The man's 26-year-old brother is in stable condition with a leg wound, authorities said

HAMILTON -- The man shot and killed in the Hamilton Mall parking lot Friday morning has been identified by authorities as a 21-year-old Atlantic City resident.

Desmond Cottman  was shot around 1 a.m. outside the mall in Mays Landing, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:23 a.m.

His brother, a 26-year-old Clayton resident, was hospitalized after being shot in the leg. He was in stable condition at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City.

A silver SUV with bullet holes in the side was towed from the lot near Macy's around 7 a.m, according to 6abc.

The prosecutor's office didn't release any other information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No other details about the shooting were released.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit at 609-909-7666. Witnesses may also contact Hamilton Township police at 609-625-2700.

The mall closed at midnight and was re-opened at 6 a.m.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

If you know of someone or something you would like to nominate for a cheer or a jeer, please send the information to sjletters@njadvancemedia.com

Every Saturday on its editorial page, the South Jersey Times cheers those who make our area a better place in which to live and jeers those whose actions merit derision.

CHEERS: To finding space for history. It looks like the Hugg-Harrison-Glove House won't meet the wrecking ball after all. The Revolutionary War-era home that saw fighting against the British was threatened by the ongoing $900 million Direct Connection project involving interchanges of Interstates 76 and 295 and N.J. Route 42 was slated for demolition, according to the state Department of Transportation. Now, it appears that the structure will be moved from its current spot in Saint Mary's Cemetery to a location on Anderson Avenue between Resurrection of Christ Cemetery and Bellmawr Hockey. What's more, Bellmawr's mayor said the move could happen as soon as next month and it won't cost the borough a dime. Cheers to New Jersey for changing its tune and to those came to the home's protection.

CHEERS: To tremendous police work. When Sgt. William Robinson and Ptl. Andrew McDonald were on routine patrol on Olive Street in Salem City late Nov. 19 they actually witnessed a man fatally shooting another on a street corner. The officers quickly went into action, following the suspected shooter in their car and then, when he ran into a back yard, they abandoned their vehicle and chased him on foot despite the fact he was carrying a loaded gun and had just shot another man. Robinson and McDonald captured the suspect and he was charged with murder and jailed. As one official said, these two brave officers took a dangerous criminal off Salem's streets.

JEERS: To the innocent in the line of fire. On Sunday evening a 12-year-old boy was shot outside of his Millville apartment when an unknown gunman or gunmen drove through the Oakview complex and sprayed it with bullets. The boy was struck in his calf and luckily not gravely wounded. But it could have been much worse. It was just another case where an innocent child became the unintended target of gunmen. Have information on the case? Millville Police ask you call them at 856-825-7010 Ext. 7626 or use the Tip Line at 856-825-2182.

CHEERS: To plans for a major expansion at Kennedy University Hospital in Washington Township. The goal is to build a new patient tower and a parking garage over the next few years in an effort to meet growing healthcare demand in our area. Why cheer a big construction project? It means jobs and it means local residents have another reason to get their health care locally rather than going out of state. Investment in local health care is a sign of a thriving region and this is the second recent announcement of big plans in Gloucester County. Inspira has also said it plans to build a new hospital off Route 55 in Harrison Township. These are essential services that will benefit residents and our region well into the future.

JEERS: To a lack of tact. Members of the Perry family were on their way to Philadelphia to en route to Dover Air Force Base to retrieve the remains of their son who died in a suicide bomb blast in Afghanistan on Nov. 12. During a layover in Arizona, the captain of the American Airlines flight asked passengers to remain seated as a "special military family" exited to make a time-sensitive connecting flight. That apparently led to some boos from first-class passengers about the delay. While we'll never understand what went through the heads of those who had a problem with the Perry family exiting first, we ask you kindly keep your mouth shut when it comes to our armed forces. Like it or not, they make your way of life -- and this country's way of life -- possible. Show a little respect.

