Frederick J. Lesser, of West Deptford; Coached and Umpired Youth Sports, Dupont Retiree

Fred Lesser

WEST DEPTFORD NJ–Fred Lesser (81) a West Deptford, NJ resident for 53 years passed away on March 16, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Fred was born in Brooklyn, NY, moved throughout the years and attended Clayton High School graduating with the Class of 1958. After retiring from DuPont in Deepwater, NJ, in 1993 he became a school bus driver until 2017. He loved coaching midget football, basketball & baseball in the 60\’s, then experienced umpiring Little League baseball and softball which became his joy until 2017. Fred attended Kemble Memorial UMC, was a member of the Woodbury Poly Pros and was also a proud volunteer on the USS New Jersey BB-62.

Fred is survived by his loving wife Carol (nee Brant) of 58½ years; loving daughters Karlie Pollitt (Mike) of Gloucester City and Janet Sheehan (dear friend Mark) of Bellmawr; 3 grandchildren Drew Pollitt, Brianna Pollitt & Patrick Sheehan; sisters Marilyn Sweeney of Limerick, PA & Joyce Penrod (Larry) of Bushnell, FL; many dear in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, great friends and the best neighbors.

He is predeceased by his parents Bill & Goldie Lesser and 3 sisters, Carolyn Groff of TN, Frances Parker of Wales, UK & Gail Pinto-Sanders of FL.

Friends and relatives are invited to his viewing on Saturday, March 21, 2020, from 11am to 12pm at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312, followed by a service at 12pm. As the Lesser family, we understand the precautions being taken at this time which could prevent a visit personally; however, being with us in spirit and through thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity in Fred\’s name. Please sign the guestbook or send condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net.

\’I am my brother’s and my sister’s keeper\’

Steven B. Brooks

FEB 2020

Topsham, Maine–

There have been times when those participating in Corey E. Garver American Legion Post 202’s Winter Classic in Topsham, Maine, have slid on ice trying to run to first base, broken through a crusty layer of snow running down a fly ball, or even disappeared into a fluffy, four-foot pile of the white stuff attempting to dive for a ball in foul territory.

Not ideal conditions for softball, but that doesn’t matter at all to those who have been taking part in the annual fundraiser – some for all six years of its existence. From sub-zero temperatures to snow drifts lining the field adjacent to Post 202, the conditions don’t matter as much as the event’s cause: raising money to help end the veteran homelessness issue in Maine.

The motto for the event, which took place on Feb. 22 this year, is concise and to the point: “We play in the cold so that veterans don’t have to live in the cold.”

“That’s all this is about,” Post 202 Commander Nancy Laffin-Gillespie said. “Yes, we’re having fun. It’s a unique thing playing in the snow. But the reality is people live in the cold. Everybody here knows the reason why they’re here is to keep people out from the cold.”

The idea for the Winter Classic came from former Post 202 Commander Nik Hamlin, who helped save a nearly defunct Post 202 in 2013 and now is a member of American Legion Post 158 in Lisbon to be closer to home. But Hamlin doesn’t like to take credit for a vision that has grown bigger every year.

“I can’t take credit for this event because it’s a community event,” Hamlin said. “I can’t do this without everybody. When it comes to tackling any kind of issues that affect society, it’s going to take the community to do it.”

Laffin-Gillespie said the post is in the right community to make something like the Winter Classic a success. “We are very lucky here in the state of Maine. Our veteran community is amazing,” she said. “We all come out together and try to help in any way we can for any veteran problems.”

Each year the money raised has gone to a local or state program that includes among its mission eradicating veteran homelessness. This year’s funds went to Maine Veterans In Need, a non-profit that consist of members of the Maine American Legion, the Bureau of Maine Veteran Services, the Department of Veterans Affairs and other service organizations.

Teams were asked to donate $200, but many upped that donation. Additional funds raised and donated, along with a raffle and 50-50 drawing, brought this year’s total raised to more than $4,500 – triple what the event raised in 2019.

