John Palimeno writes that politicians should have fought harder to keep a full-service Inspira hospital in the Gloucester County seat.

To the Editor:

We were recently informed that Inspira Health Network will move its Woodbury inpatient hospital to Mullica Hill.

I don't believe this was a surprise to Woodbury officials. I had heard this move was in the making for more than a year. I suspect state Senate President Stephen Sweeney also knew about this for a long time. Every local politician did.

Why build another hospital when these "urgent care" walk-in facilities are popping up all over the place?

This move will devistate Woodbury. Despite statements that Inspira will keep some services at the current site, there is no way that that this hospital will stay open if they build another one. It's just not economical enough.

I grew up in Woodbury and it has always been a great town. Everything has been tried to promote it. It could be another Haddonfield if things were done right. An Inspira cutback or closure would only kill many of the businesses that now survive. If the hospital goes, so does the town. 

All the polticians care about is getting their pictures taken and talking about all the good things that they are doing. Is there a solution to this Inspira situation? I'm not sure, but there should be alternatives.

John Palimeno

Deptford Township

Not smiley about all the Miley

To the Editor:

I found it very disconcerting to have opened a recent copy of the South Jersey Times print edition to find a so-called "Trending Page" with photographs of Miley Cyrus. 

Miley Cyrus performing at the IHeartRadio Music Village in Las Vegas, Nev.Associated Press Photo 

Cyrus was featured again in the Times with her outlandish outfits after she hosted the MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 30.

I don't want to watch her on TV and I shouldn't have to have to view her antics in my newspaper. 

Where have all the nice things gone?

Ethel Ashenfelter

Glassboro

McGreevey's lifetime health benefit 'idiotic'

To the Editor:

I had to consult my map to see where Hudson County is located, because they seem to be a a lot crazier up there than down where I live.

Does anyone else find it hard to believe that a county executive and mayor were gullible enough to think four months of work performed recently by former Gov. Jim McGreevey warranted lifetime health benefits available to other Hudson County employees? (McGreevey served as a county attorney for four months while developing a prisoner re-entry center. He also qualified for a state pension this month after 27 years of public employment.) 

In many parts of the country, citizens would be storming the county seat with torches blazing to fight this idiotic health-benefit decision made by government officials out to gouge and cheat the taxpayers they supposedly serve.

Since New Jersey already has the highest property taxes in the country, is it any wonder that politicians cavalierly nod their magic wands and give themselves fat-cat pensions and benefits? If these clowns worked for corporate America, they would be in for a big surprise.

I can't wait for the day I see New Jersey in my rear-view mirror as I cross a bridge to move elsewhere.

Robert Duncan

Newfield

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

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP — Hurffville Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Tracy Colligan is admittedly infatuated with monarch butterflies, so when her colleague, Julie Hull, a teacher at Bells Elementary, offered her nine caterpillars for her classroom to start the school year, she gladly accepted. She had her students and their classmates in the other fifth-grade classrooms utilize the scientific method and...

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP -- Hurffville Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Tracy Colligan is admittedly infatuated with monarch butterflies, so when her colleague, Julie Hull, a teacher at Bells Elementary, offered her nine caterpillars for her classroom to start the school year, she gladly accepted.

Washington Township's Hurffville Elementary School teacher Tracy Colligan releases one of nine monarch butterflies that grew from caterpillars in her classroom.Jane Humes | For NJ.com 

She had her students and their classmates in the other fifth-grade classrooms utilize the scientific method and chart the growth as the caterpillars went into their chrysalis and then matured into butterflies. The entire process took about two weeks. The student-scientists then joined her as she released the butterflies.

"I use this lesson as a metaphor for fifth-graders," Colligan said. "They come in like caterpillars, and I send them off to Chestnut Ridge Middle School like beautiful butterflies.

This allows the kids to hone in on their observation skills, using their eyes to observe and record what they see, through pictures and words, and write in their logs that they carry on their clipboards. I am hopeful that they will apply what they see to themselves as they grow up and mature throughout the course of the year."

Colligan released each butterfly to the squeals of delight from her students, who said goodbye and got a close-up look at one butterfly who circled back and landed on some milkweed near where the students had gathered.

Colligan released each butterfly to the squeals of delight from her students, who said goodbye and got a close-up look at one butterfly who circled back and landed on some milkweed near where the students had gathered.

 

On Sept. 19 Victorious Secret, a Dragon Boat Team based out of Swedesboro,   earned three Division A , first place medals during their first (ever) competition at the Cape May Dragon Boat Festival making them the top women's team at the Race.  Victorious Secret is group of competitive women (mostly from Swedesboro and neighboring communities) who strive for excellence on and off...

On Sept. 19 Victorious Secret, a Dragon Boat Team based out of Swedesboro,   earned three Division A , first place medals during their first (ever) competition at the Cape May Dragon Boat Festival making them the top women's team at the Race. 

Victorious Secret is group of competitive women (mostly from Swedesboro and neighboring communities) who strive for excellence on and off the water, through practice and fun, while in support of each other.

On Sept. 19 Victorious Secret, a dragon boat team based out of Swedesboro, earned three Division A, first place medals during their first (ever) competition at the Cape May Dragon Boat Festival making them the Top Women's Team at the race.c 

As a team, the women participate in local charity events that are close to their hearts as well as fun social events that bring them together.

This year Victorious Secret has helped a family in need after they lost their home to a devastating fire. The team also provided super cool hats for Ellie, an adorable little girl fighting cancer. In addition, the women have plans to Adopt a Family for the Holidays and send donations overseas in support of our amazing U.S. Troops.

The Cape May Dragon Boat Race was the first race for their team. The Victorious Secret Dragon Boat Team was very excited to be part of this event and look forward to returning each year.

The team's captain and drummer is Jaime Smyth and the team captain Jen Ford.

 

From Wine Week events to Octoberfest, there are plenty of great events worth raising a glass and saying cheers among friends.

All of the news this week seems to be centering on Pope Francis landing on U.S. soil. But for those looking to avoid the crowds, New Jersey restaurants have some non-Pope-Francis-related promotions closing out September. 

