Jack Hannold writes that Carson is a brilliant neurosurgeon, but that does not mean his brilliance illuminates other areas of knowledge.

To the Editor:

In his recent letter, "Dr. Ben Carson's smarts not up for debate," Jay Rodgers missed the subtle humor in columnist Milton Hinton's assessment (Aug. 23) of the only black candidate vying for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.

Hinton wrote that Carson "supposedly is highly intelligent, yet he fails to realize that just because Democrats have supported a black candidate does not mean that Republicans will follow suit," citing the previous cases of Alan Keyes and Herman Cain.

Carson was an accomplished neurosurgeon before his retirement in 2013. But his impressive achievements in his field don't qualify him as an oracle in areas where he has no special knowledge. If they did, we'd have to accord the same deference to the views of the late physicist William Shockley.

Like Carson, Shockley was a star in his profession. He shared the 1956 Nobel Prize in Physics for his role in the invention of the junction transistor. But following his career in physics, Shockley's forays in other "sciences" were far from admirable.  He was, for example, an unabashed eugenicist who suggested paying people with IQ's below 100 if they volunteered for sterilization.

Shockley's writings on eugenics were funded in the 1970s by the Pioneer Fund, whose founders praised Nazi Germany's Nuremberg Laws in the 1930s and later supported America's Jim Crow laws.

Had the Pioneer Fund and its allies' views succeeded, it's not likely that Carson would have become a top neurosurgeon. Carson knows his medical specialty, but apparently can't see the irony when he espouses antediluvian social views that look as backward today as the Pioneer Fund's views looked years ago.

Jack Hannold

Clayton

Expand supermarket choice beyond ShopRite

To the Editor:

I thank the Times for the informative article "Deptford's probably not getting a supermarket anytime soon, and here's why." 

A lack of supermarket variety seems to be a Gloucester County problem. I live in the Glassboro/Pitman area, and have three supermarkets nearby. But they are all ShopRite. Please do not consider adding another one of those, but do something.

I suggest a Wegman's or Whole Foods. More research can be done on the feasibility of stores such as these. I hope this can be done soon. 

It would be good if mayors of surrounding communities could come up with a solution to best fit all residents of our county. There are vacant buildings and lots in many areas.

Mary Hitchner

Pitman

Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com 

VINELAND — Capital Bank of New Jersey announced a stock repurchase offer for up to 2.6 percent of its outstanding shares.  In a mailing sent to its stockholders today, privately-held Capital Bank has offered to purchase up to 66,000 shares of its own stock, at a purchase price of $15.15 per share, totaling up to $999,900. The $15.15 per share price represented...

VINELAND -- Capital Bank of New Jersey announced a stock repurchase offer for up to 2.6 percent of its outstanding shares. 

In a mailing sent to its stockholders today, privately-held Capital Bank has offered to purchase up to 66,000 shares of its own stock, at a purchase price of $15.15 per share, totaling up to $999,900. The $15.15 per share price represented a premium over its June 30, 2015 book value. As of June 30, Capital Bank had 2,504,252 shares outstanding. 

The offer is set to expire no later than Dec. 18, but shares tendered will be purchased on a "first come, first served" basis. 

Commenting on the repurchase offer, Capital Bank Chairman of the Board Dominic J. Romano said "We believe this offer will enhance future shareholder value while also creating a liquidity option for our stockholders." 

President David J. Hanrahan added, "Even assuming that the maximum of 66,000 shares are tendered, Capital Bank will remain well-capitalized under all applicable banking regulations." 

Capital Bank stockholders who are considering tendering their shares must first review the Offer to Purchase for Cash mailed to them on Sept. 1. Questions about the offer should be directed to David J. Hanrahan at 856-457-6360 or Capital Bank's transfer agent, Philadelphia Stock Transfer Inc. at 484-416-3124. 

Capital Bank opened in Vineland in 2007. Today it has four locations -- two in Vineland, one in Woodbury Heights, and one in Hammonton. Capital Bank is an Approved SBA Lender and a NJEDA Premier Lender. It is also 5-Star rated by BauerFinancial and was named in the 2015 Top 15 Percent of Community Banks by Seifried & Brew. For more information about Capital Bank, visit capitalbanknj.com.

 

DEPTFORD TWP. — The Division of Continuing Education at Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC) is providing a free High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma preparation class starting Monday, Oct. 5. Classes meet Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The HSE program is designed to prepare adults who have not completed a formal high school curriculum to take...

DEPTFORD TWP. -- The Division of Continuing Education at Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC) is providing a free High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma preparation class starting Monday, Oct. 5. Classes meet Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The HSE program is designed to prepare adults who have not completed a formal high school curriculum to take the new Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) exam to earn their New Jersey high school diploma. The class will help students improve their reading, writing, mathematics and computer skills. In addition, students will participate in career planning and college readiness workshops and receive advisement on associate degree and professional certificate options at Rowan College. Individuals must be at least 16 years old to participate.

This program is free, however, there is a $10 registration fee. Applicants can register now at the RCGC Continuing Education Center until Sept. 17. For more information call 856-468-5000, ext. 6227. Rowan College is the official HSE testing center in Gloucester County. The Adult Basic Education programs at RCGC are sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

RCGC's Continuing Education Center is located at 1492 Tanyard Road in Deptford, just off Exit 56 of Route 55.

 

A police officer suffered minor injuries after a Collingswood man tried to take his gun Monday night, according to Woodbury Police.

WOODBURY -- A police officer suffered minor injuries after a Collingswood man tried to take his gun Monday night, according to Woodbury Police.

Tucker Elliott, 22, of Collingswood, is accused of trying to disarm a Woodbury police officer. (Salem County Correctional Facility) 

Patrolman Alex Phillips stopped a vehicle on North Evergreen Avenue shortly after 7 p.m., police said.

During the stop, passenger Tucker Elliott, 22, got out of the vehicle, jumped a fence and fled.

Phillips chased Elliott and attempted to place him under arrest. Phillips was soon joined by Patrolman James Jones. As the officers struggled with the man, Elliott tried to take Jones' firearm from its holster, police said.

The officers pepper sprayed Elliott and he was placed under arrest.

Phillips suffered a minor injury and was treated and released from Inspira Medical Center Woodbury.

Elliott was charged with aggravated assault of a police officer, resisting arrest, attempting to disarm a police officer, obstruction of justice and hindering apprehension.

He was placed in Salem County Correctional Facility on $100,000 full cash bail.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

Whitman Elementary School is getting set for a new school year as teachers begin to come back and get classrooms ready for new students.