While Hamlin was pleasantly surprised by the donation total, “I feel if I wasn’t able to (donate that amount) this whole thing would feel hollow,” he said. “To be able to do that … I can see the fruits of my labor. I can see where the money goes. I can see those affected by it. I owe it to the people that come here to donate it to a place that’s a good place to accomplish the mission.”

Post 202 has thrived in part because while embracing traditional American Legion programs, it also takes a unique approach to carrying out its other missions – such as the Winter Classic.

“What we found with this is you can do it in a fun way,” said Department of Maine Commander Matthew Jabaut, a member of Post 202. “Too many times our events are maybe a little too solemn or a little too formal. If you can do a lot of cool, good, serious work in a fun way, it’s able to reach people, and then people really want to get active and engaged and be part of that. And then there’s that good feeling when you leave … and you’re not just having fun to have fun. You’re also doing it for a good cause.”

Laffin-Gillespie transferred to Post 202 around two years ago because of what the post has been able to accomplish over the past six-plus years. “I really like this post has a good grasp on the mission of The American Legion,” she said. \”It has a good grasp on veteran issues that need raised (and) that people need to be educated on. And we make progress in trying to help these problems.”

One of those problems is veteran homelessness, which has dropped considerably in part due to the efforts of Maine Veterans In Need, but still remains an issue in a state with a long, brutal winter season. “Veterans, especially when they’re transitioning, can fall into a lot of holes. I, myself, was a couch surfer for a while when I got out,” Laffin-Gillespie said. “Having a place that’s your home – your own home – means a lot. That’s why it’s important to me that I can help any veteran that I can. If this helps them to get a hotel room for five days just to get them off the street … that’s great.”

Those who participate in the Winter Classic share the same sentiment. Russ Taylor, a longtime member of the Sons of The American Legion and the current SAL Squadron 86 commander, has been a part of four of the six years of the Winter Classic, playing on a team consisting of American Legion Family members from Post 86 in Gray, Maine. Every year Post 86 has fielded a team for the event.

“We’ve never done very well, but we have fun and it’s for a good cause,” Taylor said. “We can go play in the snow for one day (and) a homeless veteran doesn’t have to live in the cold – that’s why we do it.\”

Team Grateful, which plays out of Lovell, Maine, has won the past two Winter Classics. But while the squad celebrated after its most recent championship, that’s not what motivated the squad to drive 90 minutes each way to play at Post 202.

Rich Massey, a member of Team Grateful, has participated in five Winter Classics with his team. “I think the biggest reason I do this is I didn’t serve,” he said. “This is how I try to pay it back: doing stuff like this and contributing any way I can. We love this, and we’ll be back every year.”

The double-elimination tournament started at 10 a.m. and wrapped up at around 5:30 that evening. Music played throughout the day, while those attending could get assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ mobile Vet Center, which was set up outside the post.

Also in Post 202’s parking lot was a trailer converted over to

temporary homeless veteran housing

by Charles E. Sherman Jr. Post 36 Legionnaires Ed Harmon and Arthur Richardson. The Winter Classic gave participants and spectators a chance to check out the trailer, which is intended to be a prototype for a larger future fleet of similar trailers.

Harmon said it’s important to work together to end veteran homelessness. “It’s going to take a team to solve this issue,” he said. “It won’t just be one individual.”

But the Winter Classic started with one person: Hamlin. And it’s a cause that gets him emotional at times. Prior to the start of this year’s tournament, he shared with the participants the story of Navy veteran Russell Wilson, who died this winter in his sleeping bag near railroad tracks in Brunswick.

“We’re here to stop that. We’re here to make that (stuff) never happens again,” Hamlin said, his voice breaking a bit. “Help me make sure that never happens again. It takes a community to save a community.

\”I am my brother’s and my sister’s keeper.”

SOURCE THE AMERICAN LEGION

Gloucester County Animal Shelter is calling for volunteers

(Clayton, NJ)—Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger and Freeholder Deputy Director Frank J. DiMarco want to remind Gloucester County residents of volunteer opportunities at the Gloucester County Animal Shelter (GCAS).

The GCAS handles over 3,000 domestic animals a year. Volunteers are a huge help in making the shelter successful and keeping foster pets happy.