SOUTH JERSEY FOOD AND WINE WEEK 

New Jersey Wine Week might be taking place through Sept. 27, but it doesn't necessarily mean the celebrations and tributes have to come to an end on Sunday. South Jersey Food and Wine Week takes place from Sept. 27 through Oct. 2, with close to 40 restaurants -- spread across Camden, Burlington and Gloucester Counties -- participating. The deal is simple: four courses for $35 with each of the chefs putting together special menus for the event. The complete list of restaurants can be found here. Reservations are recommended. 

IRON ROOM CELEBRATES WINE WEEK 

The Iron Room, Iron Room, the bar and lounge inside the Atlantic City Bottle Co. (Atlantic City's first speakeasy since prohibition), has earned high accolades for its impressive wine collection. (Earlier this year, The Iron Room was presented with a Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator.) On Wednesday, the Atlantic City-based establishment will be teaming up with the Garden State Wine Growers Assoc. for a three-hour event (6 to 9 p.m.), with a special menu of hors d'oeuvres. Tickets are $20, and reservations are required. For more information, call 609-348-6400. 648 N. Albany Ave., Atlantic City.

MEATLESS MONDAYS 

Dos Caminos, part of BR Guest Hospitality, is now part of the Meatless Monday movement at its Harrah's Resort location.  Special dishes being conjured up by executive chef Ivy Stark include polkanes yucatecos -- pumpkin seed and fava bean fritters with roasted tomato pepita salad; vegetable tacos -- calabacitas, local patty pan, pinto beans, grilled avocado, salsa verde and quinoa tortillas. 777 Harrah's Blvd., Atlantic City. 

OCTOBERFEST 

Late September and beer go hand-in-hand. This annual autumn tradition takes place in Munich, Germany every October. No need to purchase an expensive plane ticket to enjoy all of the festivities, though. Several restaurants around the Garden State are getting in on the action. What is being billed as the New Jersey/New York metro area's "most authentic Octoberfest" kicks off on Friday at Pilsener Haus in Hoboken, 1422 Grand St., with music, beer and a traditional menu. Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten, 527 Lake Ave., which opened earlier this year, is hosting "The Jersey Shore's First Authentic Octoberfest," complete with polka bands every weekend, keg tapping, giant imported pretzels and more.  

Contact Bill Gelman at bkgelman@hotmail.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Following an arrest in two Franklinville crimes, police are seeking leads in similar incidents that occurred around the same time.

FRANKLIN TWP. -- A township man has been arrested in connection with a convenience store burglary and the theft of a truck, police said.

Orlando D. Bompensa III, 48, of Franklinville (Franklin Township Police Department) 

Authorities are also hoping the public can assist with information on other burglaries and thefts that occurred around the same time.

Orlando D. Bompensa III, 48, of Franklinville, allegedly broke into the Country Farm Convenience Store on Delsea Drive and stole several packs of cigarettes before fleeing the scene Sept. 8, according to police.

He is also accused of stealing a Sterling truck that was parked on the Wingzinger Inc. property, also on Delsea Drive, sometime between Sept. 3 and 8. The truck, owned by Asphalt Paving Systems of Hammonton, was parked on the property while the company was completing work in the area, police said.

Bompensa was charged with burglary and theft and placed in Salem County Correctional Facility.

Franklin police are also investigating burglaries and thefts from Franklinville VFW and the Gulf gas station in the Franklinville section of the township, and the theft of a vehicle from the Community Commons parking lot. Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact Detective Nicholas Pasculli at 856-694-1415, ext. 4.

All of these crimes occurred in the same timeframe as the incidents for which Bompensa was charged.

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

 

A Deptford woman charged with stabbing a relative during a domestic dispute will face trial, the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office has announced.

WOODBURY -- A Deptford woman charged with stabbing someone in her home during a domestic dispute will face trial, the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office has announced.

A list of indictments handed down last week said that Kelly Higgins, who was arrested at the end of April in connection with a stabbing on Williams Avenue, will be tried for one count each of aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Kelly A. Higgins, of Deptford Township, was charged with aggravated assault and weapons offenses after a stabbing on Williams Avenue in Deptford. (Salem County Correctional Facility)
 

The incident occurred at 3:30 a.m. April 30, when Deptford police responded to a call that they "quickly determined was an incident of domestic violence." Law enforcement did not go into detail about the circumstances of the stabbing, or the weapon Higgins is accused of using.

ALSO: N.J. man charged with shooting someone over a beer gets $250K bail

In other Gloucester County indictments:

• Jennifer Bock, 24, of Williamstown, was indicted for third-degree possession of a controlled substance for a July 19 incident.
• Matthew Celeste, 33, of Pitman, was indicted for receiving stolen property on Feb. 18.
• Efflee Grady, 32 of Clementon, will stand trial for third-degree shoplifting charges out of Monroe Township.
• Lindberg P. Kelly, 34, is charged with fourth-degree inflicting harm on a law enforcement animal, resisting arrest and eluding law enforcement in a Deptford incident Feb. 11.
• Jonathan Lopez, 33, of Monroe Township, has been charged with third-degree threatening to kill in a Feb. 14 incident.
• Shamar McNeil, 26, faces charges of possession of a controlled subtance in Williamstown.
• Theresa Rathof, 33, of Mantua, is charged with for fourth degree child abuse in a March 12 incident.
• Paul Packer, 41, of Glassboro, faces charges of lewdness observed by a child in a Feb. 10 borough incident.
• Quamere Reading, 24, of Bridgeton is charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon in a March 21 Mantua incident.
• Donald Scurry, 23, of Glassboro, is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and certain persons not to have weapons for an incident that occurred on March 21 in Mantua.
• Tyler Wardle, 19, of Glassboro, faces third-degree charges for disclosing images of another person's "intimate parts" in Franklinville in January.
• Matthew Reiners, 19, of Mantua, is charged with third-degree receiving stolen property and fourth-degree theft by conveyance in East Greenwich Jan. 21.
• Daniel Morris, 43, of West Deptford, was indicted on charges of a sex offender failing to provide notification of an address change March 26.

