learn from our mistakes,\” Egan said. \”We will get back to work at practice tomorrow (Thursday) and we will make sure we are ready for the conference game on Friday.\”

Bronc senior goalie Jen LoCastro (Cherry Hill/Camden Catholic) made five saves as Lehigh held a 12-3 advantage in penalty corners including an 8-0 second half advantage.

\”Jen kept us in the game,\” Hussong added. \”If she doesn’t make some great plays, the game could have really gotten out of hand. Our defense didn’t do anything to help her out and she deserved a better fate tonight. The score is not reflective of J-Lo’s effort.\”

In a battle of unbeaten conference rivals, Rider hosts defending conference champion Lock Haven in a Northeast Conference game on Friday at 4:00pm.

\”Every game from here on out is important,\” Hussong added. \”There are inherent things that we need to do better and with the conference game on Friday, we need to figure out the mistakes we made tonight and more importantly, correct them going forward.\”

FARACE, CINDY E.
age 51 of West Deptford NJ, died on Tuesday October 9, 2007. She was a former Telemetry Technician at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for 20 years. Cindy holds a place in the hearts of her family and will be deeply missed.
Wife of Joseph W. Farace, she is also survived by one son Nicholas J. Farace of Maple Shade, two sisters Kathleen Wilson of Mantua, Colleen T. Brooks of Wenonah, two brothers L. William Lonsinger and Samuel H. Brooks both of Johnstown PA, many nieces and nephews, and her cat, Lynx. Cindy was pre-deceased by her father Samuel Brooks, Jr., and her sister Donna Layton.
Relatives and friends may visit with the family 9 to 11 AM Saturday, at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 47 Main St. Mantua, where funeral services will be held at 11 AM. Interment Wenonah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family via Colleen T. Brooks 405 Princeton Blvd. Wenonah, NJ 08090.

\”Sad to say, the present situation here in St. Mary\’s is not

impressive,\” Father Curran, pastor

OUR PARISH

Since Bishop Galante started his \”Speak-up\” Sessions in March of 2005, he has constantly talked of his Vision for the Church in the Diocese of Camden and for each parish. He wants each parish to become a Vibrant, Dynamic Faith Community. This is especially true since the parishes of the Diocese have been meeting in their respective deaneries to discuss the future of each parish.

Our deanery had a meeting with representatives of each parish in our deanery at St. Aloysius in Oaklyn on Tuesday, September 25^th. Bishop Galante and members of the Diocesan Planning Team were in attendance.

They reviewed the suggestions submitted to them this past July by the Deanery and recommended that all the suggestions be reviewed again at four more meetings between now and mid December.

Bishop Galante asks that he have final suggestions by mid January 2008. St. Mary\’s representatives are Fr. Curran, Jim Braunwarth, Lew Atkinson and Ed Walton.

These representatives were delegated by our initial larger parish planning representatives. Please pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in this very important work.

REALISM

I am not a scaremonger but I do feel a duty, as your pastor, to remind our parishioners of some obvious realities. Bishop Galante\’s decisions regarding the future of parishes and personnel will be based on \”Realities\” as they exist right now.

Sad to say, the present situation here in St. Mary\’s is not impressive. I know the people reading this are active supportive members of our parish. You are here and I thank you for that.

However, there are so many registered parishioners who are never or seldom here. Those of you who are here regularly can see the empty seats and the empty pews. Look at the Church collection report and you can see that we are approximately $4,000 short of our need each week.

We are required to do a \”Head Count\” for the Diocese next weekend and unless there is a miracle of some kind, Bishop Galante will not be impressed.

He will probably conclude – \”They don\’t need 4 Masses on a weekend; they can get by with 2. They don\’t need 2 priests; one will suffice\”.

And down the road the people who are letting St. Mary\’s down now by non-attendance, will be the first to complain when they don\’t have a priest for weddings and funerals and other Sacramental celebrations.

I\’m disappointed in the present negative realties. Maybe you can talk to your non-practicing, non-supportive family members and neighbors. A year or two from now don\’t say there was no warning. This is IT!

Fr. Curran, pastor

Source Parish Bulletin

Access to video streaming of the Rider @ Lehigh field hockey game is available from Lehigh University. The game is scheduled for October 10 at 7:00pm.

Click Here for the Link

 

 

Ferry Family – Steve Ferry, Franny Ferry, Mark Lacavara, Peg Ferry, Kay Ferry, Jim E Ferry Jr, Kellie Ferry, Michelle Ferry, Keith Teterault and Marie Ferry

 

The First Annual Jim Ferry Golf Tournament held last month collected over $9,000 in net profits which will be used to support the local PAL in Gloucester City.

