Heavy rain Thursday into early Friday caused minor flooding in some areas of Gloucester County.

Heavy rain Thursday into early Friday caused minor flooding in some areas of Gloucester County.

A total of 5.46 inches of rain fell in the area of Wenonah, according to updated totals released by the National Weather Service this morning. Near Turnersville, 5.03 inches of rain fell.

This parking lot at the corner of Broad Street and Vanneman Boulevard in Paulsboro was flooded Friday morning following heavy rains on Thursday. (Rebecca Forand | For NJ.com)
 

Some flooding was reported in Interstate 295 and a portion of Route 45 at Berkley Road in Mantua Township was temporarily closed for flooding early Friday morning.

The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) reported 3.01 inches of rain in Washington Township, 2.54 inches in Pitman and 2.3 inches in Clayton.

Across the river, 4.31 inches fell in Philadelphia, setting a new one-day record.

In Cumberland County, Upper Deerfield saw 2.65 inches and in Salem County, Pennsville saw 1.12 inches and Woodstown received .79 inches, according to CoCoRaHS.

The NWS had issued flash flood warnings for the area on Thursday. Flash flooding briefly transformed Rowan Boulevard in Glassboro into a river Thursday afternoon, but officials reported no damage.

While it wasn't clear if the rainfall washed away our recent precipitation deficit -- August was a pretty dry month -- "we put a pretty good dent in it," reported Jim Bunker, observing program leader with the National Weather Service in Mount Holly.

Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester counties received between 1 and 3 inches of rain for the entire month of August, according to NWS data.

We can expect more rain in the next few days.

"We're going to see a little clearing out today," Bunker said. "We're looking at showers and thunderstorms through the weekend and there is a potential for more heavy rain Saturday afternoon and evening."

The last 50mins or so of #flooding rains in Gloucester county #NJ. Too much rain too fast. #njwx pic.twitter.com/MiQkGmh5Ea

-- NJ Weather Blogs (@NJWeatherBlogs) September 11, 2015

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

Ten Ranch Hope students recently participated in the first Art and Glass Week at the Samuel H. Jones Glass Education Center in Alloway.  Sponsored by the Robert M. Minkoff Foundation, the program enabled students to learn techniques in flameworking and hot glass used in artistic, industrial and commercial workplaces. The Art and Glass Week was co-sponsored by Ranch Hope...

Ten Ranch Hope students recently participated in the first Art and Glass Week at the Samuel H. Jones Glass Education Center in Alloway. 

Sponsored by the Robert M. Minkoff Foundation, the program enabled students to learn techniques in flameworking and hot glass used in artistic, industrial and commercial workplaces. The Art and Glass Week was co-sponsored by Ranch Hope Inc. of Alloway and the Salem Community College Foundation.     

"This is the type of inspired idea that keeps you up at night and drives you to keep providing youth with opportunities during the day," said Dave Bailey Jr. CEO of Ranch Hope Inc. "The week was a microcosm of both the missions of Ranch Hope and SCC -- providing new and innovative educational experiences that initially attract, continuously educate and, when it's all said and done, provides students with an employable skill-set and changes their lives."

On the final day, students produced several cast-glass sculptures. First, students designed a composition to fit within a 3-by-3-inch framework, utilizing the artwork previously made in the flame shop. They placed their flame-worked objects onto the background color of their choice and used a heating torch to warm the glass to prepare it for the casting process.

The final project concluded with instructors and SCC students gathering glass at 2,250 degrees out of the furnace and pouring it in to the molds, incasing the flame worked composition in clear glass. In an instant, all of the creations were "frozen" in the cast glass and the objects were transferred to a cooling oven to slowly bring them to room temperature. One final piece was a large tile with the letters RH along with flowers and other objects created by the Ranch Hope students, thereby creating a commemorative plaque for display at the Ranch Hope campus.

Students were taught by SCC distinguished alumnus Paul Stankard, SCC Scientific Glass Instructional Chair Dennis Briening and Glass Center Coordinator Doug Ohm.  They were assisted by SCC students Dustin Scarfpin, Thaddeus Wascheck and Oliver Weerts and SCC alumna Nancy DuBois.

A world-renowned glass artist from Mantua, Stankard said, "I was proud to share my experiences in glass with these talented young people. By putting them in touch with their creative side, they have a better understanding of the hand crafts. Based on their enthusiasm, they can now relate to crafting beautiful objects as a noble pursuit in life."

The organizations plan to hold another Art and Glass Week for Ranch Hope students early next year. 

In addition to raising scholarship funds for SCC students, the SCC Foundation has established this new partnership with Ranch Hope. SCC Foundation Executive Director Ceil Smith said other new alliances will enable the community to be exposed to the Glass Education Center. To learn more about the SCC Foundation, call Smith at 856-351-2644 or email csmith@salemcc.edu.         