WASHINGTON TWP.--With the end of summer fast approaching, it means the beginning of a new school year is lurking on the horizon.

While students try to maximize summer fun in the waning days, teachers ready for the upcoming year in whatever ways they can. But, for teachers, preparation for the school year starts much earlier than many would expect.

"I start, probably two weeks after school ends," Diane Fox, a second grade teacher at Whitman Elementary School, said. "I stay here until everything is organized from last year, so that when I come in this year, everything is ready."

Since teachers have been allowed to go back to Whitman Elementary, they have been there organizing materials for the year. Both new teachers and those who have been around for a little while need as much time as they can get.

Whether it is putting together lesson plans, reaching out to students and parents and gathering classroom materials, teachers have plenty to do before school starts back up. One of the most important factors in setting up for the new year is having the classroom the exact way the teacher needs it.

"They're taking that room, and they're turning it into a learning community that provides opportunities for small group instruction, learning stations, learning centers," Elementary Supervisor, Christine Gehringer said.

From pillows to rugs to posters to cabinets, creating the perfect classroom is toward the top of teachers' priority lists. And for teachers, this can get a bit expensive.

"You don't have to buy these things," third grade teacher Carly Corrado said. "But then if you don't, it's not as great for the kids. So I don't have to buy the pillows. I don't have to buy the rug. But I want to for my students. So you do."

But it is not just materials to make classrooms aesthetically pleasing that teachers need to purchase. Teachers also need to provide necessary classroom supplies if they want to create the best possible classroom they can.

"It's really hard, because we only get a little bit of money from the district, because there just is not any," Fox said. "When I make my supply budget in May for the amount that we're allotted, I know what I can get on sale... It's really hard because I don't have any money in the summer, but I need to make sure my kids have enough for throughout year, because in second grade, we go through everything. And I don't want to keep asking the parents, like everyday, we need more of this stuff. So I have a whole bin full of glue sticks and dry erase markers and everything the kids will use all of the time, because they go through it."

But prepping a school is more than just looks. From ensuring safety, bringing in new faculty and renovating the school, there is plenty to be done at all levels. And at Whitman specifically, administration is gearing up for the school's 50th year, which requires a little extra work.

But in the end, all of the work is worth it for faculty, as long as the students, "the heart beat of the school," get what they need.

"We're here for the students," Whitman Principal Ray Anderson said. "We're here for kids, so they definitely bring that life back to the school. We're eager for them to return and get back to what we do best, and that is educating kids."

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP — Birches Elementary School students will stop wherever they are on Patriots Day, Friday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. to sing the Star Spangled Banner. All fifth-grade classes will gather around the flag pole at the front of the building (416 Westminster Blvd., Washington Townshp) to sing as a group. The second-annual simultaneous, national sing-a-long of the Star Spangled Banner...

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP -- Birches Elementary School students will stop wherever they are on Patriots Day, Friday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. to sing the Star Spangled Banner.

All fifth-grade classes will gather around the flag pole at the front of the building (416 Westminster Blvd., Washington Townshp) to sing as a group.

The second-annual simultaneous, national sing-a-long of the Star Spangled Banner event was created by the American Public Education Foundation's 9/12 Generation Project. The project aims to bring students together -- as the world came together -- on Sept. 12, 2001.

For more information, visit theapef.org.

 

Local motorcycle enthusiasts will gather for a good cause on Sunday, Oct. 4 in Deptford, for the 2015 Ride to Rebuild. Sponsored by St. John's Masonic Lodge 115 MRC for the third consecutive year, the ride will benefit The Children's Fresh Air Home of North Wildwood. Major progress has been made in the renovation of its historic home in 2015,...

Local motorcycle enthusiasts will gather for a good cause on Sunday, Oct. 4 in Deptford, for the 2015 Ride to Rebuild. Sponsored by St. John's Masonic Lodge 115 MRC for the third consecutive year, the ride will benefit The Children's Fresh Air Home of North Wildwood.

Major progress has been made in the renovation of its historic home in 2015, but this momentum can only continue with the success of events like the Ride to Rebuild, the lodge's largest annual fundraiser. Monies raised from this year's ride will support the last phase of this rebuild effort.  

The Children's Fresh Air Home has offered a summer respite for underserved children in Camden and Philadelphia for more than a century, and these major capital improvements to the home will ensure the service to future generations.

The ride takes place on Sunday, Oct. 4 (rain date is Oct. 11). Participants will meet at Adelphia's Restaurant, 1750 Clements Bridge Road in Deptford at 8:30 a.m. for refreshments and registration. Kickstands will go up at 10:30 a.m.

The ride will end at Westy's Irish Pub, 101 E. Walnut Ave., North Wildwood with a barbecue lunch, a custom event pin, local entertainment, raffle items, and a 50/50 drawing. 

Registration is $20 for a single and $30 for two and up.

Call Carlo or Bob for questions at 609-351-5226 or 215-778-1840. All styles of bikes are welcome. To register for the event, visit, freshairhome.org/event-registration.

 

Municipal police departments administering Narcan, the anti-opioid drug, have reversed 95 overdoses in Gloucester County since the drug was introduced to local law enforcement a year ago.

WOODBURY -- The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office on Wednesday announced that municipal police departments had reversed 95 overdoses in the past year using Narcan, the anti-opioid medication used to revive overdose victims. Nearly a third of those rescues, the numbers show, occurred in Monroe Township.

"Police officers throughout Gloucester County are saving lives,"  said Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean F. Dalton in a prepared statement. "I am pleased they have embraced this program which is giving individuals struggling with addiction a second chance. I am also thankful that our medical partners, Inspira and Kennedy hospitals, are working with us, providing the Narcan antidote to our police departments free of charge. Addiction is a personal battle, but we need to provide the necessary support to help these people turn the corner in their fight."

MORE: 120th life saved in South Jersey city using Narcan, police say

The GCPO in September 2014 began training officers from police departments throughout the county in administering spray doses of Narcan, generically called naloxone. In addition to municipal departments, Rowan University police, as well as officers with the Sheriff's Department, are also equipped with the drug.

By the end of 2014, the GCPO said, police throughout the county had recorded 31 successful Narcan deployments. In 2015, there have been 64 such rescues so far. Bernie Weisenfeld, spokesman for the prosecutor's office, acknowledged that those numbers did not represent every Narcan rescue in the county, however. Deptford, for instance, was not included on the list, because Narcan in the township is administered by EMTs rather than police officers. In Logan Township, first responders working for the Gloucester County EMS administer the medication, but municipal police do not.

