Rainy Season and Umbrella Politics

WHEN EAST MEETS WEST 

Commentary By Hank F. Miller Jr. 

 

It always surprises me that with year after year of rainy seasons, the Japanese aren\’t better prepared for it.  

They slog through the rain and puddles with just umbrellas and arrive at work hurried in soaked pants legs and water logged shoes. No one bothers to wear rain boots or galoshes. Umbrellas and umbels only, rule. 

 

The wise person treats his umbrella as a sword.  

The umbrella is used only to defend against the rain, but when it is closed can effectively be used to secure a seat on the train when throngs of people are headed for that one seat. 

When walking around outside, your umbrella should always be close to your fingertips, so you\’ll be ready for any surprise week-long downpours. It is a shame that as of yet, there is no umbrella sheath, like a sword sheath, that we could attach to our waist to conveniently carry umbrellas. 

There is a logical reason for this, however.Such a device would go against the principles of umbrella design. 

You see, the umbrella is a specifically designed to be left behind on trains and in restaurants.Yes,believe it or not, as soon as you take hold of your umbrella, it is planning its escape! 

This is because umbrellas are not loyal to their masters, but to their manufactures. It\’s all part of the Great Umbrella Scheme. Now you understand why umbrellas have that J-shaped handle that begs to be hooked onto the nearest rail. 

All it takes is a momentary parting with your umbrella to assure it will be forgotten. In addition, umbrellas are designed to become a nuisance as soon as they are closed so you\’ll want to put them down as soon as possible. 

Their long and slender shape is such that they cannot be easily stored near their owner but must instead be put into an umbrella stand at the very front of a restaurant or building. 

Creating great physical distance between the umbrella and its owner is another key to assuring the umbrella will be forgotten hours later. The Great Umbrella Scheme is responsible for hampering the development of better umbrella designs. Umbrellas are one of the few products that are not being constantly improved to help keep us dryer, fresher and more beautiful. 

Although we are in dire need of a full body umbrella, which would keep the lower body as dry as the upper body, no one has bothered to develop the umbrella skirt, for example. Skirts made from actual umbrellas would be a welcome addition to any woman\’s wardrobe to keep the rain off stockings and shoes. 

Umbrellas \”hakama\” \”Japanese men\’s traditional dress during the days of the Samurai.\”Now these would be perfect for men. But no one would leave these behind. 

Another obvious fashion item hampered by the Great Umbrella Scheme is sponge clothing. Rather than fighting the rain, we could come to better terms with it by absorbing it fully, then wringing ourselves out at our destination. 

But again, no one would leave their clothes behind. So, until someone takes it upon themselves to break through the Grand Umbrella Scheme, we will be stuck in this vicious umbrella cycle, always needing to replace the one we just left behind.  

 

Warm Regards from Kitakyushu City, Japan 

 

 

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Brooklawn Duck Race and Fun Day

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Gloucester High was playing a near-perfect game, but then…

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

 

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School District Correspondence Made Public Page 3

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! 


 

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PIRATES DEN DEMOLISHED

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

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Junk Yard Fire in Camden City; One Fireman Injured

source FirefightersNews.com

Camden New Jersey Shortly before 1 p.m. on an extremely hot June 1st day Camden County NJ Fire Radio was receiving numerous phone calls for a fire in a junk yard in the 1400 block of Ferry Avenue in the South Camden section of the City. Camden Fire fighters at the Liberty Street Station that is located about six blocks away were just finishing up a training session.

Fire fighter Brian Beach of Rescue 1 was just going out the back door and observed a huge black column of smoke that was drifting towards the station. He ran in to tell Battalion Chief 1 Mark Kogut as the tones were now going out for the fire. Members of Engine 8, Rescue 1 knew that they were heading towards a working fire.

Just minutes later as they arrived, Captain Herb Leary of Engine Co. 8 reported that he had a large empty storage tank on fire in the center of the junkyard. Battalion Chief 1 Mark Kogut was now arriving and he informed fire radio that he would be using All Hands working at this fire. Fire radio dispatched Squad Co. 7 on the All Hands fire.

Companies were now laying in their largest lines as Engine Co. 8 made their way into the junkyard and were leading off with a 2 1/2 inch attack line. Engine Co. 8 was able to dump their water tank to make a quick knock down just as Engine Co. 1 was charging their line backing up Engine Co. 8.

Huge black smoke could be seen for miles throughout the city. Within 10 minutes fire fighters were able to have most of the fire knocked down and in a few minutes later the fire was completely extinguished.

Battalion Chief Kogut was able to quickly place the fire Under Control. It was later discovered that workmen were trying to remove a rubber liner from inside the storage tank and sparks from their torches ignited it causing the fire.

As fire fighters were packing the hose lines Battalion Chief Kogut\’s leg was entangled in one of the hose lines along with another fire fighter causing both of them to fall. Chief Kogut injured his knee and back and was transported to the hospital by Camden EMS Unit. 

 

 Written and photos by Bob Bartosz – FD Photographer 

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Fireman\’s Hall Museum Fire Safety Exposition & Muster

It’s back and bigger than ever…
October 14, 2007

Featuring:
Interoperable Communications Seminar
Fire Fighter Contests
Static Apparatus Displays
Equipment Demonstrations
Firematic Flea Market
Live Entertainment
and Plenty of Good Food
Vendors Space Available
Mail-in Registration

Registrations Begins At 8:00 AM

Gates Open at 10:00 AM

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obit Bertha V. Stinsman, Gloucester City

STINSMAN, BERTHA V.
On June 4, 2007, (Nee Brangan) of Gloucester City, NJ. Age 68 yrs.Beloved wife of James L. Stinsman. Loving mother of James L., Jr. (Mary) of Deptford, Michael J. of Gloucester City and Lisa Kotzen (Michael) of Cherry Hill. Devoted grandmother of Chrissy, Sherry, Alicia, Tina, Jimmy, Megan, Madison, Kylie andEmma and dearest great grandmother of Brittany, Nicholas, Raelyn, Austin, Dyland and Alex. She was also the dear sister of Albert Brangan (Bette) of Berlin, NJ.
Mrs. Stinsman wasa devoted homemaker. She loved caring for herfamily and cooking.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet Wed. morning from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the ETHERINGTON-CRERAN FUNERAL HOME, 700 Powell St., in Gloucester City. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon. Interment to be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers her family has requested memorial donations in Mrs. Stinsman\’s memory be made to Virtua Health Foundation 609-914-8680 or American Lung Asso-ciation 212-315-8700

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Controversy over Location of Fort Nassau is Stopping Brooklawn from Making Improvements

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.

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Bellmawr Student Government Day

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.

 

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