New Jersey NEWS Round-Up Thursday March 8 by: jay lassiter reprinted with permission of Blue Jersey

Hoping to send a message to the President, the Assembly will vote on the Iraq troop surge today. \”We have the Department of Defense trying to act like the State Department,\” said Assemblyman Gordon Johnson, D-Bergen, a veteran of Desert Storm. Check back here on Blue Jersey for the vote tallies.   Residents have a common law right to video record public meetings here in the state says the NJ Supreme Court in a ruling yesterday. \”Openness is a hallmark of democracy – a sacred maxim of our government – and video is but a modern instrument in that evolving pursuit,\” wrote Chief Justice James R. Zazzali. \”Arbitrary rules that curb the openness of a public meeting are barricades against effective democracy.   During his campaign for Mayor of Newark, Cory Booker promised accessibility and \”face time\” with city residents. He\’s keeping that vow.   Here\’s the latest on the snub of Loretta Wienberg by the Bergen County dems. You might wanna hold your nose before reading. The more this battle rages on the uglier it gets, but one thing is clear and that is Loretta\’s ongoing support for (and from) the state\’s liberal netroots.   One gay couple had to shop around to find a township that would help them tie the knot. It took a while, but now the happy couple is just looking to live happily ever after. Finally.   Switching gears a bit, Trish Graber from NJ.com is reporting on the turnabout of the GOP regarding this probe by the Office of Legislative Services. Minority leader Leonard Lance promised a public airing, but now suddenly his party has gotted tight-lipped. Find out why.   The BurlCo GOP is fielding former Philly Flier to run for Assembly against Herb Conaway. Ironic that a left winger on the ice is a right winger in life. Judge for yourself. Did I miss something? Got a newsy tip? Lay it one me, Blue Jerseyans!

jay lassiter :: Thursday News Roundup

By Lois Staas

News Correspondent

Cub Scouts of America Bellmawr Pack 185 is back. During the public portion of the Mayor and Council meeting, Leader Kim Gallagher expressed the Pac\’s desire to become involved in the community through civic involvement.

 

Gallagher commented that the scouts could be active with the VFW, EMS, and police department. Scouts have assisted placing flags on veteran\’s graves in the cemetery, participating in Memorial Day services, presenting wreaths, marching in the Fourth of July Parade, helping on town clean up days, raking fall leaves, and shoveling snow.

Pac 185 meets the first, second and fourth Monday of each month. The meeting place is usually the community center, but may be temporarily relocated to the Walnut Avenue VFW due to some renovations at the center.

Several supporters were on hand to attest to the development of core values such as good character, physical fitness, practical skills and service.

The early part of the evening was dedicated to honoring those students who won the Bellmawr Fire Department\’s Fire Prevention Poster Contest Winners of 2006.

Chief Burleigh, Fire Marshal Ralph R. Jones, and Chief Calhoun were present to publicly congratulate everyone.

Chief Burleigh said, \”The contest makes a big difference to the fire service in bringing fire safety home.\” Burleigh continued by saying these winners will go on to the county and winners there would receive computers and scholarships. Then, the state would choose one poster to be the state\’s poster, which would be mass-produced and displayed in stores throughout the towns in New Jersey.

Councilman John Bollinger added, \”Thanks to the fire department, the children who participated, and the parents who care.\”

Bellmawr\’s Officials, Educators and Fire Department, believing in fire safety through education, have united with the Bureau of Fire Safety to assist tomorrow\’s leaders in making Bellmawr a \”Fire Safe\” community.

\”We are proud to introduce the students who were recognized for outstanding effort in 2006 United States Savings Bond Competition, each receiving a $50.00 Savings Bond and also to recognize all participating schools.\” They said.

The following winners received a certificate and a $50 Savings Bond:

Bellmawr Park School-Michael Shannon; Kindergarten, Caitlyn Abrams; 1^st grade, Jennifer Shannon; 2^nd grade, Kyle Convey; 3^rd grade, Lissette Montesdcoca; 4^th grade.

Ethel M. Burke School- Gabby Vanart; Kindergarten, George Jacob; SE, Neena Maloney; 3^rd grade, Vanessa Charles, 3^rd grade, Nick Davis and Helen McAleer; 4^th grade.

Annunciation School-Richard Borman; Kindergarten, Aine Shield; 1^st grade, Jenna Saiia; 3^rd grade, Shawn Ryan; 4^th grade, Katie Foster; 5^th grade, Shannon Grega; 6^th grade, Brianna Guinta; 7^th grade, Katie Croce and Nicole Hezlep; 8^th grade.

Saint Francis de Sales School-Ava Kuehner; kindergarten, William Siefer; 2A, Sara Rossi; 3A, Natalie Moody; 6^th grade.

Bellmawr\’s students submitted hundreds of outstanding fire safety posters. All student and participants and our educators truly deserve recognition for their contribution to fire safety in our community.

During the regular part of the meeting, Reverend Harry Pressley and Mr. Robert Scarborough were appointed and sworn in as Class I Special Officers.