Note that the chart accompanying this post does not include Deptford or Logan Township, and that it does not differentiate between towns that share police departments.

Monroe Township, the county's second-largest municipality, had the most rescues, with a total of 29 since last September. Washington Township, the largest town in Gloucester County, had less than half that, 13 "overdose reversals," the GCPO said. Franklin Township had the third highest number, with a total of 11.

"Monroe is committed to ensuring prevention, intervention and treatment," said Monroe Township Police Chief John McKeown.

Law enforcement in town is aware of the statistics, but the detective most involved in heroin-related cases was not immediately available to discuss the matter on Wednesday.

Neither Rowan police nor sheriff's officers have ever had to administer the drug, and neither have officers in South Harrison or Wenonah. Police departments in Elk and Harrison townships, as well as the borough of Woodbury Heights, have made one rescue each. The Woolwich department, which is also responsible for law enforcement in Swedesboro, has also made one.

Glassboro police have revived seven overdose victims in the past year, while Westville police, who currently also patrol National Park, have successfully used the drug six times. In East Greenwich, officers made five Narcan rescues, while Woodbury and Mantua's police departments have made three apiece. The departments in West Deptford, Paulsboro, Greenwich, Newfield and Clayton have each made two rescues.

The number of rescues made in each town does not necessarily reflect addiction rates in a given community, because GCPO records only account for where the overdoses occurred, rather than where the drug users lived. Furthermore, there has been at least one recorded instance in the county of a single person receiving Narcan twice. In Monroe Township, the person rescued in the town's first-ever Narcan deployment later had to be revived a second time, according to McKeown. That person is reportedly now in addiction treatment.

Heroin addiction remains a major problem throughout New Jersey, where the overdose death rate is three times the national average. In the city of Camden alone, there have been 386 overdoses, 31 of them fatal, so far this year.

Andy Polhamus may be reached at apolhamus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ajpolhamus. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

 

The township's crime log includes several burglaries, and most notably, the theft of a motorcycle.

WEST DEPTFORD -- In a month that has also seen a bank robbery and the strange disappearance of thousands of dollars in ornamental fish, township police are investigating the theft of a motorcycle from a resident's yard. 

The town's most recent crime log says that on Aug. 16, investigators got word that a 1998 Yamaha motorcycle had been stolen from the front yard of a Ninth Street home sometime overnight. Also missing was a leather Harley Davidson travel pouch and a helmet.

Police say the vehicle and accessories are worth a total of $5,265. The incident is under investigation.

RELATED: 40 koi stolen from West Deptford home

In other recent West Deptford police news:

• Jamie Santos, 32, of West Deptford, was charged with  aggravated assault, resisting arrest, possession of certain weapons and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes Aug. 15 after an alleged assault with a knife. He was held at the Salem County Jail.
• Alisuban Blackson, 28, of West Deptford, was arrested on Crown Point Road for hindering apprehension and contempt. Blackson had been wanted by law enforcement and was held at the Camden County Jail.
• Darnell Cook, 29, of Woodbury, was charged with receiving stolen property for allegedly trying to cash a stolen check at TD Bank Aug. 16. He was released pending a court date.
• On Aug. 17, Donald Liberatore, 46, of Woodbury, was arrested on Mansion Avenue and charged with DWI, refusal to submit breath samples, and multiple motor vehicle violations.  He was released pending further court action.
• Twenty-four-year-old Tyrie Webb of Camden allegedly provided false information to township police during a traffic stop Aug. 19. He was found to have active warrants out for his arrest and was further charged with hindering apprehension. Webb was held at the Salem County Jail.
• Richard Bartynski, 24 of Mt. Royal, was allegedly caught taking a bicycle from the bike rack at the police station on Aug. 21. He was charged with theft and released pending a court date.
• On Aug. 21, officers responded to Inspira Medical Center in Woodbury for reports of a person who had sustained several lacerations in a dispute.  Lester Levine, 45, of West Deptford, was charged with terroristic threats and simple assault in connection with the incident. He was held at the Salem County Jail.
• Also on Aug. 21,  Michelle Rinnier, 43, of Logan, NJ and John W. Kerper, 41, of Pennsville, NJ were arrested on I- 295 following a motor vehicle stop. Police charged the two with possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of hypodermic needles. They were issued summonses and released pending further court action.
• Bryant K. Hamilton, 54, of Sicklerville, was charged with DWI on Ogden Road. He was released pending a court date.
• Corey A. Michener, 19, of Clarksboro, was charged with possession of a CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a hypodermic needle and failure to surrender a CDS on Aug. 23.
• Rico P. Purnell, 22, of West Deptford was arrested on Tatum Street Aug. 24  for obstructing the administration of justice and outstanding warrants. Purnell satisfied bail requirements and was released pending further court action.
• Also on Aug. 24,  Robert S. Dickson, 43, was charged with simple assault and held at the Salem County Jail.
• On Aug. 28,  Diane A. Camlin, 56, of Lawnside, was arrested along Route 130 and charged with DWI, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Carmen A. Iannotti, 35, of Mantua, NJ was arrested on Asbury Avenue for hindering apprehension, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a hypodermic needle and outstanding warrants Aug. 28. He was lodged in the Salem County Jail.

Police are investigating several other incidents, including:

• A Morris Avenue resident reported a burglary on Aug. 16. Police arrived on the scene and found that someone had pried open a rear window of the home and stolen a jar containing $200 in loose change.
• On Aug. 20, a Robin Drive resident reported that a 50-foot extension cord valued at about $50 had been stolen from his yard.
• Also on Aug. 20, a Shira Court resident reported that several pieces of vinyl fencing had been stolen from the property over the course of a few months. The fencing was worth about $2,000.
• On Aug. 21, a Philadelphia Avenue resident reported a home burglary. Officers found that someone had entered the house through a lower-level window and stolen several items.
• On Aug 24, a resident on Hessian Avenue reported that an iPod had been stolen overnight from an unlocked car.
• On Aug. 27, a Red Bank Avenue resident reported that about $250 in assorted jewelry had been stolen from their home.
• On Aug. 28, a resident of Meadow Lane told police that about $10 in loose change had been stolen from an unlocked car.
• The same day, several residents of Pleasant Valley Drive reported that someone had rummaged through assorted unlocked vehicles.