“Volunteering at the Gloucester County Animal Shelter is an amazing way to assist the animals we currently house,” Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said.

Volunteers will assist in a number of different ways including walking dogs, socializing cats and kittens, escorting potential pet parents through our adoption areas and assist with light cleaning. Volunteers must be of 18 years of age to apply.

Freeholder Deputy Director Frank J. DiMarco, Liaison to the Gloucester County Animal Shelter, encourages all pet lovers to apply.

“There’s something for every volunteer to do at the shelter,” said Freeholder DiMarco. “We know the age requirement for volunteers limits a lot of our animal lovers from helping at the shelter, but there’s other ways to get involved like donating items to the shelter or fostering animals with your family.”

To get started, fill out a volunteer application at

http://bit.ly/volunteerGCAS

For more information on the Gloucester County Shelter or any questions on volunteering, visit

http://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/depts/a/shelter/default.asp

or call (856) 881-2828.

Route 42 northbound lane closures required as Bridges over Timber Creek project advances

(Trenton)

– New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced overnight lane closures on Route 42 northbound as the Bridges over Timber Creek and Lower Landing Road project advances in Gloucester, Camden County and Deptford, Gloucester County.

Beginning at 10:30 p.m., tonight, Friday, February 21, NJDOT’s contractor, Richard E. Pierson Construction Company, is scheduled to close the left and center lanes on Route 42 northbound in the vicinity of the bridges and shift traffic into the right lane to install construction barrier to prepare for a traffic shift. One lane of northbound traffic will be maintained.

By 5:30 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, February 22, all three lanes on Route 42 northbound will reopen. The left lane of Route 42 northbound will cross into the median and return to the mainline beyond the staged work area. This configuration will remain in place until summer 2020.

The $9.6 million federally-funded project, which began in September 2017, will demolish and replace the two bridge deck spans on the Route 42 Bridges over Timber Creek and Lower Landing Road and make repairs to the piers and abutments. The project has been designed in stages with the bridge deck replaced one side at a time to reduce the impact to motorists. Work is anticipated to be complete in fall 2020.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website

www.511nj.org

for construction updates and real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter

@NJDOT_info

or on the

NJDOT Facebook page

Tomlin Station Road/CR 607 Bridge over I-295 to close tomorrow deck replacement project begins

Signed detour will be in place

(Trenton)

(February 20, 2020)–– New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the closure and detour of the Tomlin Station Road/CR 607 Bridge over I-295 to begin a bridge deck replacement project in Greenwich, Gloucester County.

Beginning at 7 a.m., tomorrow Friday, February 21, NJDOT’s Contractor, South State, Inc. is scheduled to close the Tomlin Station Road Bridge over I-295. The following signed detour will be in place:

Tomlin Station Road northbound detour:

Motorists wishing to take Tomlin Station Road northbound will be directed to turn left onto the ramp to I-295 north/Route 130

Take Exit 16A towards Swedesboro Road

Keep right at the fork and continue onto Swedesboro Road

Turn left onto the ramp to I-295 south/Route 130

Take Exit 15 to Tomlin Station Road/CR 607

Turn left onto Tomlin Station Road/CR 607 northbound

Tomlin Station Road southbound detour:

Motorists wishing to take Tomlin Station Road southbound will be directed to turn right onto the ramp to I-295 south/Route 130

Take Exit 14 and turn left at the stop sign onto Repaupo Station Road

Turn left onto the ramp to I-295 north/Route 130

Take Exit 15 to Tomlin Station Road/CR 607

Turn right onto Tomlin Station Road/CR 607 southbound

The $3 million federally-funded Tomlin Station Road/CR 607 Bridge over I-295 Bridge deck replacement project will replace the bridge deck, which is in poor condition. In addition to replacing the deck, the project includes curb work, new parapets and sidewalks, and guardrail improvements. The project is expected to be completed by August 2020.