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

   

 

A Gloucester County man was sentenced to five years probation on Monday for "recklessly causing an oil spill last year in Spring Lake and Mantua Creek in Washington Township,

John Caldwell, 48, of Washington TownshipPhoto provided by the Attorney General's Office

TRENTON — A Gloucester County man was sentenced to five years probation on Monday for recklessly causing an oil spill last year in Spring Lake and Mantua Creek in Washington Township, Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman announced in a news release.

John Caldwell, 48, of Washington Township, must pay a $5,000 fine and $2,385 in overtime services by the Washington Township Fire Department after using a vacuum tank truck full of an industrial solvent to empty his pool at his home.

According to the attorney general's office, Caldwell discharged the truck's contents into a storm drain despite there being a "No dumping" sign on display. The storm drain feeds to both bodies of water.

Superior Court Judge M. Christine Allen-Jackson issued the sentence, which included 150 hours of community service.

He pleaded guilty in May to third-degree charges of violating the Water Pollution Control Act and causing or risking widespread injury or damage.

Caldwell had told officials he thought the truck was empty. It had been used to transport a petroleum distillate called "cutting oil," the release said.

Caldwell was caught after investigators traced the spill to the storm drain in front of his house on Uranus Road.

About 3,000 gallons of oil were recovered from the lake and the creek. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which oversaw the cleanup, collected nearly $230,000 in restitution for the cleanup costs and other expenses, the release said.

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

Days after a new round of anti-vaccine rhetoric was stirred up, a case of one of the preventable diseases has come to Clearview Regional.

A single confirmed case of whooping cough at Clearview Regional High School in no way represents an epidemic. But whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is contagious enough to for us to emphasize that the advice to follow on vaccinations comes from public health officials - not Republican presidential candidates.

The school in Harrison Township opened normally Monday after crews spent the weekend sanitizing classrooms and buses. One student has pertussis, while tests on a second student who had shown symptoms earlier were inconclusive.

Meanwhile, some in the 2016 GOP field seem determined to do to childhood vaccinations what they did to "fictional" global warming. Preventive measures? Not necessary in either case.

Pandering to religious vaccine opponents and libertarian purists, candidates have trotted out debunked studies and anecdotes to placate parents who think it's OK to withhold effective immunization against a wide range of diseases. Pertussis happens to be one of them.

There was Donald Trump at the GOP debate last week, spouting fables linking vaccines to autism. The reputable health community says flat-out that no such link exists. A child of one of his employees, a week after receiving a shot, "got very very, sick, (and) now is autistic," Trump declared. 

Pressed on the topic, Dr. Ben Carson, a pediatric neurosurgeon, refuted the false link, but said it might be OK to stretch out vaccination schedules. Some recommended shots could be optional, he added. Ditto Rand Paul, who is also a medical doctor.

Even Gov. Chris Christie, though not a vaccine denier, walked too fine a line in February during the midst of a measles outbreak that was traced to Disneyland. When asked, Christie called for "balance" between keeping the diseases in check and parents who "need to have some measure of choice in things as well."

Imagine if the measles outbreak had occurred before the governor was in presidential mode, with Great Adventure as its epicenter. You can just hear Christie, in his best "Get the hell of the beach!" voice, bellowing, "Get your damn kids their shots!"

Christie is no longer saying it, but we will: Your right to keep your children vaccine-free ends when it raises the odds that my children can get polio, measles, chicken pox and, yes, whooping cough. Community-wide immunity doesn't suffer from a few religious or health-related exemptions; problems occur when the non-immunized block becomes too large. 

Anti-vaccine invective threatens immunization rates whether it comes from Republicans or from Hollywood loonies like Jenny McCarthy and Bill Maher. Protect your own children and your region. Don't listen to them. Listen instead to Deb Sellitto, who speaks for the Gloucester County Health Department:

"Pertussis is preventable, and we encourage parents to make sure their children's vaccines are up to date."

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

There are still spaces available for the Arc Gloucester golf tournament.

The golf tournament honoring the memory of  Nancy Elkis and Jack Love, scheduled Monday, Sept. 28 at Scotland Run in Williamstown, is in its 47th year, stamping it as one of the longest-running charitable golf events in South Jersey.

Bob ShryockTimes file photo 

Benefiting the American Heart Association, the tournament has raised in excess of $1.5 million since it debuted at the old Tall Pines in 1968. The tournament has been played at several venues, notably Scotland Run in recent years.

This year's tourney, chaired again by Dr. James George, will have a somber tone. John Love, eldest son of Sally Love and Dr. Jack Love, her late husband, was killed last spring in a job-related accident. John was a regular participant in the Elkis-Love tournament.

Entry fee for the four-golfer scramble is $250 per golfer, covering all golf amenities, dinner, lunch, awards, and silent auction.

Entry form is available on the AHA website. For additional information, call Grace Donatucci at the AHA office,  215-463-1234. There is space for more players.

More room in "The arc"

There also is room for additional golfers in The Arc Gloucester Golf Tournament slated for Wednesday, Sept. 23 at Ron Jaworski's RiverWinds with proceeds benefiting the facility's Camp Sun 'n Fun.

The four-golfer scramble carries a $150 entry fee which includes golf, lunch, awards dinner and an auction highlighted by a paperweight donated by noted glass artist Paul Stankard of Mantua.

This tournament also features the National Anthem sung by Michael Jones, the brilliant blind vocalist from Washington Township who has been fighting health problems.

This tourney was chaired by the late BIll Dalton, mayor of Glassboro, for nearly 20 years His son, Larry Dalton, assumed chairmanship upon Bill's passing, and serves on a newly-formed committee for the 2015 Arc Gloucester event.

Memories from Manganello

Joe Manganello, former long-time Gloucester  County College professor and county freeholder, read the recent column about John Borrell and shed "a few tears." Borrell, a Pitman High School graduate, was a teaching golf professional who died recently at age 59.

Retired and living in Florida, Joe tells a poignant story about he and then freeholder director Jim Atkinson crisscrossing Gloucester County one day and stopping to enjoy the view from the parking lot at Pitman Golf Course.

"We saw John giving lessons to a group of disabled youngsters. He did not see us, but we sure saw him. Here was this man with movie-star features teaching a mesmerized audience.

