CAPTIONS BY BILL BATES (PHOTOS BY JANET GREENWALD)

 

FUN NIGHT OUT – The Camden County Free Concert Series held an evening out at the Haddon Lake Park at the Mount Ephraim Little League Field Complex on Wednesday, August 15.

 

Many residents turned out for the event as the weather was as perfect as a summer night could get. (Above) The Ann Oswald Country Band entertains the crowd.

The Mount Ephraim Celebrations Committee was on hand to distribute soft pretzels that were provided and to give out bottled water that was donated by the American Water Company.

 

The M. E. Little League concession stand was open and the Cabana Water Ice Company was also on hand for the event.

 

Photo on the left, A few of the members from the Mount Ephraim Celebrations Committee pose for a quick picture as they were distributing pretzels, bottled water, and accepting donations for the committee

 

A special thank you goes out to all of the members from the Celebrations Committee and all of the Mount Ephraim Borough workers that made this event a successful one.

 

Mount Ephraim Celebrations Committee members…………………….

(from left) Janet Greenwald, Lil Eggers, and Karen Herman strike a pose as they enjoy the Camden County Concert Series on the perfect summer night.

 

 

 

 

Here is a view of some of the locals that turned out for the event.

 

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Gloucester City has moved the German ship anchor that had been located at the old Coast Guard Base on King Street for years. It is now positioned near the entrance of the City Marina at the intersection of King Street and Jersey Avenue.

The anchor was taken from a German freighter captured by the Coast Guard off of the Atlantic Coast during World War II. For 40 years or more the anchor sat at the entrance of the City Coast Guard Base. When the base was abandoned by the Coast Guard in 1986 they left the anchor. For the next 21 years the anchor remained on the property rusting away behind some high shrubs.

Thinking it would make a nice addition to the City Marina the mayor and council asked the members of Union Local 711 Painters and Allied Trades AFL-CIO if they would donate their time to scrape the rust off the anchor and paint it.

Photo: Two union apprentices, Krystal Carpenter and David Gregorio began the work on the project earlier this month.

The job was completed last week and the anchor was moved to its new location on Wednesday (August 22) by the Public Works Department.

No sooner was the anchor put in place someone wrote a complaint to the \”Notebook\” about the swastikas that are visible on the anchor.

The individual in part wrote, \”My suggestion would be to have a local welder come by and change those symbols to some sort of block or something that would mask the view of the swastika. Or get rid of it all together.

Until then I am afraid to say that my son will miss out on all the ships down by this harbor because I cannot subject him to such hatred, racism and death. We will seek other harbors outside the city that bring more comfort and heartfelt welcome to those who wish to enjoy.\” He signed the letter, Disappointed.

read the entire letter

 Gloucester City Mayor Bill James when asked about the negative remarks said, \”Because of it historic value the City decided it would be wrong to remove the symbols. In the near future a plaque will be placed at the foot of the anchor explaining the history of the anchor. Please tell your son that the swastika is a reminder of the evil that America defeated so that you and he and all of us could have the opportunity to enjoy a walk along the harbor.\”

Thursday, August 23, 2007

City Hall, 313 MONMOUTH STREET

 

Agenda

 

 

1. Call Meeting to Order:

 

2. Pledge of Allegiance

 

3. Roll Call:

 

4. Open Public Meetings Act Notice: This meeting is being held in accordance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, otherwise known as the \”Sunshine Law.\” It has been legally noticed in accordance with the law and copies have been given to those requesting the same.

 

5. Information Session – EPA Brownfields Clean-up Workplan – Vanguard Vinyl

 

6. Resolutions:

R204 Accepting a Grant from the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety

R205 Accepting a Grant from the United States Department of Homeland Security

R206 Endorsing a Contract Amendment to the Gloucester City Urban Enterprise zone FY2008 Administration Budget

R207 Authorizing a Place to Place Transfer of Plenary Retail Consumption License #0414-33-029-007 Heretofore Issued to Vitale\’s Italian Eatery II, Inc.

 

7. Ordinances:

For second reading and public hearing this evening:

O20 Amending Ordinances O06-2007, O10-2004 Regulating the Salaries of the Employees of the City of Gloucester City, County of Camden, State of New Jersey.

