VAN GEMERT, GEORGE C.
On March 9, 2007, age 86 years, formerly of Audubon, NJ. He was the brother of Evelyn Duggins of Mt. Laurel, Charles and his wife Catherine of Voorhees, and the late Carl. He is also survived by two nieces and two nephews.
Mr. Van Gemert retired from Conrail and was a WW II US Marine Corps Veteran.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service Saturday, 11:00 AM in the ALLOWAY FUNERAL HOME, 315 E. Maple Ave., Merchantville, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Van Gemert\’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor\’s choice.

On March 5, 2007, of Gloucester City, NJ. Age 88 years.
Beloved wife of the late Karl F. Stout. Loving mother of Diane Silipino and Gary Stout. Her dear grandson Jason Kangas, his wife Betsy and great granddaughter Erika also survive her.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the ETHERINGTON-CRERAN FUNERAL HOME, 700 Powell St., Gloucester City, NJ 08030.
Edith\’s Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM. There will be no evening viewing. Interment Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, NJ.

reprinted with permission of Blue Jersey

by: Sharon GR

The state could see $653 million less than expected in taxes this & next year, creating real problems for the proposed budget- instead of a surplus, we\’d be $53 million in the red. The prediction is based on \”unexpectedly weak\” income tax payments for January. Treasurer Bradley Abelow told lawmakers that the state is nowhere near solving its budget problems, blaming in particular the $2.7 billion/year spent on debt service.

 

• More fun with finances: municipal governments have to increase their contribution to public employee pensions next spring, to the tune of $383 million. Expect to see that reflected in property taxes. State aid to municipalities is increasing by only $32.6 million.

 

• Middlesex County Assemblyman Peter Barnes Jr. was cleared by the Senate Judiciary committee to become the new State Parole Board Chairman. The nomination now goes to the full senate on Thursday; Barnes is expected to resign his Assembly seat today.

 

• The Assembly State Government committee approved A3403, a bill which prohibits investment of State pension and annuity funds in foreign companies doing business in Iran. The bill is now in the Appropriations committee.

 

• There\’s a rumor out there that Atlantic City Republican Assemblyman Frank Blee will be switching political parties and has met with Gov. Corzine to discuss it.

 

• The NJ Turnpike Authority adopted the state ethics code yesterday for its officers and employees, restricting the employees from accepting gifts related to their jobs. Chairman Joseph Simunovich settled ethics charges in January, after being accused of accepting plane trips in exchange for endorsing contractors for projects.

 

• PoliticsNJ posted a good overview of the Senate race in the 12th district, Karcher v. Beck, called The Battle of Monmouth.

 

• Some doctors will be receiving a dividend on their notoriously-expensive malpractice insurance this year. NJ PURE, insurer of 900 doctors, announced a dividend for a third of their policyholders after a year of paying out less than expected on claims.

 

• The deputy superintendent of elections for Mercer County, Republican Steve Cook, has resigned after a year of not speaking with the Democratic Superintendent Bettye Monroe. Former county clerk Catherine DiConstanzo, also a Republican, has been nominated to replace Cook.

 

• The NJ winner of last week\’s Mega Millions lottery hasn\’t come forward yet. The ticket was sold in a Woodbine liquor store.

By Lois Staas

News Correspondent

Lifelong Bellmawr resident and product of the town\’s school system, Frank Lynch, asked many pointed questions at the district meeting concerning the sudden resignation of former Superintendent Deborah Monahan.

 

During the second public portion of the meeting, Lynch asked about Monahan\’s doctorate and how she was hired.

The board reassured everyone that Monahan was certificated. Board President Ron Henry recalled that at the time of the hiring process six of the sitting board members had less than four years of experience. A consultant was hired at $5,000 to help with the search.

The New Jersey School Board Association assisted with the search and did the background check for certification. (The board, itself, is conducting the current search).

Mr. Lynch requested the salaries of the former superintendent as well as Mr. Timothy Bell, who had been superintendent prior to Monahan. Lynch also inquired if Bell held a doctorate, if Monahan earned more than Bell.

Henry replied that Mr. Bell had the higher salary having worked within the district as teacher, principal, and superintendent for forty years.

Business Administrator-/Board Secretary Bruce Finkle responded that the figures were not readily at hand, but that he would give them to Mr. Lynch the next day.