CHEERS: To remembering a young man who put others first. The Washington Township High School community gathered last week for the annual football game between the school's freshman and JV teams. The tradition has been renamed the Austin Muckenfuss Memorial Game, honoring the 14-year-old student who died last year after he was struck by a car. All proceeds benefit the Austin Muckenfuss Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for Washington Township seniors and tutoring for students with learning disabilities. Austin loved football and was remembered as a hard worker who enjoyed helping others. He never wanted anyone to feel left out, his family recalled. His memory will live on in his scholarship at the annual football match-up that now bears his name.

If you know of someone or something you would like to nominate for a cheer or a jeer, please send the information to sjletters@njadvancemedia.com

The accident took place near where Route 55 intersects with U.S. Route 40 and caused major backups on the highway.

FRANKLIN TWP. -- Three people were airlifted to an area hospital after a serious accident on Route 55 Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

The crash was initially reported around 2:55 p.m. in the southbound lanes of the highway near Milemarker 39.4.

According to police, an Isuzu Rodeo occupied by four people was headed southbound when, for an unknown reason, it ran off the roadway and overturned.

Two people in the back seat were ejected, police said.

Traffic was halted at the site of the accident and three medical evacuation helicopters landed in the roadway to ferry patients to a hospital. The fourth injured person is believed to have been taken to an area hospital by ground.

The two people who were ejected were reported to have been seriously injured, police said.

Large traffic backups were reported on the southbound side of the highway which was closed for the investigation.

Further details were not immediately available.

The scene is near where Route 55 intersects with U.S. Route 40.  

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The odds on recording a hole-in-one are 10,000 to 1

Golf Digest, the bible for golfers, once listed the odds on recording a hole-in-one as a whooping 10,000 to 1. Lots of bad golfers make them because there's an element of luck involved. But a high percentage of decent golfers, including me, go through their entire careers without a "1" popping up on their scorecards.

Bob Shryock
 

I figure that I've played 8,000 rounds in my lifetime (most of them prior to the age of 30), equating to 32,000 reachable par 3s, and have zero aces to show for my efforts. The closest call: One time I rattled the flag with a wedge shot only to watch the ball pop in, and then out, of the cup. On another occasion I made a "1" on a practice hole, but, alas, with no witnesses.

Then there's the bizarre case of Phyllis Bullock-Beaufait, a retired Glassboro educator who took up the game five years ago and broke the 100 barrier for the first time this year. She's not exactly a novice, having played 80 rounds already during 2016.

Two of those rounds were particularly eventful.

Playing at Blue Heron Pines with her husband Gary and close friends retired judge Rusty Marshall and his wife Bonnie, Phyllis used a 7-iron on the 98-yard 11th hole. Just another short hole opportunity, right?

"She hit a perfect shot onto the green and the ball rolled about 10 feet into the hole," says Bonnie Marshall. "Gary, Rusty and I were all witnesses to this great event. None of us ever got a hole-in-one and none of us ever witnessed one. We all jumped for joy, hollered a lot, and celebrated at the bar."

But that's not the end of the story. Hardly.

Six days later last month, Phyllis and Gary were playing the 4th hole, a 110-yarder, at Town & Country in Woodstown.

You guessed it. Using the same 7-iron she used at Blue Heron Pines, Phyllis recorded her second hole-in-one of the month.

This time Phyllis was flabbergasted.

"Two in six days. What are the chances?" she asked rhetorically.

Not so hot, Phyllis. I haven't seen the odds on two in six days, but it's safe to say it doesn't happen very often.

Bonnie Marshall Googled the odds on a double ace "but found no statistics."

Phyllis retired five years ago after 37 years as an elementary school teacher and counselor.

Encouraged by a friend, Peggy Dalton Smith, she took up golf.

Phyllis, it can't really be this easy.

Well, can it?

Bob Shryock may be reached at bshryock@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Rowan University's 3+1 program is especially important in South Jersey, with one four-year seat per 100 residents, compared to per 30 residents in North Jersey.