Since 1964, Ranch Hope has been providing behavioral healthcare services to adolescent boys at its Alloway Campus in rural Salem County.  The Alloway Campus provides 57 boys between the ages of 13-17, treatment and care in a family environment.  For more information about Ranch Hope, visit ranchhope.org.

Two senior players are ready to lead the team.

It wasn't too long ago that talented midfielders Colleen McAninley and Jenna Patrone were lowly rookies, the only two players from their freshman class to make varsity for the Washington Township High School field hockey team.

Now, all of a sudden, they find themselves as the senior leaders on a young team. With nobody left to look up to, it's their job to keep the younger players in line and practices running smoothly.

"I've been on varsity for four years now and I've had a lot of good senior captains that led the way for us," McAninley said. "I'm just trying to follow in their footsteps.

"I think we're returning a lot of experience with our senior class. We definitely have a tough schedule and it's going to be a tough season, but I think we can overcome it."

Leadership will be especially important for the Minutemaids after the graduation of 12 players from last year's squad, which reached the South Jersey, Group 4 semifinals and finished with a 15-4-1 record. McAninley and Patrone have been named captains along with fellow seniors Kate and Iris Schuck.

"We have been playing with each other for four years, especially me and Colleen," Patrone said. "So we have great chemistry, on and off the field. Plus all of the other seniors we have coming back, like Carly Kreitzer, give us a really strong team. The fact that we work so well together is really helping."

Despite the losses to graduation, Township has a lot of returning talent. Patrone, Kreitzer and Iris Schuck all shared the team lead with 15 goals in 2014, while McAninley had 13 goals and 14 assists. McAninley, Patrone and Kate Schuck, a defender, were named all-conference first-teamers.

With that group leading the way, the Minutemaids won the 6^th annual Hazy, Hot and Hockey 7-on-7 Tournament, hosted by Shawnee in July. They are hoping the strong summer carries over into the fall.

"We got some good competition from Ocean City in the championship and we ended up winning the tournament," McAninley said. "It showed us what we have to work on for the season."

Township will have a new starter in the cage, as Natalie Ricevuto is expected to take over as the starting goalie. McAninley said the junior has been making great progress in the preseason.

There are also two freshmen looking to make an impact in Jessica Hatch and Julia Patrone, Jenna's sister.

"She's definitely going to score a lot of goals," Jenna Patrone predicted of Julia.

"They're both very good players and hard-working, and they both add a lot to our program," McAninley added.

McAninley (Sacred Heart University) and Patrone (Kean) have both made verbal commitments to continue their careers at the next level. But before heading off to college, they are looking for a happy ending to the journey they started together four years ago.

"We're working hard in practice," McAninley said. "We have some new, inexperienced players on the team and we're getting them used to our style of play.

"(Aside from Eastern), Shawnee will be very tough competition, and Bishop Eustace is always tough on the other side of the conference. Nothing is ever easy in our conference, but anything can happen."

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

Harrison Township Recreation Commission has scheduled the following bus trips. Reservations are on a first-come basis with limited seating for all bus trips. Please call the Recreation Office at 856-223-8777 or stop by the recreation office in the municipal building, 114 Bridgeton Pike in Mullica Hill to reserve your seat. SIGHT & SOUND — Monday, Oct. 12 — Sight & Sound...

Harrison Township Recreation Commission has scheduled the following bus trips. Reservations are on a first-come basis with limited seating for all bus trips. Please call the Recreation Office at 856-223-8777 or stop by the recreation office in the municipal building, 114 Bridgeton Pike in Mullica Hill to reserve your seat.

SIGHT & SOUND -- Monday, Oct. 12 -- Sight & Sound Theater, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, dinner and shopping at Kitchen Kettle Village. Cost is $90 for adults and $45 children (3-12 years). Township bus departs Ella Harrison Park (across from McDonalds) at 9 a.m. to return at 7 p.m. Trip includes transportation, 11 a.m. show, hearty meal and  shopping at Kitchen Kettle Village. (no food or drink permitted on bus).

9/11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM IN NEW YORK -- Friday, Nov. 6 -- Dinner at Mastoris in Bordentown. Charter buses departs at 9 a.m. from Ella Harris Park (across from McDonalds) to return at 8:30 p.m. Trip includes transportation, timed admission ticket into the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and dinner at Mastoris. No coffee permitted on bus -- water and dry snacks only. No one under the age of 12 years permitted. Cost is $100 for adults, $90 for ages 12-17 and senior citizens and veterans, $95 for college students (ID required), $75 for retired/active military (ID required).

NEW YORK CITY (TWO BUSES) -- Monday, Dec. 7 -- Both charter buses will depart at 9 a.m. and return together at 9 p.m. The tree at Rockefeller Center will be lit. No coffee permitted on buses -- water and dry snacks only.