Police are also still investigating last week's robbery at TD Bank on Route 45 Aug. 28. The robber is described as black, clean shaven, 5 feet 5 to 5 feet 7 inches tall with a slender build. He wore a plain white baseball hat, oversized black sunglasses, long-sleeve black sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and black sneakers.

Andy Polhamus may be reached at apolhamus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ajpolhamus. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

ALLOWAY TWP. — 285 Alloway Aldine Road, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. to Elizabeth L. McConnell for $25,000. BRIDGETON — 133 Lincoln Way, Linda R. Haley to Austin E. Headrick for $29,000. CARNEYS POINT TWP. — 13 Oak Lane, Earle and Anne McCartney to Brian L. Lindsey for $249,900. COMMERCIAL TWP. — 435 Robin Road, David H. Clemens to...

South Jersey Times 

ALLOWAY TWP.

-- 285 Alloway Aldine Road, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. to Elizabeth L. McConnell for $25,000.

BRIDGETON

-- 133 Lincoln Way, Linda R. Haley to Austin E. Headrick for $29,000.

CARNEYS POINT TWP.

-- 13 Oak Lane, Earle and Anne McCartney to Brian L. Lindsey for $249,900.

COMMERCIAL TWP.

-- 435 Robin Road, David H. Clemens to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. for $148,490.16.

DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 705 Glenside Dr., Sharon DeLuca, executrix, to Shawn R. Lepley for $99,900.

-- 107 Redtail Hawk Circle, NVR Inc. to Timothy M. Edmonds and Dinean M. Duckett-Edmonds for $289,710.

DOWNE TWP.

-- 118-122 Newport Ave., Rosemary P. Surma to Donald M. Walter for $39,000.

-- 204 Cove Road, Barrett T. Oglesby to Charles V. Curry for $157,000.

EAST GREENWICH TWP.

-- 299 Katie Court, Brian K. Clause to Andrew Milburn and Elizabeth North-Milburn for $350,000.

FAIRTON TWP.

-- 2134 Fairton Road, Maryam Nassiri to Kyle L. Adams for $137,000.

-- 20 Coombs Dr., Bota Investments LLC to Crystal Dupree for $149,000.

FRANKLIN TWP.

-- 2137 N. Blue Bell Road, Scott J. Sundberg to William A. and Kyle Lynn Stuart for $75,000.

GLASSBORO

-- 3 Clearview Ave., Joseph G. and Danielle L. Bannon Jr. to Patrick Wichert for $160,000.

-- 10 Dogwood Ave., Anna Benas to Eric and Katrina Rode for $220,000.

-- 605 Ellis St., DLJ Mortgage Capital Inc. to Leo D. Penailillo for $52,000.

-- 100 Quaker Lane, D.R. Horton Inc. to Ernst I. and Eileen Riegel Jr. for $307,004.

LAWRENCE TWP.

-- 371 Shaw Mills Road, Coal Builders LLC to Keith Weber for $185,000.

-- 8 Paris Road, Henry C. Jamieson Jr. to New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection for $22,376.75.

MANTUA TWP.

-- 8 Tallowood Court, Shailen and Suzanne T. Jalali to 8 Tallowood LLC for $95,000.

MILLVILLE

-- 911 Barbara Terr., Lisa M. Estadt to Anthony J. Confalone for $145,500.

-- 906 Barbara Terr., Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp to Patricia A. Myers for $134,900.

-- 2221 Quince Lane, Carol Buczynski to Kimberly A. Miskelly for $159,000.

-- 11 Holly Hills Court, Russell Brannan to Mark Norcross for $121,000.

MONROE TWP.

-- 200 Chinkapin Ave., Aldon Glibert to Shawn R. Atkinson for $203,000.

-- 1710 Briarwood Dr., Nicole J. Curio and Kevin M. Jinks to Lori A. Bernard for $195,000.

-- 22 Avery Drive, Assured Property Investors LLC to Paul Candidi for 195,000.

-- 312 Brandywine Dr., Beshara and Maria AKaram to Manuel O. Ferreiros for $152,000.

PAULSBORO

-- 416 Mantua Ave. HSBC Bank USA to Craig W. Kraemer and Steven J. Gruber for $17,000.

PENNS GROVE

-- 71 Lotus Lane, Michael and Catherine C. Salerno to Zachary L. and Misty E. Brown-Patterson for $178,500.

PENNSVILLE TWP.

-- 34 Grant St., Housing and Urban Development to J&M Building and Repairs for $17,000.

-- 20 Lakeview Ave., Catherine W. Cunningham to Faye J. Mills for $57,000.

-- 8 Beach Ave., Estate of Marie Anna Baldock to Nelson T. Sweeney for $101,000.

PILESGROVE TWP.

-- 145 Avis Mill Road, Wendy S. Nixon to James and Emily Louise Castoro Jr. for $130,000.

PITMAN

-- 520 Pitman Ave., Wooden Principles LLC to Thomas C. and Lisa M. Romano-Curl II for $253,900.

SALEM

-- 217 Wesley St., Fannie Mae to Thomas Davis Jr. for $4,000.

-- 45 Elm St., Lillian C. Roemhild for the estate of Kathryn A. Howe to Aaron J. Washington for $5,000.

-- 189 Victory Ave., Fannie Mae to Augustin L. Vacarel for $26,000.

UPPER DEERFIELD TWP.

-- 6 Hood Dr., Eugene Melchiorre to Thomas Brown for $131,000.

-- 31 Johns Way, Joseph A. Dalessandro III to Brent DeJohn for $245,000.

-- 1014 Monroe St., Gerhard Oswald to Joshua Kristovich for $100,000.

VINELAND

-- 576 Royal Dr., Adeline Saffioti to Nichole J. Rada for $129,900.

-- 1964 E. Oak Road, FS Properties 186 LLC to Pamela A. Gant for $90,000.

-- 561 Mayfair St., Robert Martine to Megan J. Cowan for $123,000.

-- 207 S. Second St., Garden State Land Co. LLC to Black Door Properties LLC for $90,000.

-- 1097 Fawn Dr., Mark Bernacki to Kelly Seeberger for $198,000.

-- 539 N. Second St., Donna M. Dutka to Bota Investments LLC for $65,000.

-- 1824 Magnolia Road, Michael F. McMahan to Brock A. Price for $170,000.

-- 1298 Columbia Ave., Catherine Diegidio to Werner Neiss for $80,000.

-- 2269 Maple Ave., PCIRE0-29 LLC to Leah Barney for $43,000.