By Ali A. Houshmand

What we need is creativity. What we need is collaboration. What we need is continued commitment to provide the best education possible -- the best affordable education possible -- for New Jersey college students.

The New Jersey College Affordability Study Commission, of which I was a member, recently issued a report with wide-ranging suggestions to address the cost of college. State Sens. Stephen Sweeney and Sandra Cunningham used that report, in part, to craft 10 bills, each with the goal of enabling more middle-class and low-income families to send their children to college. The Senate Higher Education Committee approved those bills earlier this month, and its Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee will evaluate them in December.

The bills propose many solutions, but one in particular, the 3+1 degree program, has garnered significant attention. 

As the president of the four-year institution that introduced 3+1 programs to our state, I'd like to provide some clarity about Rowan University's program.

Rowan University, Rowan College at Gloucester County and Rowan College at Burlington County recently entered into unique agreements that keep each institution independent while improving college pathways at lower costs for many New Jersey students. Because of these close relationships, we are mutually committed to each other's success. This led us to develop creative new solutions, such as 3+1 programs.

Students enrolled in the 3+1 program complete their associate degree at either community college. In their third year, they take Rowan University-approved courses taught by university-approved faculty -- but at the community colleges, at community college prices. The fourth year comprises courses taught by university faculty on the Rowan University campus.

Students will benefit in many ways:

-- The majors offered are in key subject areas where we see some of the greatest needs, such as nursing, law and justice, and education.

-- The first- and second-year classes teach the same information as their equivalent courses at the university. The curriculum is aligned, so that students can move into their third year better equipped to complete their bachelor's degree than if they simply had transferred after earning associate degrees.

-- Community college instructors who teach the third-year courses hold the same credentials as adjuncts who teach at four-year institutions across the state. In many cases, they come with a strong industry background as well as an educational one.

-- Students earn a bachelor's degree at roughly one-half the cost, $25,000, versus $48,000 for a four-year Rowan University commuter student.

-- Underutilized class space at community colleges is better used, helping Rowan University address its need for more space, avoid costly construction and reduce pressure for more state funding.

The 3+1 program is especially important in South Jersey, which has approximately one four-year seat for every 100 residents, compared to North Jersey, with one for every 30 residents. Increasing the number of college graduates improves the job market and the overall economy.

As the programs and process mature, we will work with our community college partners and local industries to develop specific work force-related degrees to respond to the shortage of skilled workers in our region and state.

New thinking is needed

Higher education historically has been resistant to change, a great fan of the status quo. We can afford that no longer. Students can afford that no longer. New Jersey can afford that no longer. 

Our state invests $150,000 to $200,000 per student in K-12 education, then watches that investment potentially disappear when 30,000-plus students leave New Jersey annually for college because of a lack of capacity or affordability. State institutions, such as Rowan University have an obligation to maximize that investment.

Public higher education also cannot depend on public funding to solve all its woes. State government should continue to underwrite a much larger portion of public higher education costs, but long gone are the days when we can hold students hostage because of lack of state funding.

Rowan takes seriously New Jersey's investment and faith in it, most notably now that it is a state-designated research university. It takes seriously the issue of quality as reflected in the heightened quality of its faculty and student body. 

Most community college students start there because they can't afford a four-year college or need more academic preparation. When they work hard and prove themselves academically, they should have the same opportunity to gain a baccalaureate degree as those with greater financial capability. State universities owe that chance to our residents. 

Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D., is the president of Rowan University.

A reciprocal income tax agreement won't end after all, and that keeps money in the pockets of hundreds of thousands of workers who commute between states.

Ours is not to reason why. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

That's two cliches for the price of one (now that's THREE cliches). But the first two apply to some great, unexpected news during Thanksgiving week:

The Pennsylvania-New Jersey reciprocal state income tax agreement will survive in 2017!

Gov. Chris Christie has reversed his previous plan to cancel the pact unilaterally at the end of 2016. This ensures that thousands of people who live in one state, but work in the other, won't have to pay hundreds of dollars more in income taxes on what they earn in 2017.