 

8. Old Business/New Business:

a) Bills paid from July 20 to August 15, 2007 $538,340.67

 

Bills approved on August 23, 2007 $375,684.74

__________________

Total amount being approved $914,025.41

 

9. Open Forum:

The Governing Body has approved the following rules governing the procedures of the Open (General) Public Forum: Any citizen or taxpayer wishing to address the Governing Body may do so after approaching the rail, stating his or her name and address and being recognized by the chair. Said citizen or taxpayer will then be permitted to address the Governing Body for five minutes. After all persons wishing to address the Governing Body have had the opportunity, persons may approach the rail for a second and final five-minute interval during this session.

 

10. Adjournment:

Bill,

I was driving past the Gloucester City Harbor yesterday with my son and I noticed this very large anchor next to the entrance. My son was all excited about this because he is so fascinated with ships. We come to the harbor every Sunday to walk and watch the ships go past. As we get closer to the anchor my eyes notice two swastikas on each side of the anchor. These swastikas were not graffiti; they were of the original design and are welded on.

I was in such a total shock I almost drove right past the stop sign. I had to turn around and take a double look. Please Please Please tell me my eyes have deceived me and tell me the new political powers have not made this awful decision to plant this anchor here for good.

I am thrilled to see all the new changes being made in Gloucester City and I am really impressed with the progress so far to date but this choice seems to be a bad one.

Now Bill, the swastika has had many meaning, many of which used to have a positive influence but that was until Germany and the Nazi Party used that symbol as their own to murder millions upon millions of people. Since this time the symbol of the swastika has been seen as a symbol of hatred, racism and death. I am sure that other will be dissatisfied with the choice made by Mayor James to place this anchor at our harbor.

The harbor is a family place that is suppose to bring joy and comfort. The harbor is a frequent place for older individuals who might have served in our military during the time of the swastika and by seeing these symbols thoughts of those days may come back to haunt them. Not to mention the 7 million plus people who have died by thoughts of these symbols is a good enough for any not have down by the harbor.

Nothing good can ever come from the swastika anymore and I really hope that Mayor James makes the right decision to change the situation at hand.

My suggestion would be to have a local welder come by and change those symbols to some sort of block or something that would mask the view of the swastika. Or get rid of it all together.

Until then I am afraid to say that my son will miss out on all the ships down by this harbor because I cannot subject him to such hatred, racism and death. We will seek other harbors outside the city that bring more comfort and heartfelt welcome to those who wish to enjoy

 

Signed Disappointed

 

Note from Bill: Dear Disappointed I talked to Mayor Bill James about your concerns and he gave me the following statement, \”The anchor came from a German freighter captured off of the Atlantic Coast by the Coast Guard during World War II. The Coast Guard displayed the anchor at their base in Gloucester City for over 40 years. When it was first placed at the King Street property there was a Jewish Synagogue a block away. Because of it historic value the City decided it would be wrong to remove the symbols. In the near future a plaque will be placed at the foot of the anchor explaining the history of the anchor. Please tell your son that the swastika is a reminder of the evil that America defeated so that you and he and all of us could have the opportunity to enjoy a walk along the harbor.\”

 

Gloucester City has a new postcard which was designed by local artist Earl Nazar. The cost to produce and print the postcard was funded by the Gloucester City Urban Enterprise Zone.

Using the theme \” Gloucester City Old and New\”, Nazar drawings depict the original City Municipal Building, fishermen hauling in nets full with shad, Billy \”The Duke of Gloucester\” Thompson\’s Mansion with the Immigration Station attached to it.

Also depicted is one of the City benches that were painted in 1976 to celebrate the Nation\’s Bi-Centennial, the Walt Whitman Bridge, and the modern day Gloucester City Library.

Residents can obtain two free postcards at the Municipal Building, at 512 Monmouth Street.

Courier-Post staff

CHERRY HILL

Jim Fifis, who rose from a dishwasher\’s job to oversee one of South Jersey\’s best-known restaurants, has died.

Mr. Fifis, 68, was a partner with his three sons at Ponzio\’s in Cherry Hill. He died of natural causes Wednesday.

Born in Andros, Greece, Mr. Fifis came to the United States in 1966. He started out washing dishes at Ponzio\’s in Brooklawn, a restaurant run by family members.