Variable message signs are being utilized throughout the project limits to provide advance notification to motorists of all traffic pattern changes associated with the bridge project.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT\’s traffic information website

www.511nj.org

for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter

@NJDOT_info

or on the

NJDOT Facebook page

Members of the Gloucester County Commission for Women Sworn In

(Deptford, NJ) –Freeholder Jim Jefferson attended the swearing in ceremony of four members of the Gloucester County Commission for Women (CFW) who were confirmed for new terms.

Marguerite Stubbs, Gail Slimm, Lisa Cerny, and Beverly Wellons took the oath to continue serving the CFW, a fact-finding and advisory group who work to suggest and urge identified reforms in regards to treatment of women.

Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said, “Thanks to the continued work of individuals like these four women and the Commission for Women as a whole that our county is able to promote reforms in regards to the treatment of women.”

Freeholder Jefferson, who serves as liaison to the commission, said, “The work done by this commissions will always carry a lot of weight and we have so much respect for the members who work tirelessly to help support other women. This is an appropriate time in our world to highlight the inequity women have faced in every facet of our culture, and change it for the better.”

Pictured: Marguerite Stubbs, Gail Slimm, Freeholder Jim Jefferson, Lisa Cerny, and Beverly Wellons

Feds Put South Jersey Illegal Dumper in Jail

Last Thursday, Judge Renee Bumb in U.S. District Court in Camden sentenced Thomas Toy of Elmer to 30 days in prison and ordered him to pay $4.2 million in restitution for illegally storing hazardous materials. Thomas Toy ran the Superior Barrel and Drum Company, a company that cleaned and processed industrial drums before reselling them. The facility was located on the border of Elk Township and Glassboro.

“There should be no tolerance for illegal dumping. What Thomas Toy did in Glassboro was a disgrace and he belongs in jail. It’s important that he is being held accountable for his illegal dumping in South Jersey. This will serve as a deterrent for others because when you break the law you should go to jail. For too long, illegal dumpers have been getting away with poisoning our communities,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “The federal government is making polluters accountable. Polluters need to clean up their mess and pay for it, too. Making sure this site is completely cleaned up is important for the health and safety of this community.”

Thomas Toy was indicted for storing hazardous waste in violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in January 2018. Superior Barrel and Drum Company imported many drums that contained hazardous waste, which included toxic chemicals like benzene and lead. However, the company did not have permits to store these toxic materials.

“Toy needs to be held accountable for illegally dumping waste and endangering the health of the people of Glassboro and Elk. DEP should also be held accountable for their failure to address this. These toxic chemicals have been poisoning the community for far too long, and DEP has been looking the other way and failing to enforce this site. Exposure to lead can cause kidney and brain damage, especially in young children. Benzenes are carcinogens that can cause anemia and affect the immune system, increasing risks for infections,” said Tittel. “The governor recently signed a law that will help protect New Jersey from illegal dumping by requiring more scrutiny for those involved in these industries. This will help protect New Jersey from future dumpers, but DEP still needs to do their job to enforce illegal dumping.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency removed approximately 1,800 of these drums of waste from September 2013 through September 2014. The total cost of this removal was $4.2 million, the amount that Toy has been fined as restitution.

“While the Judge’s ruling today is a win for Glassboro and Elk, the state still needs tighter regulations and restrictions on how our waste is handled. We have a long history of contaminated materials coming into our state, in part because DEP chooses not to regulate these chemicals. DEP needs to set and enforce standards for toxic materials to prevent any more possible dumping,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “It is good that the U.S. District Court is holding Thomas Toy accountable. Now the DEP has to step up and make sure there will be a full cleanup at this site.”

Route 47 Traffic Shift Required at 47 Bridge Over I-295 on Thursday

I-295 southbound Exit 25B to remain closed for another month

(Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced daytime lane

closures with alternating traffic on Route 47 as the Bridge over I-295 replacement project nears completion in Deptford, Gloucester County.