Without detailing all the intricacies, the agreement lets these workers pay state income taxes based on the rates where they live. Due to differences in how New Jersey and Pennsylvania levy these taxes, middle-income workers living in New Jersey but working in Pennsylvania would have been the most negatively impacted. High earners living in Pennsylvania but working in New Jersey also would have had to pay more.

Christie sounded adamant about the cancelation this summer after a state estimate indicated that New Jersey was leaving about $180 million on the table annually -- mainly because of the greater tax liability of higher-pay, Pennsylvania-domiciled folks with New Jersey jobs. In September, the governor announced that he'd indeed pulled the plug on the agreement.

What led to last week's change of heart? According to the official announcement, the state budget is no longer desperate for $180 million, since a law Christie just signed is expected to save about $200 million in prescription costs for public employees.

Let's not overwork our brains trying to puncture the veracity of the stated reason. Let's say, though, it's valid to ask why Christie wouldn't want $180 million in "free money" from out-of-staters, regardless of other budget savings that arise.

Some props may go to South Jersey lawmakers whom we'd accused of not getting publicly angry enough over Christie's move. If state Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester), Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald (D-Camden) and others quietly changed the governor's mind, more power to them. 

Christie also received pressure from some Delaware Valley businesses that were recently lured to Camden with big state corporate tax incentives. They had second thoughts about heading across the the bridge if it was going to cost their workers living in Pennsylvania hundreds or thousands of dollars more in income taxes.

No matter the reason, this is a "November Surprise" that about 120,000 commuters living in southern and central New Jersey will enjoy next year. 

Thinking forward, the Pennsylvania-New Jersey pact remains vulnerable to future cancelation. Now is a good time for the Legislature to study its long-term survival, and possible parity for New York-New Jersey commuters who don't benefit from a similar arrangement. 

Also, if the Pa.-N.J. agreement really does need to go away later for revenue reasons, plan for a multi-year phase-out. Cold turkey is for sandwiches this weekend, not for slamming wage earners with a substantially bigger tax bite.

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

Glassboro police located the vehicle following a report of an erratic driver.

GLASSBORO -- A Pennsylvania man was arrested on weapons charges after police received a report of an erratic driver Saturday night.

Quentyn Kennedy, 64, of Springfield, Pennsylvania, was arrested in Glassboro on Saturday night. (Salem County Correctional Facility)
 

Police were told that a white Ford Explorer was traveling west in the eastbound lanes of North Delsea Drive around 10:30 p.m.

Glassboro officers located a vehicle matching that description stopped in the parking lot of a business at New Street and Delsea Drive, police said.

The driver, Quentyn Kennedy, 64, of Springfield, Pennsylvania, was arrested for driving while intoxicated.

Police then found a loaded Taurus .45 caliber handgun in his possession, authorities said. The gun was loaded with hollow-point bullets.

Kennedy was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of hollow-point ammunition, driving while intoxicated and refusal to take a breath test.

He was placed in Salem County Correctional Facility on $25,000 bail.

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

The evening included movies, treats and a tree lighting.

HARRISON TWP. -- Christmas came to Mullica Hill on Saturday evening as the community held its annual Lights on Main festival.

The celebration of the season included carriage rides, movies, music and a visit from Santa Claus.

The evening also featured a tree lighting.

Area eateries and shops remained open late, while vendors offered refreshments up and down Main Street.

Mullica Hill will host its annual Christmas House Tour and Candlelight Shopping event next month.

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

The holiday tradition was held Saturday.

PITMAN -- Santa Claus came to town Saturday evening during the annual Pitman Christmas Parade. 

Around 5 p.m. on Saturday, the parade began at Pitman United Methodist Church on Broadway.

Roads leading to Ballard Park were filled with fire trucks, beauty queens and floats from community groups and clubs. 

At the parade's end, Santa left his fire escorts to light the town's Christmas tree and meet with children and fans of all ages. 