James Burleigh was appointed Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator. Harry Corcoran was appointed member to the Planning Board and Jasper Garagozzo was appointed alternate.

During his report councilman Peter DiGiambattissta relayed that the borough had worked on the budget the past couple of weeks. \”In two weeks we will meet with the auditor and accountant and hand the budget over to the state.\”

Councilman James D\’Angelo said, \”The last snow storm took a big hit on us. The ice is what hurt us. The guys did the best they could.\” About six water mains burst due to the extreme weather.

D\’Angelo continued, \”In regards to the two new Class I Officers, it is one hell of a ride. It\’s not a job, but an adventure.\”

Councilman Stephen Sauter also congratulated the new appointees, \”They are a welcome addition to the force.\”

BATTERSBY, LILLIAN M.
(Nee Haines) On March 3, 2007, Age 106, of Collingswood Manor formerly of Westmont, NJ, passed away at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden. Wife of the late Anthony DiNapoli and the late Charles Battersby.
Beloved Aunt of Marion DeGrasse and Anne Marie Hertz. Also survived by many nieces and nephews from the DiNapoli, Durham, Hertz and Hicks families. With her special laugh and blue eyes, Lilly made friends easily. She will be greatly missed by many.
At her request there will be no viewing. Interment will be private at the convenience of her family, next to her husband Charles Battersby, at Schuylkill Memorial Park in Schuylkill Haven, PA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Westmont United Methodist Church, 200 Emerald Ave., Westmont, NJ 08108 or to Collingswood Manor, 460 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, NJ 08108. Arrangements by the JACKSON FUNERAL HOME of Westmont, NJ. For e-condolences please visit jacksonfh.net.

New Jersey NEWS Round-Up Wednesday, March 7

by: Hopeful reprinted with permission of Blue Jersey

Environmentals groups continue to oppose dredging the Delaware River. You can find the report at Delaware River Keeper\’s website. Meanhwile, the DRPA is still being held hostage by Governore Rendell, so there\’s no budget. It\’s enough to make the Supreme Court battle between Delaware and New Jersey look amicable.   There are public meetings about the proposal to raise bus, light rail, and train fares.   A plan to build an ethanol plant in Cumberland County seems to be on track.   Long Branch failed in its attempts to have both Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen to be and a nonprofit public interest firm kicked out of a eminent domain case. They are supporting landowners who are fighting the city.   The legislature is considering allowing traffic cameras at intersections to give tickets.   Non-profits have to obey the same disclosure rules as for-profit businesses, according to the state Election Law Enforcement Commission. Nonprofits say this will have a chilling effect since they will now have to ask directors about contributions, as well as be an administrative burden. The ELEC board says that since the donations are already listed in the candidates\’s reports, it won\’t be much of a chilling effect.   A Princeton study noticed that blacks at Ivy League schools are more much more likely to be immigrants or children or immigrants than the general population. They don\’t mention it, but both Colin Powell and Barack Obama fit into this group. Everything after this point is basically gossip.   So Union leader Carla Katz bought an expensive condo through an LLC corporation:   Union leader Carla Katz paid $1.1 million three months ago to buy a luxury condominium in the same Hoboken building where Gov. Jon Corzine lives. Corzine, who dated Katz for two years before running for governor and previously financed her purchase of a home in Hunterdon County, said last night that all financial ties between them were severed shortly after their relationship ended in late 2004.   Hoboken City Councilman Christopher Campos rejected a plea deal. He\’s accused of Driving While Intoxicated. The cop is also in trouble   The Asbury Park Press is calling for Monmouth County Republican Chairman Adam Puharic to resign or be \”pushed out the door.\”   In the \”it may be the Internet, but behave yourself\” department, it seems the new, lone Democrat on the Middletown Township Committee is not getting along with the Republicans. He says they\’re \”pompous,\” they say he\’s \”insensitive.\” I say he should drop the talk of sex organs in his e-mail. More seriously, a teacher is in trouble for sending her students sexually explicit text messages.

Hopeful :: News Roundup and Open Thread for Wednesday, March 7, 2007

photo by Bill Cleary

Tuesday South Jersey was pummel with wind gusts some as high as 45 mph. The weather forecast for Wednesday is calling for snow beginning between 7 am and 9 am. Some areas will see as much as four inches. Temperatures will range from a low of 15F to a high of 25F.

The photo was taken at Little Timber Creek, Brooklawn looking south towards Westville. If it is any consolation spring is only two weeks away.