Lynch pressed the board for information about Monahan\’s doctorate. To this Board Solicitor John Wade replied that confidentially laws dealing with employees and personnel would not allow public discussion. The Board did contact the County Superintendent, received instructions, and acted accordingly.

\”In my opinion, somebody owes you guys\’ money,\” Lynch said. \”You got beat. You got ripped off. What are you doing about it?\” Lynch continued.

\”We have asked about it,\” Henry replied. \”I would rather see the money in the borough than in the county, what are you offering the interviewees?\” asked Lynch. \”That is negotiated. Our offer is undecided as yet,\” commented Henry.

Councilman Jim D\’Angelo was also present. \”In the Board\’s defense sometimes you get burned. They had to trust the New Jersey School Boards Association. They did the clearing. They did this to us.\” D\’Angelo said on a final not Frank Lynch requested the cost of the Bellmawr Pride newsletter. During committee reports Board Member Betty Sheppard related that the Negotiations Committee had met on February 26, and future dates would be announced.

As for the Summer Reading Program, Board member Jody Mangus reminded everyone that at the end of March a letter would go out to all parents inviting them to meet and give their input to the committee.

Bruce Finkle reported that not all of the State Aid that Bellmawr is designated to receive is unrestricted. A-bout $207,000 is for the expansion of the Early Childhood Program.

\”This is no tax relief for Bellmawr. There are a lot of strings attached,\” Finkle said.

Bell Oaks Principal Anthony Farinelli publicly thanked Counselor Lorraine Gancher for the successful registration of eighth grade students to Triton Regional High School. Farinelli also thanked Coaches Leary and Maz-zuca, Ms. Holt, and Mr. Duus for their work on the Boys and Girls 3 on 3 Fundraiser.

Olympic Conference Honors Band members were lauded: Stephanie Andrews, grade 8; Mrs. Sally Kolody, Director; Jessica Kolody, Courtney Clark, Valentina Bragg, and Matthew Flager-Triton Regional.

Kirandeep Mand, nominated by Mrs. Burns, will receive the Enthusiastic Reader Award in Trenton.

GEPA and NJ ASK tutoring are presently going on. \”Students are ready to go. The teachers have done a great job in preparing them for the test,\” Farinelli said.

Acting Superintendent and Bellmawr Park Principal Elizabeth A. Calabria gave, \”a special thank you to Mr. Dale Lanard, Mr. Glenn Cook, and Mr. Joe Ciano and the Borough employees for doing such an outstanding job during the recent snow and ice storm. It was grueling work over a four-day span, but our school was ready to open that Friday. I commend them for a job well done.

\”Mrs. Deborah Foster, Miss Jennifer Tofts, Mr. Doug Sexton, Mrs. Christine Monanero, and I were invited to participate in a teacher leadership program at the foundation for Educational Administration Building in Monroe Township. These workshops will aid us in creating a teacher leadership team whose focus will be on bringing the staff together to work collaboratively to improve school culture, climate and student success.

\”On Tuesday, February 20, we held a \’Million Dollar Machine\’ assembly. Fran Wright form the Police Station set up a visit from \’Gizmo\’ the machine, who spoke to the children about drugs, family, and being responsible for their Million Machine, their bodies.\”

Ethel M. Burke School Principal Frank E. Jan-kowski, Jr., was enthusiastic about students and staff celebrating the 100^th Day of School by counting off different items each numbering 100.

On February 13 students were treated to a visit from the Phanatic because of their participation in the \”Be a Phanatic About Reading\” program. The Phanatic was in rare form as students listened to a story about \”Super Phanatic\” and interested with the Phanatic.

On March 2 students honored Dr. Seuss\’s birthday by celebrating \”Read Across America\” with an array of literature-based activities. Some scheduled guest readers are Congressman Rob Andrews, Mayor Frank Filipek, Newscaster Terry Ruggles, Philadelphia Soul Arena Football representative, Po-lice Chief William Walsh, and Fire Chief Jim Burleigh.

 

 

I am writing this letter to inform the residents of town about the future of the Fort Nassau Playground. As the volunteer coordinator of Community Built Playground, I feel that I owe an apology to all the volunteers who assisted with the building of the playground. Eight years ago, I asked people to come out and help with this wonderful project. Back then it was great to see the community come together for the benefit of the children of this town.

Everyone involved in the project felt the true spirit of Gloucester City. But now it seems that after several meetings with City Officials, it has been decided by the City that this playground cannot be maintained properly and must be modified.