• BUS NO. 1 -- Includes transportation and ticket for Radio City Music Hall for 5 p.m. show (orchestra seating). Cost $110.
• BUS NO. 2 -- Includes transportation to New York City. On your own to shop and sightsee. Cost is $50.

"ICE" at Gaylord National Convention Center in Maryland and ride through FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS in Watkins Park -- Tuesday, Dec. 29 -- Charter buses will depart at 10:30 a.m. from Ella Harris Park (across from McDonalds) to return approximately at 10:30 p.m. No coffee permitted on bus -- water and dry snacks only. Trip includes transportation and admission to "ICE" at Gaylord National Convention Center in Maryland and ending with a ride through the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS at Watkins Park. There are many choices for dinner on your own within the convention center or just outside their doors. Harrison Township Recreation has attached a link to their site on its webpage. Great family event for the holidays. It's the perfect gift for those who have everything. Cost is $76 for adults and $68 for children (11 years and under).

Visit Harrison Township Recreation Commission's website at harrisontwp.us/municipal-departments/recreation-commission/.

 

Woodbury Rotary Lunch Club President Lauren Donovan thanks Susan Perron, president /CEO at Abilities Solutions, located at 1208 N. Delsea Dr. in Westville, formerly known as Abilities Center of Southern New Jersey Inc. for her informative program at the club's weekly meeting. Perron spoke on how Abilities Solutions uses its unique position in the community providing employment and employment-related services to youth,...

Woodbury Rotary Lunch Club President Lauren Donovan thanks Susan Perron, president /CEO at Abilities Solutions, located at 1208 N. Delsea Dr. in Westville, formerly known as Abilities Center of Southern New Jersey Inc. for her informative program at the club's weekly meeting.

Perron spoke on how Abilities Solutions uses its unique position in the community providing employment and employment-related services to youth, adults and veterans with disabilities and other disadvantages for over 50 years.

Abilities Solutions also  partners with the United Way of Gloucester County with a program called "Vetability," working together to pave the way for employment for veterans. Unique to the program is that it is delivered by veterans for veterans .

For more information call 856-848-1025 or visit abilities4work.com.

Woodbury Rotary Lunch Club meets each Tuesday at Riverwinds Restaurant at 12:15 p.m. For more information visit woodburynjrotary.org or email LDonovanRotary@gmail.com.

 

The Child Development Center has established a STEM curriculum and a local bank branch is helping support the effort.

WOODBURY -- The Woodbury Child Development Center is looking to develop a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculum and a local bank branch is helping support the effort.

To get its STEM program off the ground, the educational daycare for students up to age 12 needs financial support to purchase additional computers and other technology.

Carol Van Brill and her grandson, Chase, help unload dozens of toys for the Woodbury Child Development Center in this 2014 photo. Van Brill has been donating toys to the center for the past decade. (File photo)
 

The TD Bank branch at 490 Mantua Pike in Woodbury is leading a fundraising drive to help develop the center's STEM lab.

The bank will hold a penny arcade fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The penny arcade is a coin counting machine that allows customers to turn their change into cash.

On Sept. 18, the bank staff will determine the amount of change tallied that day and match that figure in the form of a donation to the center.

"We're going to match whatever we count that day up to $2,000," explained store manager/vice president Carol Parkin.

Customers are also welcome to make donations of their own to the fund drive when they stop in that day.

"We are encouraging the whole community to come together," Parkin said. "This is a great fundraiser.

"I know what the Woodbury Child Development Center does and I know who they support and I just want to help."

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

It was an emotional scene on Friday as hundreds gathered at the Place of Reflection Sept. 11 memorial at Chestnut Branch Park for the Gloucester County Patriot Day in commemoration of county residents John Rodak, Nicholas W. Brandemarti, Perry Thompson, and all those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Watch video

MANTUA TWP. -- Those old enough can likely recall exactly where they were and what they were doing on Sept. 11 when they heard of the attacks on the twin towers.

While 14 years have passed, the memories of that day were fresh on the minds of most this week.

It was an emotional scene on Friday as hundreds gathered at the Place of Reflection Sept. 11 memorial at Chestnut Branch Park for Gloucester County Patriot Day. The event was held in memory of county residents John Rodak, Nicholas W. Brandemarti, Perry Thompson, and all those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Members of the families rang the ceremonial bell that is only used during the 9/11 ceremony. As bagpipes played Amazing Grace, tears were seen all throughout the crowd.

Members of the Gloucester County freeholder board and other state and local officials attended the event and spoke to the crowd offering their respects to those who perished in the attacks.

MORE: South Jersey remembers 9/11 with ceremonies, stair climb

Joyce Rodak, the widow of John Rodak, said though she is reminded of her husband every day and that the past 14 years have been anything but easy, particularly raising two daughters on her on, she said she has an incredible family and support network by her side.