"There is an old expression that came to mind: 'A man is never taller than when he stops to help a child.

"John was a prince. He was kind, elegant, and transformative."

Recalling an old tale

Mark Vogeding, son of the late John Vogeding of Paulsboro, recalls the recent column about our 2-0 football prediction in the late 1960s, Kingsway beating Woodstown under monsoon conditions.

"I heard dad tell the story many times," says Voge, a special education teacher and assistant athletic director at his PHS alma mater.

His dad left PHS, where he was a classroom teacher, to report sports for the Times before moving to the Courier-Post as long-time assistant sports editor.

Ken Frank writes that Robert Zimmerman is just doing his job by decrying interference with police. George I. Anderson has another view.

To the Editor:

The opening paragraph of the Times' Sept. 18 editorial "N.J. police chief should clarify 'vigilante'  remark" - concerning the reasonable words of Pitman Police Chief Robert Zimmerman - was so biased, presumptuous and slanted that it was downright contemptuous:

"With a police station right on Broadway in the center of a compact downtown, the borough has a reputation for being someplace you don't want to be if you can't give a good account of why you're on the street." That sentence alone is absurd.  

Would the Times prefer the station be moved down by the lake, far from the people and out of the way? The resonance in your writing is that of a child disdaining the presence of order in a civil community.  

Over the last 10 years, there's been a large increase in people walking around the town, looking aimless and disenfranchised. I should only hope that our police department matches vagrancy with increased vigilance.  

Zimmerman doesn't owe the Times or anyone else an explanation for speaking common sense in telling people not to interfere with police who are trying to do their jobs effectively. It's in keeping with his job description. 

Who are you to be judging our police department with accusation and innuendo? You postulate that he's fostered fear. Your opening paragraph gave me your opinion before I even read the complete editorial. To my mind, that is much more frightening in the long term than the "rant" of a police chief dealing with the realities of the bad and dysfunctional among us. The quality of your paper is diminished drastically at moments like this. 

Ken Frank

Pitman

Pitman anti-drug activist is no vigilante

To the Editor:

Regarding the recent article "Stop with the vigilantism, N.J. police chief warns," and a serious crime-and-drug problem allegedly going on in Pitman, I feel that borough resident Jimmy Graham is doing absolutely the right thing.

Graham, an anti-addiction activist, is posting signs in known drug-dealing areas to alert people to illegal activity. (Police Chief Robert Zimmerman's remarks may have been aimed at Graham, although the chief says they were general in nature.)

Though it's understandable that the Pitman police are doing everything they can to combat the problem, they, and especially Chief Zimmerman, should find ways to work with Graham instead of condemning his actions as "vigilantism" - which they aren't. Vigilantism is using unlawful means to combat unlawful activity. All Graham is doing is posting signs.

The law should answer to law-abiding people, not the other way around.

George I. Anderson

Millville 

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

The West Deptford Free Public Library presents Nancy Masters, a doctor of medical humanities, as she creates an interactive dialogue relating to the humanities, healing and medicine at 6:30 p.m. on two consecutive Thursdays, Sept, 24 and Oct, 1 at 6:30 each evening. This New Jersey innovator blends art and medicine to enhance the human experience. Writing to Heal an...

The West Deptford Free Public Library presents Nancy Masters, a doctor of medical humanities, as she creates an interactive dialogue relating to the humanities, healing and medicine at 6:30 p.m. on two consecutive Thursdays, Sept, 24 and Oct, 1 at 6:30 each evening. This New Jersey innovator blends art and medicine to enhance the human experience.

Writing to Heal an interactive workshop, will present examples of writers who have used poetry and prose to express their reactions to illness or death, and found personal healing through the writing process. Participants will be given guidelines for starting their own personal healing journals.

Medicine with Nancy Masters creates an interactive dialogue  relating to the humanities and medicine. Look into the use of medical art from the Egyptians to the internet, and discuss its historical significance in the development of Mmedicine.  Featuring the art of Monet, Van Gogh, and Da Vinci.

 

Charles Heimlich, PhD., a personal development consultant and owner of Heimlich's Karate and Safety Center in Washington Township, will be signing his new book, "Thomas the Autonomous Hippopotamus, at the Rowan University Barnes & Noble in Glassboro on Sept. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. Published by Tate Publishing, "Thomas the Autonomous Hippopotamus" is an adventure story geared to teach...

Thomas the Autonomous Hippopotamus by Charles Heimlich.
 

Charles Heimlich, PhD., a personal development consultant and owner of Heimlich's Karate and Safety Center in Washington Township, will be signing his new book, "Thomas the Autonomous Hippopotamus, at the Rowan University Barnes & Noble in Glassboro on Sept. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Published by Tate Publishing, "Thomas the Autonomous Hippopotamus" is an adventure story geared to teach children and young adults how to act independently and have confidence and self esteem. 

"Thomas the Autonomous Hippopotamus" is a creature of the jungle, and he lives a secluded lifestyle. Thomas has trouble believing in himself. 

As Thomas meets the other animals in the jungle he imagines himself as them, hoping and wishing to be anyone but himself. Thomas is surprised when he discovers who and what he really is. 

The book is appropriate for all ages as it helps children to learn from real experiences and life lessons, which the author describes using animal facts, geared to teach children to be proud of who they are and confident of what they want to grow up to be.

 

If you're trying to avoid Philadelphia during the World Meeting of Families and Papal visit, here is a list of eight different events to check out instead.

The fact that Pope Francis is coming to New York and Philadelphia this week has sent the entire region into a frenzy.

Driving and parking restrictions, bridge closings, and the challenge of fitting millions of people into the city of Philadelphia have caused some to wish themselves away from the chaos.

If you're one of those people, there are plenty of other events happening throughout the state during the weekend of the papal visit that are nowhere near Philly.

North Wildwood Irish Festival

The annual Irish Weekend is set for Sept. 24 to 27 in Wildwood.

North Wildwood has hosted the Irish-themed celebration since 1991.

Approximately 200,000 people visit the shore town to get their Irish on and visit the local pubs and shops.

For more information, visit www.wildwoodsnj.com.