-- 1964 E. Oak Road, Margaret Scarpa to Andrea Muschette for $131,000.

-- 2112 S. Delsea Dr., 2112 S. Delsea Drive LLC to John N. Pace for $100,000.

-- 2614 Oak Lane, Mark E. MacMillian to Denton M. Williams for $169,000.

WASHINGTON TWP.

-- Jupiter Road, Antoinette D. Dunner, executrix, to Thomas Maglio for $170,000.

WENONAH

-- 199 Linden St., Robert M. Green to William S. Bey for $185,000.

WOODBURY

-- 16 Beech Place, Cal and Kathy B. Zenner to John Lewandowski for $185,000.

-- 84 DuBois Ave., Cheryl Ann Pace, executrix, to Stinson Investments LLC for $45,000.

WOODBURY HEIGHTS

-- 447 Central Ave., Sean and Andrea Gleeson to Shawn and Karen Thurber for $264,000.

WOOLWICH TWP.

-- 120 Center Square Road, Auburn Road Associates LLC to Raab Family Partnership L.P. for $9,500,000.

South Jersey Times may be reached at sjnews@njadvancemedia.com. Follow us on Twitter @theSJTimes. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

Today, I'm just staying in one place for an hour or so, admiring my wife's garden and watching to see what turns up.

By Karl Anderson

Today, I'm just staying in one place for an hour or so, admiring my wife's garden and watching to see what turns up. I have a couple of squirrels to keep me company. There's a rabbit, also -- we have two of them, a big one and a small one. The garden plants are now mostly too big to be bothered by them. 

Everything in the garden has done well this year. The zinnias are 5 feet tall, with flowers in shades of orange and red. Overtopping them are a few plants of Mexican sunflower. I first saw that species as a roadside weed in Kenya, many years ago; heat and drought doesn't seem to bother it.

Virgin's bower drapes over a fence -- it's somewhat of an invasive species, but very pretty. The English ivy has buds on it. You don't think of ivy as having flowers, but when it gets mature it produces little clusters of greenish flowers. It's almost the last plant to flower locally. 

There are still bumble bees and carpenter bees flying about, but no honeybees. The local colony has probably died out. I see several species of wasps. Somebody should write a field guide to wasps; there are over 300 species in New Jersey but I've only seen about a dozen species here.

Our summer-resident female hummingbird is still working the flowers, but she will soon be on her way to Mexico. But I will be looking for hummingbirds for another few months; I've twice seen "western stray" species here in early November. These are birds like rufous hummingbird that get lost on their way south and wind up in New Jersey.

All butterflies have been scarce this year. I'm still seeing an occasional monarch butterfly, but they will all have migrated south by the end of the month. But there are a few tiger swallowtails, black swallowtails and cabbage whites flying around -- enough butterflies to add some pleasing activity to the scene.

And there are several skippers: small brown butterflies that are notoriously difficult to identify. I can recognize a few. I could recognize more of them last year, but I've not been studying them this season, and what you don't work with, you forget. 

There's not much bird activity today. If I kept my eye on the sky I would probably see a few migrating hawks. Nesting birds in our yard this season included robin, Carolina wren, catbird, cardinal, and house finch.

An eagle flew over a couple of days ago. But in the yard today? Just house sparrows, robins, blue jays and Carolina chickadees. It's time to start putting out food for the birds -- not that they need it, but, well, it's a kind of tradition.

For information about the Gloucester County Nature Club, see gcnatureclub.org/.

South Jersey Times may be reached at sjnews@njadvancemedia.com. Follow us on Twitter @theSJTimes. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

When pizzeria owner Anthony Marino received a shipment of pizza boxes last week depicting a cartoon picture of Pope Francis, he felt it just wasn't right and sent them back.

MULLICA HILL -- When pizzeria owner Anthony Marino received a shipment of pizza boxes last week with an illustration depicting Pope Francis, he felt it was contradictory of everything the Pope stands for.

A depiction of Pope Francis on a pizza box created by Savona-Stavola Food Packaging, a food service distributor in the Delaware Valley. The box -- designed by Amanda Farese, director of marketing at Savona-Stavola -- was in commemoration of the Pope's visit to Philadelphia later this month. (Photo provided by Amanda Farese, artist of Cello Rose)Photo provided by Amanda Farese, artist of Cello Rose

Marino, a Roman Catholic and the owner of Marino's Pizza on Bridgeton Pike, in Mullica Hill, received the boxes from Savona-Stavola Foods in West Deptford, which created the illustration to commemoratd Pope Francis' historic visit to Philadelphia later this month.

But Marino felt the illustration was "in poor taste" and sent them back two days later in exchange for his usual shipment of boxes.

"I'm a Roman Catholic, so when I saw his face on the box, to me it seemed this is a guy who is not into that kind of stuff," Marino said. "And the fact is that not everybody is a Roman Catholic."

"It just didn't seem right to me," he added.

The illustration depicts Pope Francis waving with "Welcome Pope Francis" written above and "Philadelphia 2015" written below and a Philadelphia skyline drawn in the background.

MORE: How N.J. is handling travel, safety prep for Pope Francis' Philadelphia visit

Marino, whose family has operated pizza restaurants in South Jersey since 1971, said he recognized that peope might step on the boxes if littered on a sidewalk.

But Amanda Farese, director of marketing for Savona-Stavola, who is also an artist on the side, said she created the illustration with the best intentions. She felt it was something fun and creative to celebrate the Pope's visit.

"It was just fun to do," Farese said. "We didn't raise prices (and) we are selling pizza boxes anyway, and ... it (was) just a fun way to do something special."

She noted that people are going to pizzerias just to get the boxes as a collector's item.

But Farese said the illustration wasn't created as a religious statement, but rather merely celebrating the Pope's visit to Philadelphia, which she said is undoubtedly a special occasion.

Francis will arrive in Philadelphia on Sept. 26.

Some businesses, big and small, have been coming up with all sorts of creative merchandise to capitalize on the Pope's visit.

Items include mini Pope Francis cakes, coffee mugs, Pope-themed beer, promotional signs, and more.

Some of the products are going for big bucks. A Philadelphia bake shop is selling the frosting caricature of the Pope on the Internet for $130. 

Which Marino believes is exactly the opposite of what Pope Francis stands for.

"I don't think this is what the Pope would want," he said. "This isn't really his cup of tea. He is sending his message out, and his face on the box I think would bother him."

Since his election, Pope Francis has used his bully pulpit to denounce the temptation of materialism and the excesses of capitalism.