He became a partner in the Brooklawn diner in 1971, then sold his interest to become a partner at Ponzio\’s in Cherry Hill in 1992.

His three sons joined him as partners at the Route 70 restaurant in 2000.

The Cherry Hill resident represented a generation of \”Greek pioneers\” who came to America to provide a better life for their families, said his son, Christopher Fifis of Lumberton.

\”He came here determined to work . . . so his family could get the opportunities he never had,\” said his son, noting Mr. Fifis regularly pitched in with restaurant chores. \”No job was beneath him.\”

\”He died a rich man,\” the son added. \”He died with his family around him, with a lot of love and dignity.\”

Mr. Fifis also is survived by his wife, Violetta, sons John of Cherry Hill and Nick of Medford, and seven grandchildren.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and after 11 a.m. Monday at St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church, 615 Mercer St., Cherry Hill.

Services will be held at the church at 12:30 p.m. Monday.

Burial will be in Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill.

Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Evesham 08053-9841.

Source http://www.courierpostonline.com 

  

Category Mount Ephraim

By Bill Bates 

NEWS Correspondent 

According to the American Cancer Society, there were 556,902 cancer deaths in the United States in 2003, the latest information available on their website. Most likely you or someone you know has been affected by cancer. My close friend\’s aunt, Kathy Muendel, died 4 years ago from cancer on August 2, 2003. I had a childhood friend\’s father, another Mount Ephraim resident, Denny Kerper, die from cancer 7 years ago on August 10, 2000.

One of my supervisors at my full-time employment battled cancer for several years and successfully beat the disease and is now healthy.  

PHOTO BY CHARLIE MUENDEL 

RIDING FOR A GREAT CAUSE – Members of \”Team Twin Rose\” pose for a quick picture shortly after 6 a.m. as they were loading a box truck with their bikes that would be dropping them off in Philly to complete the 70 mile bike route for the 35th Annual ACS Bike-A-Thon.

Pictured (from left standing) Jason Lindsley, Neil Brooks, Pat Bocchicchio, Maria Bates, Bill Bates, Eric Pedersen, and Paul Frantz. Seated in middle are Patricia Frick (Kathy\’s \”twin\” sister), & Robin Muendel (one of Kathy\’s daughters).

Missing from the photo is Team Captain Charlie Muendel (taking the photo) who works diligently with his daughters, family members and close friends to put Team Twin Rose together every year to ride in honor and memory of his wife. 

Three out of five people know someone who has cancer. We all have heard stories that are encouraging an uplifting while others are discouraging and tragic. That is the case hears a wonderful wife and mother of three, surrounded by loving family and friends lost her battle to this disease. 

Members from the \”Team Twin Rose\” rode in loving memory of the Mount Ephraim resident, Kathy Muendel, during the 35th Annual American Cancer Society Bike-A-Thon that was held on Sunday, July 15. The race started at 7 a.m. at the base of the Ben Franklin Bridge and proceeded through South Jersey where it eventually ended at the Buena Vista Camping Park grounds. 

Members from the team met at the local Guiseppi\’s Bar & Restaurant, one of the team sponsors, to load their bikes and head over to Philly to the start of the race. The race was a 70 mile route which winded its way through Cherry Hill, Shamong, Hammonton, Elwood, Estell Mannor, and eventually ending up in Buena. 

One of the biggest challenges that many of the riders were faced with was trying to beat the heat as the temperature reached a very sunny and humid 94 degrees. Thankfully, there were several rest stops that were set-up by the American Cancer Society along the route that were well stocked with water, oranges, bananas, and energy bars.  

The Team Twin Rose had a total of 10 riders who took part in this year\’s race and five support staff that met the riders at each designated rest stop to cheer them on and to help if they needed anything. 

PROUDLY DISPLAYING – The Support Staff of Team Twin Rose proudly displays a homemade sign in loving memory of Kathy Muendel that was displayed for all riders to see as they entered each rest stop during the race. 

 

A special THANK YOU goes out from the entire Muendel Family to all of the riders who participated this year and for all the money they helped raise to donate to the ACS.

A special THANK YOU also goes out to the sponsors who helped purchase team shirts for the riders and support staff.