"You learn to live in your imperfectly crazy insane world and you just do the best you can," Joyce Rodak said.

She focuses much of her time with her foundation JR's Angels Inc. which raises funds to help individuals in need. The family was donating funds later in the day on Friday.

But Joyce Rodak made clear to say her pain is no different from the thousands also impacted by the attacks or anyone else who has experienced loss.

Her daughters, Devon and Chelsea Primavera, were in attendance along with Nick Brandemarti's parents, Nancy Brandemarti and Nick Brandemarti Sr. Several other family members were also in attendance.

The park's Sept. 11 memorial includes plaques, a twisted I-beam from the World Trade Center, a piece of limestone from the Pentagon, which is displayed in a pentagon-shaped memorial with flags in the middle. The flagpoles were donated by the Brandemarti and Rodak families. There is also a small grass space to commemorate Flight 93, one of the hijacked planes that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

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

Police charged a Pennsylvania man with hindering apprehension following an assault investigation at a warehouse on Technology Drive on Sept. 4.

LOGAN TWP. -- Police charged a 49-year-old Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, man with hindering apprehension following an assault investigation at a warehouse on Technology Drive on Sept. 4.

During the investigation, the man provided false information in an effort to conceal active warrants out of Burlington County, police said.

He was arrested, processed and placed in Burlington County Jail.

Other Logan Township crime news:

• Officers investigating an unwanted persons complaint on Barker Avenue on Sept. 5 arrested a 29-year-old Logan Township woman on multiple warrants and being a fugitive out of the Gloucester County Sheriff's Department. She was processed and placed in Salem County Correctional Facility.
• A Beckett Road resident reported on Sept. 5 that someone threw various food items at the front of their home sometime overnight.
• Police arrested a 24-year-old Woodbury man on multiple warrants out of both Camden and Gloucester counties following a vehicle stop on Center Square Road on Sept. 6. He was placed in Salem County Correctional Facility.

• Officers arrested a 23-year-old Daretown man on warrants out of both Pennsville and Logan townships following a Route 130 traffic stop on Sept. 7. He was turned over to Pennsville police for processing.
• Police charged a 20-year-old Woolwich man with possession of drug paraphernalia following a Paulsboro Road vehicle stop on Sept. 7. He was released pending court.
• A Penns Grove man reported that a co-worker threatened him and stole the tags from his vehicle following a business transaction that went awry. The tags were later recovered and citizen complaints are pending.
• Police charged a 55-year-old Logan Township man with theft, defiant trespassing and possession of drug paraphernalia when he was observed loitering on a construction site on Route 130 on Sept. 10. He was processed and released pending court.
• Police investigated a shoplifting complaint on Sept. 10. The accused was identified, contacted and made restitution in lieu of charges.
• Police charged a 35-year-old West Deptford man with terroristic threats and harassment following a disturbance on Route 44. Bail was set at $20,000 and service is pending.

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

 

 

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP –  Superintendent of Schools Joseph Bollendorf and Birches Elementary School fifth-grade students simultaneously came together at 1 p.m. and broke into song — specifically "The Star Spangled Banner" — during a Patriots Day tribute to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. Gathered around the flagpole, Bollendorf and the students and staff sang as a group, before...

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP -  Superintendent of Schools Joseph Bollendorf and Birches Elementary School fifth-grade students simultaneously came together at 1 p.m. and broke into song -- specifically "The Star Spangled Banner" -- during a Patriots Day tribute to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

Gathered around the flagpole, Bollendorf and the students and staff sang as a group, before showcasing red ribbons that they had tied to their fingers. The ribbons served as a reminder to each student, who was encouraged to perform one good deed in remembrance of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers.  

Birches fifth-graders show off the red ribbons that they tied to their fingers as a reminder to perform one good deed in remembrance of the victims of the 9/11 terrorists attack on the Twin Towers.c 

"The events of 9/11 occurred before you were even born," Bollendorf said in addressing the students.  "I was working at Washington Township High School that day. It was a scary day.  It is great that you all have come together to remember this sad event and all that was lost that day, but also to celebrate that you are proud to be an American."

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

For more information, visit theapef.org/.

 

Police searched the home of Nathan J. McGarvey, 33, and found a computer containing images of adult men with pre-pubescent girls.

MOUNT HOLLY -- A Pemberton Township man is facing numerous child pornography, drug and gun charges after police searched his Hargrove Avenue home in the Browns Mills section of the township on Thursday, authorities announced. 

Nathan J. McGarvey, 33 of Pemberton Township, is facing charges of child pornography and illegal possession of weapons and drugs. (Photo provided) 

According to a media release from the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office, 33-year-old Nathan J. McGarvey was in possession of a computer containing images of adult men with pre-pubescent girls as well as a 7.69 x 32mm rifle with a collapsable stock, illegal high-capacity ammunition magazines, ammunition, and a prescription bottle with a removed label containing pills suspected to be oxycodone.