 

Winners – Sponsored by McCann Healey Funeral Home were: Jerry Hubbs, Tom and Joe Durkin and John Healey which came in at minus seven.

 

Closest to the Pin was Phil Schnell at two inches. Longest drive, Butch Berglund at 320 yards. And last but not least the four some with the highest score are Bob McQuillan, Frank Cunane, Bill Rettig and Bob Bevan at plus seven.

 

The Ferry Family along with the P.A.L would like to thank everyone involved in making this a great annual event.

 

 

Chairman Award – Kay Ferry, Ted Howarth (Pres P.A.L) Ken MacAdams, Keith Teterault, Marie Ferry and Mayor Bill James (VP P.A.L)
 

 

 

 

 

RIDGE, JOANNA L.
On October 9, 2007, (nee Burns) of Gloucester City, NJ, age 75 yrs.
She was the beloved wife of the late James Ridge and loving mother of James and Mark (Deena) Ridge. Her darling grandchildren Stacie, James and Gabriella and dear brothers David and Russell Pray also survive her.
Mrs. Ridge was a 1949 graduate of Gloucester City High School and a member of the Alumni Association. She was a long time member of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Gloucester where she also served on the Altar Guild. She was also a member for over 50 years of the Haddonfield Cloud Lodge #140 OES.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet Friday evening from 7:00 to 9:00pm and again Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:00am at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 110 Sussex St. in Gloucester City. Burial Office and Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Saturday at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Harleigh Cemetery, Camden. An Eastern Star Service will be held Friday evening.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested Memorial Donations in Mrs. Ridge\’s name be made to the Episcopal Church of the Ascension at the above address. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the ETHERINGTON-CRERAN FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City, NJ.

photo by Jack Heath

The Gloucester Catholic Girls Cross Country team won the Tri-County Conference Diamond Division yesterday (Tuesday) by beating Glassboro 15-45.

The Lady Rams are 5-0.

Above :The Rams cross country team running against Moorestown Friends. 

By Lois Staas

NEWS Correspondent

Bellmawr School Superintendent Annette Castiglione reported the results of the 2006-07 Community Survey during last week\’s School Board meeting.

The survey had been sent to every home in the district in late spring of 2007, and 103 families responded from Bellmawr Park, 94 from Ethel M. Burke, and 45 from Bell Oaks.

The overall satisfaction rate of parents is extremely high, as 98 percent of the respondents from all three schools feel the district is meeting their child\’s academic needs.

While some parents at the meeting felt that homework was extensive, most were content with the amount of homework – and feel their child is being taught at the appropriate level.

The majority of the respondents feel welcome in the schools; they also feel their children are welcome and that they are able to discuss their problems with staff members.

While the discipline policy is meeting the parents\’ expectations and children\’s needs, some asked what the district was doing to curb bullying.

The answer was that the district has a zero tolerance policy toward bullying.

They have a Character Education Program, present assemblies, conduct peer mediation and conflict resolution programs, address these issues through trained counselors, and work with the Renaissance program at the Bell Oaks School.

In another area of the report, nutrition in the schools is a major concern.

Fresh fruits and salads are served in the cafeteria. Foods offered are low in trans fats and sugar and abide by the Governor\’s nutrition policies.

Also, the physical education staff is working on an update to the curriculum.

In agreement with parents in attendance, those surveyed felt that there was too much testing.

However, every child must pass the state mandated tests and the schools must make adequate yearly progress (AYP) in math and language arts literacy.

Some parent comments included the following:

\”I think Bellmawr Schools do a great job with the students.\”

\”I feel my child is receiving an excellent education in Bellmawr Park School.\”

\”Thank you for doing a wonderful job.\”

\”I commend the school for introducing computers at an early age!\”

\”Everyone I have come in contact with in the school and the child study team has been fantastic!\”

In committee reports, Bet-ty Sheppard said, \”There was an emergency management meeting, and the Fire Department said there were no injuries and no other buildings were damaged in the Italia restaurant fire\” recently.

Vice President Jody Mangus said, \”We would like to see higher numbers next year in our summer reading program.\”

Principal Anthony Fari-nelli of Bell Oaks said, \”Back to School night was a great turnout of parents. I would also like to thank the Parent Teacher Organization for everything they put on for the kids.\”

Upcoming events are:

The eighth grade Corby Pizza Fundraiser October 10; Anti-violence week beginning October 14; the Halloween Dance October 26; and the results of the Hero Essay—the prize is Eagles tickets.

Bellmawr Park Principal Elizabeth A. Calabria reported about the events in her school and the Ethel M. Burke School.

Both schools had a very smooth opening.