D\’AURIAJOSEPH L.
Of Oaklyn & formerly of Westmont, on March 3, 2007, age 81 years.
Beloved husband of 57 years to Rose Anne D\’Auria (nee Carroll). Devoted father of Angela (Richard) Nez of Perkasie, PA, Julia (Brian) Forman of Cherry Hill, Marie (Robert) Bergbaurer of Ellicott City, MD, Joseph (Angela) D\’Auria of Cherry Hill, Elisa(Robert) Keane of Haddon Twp., Emilie Ryley of Drexel Hill, PA, Annamarie (Greg) Bokelman of Byan, TX, Michael (Ellen) D\’Auria of Okalyn & Gina (Greg) Groff of Westmont; 29 grandchildren, 5 great grandsons; and brother of Marie Malaski, Marguerite Szawlewicz & Louis D\’Auria.
A member of Camden Catholic High School Class of \’43, Joe served in the US Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. Mr. D\’Auria was awarded a BA Degree in English from St. Joseph College where he was President of the Glee Club. Mr. D\’Auria was Supervisor of Central Services at Drexel University, retiring in 1990. A resident of Oaklyn for the last 3 years, Joe & his family lived in Westmont since 1955, where he served as Choir Director at Holy Saviour & Pius X Churches. In earlier years Mr. D\’Auria sang at St. Rose & Old St. Joseph\’s.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday 7-9pm in St. Vincent Pallotti RC Church, 901 Hopkins Rd., Haddon Twp., NJ 08033. Funeral Thursday 9:30am. Funeral Mass 10am. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. Yeadon, PA.
The family suggests donations in Joe\’s memory to St. Vincent Pallotti RC Church. Arr. by BLAKE-DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, Collingswood.

New Jersey NEWS Round-Up Tuesday March 6

by: Sharon GR Reprinted with permission of Blue Jersey

(bump – promoted by jmelli) The Senate Budget and Appropriations committee advanced two anti-corruption bills yesterday: S1192 making it illegal to knowingly misuse public grants, loans or property for other than the intended use, and S1318, which would allow the Attorney General to seek financial penalties from those convicted of public corruption crimes (such as bribery.) Bills to exempt health club fees and parking from the sales tax and to make new state construction environmentally responsible also advanced. The Senate Economic Growth committee also advanced a bill to exempt the value of renewable energy systems from property taxes. Go solar!   A package of bills relating to autism passed easily yesterday in the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee. A full Assembly vote could come next week.   A bill to stop insurance companies from using education level or occupation as a determining factor for auto insurance rates died in committee yesterday. The bill would have rolled back reforms that have helped make insurance more affordable, according to Sheila Kenney of the Dept. of Banking and Insurance.   A man suing the Tropicana casino in Atlantic City, claiming that the secondhand smoke in which he had to work gave him lung cancer, has been fired. He says he was \”thrown under the bus\”; the casino says he wasn\’t being singled out and that they have laid off over 200 people this year. Doesn\’t look very good, does it?   Gov. Corzine is pushing his plan to to expand eligibility for the earned income tax credit to workers earning less than $40,000 a year. Currently, the income cutoff is $20,000.   Changes to rules for police academies could force some S. Jersey facilities to close. The Police Training Commission now requires two classes a year with a certain level of participation in order to maintain their status.   There is debate within the Monmouth County Republicans about whether or not Chairman Adam Puharic should continue in his position. He recently became a federal employee and is no longer participating in Repub fundraising, leading some to question what he can do for them.   A computer consultant for the city of Newark was charged with fraud, using his position to cheat the company out of up to $10million in computer hardware that he later resold.   It\’s cold. It\’s so cold that road construction work is being postponed on 95 and on Rts. 34/35. It\’s so cold that some folks need help paying their heating bills. Have at it, Blue Jersey: Open thread time!

Sharon GR :: News Round-up and Open Thread for Tuesday, March 6, 2007

GLOUCESTER CITY-Monday when I was taking photos of the work being done on the Fort Nassau playground on Johnson Blvd. I noticed another American Flag that should be replaced.

This flag is flying at the Lions Club rest stop about 25 feet from where the street department workers were renovating Ft. Nassau on March 5.

Last week when I was taking photos at Proprietors Park on King Street I found a similar flag that was torn and tattered. The City replaced it after I brought it to their attention. I don\’t know who is in charge of the flags that fly in our City but whoever it is I wish they would be more observant.

Sometimes in our busy lives we seem to forget or take for granted our freedom. Our forefathers fought for our right to fly that flag. And today our soldiers are fighting for the same purpose. Our flag should be given the respect that it deserves.

No doubt someone would argue it just happen because of the strong winds in recent days. If that is the case then take it down until you have a new flag to replace it.

And I like to suggest to those who work for our city that when they see something out of place, be it a flag, a fallen tree branch, a rusted bench or guard rail, speak up. Take some pride in your job and your community.

I don\’t feel that is too much to ask; do you? What is your opinion?

UPDATE-To be fair to the City I drove around today, Tuesday, to see if there were any other flags that were in this condition. To my disappointment I found the flag flying in front of the American Legion Post Home, Cumberland and Joys Streets, was torn. Also the flag flying in front of the Gloucester City Post Office needs to be replaced.

The worst flag was found in front of Anyzek Fuel, Market Street and Lane Avenue. The flag is torn in several pieces.

Section 8k of the Flag Code states, \”The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.\” We recommend that you contact your local VFW Chapter and ask them for help properly disposing of your flag. And be sure to consider providing a small donation to them for their assistance. Or you can contact your local Elks Lodge (who created the idea of Flag Day, established officially by President Truman, himself a member of the Elks), the American Legion, or the Knights of Columbus. Some Boy Scout and Girl Scout troups also can provide this service. READ MORE