RELATED: A depraved world: FBI agents wage a stressful battle against child pornography

He was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the third degree, unlawful possession of weapons in the third-degree, possession of an assault weapon in the third degree, possession of large capacity ammunition magazines in the fourth degree and endangering the welfare of children in the fourth degree.  

Authorities declined to say what triggered the investigation, which was conducted by the prosecutor's office's high-tech crimes unit and Pemberton Township police with help from the New Jersey State Police Digital Technology Investigations Unit and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

McGarvey was released from custody after he posted $70,000 bail and his case will be presented to a grand jury. 

Michelle Caffrey may be reached at mcaffrey@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShellyCaffrey. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

 

Isaiah R. Williams, 26, of Camden, pleaded guilty in May to second-degree conspiracy to commit robbery. The sentence he received on Friday is the legal maximum.

WOODBURY -- One of three men charged in connection with the death of a city gas station attendant was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday, the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office has announced.

Isaiah R. Williams, 26, of Camden, pleaded guilty in May to second-degree conspiracy to commit robbery. The sentence he received on Friday is the legal maximum.

On Aug. 25, 2013, Williams, along with Corderro Hodge and Jameel Pierce, pulled into Garden State Fuel on North Broad Street just after 9 p.m., intent on robbing the station. Williams had been out of prison for just five days at the time.

Isaiah R. Williams has been sentenced to 10 years behind bars for a robbery that resulted in the death of Surinder Singh. (file photo)
 

Investigators say Hodge approached 40-year-old Surinder Singh, who was working the pumps that night, and a struggled ensued. Hodge shot Singh in the chest, and the father of two died shortly after. The three were charged that October after a lengthy manhunt.

RELATED: Surinder Singh remembered fondly by customers

The incident rattled Woodbury, where neighbors and customers alike remembered Singh as a kind man, known for letting customers pay him back later when they were short on cash. He was regular at the Colonial Diner, where he was loved by wait staff.

Williams admitted to planning and selecting the station where Hodge ultimately shot Singh, the GCPO said. He stayed in the backseat of the car during the incident, and the three drove back to Camden without taking any money. The gas station went out of business late last year when its owner decided not to re-open after a burglary. It had already eliminated its overnight shift.

According to a GCPO media release, Judge Christine Allen-Jackson said she was not inclined to grant Williams any leniency due to his criminal record. Williams has a history of juvenile and adult convictions, including drug charges, probation violations and receiving stolen property. Those "substantially outweigh" any factors that might otherwise have resulted in a lighter sentence, Allen-Jackson said.

Williams will have to serve 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. Hodge is still charged with murder, felony murder, complicity in a crime, conspiracy to commit murder, illegal possession of a weapon and robbery, while Pierce is charged with felony murder, complicity and robbery. Both men are in federal custody for offenses unrelated to the gas station shooting.

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

SALEM — Meals on Wheels will hold the 19th Annual Giant Pumpkin Carve at the Salem County Fairgrounds, Route 40 in Pilesgrove Township on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 4 to 9 p.m. Proceeds help Meals on Wheels provide hot meals to elderly and disabled homebound residents of Salem County.  A tradition since 1996, the fall family event attracts more than 4,000 attendees...

SALEM -- Meals on Wheels will hold the 19th Annual Giant Pumpkin Carve at the Salem County Fairgrounds, Route 40 in Pilesgrove Township on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 4 to 9 p.m. Proceeds help Meals on Wheels provide hot meals to elderly and disabled homebound residents of Salem County. 

A tradition since 1996, the fall family event attracts more than 4,000 attendees from the Delaware Valley, celebrating the artistry and agriculture of Salem County. As many as 40 professional, amateur and student artists will carve more than 60 giant pumpkins weighing in excess of 70 pounds each.

When darkness falls, the giant gourds take on a life of their own as they are lit one by one.  The first 1,000 visitors of the pumpkin display become judges who vote to award cash prizes. A variety of fall activities for all ages is included, encouraging family participation in a fun, safe way.

"Meals on Wheels' counts on the Giant Pumpkin Carve to fund about 10,000 meals to area seniors and disabled people," stated Peg Marshall, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Salem County. We are grateful for the 19 years of support and excited it has become such a beloved community event." she commented.

 

The first full weekend of New Jersey's high school football season will continue with a slate of games this Saturday, and by the end of the day we will all have gotten an early look at almost every team in the state. Check out the comments section below, which will fill throughout the afternoon and night with Tweets and ...

The first full weekend of New Jersey's high school football season will continue with a slate of games this Saturday, and by the end of the day we will all have gotten an early look at almost every team in the state.
Check out the comments section below, which will fill throughout the afternoon and night with Tweets and ...