Caitlyn Stulpin may be reached at cstulpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitstulpin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The crash occurred Saturday afternoon on Route 55.

FRANKLIN TWP. -- An accident on Route 55 that left four people hospitalized was allegedly caused when a driver swerved to avoid another vehicle entering his lane, police said.

The crash happened around 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon when an Isuzu Rodeo carrying four people southbound near milepost 39.4 ran off the roadway and overturned before ending up in a wooded area.

Two backseat passengers were ejected.

Three patients were airlifted to Cooper University Hospital and the driver was transported to Cooper by ambulance, police said.

None of the patients were in critical condition as of Sunday morning, though their exact conditions were not released. The injured have not been identified.

While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, it appears the driver swerved to avoid another vehicle and lost control of the Rodeo, police said Sunday.

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

The theft occurred early Thursday morning.

GLOUCESTER CITY -- Police are hoping someone can identify a man who stole an American flag from the front of a store.

Police released this security camera image as part of their investigation into the theft of an American flag from the front of a business. (Gloucester City Police Department) 

Authorities have released a security camera image of the theft, which occurred shortly after 2 a.m. Thursday in the 500 block of Monmouth Street.

Three males walking east on Monmouth approached Express Food Market.

One of them ripped down the flag from the front of the store, police said. In doing so, he pulled the flag holder from the wall.

The alleged thief is seen on the right in the image released by police. The photo shows only two of the males.

Anyone who can identify them or has information about the theft is asked to call city police detectives at 856-456-7797.

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

A gallery of dogs and cats in New Jersey in need of adoption.

From television shows to the internet to specialists for hire, there are a myriad of sources a pet owner can select from on the topic of dog training. How can they tell who's right and who's wrong?

While there are many opinions out there, one trainer, Alyona DelaCoeur of whydoesmydog.com, addressed some of the more common - and misleading - training beliefs.

* You can't teach an old dog new tricks. False! Sometimes it's actually easier to teach mature dogs tricks because they're less distracted. Certainly some unwanted behaviors will take longer to stop because the dog has had longer for them to become habits, but they can be retrained. Bear in mind, though, that older dogs will need more frequent rest breaks in training.

* Bribe your dog with food to get results. Positive reinforcement through motivation works best in dog training; the use of treats and food should not be the main focus. While treats and toys can be helpful, building a strong connection with your pet is the most important part of training.

* Dogs misbehave because they are mad, stubborn or need to be dominant. Dogs do not have an agenda behind what they do. He peed on the floor because he had to go and didn't get let out; she tore up a cushion because she was bored. Only a handful of dog breeds exhibit 'dominance;' assuming human personality traits to dogs doesn't help in training at all.

* Training is guaranteed for life. One way dogs are like humans is that they can forget their good manners and learn new bad habits throughout their lives. One way to avoid this is to not introduce major changes into a dog's life; a dog who never begged before may start if someone gives him food from the dinnee table, for example.

In dog training, simple common sense is usually the best approach; the proven methods are usually the best methods. Bear in mind that some trainers are promoting different methods solely for the sake of being different; approaches that have worked for generations still work today.

Here is a gallery of dogs and cats in New Jersey in need of adoption. More adoptable pets can be viewed here and here.

Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.

Only 13 teams enter the sectional finals with undefeated records. Find out who they are.

Go for a job, an apartment, or a license of some sort and all of this stuff shows up on the background check.

According to a Meriam-Webster dictionary, to "expunge" is "to strike out, obliterate or mark for deletion." It also means to "to efface completely" and to "to eliminate (as a memory) from one's consciousness." 

If you're like me, there are probably a few things you would like to "expunge" from memory, like an embarrassing moment or gaffe. In that sense, expunging is a luxury of sorts. But for millions of people, the ability to expunge can be the difference between living on the margins and getting a decent job (or any job), as well as getting into college and having a better quality of life. This is because the record they seek to expunge automatically translates into "You're a criminal."