The modifications are very severe. The City officials have decided to tear down most of the components of the playground inside the picket fencing.

There have been several meetings to discuss the future of the playground. At the meeting on February 19 it was decided that the playground Committee members would assist in the cost and labor to bring the playground up to code.

According to the official survey dated April 11, 2006, the \”conditions at the Fort Nassau Park remain favorable and in good condition. Equipment at the park appeared to conform to CPCS Guidelines for the safety of children. However a few items of concern were noted during the survey and are offered as suggestions for improvement.\”

The most recent survey dated January 15, provided a complete listing of all necessary repairs to bring the playground up to code and even possibly meet yearly to make sure that the playground doesn\’t fall into disrepair again.

However, at the meeting held at the playground site on February 25, 2007, it appears that the City officials have \”changed their minds\” and all that was agreed upon at the February 19, 2007 meeting is now null and void.

The new City Officials have now made it clear that they do not want to deal with the issues of this playground and are unable to fully maintain it, so it needs to go!

Most people realize that it takes a lot of work to maintain a unique wooden playground and all of the people at the meetings understand the issues that occur at the site of the playground. We also realize that PSE&G had donated playground equipment to the city.

But do you have to tear down a playground in order to place that equipment on that site? Put the new equipment in an area of town that needs it the most. Why spend more money to tear it down when it will cost the city much less to make the changes that are needed? There are many options that have been discussed in order to work together to make some changes, but it seems that the city had already made their decision (even prior) to these so called meetings).

So for my apology to residents who donated money, sponsored playground equipment, provided food for the crews, lent your tools for the project, purchased a picket or paver, and who came out and donated their time for five days in the sun and rain to build this unique playground.

I am so sorry that all of your efforts are being destroyed after only eight years. It is very disheartening that other towns have made efforts to keep their community built playgrounds for over 15 years, but Gloucester City can\’t…or won\’t?

I will continue to try to work with the City Officials to save the playground; but as they say sometimes \”you just can\’t fight the City Hall\”.

Marie McNutt, Gloucester City

On March 10, 2007. Age 79. Of Thorofare. Formerly of the Borough of Wenonah. Son of the late Loren and Mildred Martin of Jacksonville, Florida. Cherished and beloved husband of 48 years to Geraldine Ella Martin (nee Savidge), (Ed.D. of Gloucester County Community College). Cherished father of Richard S. Martin, Jr. and Elizabeth Heenan Martin of Ocean City, NJ and Lenora \”Lori\” Martin Tetzner and John Albert Tetzner of Swansea, Illinois. Adored Poppy of Frank, Patrick and Hannah Martin and Samantha and Jessica Tetzner.

Dear Brother of Dorothy Martin Caffey of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and predeceased by brother Freeman Martin of Florida.

Richard loved his family above all else, loved playing in his bridge groups, singing in the Gloucester County College Community Chorus. He was gifted in the fine arts, playing with the Jacksonville Philharmonic Orchestra when he was 16 years old. Richard proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Civil Engineering. Richard attended graduate school at Wharton in Philadelphia and Glassboro State College. He was a member of the Florence Lodge Masonic Temple No. 87 F & AM in Woodbury. Richard worked as a certified data processor for CIGNA Insurance Company with 29 years of service.

Relatives, friends and members of all Richard\’s organizations are kindly invited to attend his visitation on Saturday from 10 to 11 am at Gloucester County Community College: In the College Center on Campus: 1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell, NJ 08080. Phone number for directions: 856-468-5000.

His Celebration of Life Service will be 11 am officiated by Pastor Larry Long of Verga United Methodist Church and Brother Tom Osorio of Saint John of God in Westville Grove. Cremation is private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Richard\’s memory to the Savidge / Martin Scholarship Fund of Gloucester County Community College Foundation: c/o the College at the above address. Please write in the memo of the check Richard S. Martin, Sr. Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to the family through our funeral home website www.mccannhealey.com 

Richard Searles Martin, Sr. Funeral Arrangements and Inquires may be made through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, (At Brown Street) Gloucester City. PH: 856-456-1142.

reprinted with permission of Blue Jersey

by: jay lassiter

Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 10:26:33 AM EDT

Good morning everyone and welcome to Monday\’s news roundup. I\’ll try to keep the commentary to a minimum but it won\’t be easy. Let\’s get right down to it!