A New Jersey man was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison Friday for molesting boys at a Delaware ice rink, court officials confirmed.

WILMINGTON, Del. -- A New Jersey man was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison Friday for molesting boys at a Delaware ice rink, court officials confirmed.

Scott J. Bicking, of Mantua Township, pleaded no contest in June to two counts of unlawful sexual contact and one count of second-degree attempted unlawful sexual contact.

Scott J. Bicking (Newark, Del. Police Department)
 

He was arrested in 2013 after two boys told police Bicking inappropriately touched them at the Pond Ice Arena in Newark, Delaware.

Bicking was co-owner of that ice arena and the Pro Shop at Hollydell Ice Arena in Washington Township.

The victims were 13 and 14 years old at the time the incidents were reported. During the investigation, two more boys, ages 11 and 12, also claimed similar incidents with Bicking.

He eventually faced numerous charges, including 41 counts of unlawful sexual contact with persons less than 18 years of age, continuous sexual abuse of a child, obscenity, obscene literature harmful to minors, sexual harassment and attempt to induce sexual contact.

Following the June plea, court officials indicated that Bicking faced up to nine years in prison.

In addition to the 4 1/2-year prison term handed down Friday, Bicking was sentenced to two years of probation and he must register as a Tier II sex offender.

Bicking must also have no contact with the victims or their families and no contact with any minor child, according to Carl Kanefsky, spokesman for the Delaware Department of Justice.

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

 

The Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders unveiled their 2016 swimsuit calendar at XFINITY Live! in Philadelphia Thursday night.

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders released their 2016 swimsuit calendar during the annual "Countdown to Kickoff" at XFINITY Live! Thursday night.

The women modeled their eco-friendly swimsuits onstage as photos featured in the calendar appeared on the screen above them.

Casey Baldwin, of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, was selected as the cover for this year's calendar.

Eagles cheerleader Casey waves as she walks off stage after being named the cover for the 2016 swimsuit calendar, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015. (Lori M. Nichols | For NJ.com)Lori M. Nichols 

"I'm so excited to be on the cover," said the 6-year squad veteran, adding that there are also 38 "beautiful and talented women" featured inside.

Casey traveled to Kuwait in December 2011 as part of the Eagles Cheerleaders Goodwill Military Tour, which was designed to entertain and boost the morale of U.S. military servicemen and women. She and five other members of the squad performed dance routines as well as meet-and-greet autograph sessions for the soldiers.

"It was absolutely incredible, I still think about it all the time."

RELATED: Eagles cheerleaders perform during game against the Ravens

Casey, a West Chester University graduate, models for fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer. In 2013, she represented the Eagles cheerleaders at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii.

At the conclusion of the fashion show, fans lined up to meet their favorite cheerleader and have their calendars signed.

The 2016 calendar photoshoot took place in Riviera Maya, Mexico. 

The calendar may be purchased at Philadelphia Eagles Pro Shops, online at store.philadelphiaeagles.com and bookstores.

A portion of the calendar's proceeds will be donated to the Elmwood Park Zoo, which is home to Noah, a live bald eagle that makes special appearances throughout the year at various Eagles events, including home games.

Lori M. Nichols may be reached at lnichols@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @photoglori. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office is seeking a Westville man while failed to appear in court earlier this week after pleading guilty to a theft charge in July.

WOODBURY -- The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office is seeking a Westville man who failed to appear in court earlier this week after pleading guilty to a theft charge in July.

Harry W. Park, 32, of Westville, is wanted by Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office for failure to appear. (GCPO) 

Harry W. Park, 32, of Winding Way, is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, 130 pounds, with blue eyes and sandy hair.

Deptford police responded to a Delsea Drive store in April for a report of a theft of scratch-off lottery tickets, according to the prosecutor's office. A store employee told police that three people had entered the store.

A man and woman engaged the employee in conversation while the third individual remained near the front of the store. All three then left abruptly.

After they left, the employee discovered that several books of scratch-off tickets were missing. Following an investigation, Park was charged on April 5, authorities said.

Park was indicted July 1 on a charge of third-degree theft by unlawful taking. He pleaded guilty on July 3.

Anyone who knows Park's whereabouts should not attempt to apprehend him. Instead, contact the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office at 856-384-5643, GCPO Sgt. Ron Koller at 609-929-6348 or email tips@co.gloucester.nj.us.

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

 

A piece of a canon from a 1777 battle was found at Redbank Battlefield in National Park.

NATIONAL PARK — Buried just two feet beneath the surface, a piece of Revolutionary War history has been under wraps for more than 200 years.

A piece of a British cannon, which was blown up during the battle of Red Bank in 1777, was recently found during a recent investigation and was brought out of the ground Friday afternoon to a cheering crowd of spectators.