This record does not have to reflect a conviction. It can include simply being arrested. The last time I checked, a person is innocent until proven guilty in our legal system. Unfortunately for many, that's a distinction without a difference -- but it shouldn't be.

More people than we might think are arrested, but never end up being convicted of whatever it was that prompted the arrest. And many people think that merely being charged is the same as being a criminal.  

That's its own discussion, but it's enough to know that an arrest -- along with its fingerprints, photos, processing paperwork, complaints and related documents -- follows a person around for the rest of his or her life.

Go for a job, an apartment, or a license of some sort and all of this stuff shows up on the background check. If "arrest" equals "criminal," you can guess how this can impact a person far out of proportion to the incident that resulted in the arrest. For those who actually get convicted of something, even minor offenses, you can imagine the lifelong fallout this has.

This is why I want to encourage anyone facing such a situation to attend the expungement seminar at Cumberland County College's Luciano Center from 6 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 6, hosted in part by the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office. Those attending can learn about New Jersey's expungement law and some changes that took effect in April, and generally what's involved with getting an expungement.

Understand that "expungement" in this case does not mean that a person's justice-system records are erased completely. It means that these records records are separated so that certain ones don't show up as marks against you when a background check is done. This is no small thing for thousands of people in our area.

Remember, it's not just being convicted of a crime, it's also being arrested and without ever being convicted that can end up disqualifying you, often unfairly,  from one thing or another. In an age of expanding inequality, with so much working against those at the bottom, this is a very important and life-changing thing. I think expungement bears much closer examination with an eye toward making it easier, perhaps cheaper to obtain and automatic in some circumstances.

Some might disagree, believing that everything that can be known about a person should be known. In some instances, that's a fair argument. But it's also fair to say in these cases that the tie (unlike in baseball) automatically goes to the runner; the benefit of the doubt may not go to the one who trips a red flag.

And today, those at the lower end of the spectrum are disproportionately poor, often minority and certainly most in need of a little traction. How else are they to rise and pull themselves up by their own bootstraps?

Expungement also speaks to the fact that we've always been a country of second chances. I think that matters today more than it ever did. A lot of people need that hope and a break. If that's you, check out the Dec. 6 seminar.

Albert B. Kelly is mayor of Bridgeton. Contact him by phone at 856-455-3230 Ext. 200.

We asked readers to determine the most attractive counties in the state. More than 3,000 responses poured in, ranking each county from 1 to 5.

After we wrote about data from the USDA on the state's most naturally attractive counties, plenty of commenters weighed in. 

It's no surprise, given that any kind of computer-generated rating of beauty is going to run into some issues. So to help get a better idea of what counties are actually the nicest, we asked readers for their picks on the prettiest counties in New Jersey. 

The most beautiful places in N.J.

More than 3,000 responses poured in, ranking each county from 1 to 5.

Northwestern and Shore counties, which tend to have more open space compared to concrete-centric urban areas, fared best overall.

Erin Petenko may be reached at epetenko@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @EPetenko. Find NJ.com on Facebook.  

Loretta Winters voted to serve 4th 2-year term for Gloucester County NAACP

Loretta Winters juggles her job as chief registrant for the Deptford Township School District and duties as CEO of Lorman Construction Solutions LLC, and second vice president of the New Jersey NAACP State Conference; she also helps out with the grandchildren and sits on the board of the South Jersey Credit Union.  This, however, didn't keep her from being overwhelmingly voted in to serve a consecutive fourth two-year term at the civil rights organization's biennial elections, held on Nov. 14 at Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC).  She was re-elected, winning every vote cast.  

"My hardworking wife was voted back in as president because of her absolute commitment to working in the best interest of not only the minority communities, but all communities during her three consecutive two-year terms," said Sonny Winters, the always supportive spouse.

After the votes were counted, Winters said to the gathered audience, "As we approach the holiday season, I want to offer my thanksgivings for turning out and participating in the democratic process of electing our branch leaders, also I want to thank you for your gift of re-electing me and  my team of officers and at-large members, Winters said.