Seafarers Celebration

Wildwood Crest will host the annual Seafarers Celebration Sept. 25 and 26 at Sunset Lake and Centennial Park.

On Friday, Mystery Machine -- a 10-piece band that plays classics, oldies, dance and rock and roll -- will kick off the celebration at 7 p.m. at the Centennial Park Amphitheater. Beachfront fireworks explode at 9 p.m.

The party continues on Saturday with a street festival along Sunset Lake on New Jersey Avenue with craft and food vendors, family entertainment, live music, children's activities, karaoke, pony rides, face painting, magic shows, moon bounces, pie-eating and bubble gum blowing contests.

Don't Call Me Francis, Stellar Mojo and the Star Band will provide live entertainment.

For more information, visit www.VisitWildwoodCrest.com or call 609-523-0202.

Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay

Advertised as "Six Blocks of Nothing But Fun," the Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay is Sept. 26 and 27 along Amherst Avenue between Decatur and Coolidge avenues.

Amusement rides, back bay boat tours, and Margate City Police Department's Dunk-a-Cop dunk tank are just a few of the activities that will keep families busy during the Funfest.

Live music, shopping and dining throughout the area, in addition to craft, art, and food vendors will provide everything visitors need for a full day of fun.

For more information, visit www.margatehasmore.com or call 609-822-1129.

2015 Miss'd America Pageant

The Greater Atlantic City GLBT Alliance is hosting the 2015 Miss'd America Pageant at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City.

Started by John Schultz and Gary Hill in 1991, the Miss'd America Pageant is held the Sunday after Miss America to raise money for local charities.

This year's show will be hosted by Carson Kressley and will feature the Miss'd America Dancers.

Tickets are $65 for the show, $100 for the show plus admission to pre and post parties. Tickets for the show and only the post party are $75

The pre party is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at mur.mur nightclub, and the post party is directly following the pageant at The Event Center.

For more information and tickets, visit www.theborgata.com or call 866-900-4849.

Broadway Theatre of Pitman

The Broadway Theatre of Pitman will be presenting "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" live on stage September 25 and 26.

Goldilocks takes the audience on her classic adventure of finding a cottage that is occupied by a family of bears -- unbeknownst to her.

After indulging in porridge, sitting in a comfy chair, and taking a nap in a soft bed, she finds out who lives in the house she has invaded.

Shows are at 10 a.m. on Sept. 25, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sept. 26

For more information and tickets, contact the Theatre Box Office at pitmanbroadwaytheatre.com or call 856-384-8381.

Historic Soldiers Weekend

The 11th annual Historic Soldiers Weekend is Sept. 26 and 27 at Fort Mott State Park in Pennsville.

Historic Soldiers Weekend takes visitors back in time as far as the Revolutionary War with historical encampments, re-enactors, and weapons from every American conflict.

Re-enactment units will camp out for the entire weekend at Fort Mott, living the way soldiers and their families lived when stationed there.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit www.soldiersweekend.com.

Winslow Hauntings Revealed

On Sept. 26, members of South Jersey Ghost Research will reveal what they discovered during their paranormal investigations at the old Iuluicci Farmhouse -- now the new home of the Historical Society of Winslow Township.

Visitors will explore the building in small groups with members of SJGR who will describe what they found during the four nights they investigated the house.

Guests will also have the opportunity to try ghost hunting themselves in a mock investigation.

The event will be held at the Winslow Township History Center at 124 Pump Branch Road in Water Works.

Donations of $8 for adults and $4 for children are requested.

For more information and to make reservations, call 609-561-8114.

People for People Vets Picnic

The annual People for People Vets Picnic on Sept. 26, is a chance for the public to thank hundreds of veterans through a free event at the Gloucester County 4H Fairgrounds on Route 77 in Mullica Hill.

There will be free food and entertainment featuring Jay Gentile and Michael Jones, military exhibits and displays, informational booths, and drop-off sites for "Socks for Soldiers" and "Toys for Tots."

All military personnel will get special recognition and receive a small token of appreciation.

For more information, visit pfpfoundation.org or call 856-579-7561.

The Giant Pumpkin Carve

Meals on Wheels of Salem County will host the annual Pumpkin Carve and Pumpkin Pageant on Sept. 26 at the Salem County Fairgrounds from 4 to 9 p.m.

Artists of all levels join together to carve giant pumpkins in celebration of the upcoming Halloween season.

Each year, approximately 4,000 people attend the event to view the pumpkins and help raise money for Meals on Wheels.

Hayrides, kids crafts, a straw maze, live music, and the Pumpkin Princess Pageant make for a night full of fall fun.

Tickets are $7 for adults and children 5 years old and younger are free.

For more information, visit www.scmealsonwheels.org or call 856-935-3663.

Mercer County Italian American Festival

West Windsor welcomes Italian Americans and friends of all descent to celebrate Italian food, art, and heritage at the Mercer County Italian American Festival Sept. 25 to 27.

The Food Piazza will have Italian specialties from the area's best Italian restaurants and vendors, in addition to wine and beer gardens.

Visitors can view more than 200 displays of Italian memorabilia in the Italian Heritage Pavilion. Italian products, crafts, and displays from organizations, in addition to a near-life-size replica of the Trevi Fountain can be seen in the pavilion.

There will also be Bocce, a cultural theater, dining and dance tents, and amusement rides.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors 65 and older, and free for children 12 and younger.

For more information, visit www.italianamericanfestival.com or call 609-631-7544.

Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellyroncace. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

Ballistics and forensics experts testified during the second week of trial for James Stuart, a Deptford police officer charged with murder.

WOODBURY -- There was nothing on video to indicate that James Stuart and David Compton had any kind of dispute on the night of Jan. 4, 2013. Surveillance footage from Lazy Lanigan's bar in Washington Township seemed to show five young guys having an average night.

As the second week of testimony in the trial of Stuart -- a Deptford police officer who was charged with murder-- got underway, Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office Detective Petroski said that although surveillance video from the bar and a subsequent 2 a.m. trip to Wawa had no audio, there was nothing in Stuart's or Compton's behavior that might have presaged a violent confrontation.