Gloucester County received a $46,200 grant from the National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection program in order to map out what is left of Fort Mercer — the Revolutionary War-era fort that stood where Red Bank Battlefield Park now stands — and to find objects related to the battle.

RELATED: 6 things you may not know about the oldest cabin in the U.S.

While many artifacts have been found during the excavation, the 300 to 400-pound cannon fragment is the biggest and most important find to date.

"Here we have this amazing piece of history. It shows us there's more to be found," said Jen Janofsky, Curator at the Whitall House at Redbank Park and Giordano Fellow in Public History at Rowan University.

Finding this piece helps archeologists and historians put the pieces of the Battle of Red Bank together, but also helps visitors to the park connect their recreation space to the history that came before them, Janofsky said.

"We take for granted what a resource this is and the impact this place had on the birth of our nation," added Gloucester County Freeholder Heather Simmons.

The cannon fragment was found using ground-penetrating radar and includes a broad arrow insignia, telling researchers it was a British Royal Navy gun, Wade Catts, the leader of John Milner Associates — the archeology group heading the excavation — told the crowd Friday afternoon after workers brought it up to the surface.

"This is a pretty remarkable object to recover on any battlefield," he said. "Cannons don't normally show up that often."

Archeologists believe it is one of two guns that were known to blow up during the battle. The first occurred on Nov. 11, 1777. The second happened a few days later on Nov. 14, 1777.

The fragment will now head to Maryland to be studied before returning to Redbank Battlefield Park for display.

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

A deal between the Logan Township Municipal Utilities Authority and Woolwich Township will allow the long-anticipated Woolwich Commons project to move forward.

 WOOLWICH TWP. -- A long-anticipated development project that will bring a massive retail corridor to the township has reached a new milestone as neighboring Logan Township has agreed to expand its sewer treatment facility, allowing Woolwich to finally have sewer capabilities in place for the development.

A site plan graphic on the Wolfson Group's website describes proposed retail plans for the Route 322 development project known as Woolwich Commons. Rebecca Forand | For NJ.com 

The three-phase development, which will bring more than 500,000 square feet of retail space including a Walmart and multiple chain restaurants, has been in the works since 2008, but a lack of sewer capabilities have always kept the project from moving forward.

"That was always our biggest holdup," Mayor Sam Maccarone said. "Right now we are hammering out the details, but Logan was the best option for everybody."

An agreement has been put in place between the Logan Township Municipal Utilities Authority and Woolwich Township for sewage treatment to be provided, according to Matt Blake, Woolwich Township's Director of Community Development, and plans to build the sewer conveyance and public water systems are in the works.

In addition to Walmart, Woolwich Commons -- the first phase of the development project -- is expected to bring multiple retail stores, Chili's and Applebees restaurants and Outback Steakhouse, Stabucks and fast food eateries, according to a graphic listed on the developer's website.

RELATED: Walmart proposed for Woolwich Route 322 development

The complex also proposes to bring between 3,000 and 4,000 new residential units.

While its been years since the project was originally proposed and residents often ask if it's actually going to happen, there's a lot going on behind the scenes, according to Township administration.

Before any of this becomes a reality, the township, the county and the state have a lot of work to do in terms of traffic flow first. The intersection of Kings Highway and Route 322, which will be the main intersection near Woolwich Commons, is already a difficult intersection to navigate with frequent accidents.

Commuters coming to and from the New Jersey Turnpike or the Jersey Shore, as well as school buses going to and from Kingsway Regional Middle and High Schools share the intersection with residents and other motorists daily, making it a busy area, especially for the small lanes that currently exist.

"The Route 322 is the only east-to-west corridor in the state with easy access to the Commodore Barry Bridge, the Blue Route, 295, 55 and the Turnpike," Blake said in an email Thursday afternoon.

In order to prepare for such a massive retail and residential development, massive enhancements and improvements have to be made to this area.

MORE: Accident-prone Woolwich intersection to see repairs -- eventually

There is a plan in place for the Department of Transportation to upgrade the intersection, adding turning lanes and safety measures, however none of the construction has yet begun.

"You're looking at substantial traffic enhancements that will severely alter the transportation in the western corridor," Blake said.

In addition to traffic and transportation issues, the developer and the township are working together to create a space that will not just throw stores and homes in open fields. Rather, they are attempting to create a walkable, shopping and dining destination, while putting housing in areas that will be beneficial to the residents who will eventually live there.

"These kinds of aesthetics will make it a destination not only for shopping but for tourism," Blake said.