"My promise to you is that the executive committee I will preside over will continue to be active on diversity and inclusion issues in Gloucester County. We will continue the work we started back in 2010 in working with policymakers and voluntary citizen groups to promote the best we can offer in our journey to build a better Gloucester County, one that is supportive of persons of diverse backgrounds, who will join with us to build on our positives in creating a premier community where we can raise our families in a safe, inclusive and diverse environment."

"The Gloucester County NAACP is right where we should be because of the tireless efforts of our illustrious president Loretta Winters," Dr. Warren Wallace reflected.  "Under her leadership, we have been changing the perception people have of our civil rights group. Loretta has changed that by getting Gloucester County residents to support one another, and coming together as a Gloucester County community.  Loretta is one of the most publicly recognized African-American women in the state, bringing people together for a better New Jersey."    

Winters will be joined on the new executive board by:

• Wilfredo "Wil" Rojas, elected 1st vice president
• Evangeline Banks, re-elected 2nd vice president
• Dr. Melvin Pierson, elected 3rd vice president
• Tiffany Grandison, re-elected secretary
• Darlema Bey, elected assistant secretary
• LaTanya Nelson, re-elected treasurer
• Ralph Ross, Sr., re-elected at large member
•   Frances Harwell, elected at large member 

The Gloucester County NAACP welcomes people of all backgrounds, who believe in its mission, to join the oldest civil rights in the nation to bring people together to persuade justice and equality through diversity and inclusion.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the mission and work of the organization, as well as membership, can visit our website www.gloucestercountynaacp.org or email Loretta Winters at lwinters1010@gmail.com.

This item submitted by Wilfredo Rojas for the Gloucester County NAACP.

Funds raised go to The South Jersey Dream Center

The South Jersey Dream Center burst into the Thanksgiving season with the Fifth Annual Dodge Hunger Dodgeball Tournament at the RiverWinds Community Center  in November.

Players from New Jersey and Pennsylvania formed teams of six or more to help raise funds in support of the South Jersey Dream Center Monthly Food and Clothing Distribution on the third Tuesday of each month at the National Park Fire Hall.  

Teams were made up of various local middle school and high school students, and local businesses such as GAP Factory Store and Kohl's Associates in Action, as well as friends and co-workers who simply wanted to support a worthy cause during this Thanksgiving season. 

Among the pro teams were Body Snatchers I and II, Aftershock, and Nationally recognized, Las Vegas Ultimate Dodgeball Championship winners, Team Awesome.  "Out of all the tournaments we play, this is my favorite", said Narces Clarkson of Team Awesome, "I love what it stands for."

A total of 20 teams battled it out on the court for first place honors in four divisions:

• Junior (8th grade and younger) won by Team R.I.P.
• Senior (9th-12th grade) won by Ape-Gang
• Adult (18 years and older) won by GAP Factory Store
• Pro Division (players of all ages who travel as a team to Amateur and Professional Tournaments) won by Team Awesome.  

Mandy Trieu, a biochemist formed a team of co-workers because "It sounded like a fun thing to do for a worthy cause, I'm glad we did it." Her teammates, hurting a bit from the fierce competition, agreed and said they would be back again next year.  

"Hosting the Dodge Hunger Dodgeball Tournament is a lot of work, but an absolute blast, said Hilari Luck, who oversees Team Recruitment. "It's an awesome opportunity to raise funds and awareness about hunger in our local community. Hunger doesn't look like it used to, some of our guests who come to us for food have two working adults in the house but still can't make ends meet."  

"We are so thankful for our sponsors and partners who help make this event such a great success. Our complimentary lunch was provided by Wawa, Ciconte's Pizzeria, Pat's Select Pizza|Grill, and Domino's. Local businesses, many from the Greater Woodbury Chamber of Commerce, were so quick to be a team T-shirt sponsor, I was amazed at the overwhelming generosity", said Natalie Fortunato, executive director of the South Jersey Dream Center. "The much needed funds that were raised make it possible to open our doors each month, and serve hundreds of families in need of food assistance, lightly used clothing and linens, and most of all hope."  