Francis has repeatedly abdicated against garish and materialistic living. After he was elected in 2013, he chose to live in a humble suite in the Vatican guesthouse instead of the opulent papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace.

To see more of Amanda Farese's artwork, visit her Instagram account @CelloRoseGallery.

#popepizzabox get it trending errbody pic.twitter.com/0bcmrnlT89

-- Gianna Leonen (@giannaleo07) August 29, 2015

You can now get your pizza is a pope box. #PopeFrancis pic.twitter.com/Ff3wGFjYYU

-- Dolly Smith (@DollySmithNJ) August 31, 2015

Listen man, I'm only here for the pizza. #popepizza #popepizzabox @ Dominick's Pizza https://t.co/c1uiyI61Ej

-- Lauren Kyle (@laurenakyle) September 1, 2015

Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

If you have a well drained or even dry sunny spot you may want to consider planting a bayberry or two. These tough plants are mostly evergreen except in very harsh winters. They often get waxy gray berries and the foliage is quite fragrant. I decorate with it at Christmas.  They are easy to grow and if planted now will...

If you have a well drained or even dry sunny spot you may want to consider planting a bayberry or two. These tough plants are mostly evergreen except in very harsh winters. They often get waxy gray berries and the foliage is quite fragrant. I decorate with it at Christmas. 

They are easy to grow and if planted now will have the fall and winter in which to develop a good root system. You simply dig a hole the size of the root ball and fill in with soil, soak well and add an inch or so of compost, well rotted leaves or your favorite mulch. Soak again in a week or so and then again if it remains dry. Although this plant is very drought tolerant it is good to water once a week the first couple of months. 

Pictured at a native plant class at Triple Oaks Nursery and Herb Garden of South Jersey in Franklinville, several years ago is Lorraine Kiefer (center) with two of the student.
 

This is a native plant that grows all along the East Coast, but especially at the Jersey shore. I just saw the most beautiful stand of it, covered with berries,  on a sand dune in Cape May point. 

Part of the fun is collecting the berries. Most grow in the coastal area near the shore and are probably protected, but you can grow them in your yard -- we have them all over in one of our fields where the birds spread the seed from the original plant.  

I love the fall and winter fields and woods, the leaves have fallen and berries can be seen everywhere. When we collect berries at the farm, I always look for bayberries and try to pick a big bundle to use for wreaths and decorations. We often gather these fragrant, grey/white waxy berries and use them in arrangements with bayberry candles. They keep well dried, lasting for years. They also look really great glued to swags or wreaths.  

The wax from the berries is used to make candles, cosmetics and soap. It is removed from the berries by boiling them in water so it will float to the top. It melts at 116 to 120 degrees and is harder and more brittle than beeswax. Candles made from it are aromatic, smokeless after snuffing, and very brittle. 

A few years ago I wanted to make bayberry candles with a native plant study group I have. I picked some branches with berries and leaves and proceeded to look for instructions. I found out that four pounds of berries yield about one pound of wax. 

When I realized that I had only a few cups of berries I had to change my plans. So, I melted a large block of bee's wax in a big coffee can over a pot of hot water. To this I added all the berries, leaves and even small pieces of the stem including the bark. It simmered for hours and became dark army green, almost brown, but it smelled very good. I strained out most of the leaves and bark. We hung pieces of wick in small Dixie cups and poured in the hot wax. When it cooled we each had a nice bayberry votive. 

We did not dip our candles as the colonial people did, but rather poured them. If you have ever dipped candles, you know what a tedious task it is. Beginning with the wick and dipping it up and down, over and over again in the hot wax until the candle is formed. It is a fun thing to do today only if you have the time, but a necessity back in colonial times if there was to be light after sunset. It was considered to be woman's work and they were constantly experimenting with additives to seek ways in which the candles would burn longer.   

According to old stories in the 1700s, just before Christmas, a small group of women in a little New England colony added the oil of the Bayberry to their candles. Not only did the candles burn longer, but also they gave off a most delightful scent. So pleased were they that they decided to make a Christmas Eve gift of these candles to each home in the village, and so the poem:

A bayberry candle,

Burned to the socket,

Brings joy to the home,

And wealth to the pocket

Today folks still love to give and receive bayberry candles However, in order for these good luck wishes to come true for you the candles should be given to you as a gift. But I am sure many folks break this rule and buy their own. 

And remember, once lit, traditionally on Christmas Eve, they must be allowed to burn out. You must not blow them out or all the good luck wishes will go up in the smoke and be lost. Should you have to leave your home or retire before the candles have burned out simply place them in the sink where they can burn without danger. Bayberry has also been used for making sealing-wax.

The official Latin name is Myrica cerifera but in many places people cal it Wax Myrtle, Candleberry, Candleberry Myrtle, Waxberry and Tallow Shrub.  

Initially, Bayberry was used medicinally only in the South, where the Choctaw Indians boiled the leaves and drank the decoction as a treatment for fever.    Later, during the early 19th century, bayberry root was used for colds, flu and other infectious diseases in addition to diarrhea and fever. Contemporary herbalists recommend using the herb externally for varicose veins and internally for diarrhea, dysentery, colds, flu, bleeding gums, and sore throat. They say it is excellent to use in the early stages of infection, as it contains myricitrin, which exhibits antibiotic activity against a wide range of bacteria. 

If you have a sandy, sunny place in your yard plant a few bayberry now. Its height is from 3 to 8 feet, with small leaves that are shiny and resinous. The stems are dotted on both sides with flowers that are unisexual producing fruit in small groups of round berries with black grains crusted with greenish-white wax. These remain on the shrub for two or three years until they fall or the birds eat them. The leaves are very fragrant when rubbed. Bayberry needs very little care once established. It does not  however like to be over watered or fertilized too much. 

Email garden questions to lorrainekiefer@gmail.com. A six-session native plants landscape class will be held at Lorraine Kiefer's Triple Oaks Nursery this fall. Bayberry candles will be made in one of the classes. Call 856-694-4272 or visit tripleoaks.com for more information.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels performed in the show for the first time since 2006 Watch video

ATLANTIC CITY -- Thousands packed the beaches in and around Atlantic City Wednesday for the annual "Thunder Over the Boardwalk" airshow featuring the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels.

The airshow got underway with foggy skies that soon parted to reveal demonstrations by the Geico Skytypers, U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue along with several other military and civilian aerobatic acts.

RELATED: Think WWII planes look cool from the ground?