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

 

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

Every Saturday, 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 for Sober Sam. Drinking and driving is dangerous, dumb and sometimes deadly. Thanks to a $2,500 grant from the state transportation department, late night revelers in Evesham can be scooped up at nine different drinking establishments across the township and driven home. Even their car is dropped off at the driveway. Police Chief Christopher Chew said his officers were on track to arrest more than 200 people for drunk driving this year. Who knows if the 65 people who used the service over Labor Day Weekend would have been among that total, but better safe than sorry. The program runs out after a 30-day pilot period; we say find the funding to keep it on the road.

JEERS to papal pilfering. The World Meeting of Families made 30,000 free tickets available to events at Independence Hall, the Festival of Families and Sunday's Mass led by Pope Francis. And what did some people who scored tickets do within minutes after receiving them in a high-volume online offering? Head right to eBay and offer them up to pilgrims for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter called it "trifling." Organizers said there was nothing they could do to prevent such enterprising individuals from turning a profit. Face it; these tickets are going to get sold. Let's just hope the scalpers see the error of their ways one day.

CHEERS to creating something positive in the wake of a tragedy. Franklin Township resident Michelle Harding's 10-year-old son, Matthew McCloskey, was struck and killed by a police car in December. Harding has created Mattthew's Miracles, a non-profit intended to keep her son's memory alive while helping other families struggling with the loss of a child. Harding's group provides financial assistance to families faced with a sudden loss, such as an accident or violent incident. After losing her own child, Harding struggled to figure out what to do next, and she doesn't want other parents to face that same confusion. In its first few months, Matthew's Miracles has already helped five families. The group will hold a fundraiser on Oct. 30 at Masso's Crystal Manor in Glassboro. Find out how you can help this valuable cause online at  matthewsmiracles.org/#!events/cfvg or by emailing matthewsmiracles@hotmail.com.

JEERS to fools terrorizing Paulsboro with gun violence. Three unrelated shootings have occurred in the borough in the last two weeks, with arrests now reported in two cases. One shooting resulted from an argument over a cigarette and beer. As absurd as that sounds, equally ridiculous has been a lack of cooperation from witnesses in some of the crimes. Police can't keep us safe if they can't identify the idiots with the guns. That requires cooperation from all of us.

CHEERS to the vegan experience. Vegstock 2015 is set for Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Millville. The event, also known as Millville's Moving Vegan Festival, will feature cooking demonstrations, lectures and, of course vegan offerings. This will be a chance for non-vegans to experience vegan goodies, live music, yoga, wine tastings and better understand the vegan lifestyle. Festivities will be held all down High Street in Millville.

JEERS to those who assault our four-legged law enforcement officers. A Salem man was recently indicted on charges of allegedly breaking in to a city home to strip out copper pipes. When police surrounded the house, the suspect refused to come out. A Sheriff's Office K-9, Frodo, was sent in and Michael E. Owens, the suspect, was found. Instead of surrendering, Ownes is alleged to have kicked Frodo in the head "repeatedly," the indictment says. We're told that luckily Frodo was OK despite the assault.

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

Get all your fishing news here.

Jim BoltonSouth Jersey Times Guest Columnist 

Husted's Landing in Fairton had quite a busy Labor Day weekend.  With the weather very nice all weekend they had many fishermen trying their luck. 

Plus, they also held their annual Customer Appreciation Picnic on Sunday where a big crowd enjoyed themselves with a variety of food.  As usual, I missed being there again.

Some of the fishing news is as follows.

Early in the week Ken told me that Ron and John Smith of Millville had a good day on flounder.  They brought in 5 keepers.  As usual, they caught a lot of shorts.
This was the only flounder news from the Marina except for Bill Nixon's 18 1/2 incher.

Other catches over the weekend were Don McCarthy's 17 inch weakfish and Andy Smith 's 17 inch weakfish. 

One angler named Steve caught 4 porgys and two bluefish in the mouth of the creek.  Walt Hoffman and Paul Bond also caught weakfish and blowfish in the mouth.
Andy Gaffney of Philly came in with a nice catch of 18 croaker fishing just off Fortescue.

I heard a lot of anglers and the Fortescue fleet were fishing for croaker just off Fortescue with a few weakfish, bluefish and kingfish mixed in.

Bob at the Anchor Marina in Matt's Landing said his customers caught a variety over the weekend.

He had a lady angler Phillis Edwards bring in a 17 1/2 inch weakfish.

One angler came in with a variety of weakfish to 18 inches.  Three and four pound bluefish and some nice size kingfish.

Slo Jo Hines was at it again.  He stayed in the river and caught a bucket of perch.

Fishermen down at the shore took advantage of the fine weather conditions. Flounder were still in the surf, off shore and especially still in the inlets and back bays.

Along with the flounder still hanging around they are catching a mixed bag of bluefish, weakfish, kingfish, croaker and tautog. How can you beat this?

Jim Bolton is the outdoors columnist for the South Jersey Times. He can be reached at 856-313-9347 or 22 Arbutus Ave., Millville, NJ 08332.