"They're five young men, they're having a nice night out," said John Eastlack, Stuart's defense attorney. Stuart, who was off duty, and Compton had met up with three other longtime friends at Lazy Lanigan's, then headed back to Stuart's Deptford home before Compton was fatally shot just before 5 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2013.

"No fighting, no arguments, no issues," Eastlack continued. "They're dancing with some girls, they're having a couple of beers. It's generally a nice time. There's no problem? No issue?"

"None that we observed," responded Petroski.

Assistant Prosecutor Dana Anton, however, noted that there was no sound on video from either the bar or Wawa, meaning investigators had no way of knowing for sure if the conversation had been friendly.

RELATED: What we learned from first week in trial of N.J. cop charged with murder

Eastlack countered that it was "common sense" that there was no body language to suggest a conflict.

Tension in the courtroom grew as the cross-examination turned to Petroski's interview of a friend who was at the bar with Stuart and Compton. Petroski had referred to the shooting as an accident during the interview.

"Sometimes, something gets misspoken, or you flat-out lie to make someone comfortable and elicit the truth," said Petroski when he was asked why he called the shooting accidental during the interview with Stuart's friend.

"But that was toward the end of the interview," Eastlack said, pointing out that Petroski was still referring to the shooting as an accident on page 27 of a 29-page transcript. "You chose the phrase that it was an accidental thing."

"You've already tried to make someone comfortable," continued Eastlack, his voice rising. "You weren't using any slick investigative technique. You said it because you meant it."

Petroski's response was simple.

"I don't believe that," he said quietly. The detective was then excused from the stand.

Petroski was followed by a New Jersey State Police ballistics expert who testified that Compton was killed by a bullet fired from Stuart's off-duty service weapon, a Glock 27 pistol.

Dr. Fung Kwok, the Connecticut-based forensics expert who analyzed both men's clothing and skin swabs for gunshot residue, said during the trial on Tuesday that he had found gunshot residue on the right sleeve of Stuart's shirt and on Compton's hoodie. He did not, however, find residue in swabs taken from either man's hands.

He said the three most common ways for an object or skin swab to test positive for residue would be if the samples came directly from the shooter, if they were in close proximity to the gunshot, or by accidental transfer -- for instance, the shooter's hands brushing a piece of furniture or clothing.

"I failed to detect any presence of gunshot residue on the right or left hand," said Kwok, referring to both Compton and Stuart's hands. 

Eastlack asked if there was any way Kwok could have known whether the residue on the men's clothes had settled there after the gunshot, or if it had been transferred there by touch. Kwok said that the test could only detect the presence of gunshot residue, not determine its origins.

Testimony will resume Tuesday afternoon.

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

A shadow lurks in South Jersey. And for two decades he's doled out wonderful ink work to clients around the state and beyond.

NJ.com is visiting each of the five finalists and spending a day at their shops, in search for New Jersey's best tattoo shop. South Vineland's Firehouse tattoo was visited last Monday and Pure Ink Tattoo was visited Tuesday. 12 oz Studios in Brooklawn was visited Thursday. Rorschach Gallery in Edison was visited Friday. A winner will be named Thursday. 

WILLIAMSTOWN -- For two decades, an ink veteran has doled out wonderful work in South Jersey, to clients from around the state and beyond. 

The veteran tattoo artist, known solely as Shadow, owns Eternal Ink in Williamstown, a shop that over the last 12 years has developed a reputation as one of the Philadelphia suburbs' strongest parlors. 

Several younger, up-and-coming artists currently cut their teeth under Shadow's watch, and together, the staff produces sharp black and grey, traditional and illustrative pieces.  

Eternal Ink in Williamstown, which is one of the five finalists in the search for N.J.'s best tattoo shop. (Bobby Olivier | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 

While Shadow may seem a little serious at first, he lightens up in conversation and is a talented, receptive artist. And while he does his best not to judge his own work, he appreciates the kinds words he receives from his clients. 

"The day I stop getting positive results is the day I stop doing this," he says. 

But he doesn't plan on retiring anytime soon, as he revels in the idea inking of long-lasting pieces. 

"I like putting something on people that they are going to have for the rest of their lives," he says. 

THE ATMOSPHERE

Like most of the other finalists, Eternal Ink resides in a fairly nondescript strip mall, off Main Street. And like South Vineland's Firehouse Tattoo, the shop sits adjacent to a church -- an odd juxtaposition. 

Inside the parlor, it's a traditional set-up: a small waiting area with two couches, and a hallway of private stations. A rack of flash art, with custom designs from Shadow and other artists, is hung. The decor is green and cream with wood accents. 

The skulls on the sign outside translate to a horror-theme interior, as the door to Shadow's room reads "dungeon" above the numbers 666. Heavy metal music plays while he inks. 

But the artists aren't especially brooding. They all get along well and are quick to tease and joke. 

"We are a family here," says artist Tim "Pinhed" Sharpley. "We're all versatile artists and we look out for each other. 

The entrance to Shadow's studio at Eternal Ink in Williamstown, which is one of the five finalists in the search for N.J.'s best tattoo shop. (Bobby Olivier | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 

THE ARTISTS

Shadow is the shop's senior artist, with 20 years of experience tatting around South Jersey. Also employed are Shaffer, Eric Sharpley, and Stefanee Schofield, who is finishing her apprenticeship. Body piercer Immortal also works in the shop. 

The staff at Eternal Ink in Williamstown, which is one of the five finalists in the search for N.J.'s best tattoo shop. (Bobby Olivier | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 

THE STYLES

The shop prides themselves in being able to handle any request the comes through the door, but Shadow is best known for his black and gray work, and his striking pieces can be seen on most of his staff's skin -- he was inking a skull on piercing apprentice Lance Whelan's stomach during the visit. Shadow is booked a few weeks out. 

Sharpley specializes in American traditional, and Shaffer and Schofield do it all. Each of the these artists are more readily available, and walk-ins are welcome.

"Whatever someone walks through the door with, we can satisfy," Shadow says.