In Atlantic City, prime viewing areas were claimed early along the beach and boardwalk. For those spectators that didn't want to fight the 90-degree temperature, the Playground pier mall jutting out from the boardwalk over the ocean offered an air conditioned view of the aerial performances.

The event concluded with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels performing in the show for the first time since 2006. 

Tim Hawk may be reached at thawk@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @photogthawk. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

Share your favorite photos from this Labor Day weekend, and we'll feature them on NJ.com.

The final days of summer are here and we're thinking about how we're going to cap the season this holiday weekend. We're guessing you are too.

We also have a hunch that whatever you do this Labor Day weekend you're going to produce some great photos - and we want to see them.

RELATED: Earth Day 2015: Photos of N.J.'s most unspoiled places

You can post your Labor Day weekend pictures in comments here or tweet them to @njdotcom with the #LaborDayNJ hashtag. We'll collect the best and show them here on NJ.com.

Let's give summer 2015 the send-off it deserves.

Adya Beasley may be reached at abeasley@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @adyabeasley. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

 

No serious injuries were reported following a six-vehicle collision on Route 322 on Thursday morning, police said.

WOOLWICH TWP. -- No serious injuries were reported following a six-vehicle collision on Route 322 between Oak Grove and Stone Meetinghouse roads on Thursday morning, police said.

Trouble began shortly after 11 a.m. when the driver of a water bottle delivery service truck traveling westbound stopped in the middle of 322 after several bottles fell from the truck.

No serious injuries were reported in a six-vehicle crash on Route 322 in Woolwich Township on Thursday morning. (Woolwich Township Police)
 

As the driver picked up the bottles, other motorists stopped in the roadway to assist, Woolwich Police Sgt. Rich Jaramillo explained.

A dump truck driver came upon the scene but couldn't stop in time, Jaramillo said. His truck struck the rear of a stopped vehicle, setting off a chain-reaction. The truck hauling bottles was not struck.

One person was transported with "moderate" injuries and three others with minor injuries, Jaramillo said.

Tickets will be issued to the water truck driver, along with a careless driving ticket for the dump truck driver, Jaramillo said. 

Route 322 was closed in both directions in the area for nearly two hours as responders cleaned up the mess.

Ptl. Steve Spithaler is handling the crash investigation.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

Area churches, schools and organizations are looking for vendors for their events: CLARKSBORO — Zion Community Church, 242 Kings Highway, Clarksboro, 856-423-2000, will be hosting a Craft Fair on Nov. 21. Limited spaces are available for $25 each. Craft items must be HANDMADE.  Call 856-423-7522 for full details and registration information.  Registration deadline is Sept. 19.   DEPTFORD TWP. — Holy Trinity Regional School,...

Area churches, schools and organizations are looking for vendors for their events:

CLARKSBORO -- Zion Community Church, 242 Kings Highway, Clarksboro, 856-423-2000, will be hosting a Craft Fair on Nov. 21. Limited spaces are available for $25 each. Craft items must be HANDMADE.  Call 856-423-7522 for full details and registration information.  Registration deadline is Sept. 19.  

DEPTFORD TWP. -- Holy Trinity Regional School, 1215 Delsea Drive, will hold  a fall craft show and festival on Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Interested crafters may call Michelle DiCapua at 856-848-6826. 

GIBBSTOWN -- Gibbstown Volunteer Fire Co. 21, 700 E. Broad St., will host a fall bazaar on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For vendor/crafter information call Lisa Lozada-Shaw at 856-224-9879.

MICKLETON -- Yard Sale/Community Awareness Fair, large, outdoor spaces are $30. on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This popular event is located on the grounds of Mickleton Meeting, at the corner of Kings Highway and Democrat Road.  Spaces can be reserved by calling, 856-223-5111.

MULLICA HILL -- St. Stephen's Episcopal Church at 51 N. Main Street in Mullica Hill will be holding a Vendor Sale and Yard sale on Saturday, Oct. 10 to coincide with the Mullica Hill Civil War Weekend. Direct sales vendors and arts and crafts vendors are wanted to sell their products inside and outside the Parish Hall from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Space rental is $25 per vendor.  A renting outdoor spaces for individual yard sales for $25 per space (spaces are approximately 8 feet).  If you would like to be a vendor at the event, or to rent a yard sale space, contact our Michele Boyd, at shellyumh@aol.com or 609-617-0653.

RICHWOOD -- Richwood United Methodist Church will hold an open-air market on Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. to noon. Sale is held on the church lawn off Route 322 at 104 Richwood Road, Richwood (behind the CVS).  Contact michelecg@verizon.net for an application to reserve your 10-by-12-foot space for $20.  No tables are provided.

VINELAND -- Ramoth Church, 2725 N. Delsea Drive (corner of Forest Grove Road and Delsea Drive) in Vineland  will hold a yard sale to benefit its Men's Ministry on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space available is $10 to rent a space (12- feet wide, pull your vehicle in and park). Rent a table for an extra $5 (limited amount of tables available). Call 856-696-4380 for space reservation or for more information.

 

The 15th annual Gloucester County Women's Health Summit will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Gloucester County Institute of Technology, 1800 Tanyard Road in Deptford Township. The free event is a fun way for women and families to get current information about issues that affect their everyday lives.   There are workshops and...

The 15th annual Gloucester County Women's Health Summit will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Gloucester County Institute of Technology, 1800 Tanyard Road in Deptford Township. The free event is a fun way for women and families to get current information about issues that affect their everyday lives.  

There are workshops and exhibitors, free health screenings and activities going on throughout the day.

Collaborative members include the Gloucester County Department of Health & Human Services, Arc Gloucester, Gloucester County Commission for Women, Famcare, Inspira Health Network, Kennedy Health, Southern Regional Child Care Resource Center/EIRC, and YMCA of Gloucester County.

To register, complete the form on the county's website gloucestercountynj.gov/documents/Brochure2015final.pdf or call 856-218-4101 and register over the phone.

SUMMIT SCHEDULE

• 8 to 9 a.m. -- Registration and screenings
• 9 to 9:45 a.m. -- Workshop Session 1
• 10 to 11 a.m. -- Door prizes and snacks in cafeteria
• 11 to 11:45 a.m. -- Workshop Session 2

WORKSHOP 1 - Choose 1

A. Jazz In Motion -- Jazz-In-Motion is a non-impact, dance based aerobics class that combines dancing, light weight training, mat conditioning and yoga style stretching; all choreographed to various music selections. 