Beginning at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, January 16, NJDOT’s contractor, South State, is scheduled to close one lane on the Route 47 Bridge over I-295 and set up alternating traffic to facilitate a traffic shift. In addition, the ramp from I-295 southbound to Route 47 southbound will be closed temporarily while alternating traffic is in effect. The following signed detour will be in place until approximately 3 p.m.:

I-295 southbound Exit 25A to Route 47 southbound detour:

(Thursday, January 16 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Motorists on I-295 southbound wishing to take Exit 25A to Route 47 southbound will be directed to take Exit

24B/CR 551 (Westville/Woodbury Heights)

Bear left onto CR 551 South/Woodbury Heights

Continue on CR 551 South which becomes North Evergreen Avenue

Turn left onto CR 642/Red Bank Avenue, which becomes Tacoma Avenue to Route 47

By 3 p.m., traffic on the bridge will be shifted into the final configuration, with one lane open in each direction. The I-295 southbound Exit 25A ramp to Route 47 southbound will reopen.

The I-295 southbound Exit 25B ramp to Route 47 northbound will remain closed to allow for overhead sign installation.

The following detour will remain in place for approximately one month:

I-295 southbound Exit 25B to Route 47 northbound detour:

(Will remain in place for approximately one month)

Motorists on I-295 southbound wishing to take Exit 25B to Route 47 northbound will be directed to take Exit 24B to CR 551/Broadway (Westville/Woodbury Heights)

Keep right at the fork onto CR 551 north/Broadway toward Westville

Continue on CR 551 north which becomes Broadway

Turn left onto Route 47 northbound

The $7.7 million federally-funded project will replaced the existing concrete bridge deck, parapets and superstructure, which were in poor condition. It also increased the vertical clearance of the bridge up from 14 feet 4 inches, to meet current standards of 16 feet 6 inches.

Portable variable message signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the motoring public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT\’s traffic information website

www.511nj.org

for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news and updates follow us on the

NJDOT Facebook page

or on Twitter

@NJDOT_info

Robert W. J. Kain, 92, WW II Navy Veteran, KofC Council 674, GCHS Alum

Robert W.J. Kain (Bob/Beans) of Deptford, NJ died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 9, 2020. Age 92. Beloved husband of Ruth (nee Brill). Loving father of Maureen Underwood (Harry) of W. Deptford, Theresa Kain-Henry (Tom) of W. Deptford, Vincent Kain (Beth) of Glassboro, Julie McHenry (Pat) of Gloucester, Ronnie Kain-Beckett (Pat) of Deptford, Edward Kain (Cathy) of Somerdale, Marie Poloney (Adam) of Pitman and the late Robert J. Kain. Robert was blessed with fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Robert was a 1945 graduate of Gloucester Catholic H.S. where he was captain of the basketball team. He was a WWII Navy Veteran and a 1952 graduate and “Golden Hawk” of St. Joseph’s University. He was an Honorary Life member of Gloucester City Knights of Columbus Council #674. Robert worked at Koppens Beer Distributor for 25 years as an accountant and general manager before starting his own business – RJ Kain Fundraising. Robert loved his business and continued working well into his 90’s.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing Wednesday, January 15, 10am to 11:45am at St. Mary’s Church, 426 Monmouth St. Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Mass of Christian Burial 12pm at the church. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gloucester Catholic Alumni Association, 333 Ridgeway Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030.

Arrangements by BOUCHER FUNERAL HOME, Deptford.

www.boucherfuneralhome.com

Kristi Lee Smith, age 46, of West Deptford

WEST DEPTFORD NJ–On December 21, 2019.

Age 46, of West Deptford. Born in Woodbury, she was the daughter of the late Roy L. and Patricia L. (Daugherty) Rogers. Kristi is survived by her beloved sons, Daryn Reed Smith (Karen) and Levi Mason Sparks; her brothers, Anthony J.

Monahon, Charles E. Monahon, Jimmy M. Monahan; sisters, Cheryl Ginipro (Mike), Patty Monahan and her step-father, Edward Tilton. Kristi also was predeceased by her sister, Robin Monahan.

Celebration of Life and Sharing of Memories will be held on Saturday, December 28

from 4 to 8 pm at the Elks Lodge, 57 West Main Street, Penns Grove.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Kristi to the Robins Nest, 42 South Delsea Drive, Glassboro, NJ 08028. Please write: Kristi L. Smith in memo.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Kristi Lee Smith. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through:

McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME

Ph: 856-456-1142