 

This years\’ team sponsors were Brooks Hydraulics of Mount Ephraim, Guiseppi\’s Family Restaurant & Bar of Mount Ephraim, Winner Ford of Cherry Hill, Freeride Bike Shop of Haddonfield, John\’s Barbara Shop of Audubon, and Designer T\’s of Cherry Hill.  

Team Twin Rose together helped raise $3,055.00 for the American Cancer Society which goes to research, advocacy, and education, but also for vital programs and services that give people hope and answers. A grand total of 1.7 million dollars was raised this year during the ACS Bike-A-Thon according to their website and over 4,600 riders rode for a cure last year, with this year\’s number unavailable at this time.

The team looks forward to the race next year and as usual, will start training several weeks in advance for the race. 

Team Twin Rose enjoyed an after party at one of the support staffs residences where everyone enjoyed great food, drinks, and conversation around the pool. Most importantly, they socialized and remembered the life of a wonderful person who may no longer be with us, but will never be forgotten as long as Team Twin Rose is around. 

Francis I. Kain, of Gloucester City, passed away on August 21, 2007 at the age of 84. Loved and cared for by his wife of 55 years Claire T. (nee McKiernan).

Devoted father of Joseph F. Kain and wife Margaret, Mary Margaret Campbell and husband Mark, Claire Marie Devereaux and husband James, Brian Kain and wife Barbara, Bernadette Gruff and husband George, Charles P. Kain and wife Denise, Stephen K. Kain and wife Debbie and Colleen Piechowski and husband Joseph, Jr.

Dear Brother of Robert Kain and wife Ruth and John Kain and wife Eleanor. Loving grandfather of 17. Beloved Brother-In-Law of Mary McKiernan. Survived by many nieces and nephews.

Francis was born, raised and lived his entire life in Gloucester City. He was a graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School in 1940. Francis proudly served our country during World War II in the U.S. Navy. He worked as a steamfitter and was a 59 year member of Steamfitter\’s Local Union #420 in Philadelphia, PA. Francis was a devoted lifelong parishioner of Saint Mary\’s R.C. Church in Gloucester City and was a proud member of the Gloucester City Knights of Columbus #674 since 1948. He was a member of the Townsend C. Young V.F.W. Post # 3620 in Gloucester City.

Relatives, friends and members of all Francis\’ organizations are kindly invited to attend his viewing on Friday evening from 6 to 9 pm and Saturday morning from 9 to 10 am at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, (at Brown Street) Gloucester City.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 am at Saint Mary\’s R.C. Church: 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Interment with U.S. Navy Military Honors in New Saint Mary\’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.

Family requests that memorial donations be made in Francis\’ memory to Our Lady of Lourdes Health Foundation: 1600 Haddon Avenue, Camden, NJ 08103 or Saint Mary\’s Special Fund: at the above address.

Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to the family through the funeral home website www.mccannhealey.com under online obituaries of Francis I. Kain.

CATEGORY AROUND TOWN 

The Gloucester City Breakfast Club will meet Saturday, August 25^th at 9 PM at the Dining Car Depot, Monmouth Street and the Railroad, Gloucester City. To be a member you must be a male, cross dressers are okay, and you must eat breakfast. The final requirement is being able to laugh.

Those who attended the July meeting included: John Hindsley, Bill (Wimby) Yeager, Bob Sliwa, Bob Bevan, Harry Blymer, Earl Kaighn, Bill Cleary, Gary Marcucci, Len Lacovara, Chalie Tourtual, Bob Bevan, Walt Hall, Bob Cline, Joe DiGiacomo, Tom Choo Choo Murphy and Ron Raube.

Also, Jim Coppola, Ed Simila, Joe Boulden, Frank (aka Reds) Grandizio, Butch Shaffer, Chalie Pitzo, Frank DeFelice, Mike Greene, Joe Miller and Ron Villanova. Treasurer report: B. Cleary and Pitzo opened a bank account recently at the The Bank in Bellmawr. August statement shows there is a total of $153 in the account.

PS :Someone remind Raube and DeFelice the meeting starts at 9 AM not noon. view photo album

View photo album of Breakfast Club 

View photo album of Breakfast Club

view photo album