Artist Tim "Pinhed" Shaffer shows off a leg tattoo done by Shadow at Eternal Ink in Williamstown, which is one of the five finalists in the search for N.J.'s best tattoo shop. (Bobby Olivier | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 

CLEANLINESS 

No complaints here. While the shop itself is a little worn, the stations themselves are clean and professional. While Shadow and his staff joke around,they clearly take the procedural side of their craft seriously. 

Shadow tattoos piercing apprentice Lance Whelan at Eternal Ink in Williamstown, which is one of the five finalists in the search for N.J.'s best tattoo shop. (Bobby Olivier | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 

THE X-FACTOR

Eternal Ink understands the weight of its name -- the tattoos they produce are on their clients forever. And with that knowledge comes a responsibility, to provide as much information about their profession as possible. Shadow notes that his fiancee, who handles the shop's social media, is constantly answering tattoo and piercing questions after hours. 

It's obviously important to the staff that their customers leave happy, and after 20 years, Shadow still leads the way in that passion. 

Artist Eric Sharpley inks apprentice Stefanee Schofield at Eternal Ink in Williamstown, which is one of the five finalists in the search for N.J.'s best tattoo shop. (Bobby Olivier | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 

Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 

Fire officials are investigating a blaze that displaced three individuals in the early morning hours today.

A house on Blue Jay Drive int he Beckett section of Logan Township was destroyed by an early morning fire Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. (Photo provided_Rebecca Forand | For NJ.com 

LOGAN TWP. -- Fire officials are investigating a blaze that displaced three individuals in the early morning hours today.

Shortly before 5 a.m. firefighters were called to the scene where a two-story, wood frame house with heavy fire throughout the front section of the home, according to Gloucester County Spokeswoman Deb Sellitto.

It took approximately half an hour for fire fighters from Logan, Gibbstown, Mantua and East Greenwich to get the fire under control, but the home was heavily damaged and not able to be lived in.

MORE: Logan Township Crimelog

A 54-year-old and 26-year-old male and a 52-year-old woman were able to escape the house when they were alerted to the fire by a neighbor, Sellitto added.

Volunteer disaster response caseworkers were on the scene to provide care and emergency assistance, according to the American Red Cross.

The fire is believed to have originated on the front porch of the home, but the cause is still pending further investigation.

Rebecca Forand may be reached at rforand@southjerseymedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @RebeccaForand. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden has announced that $2.5 million in grants is now available for projects to educate new and underserved farmers about more than 20 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency programs that can provide financial, disaster or technical assistance to the agricultural community. The grants will be awarded to nonprofits and public higher education institutions...

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden has announced that $2.5 million in grants is now available for projects to educate new and underserved farmers about more than 20 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency programs that can provide financial, disaster or technical assistance to the agricultural community.

The grants will be awarded to nonprofits and public higher education institutions that develop proposals to improve farmer education on topics such as financial training, value-added production, recordkeeping, property inheritance, and crop production practices.

 USDA will conduct four evaluation periods to review applications, with the deadlines of Nov. 20; and Jan. 22, March 18 and May 27, 2016. Awards between $20,000 and $100,000 per applicant will be available. To learn more about the funding solicitation and the related Farm Service Agency programs, details can be found at grants.gov with the reference number USDA-FSA-CA-2015-001. For nonprofits and public institutions of higher education that are considering participation, an online informational session will be conducted on Sept. 28.  Additional information is posted on the Web at fsa.usda.gov/outreach.

USDA extends Dairy Margin Protection program deadline

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the deadline to enroll for the dairy Margin Protection Program for coverage in 2016 has been extended until Nov. 20. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating farmers when the margin -- the difference between the price of milk and feed costs -- falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.

To enroll in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy, contact your local FSA county office.  To find your local FSA county office, visit offices.usda.gov.

USDA Commodity Loans available to New Jersey producers

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) New Jersey Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Paul Hlubik reminds producers that USDA offers interim financing at harvest time to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell commodities when market prices are at harvest-time lows. The programs, known as Marketing Assistance Loans (MALs) and Loan Deficiency Payments (LDPs), were authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill for the 2014-2018 crop years. 

A producer who is eligible to obtain a marketing loan, but agrees to forgo the loan, may obtain a loan deficiency payment if such a payment is available. The programs provide financing and marketing assistance for wheat, feed grains, soybeans and other oilseeds, pulse crops, rice, peanuts, cotton, wool and honey. For eligibility, producers must control the commodity or a title to the commodity until the loan is repaid.

 SA is now accepting applications for all eligible commodities. For expedited service, interested producers are encouraged to schedule an appointment. Other program restrictions may apply, including limits on total payments or gross income thresholds. Consult your local FSA office for further details. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov/pricesupport. To find your local USDA Service Center, go to offices.usda.gov.

 

ParkeBank, headquartered in Washington Township, has recently committed to be the presenting sponsor for the Boys and Girls Club of Gloucester County's major fundraising event, "It's All About The Kids," on Oct. 1 at Auletto's, 1849 Cooper St. in the Almonesson section of Deptford Township. John E. Wallace Jr. will be honored at the dinner. For information about the fundraiser call...

ParkeBank, headquartered in Washington Township, has recently committed to be the presenting sponsor for the Boys and Girls Club of Gloucester County's major fundraising event, "It's All About The Kids," on Oct. 1 at Auletto's, 1849 Cooper St. in the Almonesson section of Deptford Township. John E. Wallace Jr. will be honored at the dinner. For information about the fundraiser call 856-881-6084 or visit gcbgc.org.

For the third straight year ParkeBank has taken the lead sponsorship role in support of this organization. Daniel Sulpizio, senior vice president of Parke Bank said "It is a fitting opportunity to give back to the community and support the Boys and Girls Club." 

"We hope that other businesses within Gloucester County will visit their website to get more information about this event, learn more about the organization, the value it brings to our future leaders and plan to join us for a fun evening" said Sulpizio.

Parke Bancorp, Inc. was incorporated in January 2005 while Parke Bank commenced operations in January 1999. Parke Bancorp and Parke Bank maintain their principal offices at 601 Delsea Drive, Washington Township. Parke Bank conducts business through a branch office in Northfield, two branch offices in Washington Township, a branch office in Galloway Township and a branch in Philadelphia.