 

Tom Hester Jr. reports that the days of nice gifts for lawmakers may be coming to an end. AP: Free meals, hotel rooms, golf games, train rides and Philadelphia Eagles tickets – those were some of the offerings enjoyed last year by New Jersey legislators. But the days of lawmakers enjoying food, lodging, entertainment and travel paid for by lobbyists may soon be over. Find out why.   The highest paid workers in the state? Here\’s a clue: it\’s not the Governor. Believe it on not, it\’s it was \”Lourdes Montezon, a clinical psychiatrist who admits and treats mentally ill patients at the Sen. G.W. Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital in Hunterdon County. Last year, Montezon made roughly $277,000, about $116,500 of that by working extra shifts.\” According to the pInky, 85 out of the top 100 paid state workers were mental health professionals whose base salaries were supplemented (sometimes doubled) by overtime pay.   Here\’s the latest about that horrifying (but titilating) tale from Atlantic City about a politician/priest, a hooker and a video camera. According to media reports, the blowjobee caught on tape was none other than City Councilman Eugene Robinson, described in his City Hall bio as a \”minister of the Gospel\” at the Second Baptist Church. Too bad he\’s not Catholic, he could just go to confession and move on with his life of hypocracy. Stay tuned.   Life ain\’t easy for the aging NJ politician. Tom Moran takes a look at the case of outgoing Sen. Littell.   Here\’s the latest on the \”That\’s a Family\” video that sent the Evesham school district into a tizzy. This story is not going away anytime soon, aparently.   The state budget review starts this week.   The Rutgers Camden provost who\’s at the heart of Wayne Bryant\’s no-show job lecturing gig (not to be confused with his arrangement at UNDNJ) takes umbrage with the suggestion that Bryant didn\’t deliver by saying \”This was not a no-show job. We netted significant value out of it.\”   This just in via NPR: Assembly Budget Chair Lou Greenwald (who happens to represent yours truly in the Statehouse) has promised that this year\’s budget will be signed sealed, delivered and available for public scrutiny by June 15. That date is much earlier than last year. More to follow on this one, too. The sun will set on Trenton today at 7:02pm. I am being literal, not metaphorical. Today will be 2:30 longer than yesterday and likewise tomorrow will be nearly 3m longer than today. Spring is in there air and I am so glad. This is an open thread. Fire away.

Some still haunted by impact of cheap Disney rooms in 1994.

Orlando Business Journal – March 9, 2007

by Bob Mervine

Staff Writer

KISSIMMEE — Many mom-and-pop hoteliers in the Four Corners and Kissimmee areas are wary of the massive \”value-priced\” resort project announced March 3 by Walt Disney World.

\”It\’s one of the most controversial projects they have done to date,\” says Steve Baker, theme park consultant and former Disney executive.

\”It\’s going to be very hurtful to the mom-and-pops,\” he says, of the small, family-owned and mainly unaffiliated motels that line U.S. Highway 192 from Kissimmee to U.S. Highway 27.

Some even predict at least a few lodging operators could be driven out of business by the project, which Disney says will include 4,000 to 5,000 competitively priced hotel and time share units near the west side of Disney property.

Shops, eateries in the mix

Disney says site work will begin later this year, with completion of the long-rumored Western Beltway project being finished in phases during the next eight to 10 years. The as-yet-unnamed project will go on 450 acres at the intersection of Western Way and State Road 429.

Disney plans to sell its property there to an as-yet-unnamed developer or group of developers and de-annex it from the Reedy Creek Improvement District into unincorporated Orange County.

Disney President Meg Crofton says the Western beltway resort will appeal to the value and mid-priced market, mixing non-Disney branded time share and low- to mid-rise hotel units with 300,000 to 500,000 square feet of retail space — shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and clubs — to service visitors staying in the complex, as well as Disney employees and area residents.

Not all bad

Not all hoteliers in the mom-and-pop category fear the new resort\’s impact.

Take Ron Matay, owner of the Golden Link motel at 4914 W. U.S. Highway 192 in Kissimmee. He welcomes anything that draws more people to the area.

After all, the customers who frequent his tidy, 84-room property on the edge of Lake Cecile come back year after year for the low rates — $35 to $65 a night — as well as personalized service.

Matay says his ongoing capital investments in everything ranging from new sheets to new air conditioners, as well as a fleet of jet skis on the lake, set the Golden Link apart from other nearby chain motels.

But mom-and-pop properties that don\’t invest in capital improvements eventually could be forced out of business by the planned new resort, says Matay.