On September 11, the el-ementary school celebrated Patriot Day by remembering the victims of 9-11.

Students wore red, white and blue, and teachers conducted many patriotic lessons in their classrooms.

Mrs. Kilgus received a warm thank you for updating the elementary school websites.

Parent Stacey Leonard said she did not receive a response to her emails to two of her child\’s teachers.

Castiglione said the issue would be addressed.

The student handbook was reviewed in assemblies, and students were in-troduced to the new agenda book. Children were encouraged to go over the important information in the handbook with their parents. Highlighted topics were the discipline policy, no tolerance for bullying, and the dress code.

The elementary buildings are piloting three new language arts literacy series: MacMillan, McGraw-Hill, and Rigby Publishers.

As always the district is revising and updating curricula to ensure that it is aligned to the NJ Core Curriculum Standards, is creating student schedules that focus on the standards, is placing staff to address curricular issues and data analysis, and is ensuring that courses taught are rigorous and challenging.

Castiglione said, \”We had a wonderful back to school opening without incident. I spoke with students and staff that day. It was a pleasure to open school when everyone was hap-py.\”

By Stephanie Greco

NEWS Correspondent

A sizeable crowd of Gloucester City firefighters and their families waited patiently for the start of Thursday night\’s City Council meeting, and it was not just to honor four retired firefighters who passed away in recent weeks.

At the start of the meeting, Mayor William James called for a moment of silence to remember the four men, Frank Williams, Sam Monroe, Richard Hubbs, and Marty Coyle.

But, it was not until the public was invited to comment that the main reason for the firefighters\’ attendance came forth.

At issue was Council\’s concern about the \”spiraling\” cost of overtime with-in the City Fire Department, which reached a year-long high of more than $50,000 in the month of August alone, Councilman Nick Marchese said.

In contrast, the firefighters and family members pointed out the inherent dangers of having a \”manpower shortage\” in fighting fires safely.

Steve Skipton, who has lived in Gloucester City all his life, asked Mayor James for a clarification of \”how many firefighters would be on duty\” if his house were on fire.

Another resident praised the fire department for their quick action when power lines came down on her property, and was worried that Council action in the near future would reduce the number of firefighters available for duty.

Linda Ryan spoke for all those in attendance when she asked, \”Why would firefighters want to go into a burning building if they know they won\’t have a job the next day?\”

Her son, Marine Marc Ryan, who was killed in Iraq in 2004, was recently honored in a tribute at a Gloucester City High football game when his jersey number was retired.

She also has a firefighter son and son-in-law, and stated, \”I don\’t want to bury any more sons.\”

She then called for both sides to meet together and negotiate in good faith for a successful resolution of the current impasse.

To reassure the residents, Mayor James, who was himself a long-time member of the Gloucester City Police Department, praised the firefighters for their willingness \”to put their lives on the line\” and considered \”public safety to be (City Council\’s) natural priority.\”

The fact remained, however, that the high cost of overtime \”could not continue to come out of the department\’s operating budget,\” Marchese said.

He added regretfully that there has to be a \”price tag on everything,\” causing an agitated young fire fighter to call out, \”are you putting a price tag on my life?!\”

After the firefighter was escorted from the meeting, there was no further disturbance. Both Council and concerned residents hoped there would be substantial give and take in upcoming meetings between Council and the firefighters.

The proposed erection of billboards along City highways was brought up as a cause for concern by Planning Board Member Jess Torres.

Although Marchese indicated to this reporter that the billboards would bring in considerable revenue, Mr. Torres expressed his opposition to the \”skyline blight\” that would result from the erection of \”900 square foot billboards\” and described how they would negatively impact Gloucester City as a whole.

In other Council action, $40,000 was allocated to treat sewer water overflow for pathogenic material.

Other news included the 6^th Annual Heroes to Hero Memorial Scholarship 5-K Run and 5-K Walk, which starts at 9 a.m. from the Mt. Ephraim Fire Department and finishes at the Gloucester City Fire Department, planned for Saturday, October 13.

It was also announced that a Senior Health Fair for residents to receive shots against flu and pneumonia would be Thursday, October 18, from 9 a.m. until noon at the firehouse.

After the meeting, Councilman Marchese praised Gloucester City Library for the excellent programs that enticed over 9,000 patrons into the facility during the month of August alone.

On a personal note, the Councilman indicated that \”now that (he) has a senior student,\” he was looking forward to Senior Parents\’ Day on Saturday, October 13, when all of the fall sports teams at Gloucester City High would be celebrated.

The next meeting of City Council is Thursday, October 25, at 8 p.m. in City Hall, 313 Monmouth St.

ALL THINGS FIRE

All things Gloucester City