Many of which families joined the South Jersey Dream Center for its annual Thanksgiving outreach on Nov. 15. More than 200 families received a turkey for their table or whole chicken, as well as an overflowing grocery cart with bread, dairy, meat, fresh produce, and various non-perishable foods and personal hygiene item. All provided by New Jersey Farmers Against Hunger, Albert's Organics, the Food Bank of South Jersey, Target, ShopRite, BJ's and Philabundance. "I am currently disabled and have very little food" said a first time guest, and if it weren't for the South Jersey Dream Center "I wouldn't be able to eat everyday." 

A local resident, Danielle Moughan, and her family put together a giant size Thanksgiving basket filled with a turkey, all the sides and a host of other food essentials to be given away as a door prize on this special occasion. K-Love Radio 106.9 FM also joined the action to provide positive, encouraging music throughout the morning and early afternoon as guests waited to be served.  

Special thanks was given to Patient First of Woodbury, who was honored as the November Sponsor of the Month, underwriting the cost of operations for the month. Tom Murtaugh, R.N., director of medical support at the Woodbury Patient First was on hand to receive the award.  

What makes the South Jersey Dream Center different from many other food and clothing programs is their voluntary workshop provided by local professionals. Each month, before the food is distributed, a presentation is given on a relevant and applicable topic that helps the guests take steps forward in life, followed by an encouraging message of faith and hope through Jesus Christ. This month's topic, "Parenting Isn't for Cowards" was presented by family specialist, Ella Joseph.  

The South Jersey Dream Center is a volunteer-based organization that solely depends on the hard work and dedication of people who simply want to give back to their community. Over 75 people served on Monday and Tuesday, clocking in over 14 hours loading and unloading trucks, setting up the hall, organizing food, registering guests, assisting guests with their food, breaking down boxes, and clean up.  

Included in this army of volunteers were West Deptford High School students, K-Love Radio 106.9 FM fans, local neighbors, family members, friends, partners, as well as over 20 employees of Johnson Matthey in Paulsboro. Hats off to John DiCarlo, International Human Resources Manager, who rallied the troops at Johnson Matthey to be a part of this outreach to their local community and give the gift of hope for the holidays.

To support families struggling with hunger this holiday season and beyond, the South Jersey Dream Center has set a goal to raise $5,000 by Christmas Day. For those in south Jersey and the surrounding area that would like to share their holiday joy with others in a simple way, go to SouthJerseyDreamCenter.org or call 856-845-4500 and make a donation of any size.

"We like to connect people who have a little extra with people who could use a little help" -- Rev. Joseph Fortunato, South Jersey Dream Center Founder.  

This item submitted by South Jersey Dream Center.

A look at 35 big N.J. performances in college football this weekend.

Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children partners with local businesses

WILMINGTON, DEL. -- Local businesses and fire departments in the Deptford area are teaming up to help our kids.

Look for Toys for Nemours donation boxes now through Dec. 14. Toys will be distributed to patients and families at Nemours duPont Pediatrics, Deptford as well as duPont Hospital for Children. Look for boxes at these New Jersey locations: 

South Jersey Federal Credit Union, Voorhees and Deptford Branches

Filomena's Lakeside Restaurant

Deptford Fire Department

Voorhees Fire Department

Compass Storage

International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 3249

Camden County offices

Nemours (NAH-mors) is an internationally recognized children's health system that owns and operates the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware and the Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando, Florida along with major pediatric specialty clinics in Delaware, Florida, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

Established as The Nemours Foundation through the legacy and philanthropy of Alfred I. du Pont, Nemours offers pediatric clinical care, research, education, advocacy and prevention programs to all families in the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.Nemours.org.

This item submitted by Nancy D'Argenio for Nemours.