 

The moment Catholics from around the world have been waiting for has arrived.

PHILADELPHIA -- It's been more than three years since an announcement let the globe know that The World Meeting of Families would not only be coming to the U.S. for the first time, but Philadelphia would be hosting it.

On Tuesday afternoon, after 38 month's worth of painstaking planning, organizers excitedly welcomed thousands of pilgrims to the meeting's opening ceremony.

"Each of us has a different story ... but all of us feel at home because we are united in our heavenly father," said Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, who traveled 4,360 miles from Rome.

The World Meeting of Families will include conferences, lectures and breakout sessions under the banner, "Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive." More than one million people are expected to flock to Philadelphia by the end of the week for Pope Francis' arrival, which will make him the fourth pope to ever visit this country.

Downtown Philadelphia is already buzzing with activity however, with construction going on to prepare for the public events and thousands of visitors from more than 100 countries having already made their way into the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection.

"Words cannot express the time and effort these individuals and many others put into planning this," meeting Executive Director Donna Crilley-Farrell said of those seated behind her, including Mayor Michael Nutter, Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput and heads of other sponsoring companies.

The agenda for this week's events -- which target both adults and youth and "will celebrate family and the sanctuary of love and life," organizers said -- includes sessions with topics such as "In the city: Concerns of the Urban Family," "Where is this relationship going: Dating as discernment" and "The Light of the family in a dark world."

The first meeting was held in 1994 and more than 18,000 people registered to attend Philadelphia's festivities. Among them was Melissa Michel, a resident of the southern region of France and proud parent of five children.

"I'm looking forward to families being taken off the back burner," she said while walking shoulder to shoulder with other pilgrims inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The week-long event culminates on Saturday and Sunday with public appearances of Pope Francis at Independence Hall and along the Ben Franklin Parkway.

"What happens here this week is a celebration not about the past, but the future," Chaput said. "The future is alive in the souls of each and every pilgrim that comes here."

The final speaker during Tuesday's ceremony was a visibly excited Nutter, who after months of dire press conferences about "traffic boxes," closed bridges and open businesses could finally revel in the moment.

Describing Philadelphia as a place of tolerance and a city of neighborhoods anchored by families, Nutter said this week would be "an incredible personal and professional moment" for him -- even if he was just a kid from West Philly.

"This is the start of the most historic event in modern Philadelphia history," he said to enthusiastic applause. "It's game time in Philadelphia. We're ready to go."

The judge said a jury could rule that James Stuart's actions leading up to David Compton's death were 'purposeful and knowing.'

WOODBURY -- One night, Andrew Gaano was out at a bar with his cousins and two old friends. The next, he was rushing to Cooper Hospital in Camden, where 27-year-old David Compton had yet to regain consciousness. And when Compton died, six days after he was shot in the home of James Stuart, Gaano was one of his pallbearers.

The prosecution in the trial of Stuart, the Deptford police officer charged with murdering his friend rested on Tuesday afternoon, four days into the proceedings. Gaano, one of three men who went drinking with Compton and Stuart in Washington Township on Jan. 4, 2013, was the first witness called by defense attorney John Eastlack.

"He's like a brother to me," Gaano said of Stuart. The two had played in the same section of the Deptford Township High School marching and jazz bands together, and were even planning on going on a Caribbean cruise with other friends and family later on that month. Gaano was similarly close to Compton, saying that he was "like family."

But before Gaano had taken the stand, Eastlack had begun his case by asking that Judge Robert Becker drop the homicide charges against Stuart, arguing that evidence did not point to anything that would suggest Stuart planned to kill his friend. Earlier in the day, law enforcement officials had testified that surveillance footage from Lazy Lanigan's bar and a nearby Wawa appeared to show the men having a good time.

"There isn't a scintilla of evidence to indicate that there was knowing, purposeful conduct by James Stuart that resulted in David Compton's death," said Eastlack. "There was a single shot, and while it was tragic and awful, there's a dearth of evidence."

RELATED: No fights caught on camera, no gunpowder on N.J. cop's hand experts say during murder trial

The conversation hinged on whether or not Stuart's actions leading up to Compton's death were "purposeful and knowing." The prosecution is not obligated to prove a motive, but for jurors to convict Stuart of murder, the state would have to convince them that Stuart had known he would kill Compton and had done it on purpose.

Last week, Det. John Petroski of the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office testified that he was told the shooting had occurred while the two were dry firing Stuart's guns. The young officer had told Petroski that Compton "did not shoot himself."

With that in mind, Assistant Prosecutor Dana Anton said that the fact that Stuart had told investigators he fired the fatal shot was enough to move forward with the case.

"He pulled the trigger," she said. "That's a purposeful act."

"It's the closest case I've ever heard," Becker said after taking a 15-minute recess to review the matter.

"There are two elements to murder: one, that the defendant caused death or serious bodily injury that led to death. From what I'm hearing, there's no argument on that," Becker said. The other element was the "knowing and purposeful" requirement.

"I have to say I guess it's possible [that jurors would consider Compton's death the result of a knowing and purposeful act]," the judge continued. "I cannot take that charge away from the jury at this time."

With the murder charge still intact, testimony continued.

Gaano, who said he had about four or five drinks the night Compton died, said that Stuart had been intoxicated, having had as many as eight or 10 drinks. Still, Gaano said there was nothing unusual about his interactions with Compton.

"Did you have any indication of any animosity?" said Eastlack.

"None at all," Gaano said. "Our whole group, we treated each other with love."

MORE: Friend remembers victim in trial of N.J. cop charged with murder

Gaano was followed on the stand by his cousins, Carlo and Miguel Aragoncillo. Carlo, a first lieutenant in the Army, said that he trusted Stuart to check up on his mother at home while he was away in the military, while his younger brother Miguel remembered their night at Lazy Lanigan's as having "a happy atmosphere."

Just before leaving for a late-night meal at the Phily Diner around 2 a.m., Gaano and his cousins said goodbye to Compton and Stuart.

Carlo noted that while Stuart may have been drunk, he was coherent.

"I wouldn't put him behind the wheel," he said. "But I could have a conversation with him."

The trial will continue on Wednesday.

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