B. Dizziness and Imbalance -- Dr. Jennifer Liss of Therasport Physical Therapy will present on the various possible causes of Vertigo and the basic health changes that may influence dizziness and imbalance.

C. Common Food Myths for Diabetics Debunked -- Join us for a discussion that will debunk some common food myths for people with diabetes.

D. Attacking Anxiety -- Join us for a conversation and education about the signs and symptoms, as well anxiety triggers and how to cope.

E. Yoga for Back Care -- Experience this gentle yoga practice that promotes a strong, healthy back. 

F. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy -- Join us for a general overview and discussion on pelvic health; including anatomy, function, and treatment. 

G. Crimes Against the Elderly -- Learn what to look for and steps that you can take to avoid crimes and scams against seniors.

H. Beyond the Reproductive Years -- Discussing the health needs of older women, including reproductive and sexual health; pelvic exams, pap smears, and mammograms.

WORKSHOP 2  - Choose 1

A. All Stressed Up And Nowhere To Go -- Learn how to change your relationship with stress so you can practice self-compassion and meet life's challenges.

B. Medicare 101 -- The session will include Medi-Gap or Supplemental Plans, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Part D Prescription Drug Plans including State and Federal help with the drug plans for those qualified.

C. Hazards on the Homefront -- Learn how to take action and make your home safe for you and your family.

D. Taking Flight with the Stork -- Preventing FASD's -- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is preventable, but there is no cure. Innocent babies born with this diagnosis potentially struggle with countless physical, developmental, psychological, and social problems. 

E. What Women Notice -- Does the man in your life seem to have less energy? Even lacking the energy for activities he used to do with ease? Don't ignore what you notice. While you may think this is a natural part of aging, it also could be an indication of Low Testosterone or "Low T."

F. Chair Fitness -- Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement, and activity for daily living skills.

G. Simple Breakfast Ideas for Diabetics -- Learn how to get the most mileage out of your breakfast. In this live demo, Chef O will be giving recipes and creating a balanced, healthy breakfast for you to sample.

H. Every Heartbeat Counts -- Learn how you can live a heart healthier lifestyle.

Over 100 exhibitor tables located in the halls are available throughout the day. For additional informationcall 856-218-4101 or visit gloucestercountynj.gov.

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini reminds farmers and ranchers that they have until Sept. 30 to enroll in several key Farm Bill safety net programs —Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy). These programs provide important risk protection for farm and...

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini reminds farmers and ranchers that they have until Sept. 30 to enroll in several key Farm Bill safety net programs --Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy).

These programs provide important risk protection for farm and dairy operations, so it is important not to miss the deadline for enrollment. Producers already have elected ARC or PLC, so now is the time to sign the contract and enroll for the 2014 and 2015 crop years. Dairy operations are reminded to enroll for coverage in 2016. Just $100 covers 90 percent of milk production at a $4 margin, and with incremental premiums, up to an $8 margin can be covered.

ARC and PLC programs trigger financial protections for agricultural producers when market forces cause substantial drops in crop prices or revenues. More than 1.76 million farmers and ranchers are expected to sign contracts to enroll in ARC or PLC. Covered commodities under the programs include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium grain rice (which includes short grain and sweet rice), safflower seed, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat. Upland cotton is no longer a covered commodity. The elections for each farm stay in place through 2018, but ownership and shares can be adjusted through the annual enrollment. For additional program information, visit fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc.

MPP-Dairy offers protection to producers when the difference between the milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. Participating dairy farmers will remain in the program through 2018 and pay a $100 administrative fee each year. Producers also have the option of selecting a different coverage level during open enrollment each year. MPP-Dairy payments are based on an operation's historical production, which will increase by 2.61 percent in 2016, if the operation participated in 2015, providing a stronger safety net. More than half of the nation's dairy producers are enrolled in the program. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov/dairy.

For more program information, contact your FSA office or visit fsa.usda.gov. To find your local FSA office, visit offices.usda.gov.

The theft may be connected to several other incidents around South Jersey.

PITMAN -- Borough police officers arrested a man who was allegedly in the middle of burglarizing a house Aug. 17.

A caller who contacted police said they saw a truck with duct tape covering its license plates parked at a vacant property on the 500 block of East Holly Avenue. As Sgt. Thomas Zander and Ptl. Eric Bailey approached the truck, they saw that it had been loaded up with copper tubing and electrical meters from houses. The officers also saw that the back door of the house had been pried open.

Vladislav Melnichuk, 27, of Vineland, was arrested and charged with burglary, theft, criminal mischief, possession of false ID, and obstruction of justice. Based on the items found at the scene, police are also looking into whether the incident was connected to similar thefts in the area, which range from incidents in Burlington and Camden counties to Atlantic, Salem and Cumberland counties.

Melnichuk was held at the Salem County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

ALSO: Police retrieve 133 bags of heroin after South Jersey drug bust

In other Pitman police news:

• A bicycle worth about $300 was reported stolen from a front porch on the 200 block of Lake Avenue on Aug. 20.

• Cpl. Jon Streater conducted a motor vehicle stop on Lambs Road Aug. 22 which led to the arrest of the driver, Tiffani Stott, 25, of Pitman, on an active warrant out of Washington Township for $500. The matter will be handled in by Washington Township's courts.

• On Aug. 23, Ptl. Nick Barbetta conducted a pedestrian stop in the 300 block of N. Broadway which led to the arrest of  James Pacell, 37, of Pitman, on a $500 warrant out of Glassboro. He was released pending a court date.

• Ptl. Ernest Parker conducted a pedestrian stop on Embury Avenue Aug. 24 and arrested Carisa Lacy, 33, of Pitman, on an active Monroe Township warrant. She was released pending a court date.

• Ptl Nick Barbetta conducted a motor vehicle stop on Elm Avenue Aug. 28 which led to the arrest of two passenger.  Richard Adams, 36,of Pitman, and Paul Carolus, 39, of Clarksboro, NJ were  by the sheriff's departments of Gloucester and Cumberland counties. Adams was held in the Salem County Jail and Carolus was lodged in the Cumberland County Jail.

• On Aug. 29, Cpl. Erik Beschen conducted a motor vehicle stop on Lambs Road and arrested Tire Golden, 23, of Glassboro, for possession of marijuana under 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.
• A 200-foot extension cord was reported stolen from a home on the 400 block of North Broadway Aug. 31.

Andy Polhamus may be reached at apolhamus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ajpolhamus. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.