Students learned about the expanded role pharmacists often play these days

GLASSBORO -- Zallie's ShopRite pharmacist Cynthia Scaffidi and Rutgers University pharmacy student/intern Nick Favatella recently visited Glassboro's Dorothy L. Bullock School to teach third-graders about the negative health effects of alcohol and tobacco. Scaffidi and Favatella used slides and a lively quiz game to relay the information.

The students competed for group prizes including hand sanitizers, tissues, pencils, cookies and flowers, which were donated by Zallie's ShopRite Pharmacy.

The visitors also taught students about the expanded role that pharmacists and pharmacies often play these days, such as administering flu shots and offering customers the opportunity to screen their blood pressure and weight at the store.

The presentation took place in teacher Patti Paulsen's classroom. Third-graders from co-teachers Melanie Sweeney and Nicole Werner-Pidgeon's class also attended the presentation.

This item submitted by Glassboro School District.

Richard Blossom writes that state courts and landlords are making it tough for Glassboro to clamp down on unruly university students.

To the Editor:

Over the past decade, Rowan University has been on a mission to grow its student population and expand its campus, an effort that I support. Unfortunately, there are many Glassboro residents now paying the price -- literally and figuratively -- in the form of increased off-campus housing and unsavory student behavior. 

As the number of students has grown, infrastructure has lagged behind, leaving the university to rely on surrounding neighborhoods to house students. Landlords have swallowed up properties at an alarming rate. Now, our once clean and peaceful developments have become a haven for petty crime and generally deplorable behavior.

It is common to be awakened several times a night by drunken students traversing my street yelling obscenities. We have had many dollars worth of holiday decorations stolen from our yard. Students have exposed their genitalia in front of my family in the name of "fun." Most recently, a bag of human feces was left on my front steps after I had the police break up a party in close proximity to my home. 

Glassboro police are doing all they can to control this untenable situation, but they are only capable of so much. In my opinion, the state and the landlords are not acting in good faith by not supporting the municipality's desire to create and uphold reasonable ordinances, such as limiting the number of college rental properties or the number of unsupervised students in a given property.

Once upon a time, these rules did exist. Now, Glassboro seems to lose every court battle it faces when confronting the landlords, and the state judicial system is failing us as a community.

Should I allow these youngsters and their poor manners to run me out of my home of 41 years? Do I have any rights as a resident?

Richard F. Blossom 

Glassboro

Wash. Twp. instructional changes detrimental

To the Editor:

In education, we often find ourselves swept up in the latest trend or budgetary concern and lose sight of what is truly important; the thorough education of the child. In Washington Township, middle school students are the latest sacrificial lambs.

The district's central administration has proposed changes to the middle school schedule which are potentially detrimental. Many proposals have all classes being increased to 50 minutes of instruction or more, with the exception of reading and English. These two courses are to be combined into what will be called "Language Arts Literacy." Rather than two separate 42-minute periods, there would be just one 50-minute period. 

This instructional time reduction of more than 30 minutes a day can lead to decreases in achievement. This change would also result in middle-school positions being eliminated, and larger class sizes.

I am not opposed to combining English and reading into "Language Arts Literacy," but Washington Township plans to do it in a way that is unlike any other district of which I am aware. Among middle schools in three counties using the language arts literacy model, I was unable to find any with less than 80 minutes a day for this instruction. Additionally, many of these districts use language arts team teaching to address the needs of all students.

Most alarming is that this schedule change is seemingly being pushed through without rhyme or reason. Administrators have not supplied a written Language Arts Literacy curriculum, which would cause teachers to start next school year at a monumental disadvantage. In essence, the plan was devised without regard for student attention spans or equality in instruction. 

The district may try to hide behind the recommendations of the state based on standardized test scores, but this change is unnecessary and unwarranted. It is my belief that this middle-school shift and staff reduction would become the means for the district to afford full-day kindergarten. 

Do not fall for this bait and switch, Washington Township. Stop this scheduling change and preserve quality education at the middle schools.

Robert Scardino 

Woodstown

Note: The writer is a teacher at Chestnut Ridge Middle School in Washington Township. 

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

Third marking period for 2015-16 school year

 GLASSBORO - Glassboro Intermediate School Principal Kriston Matthews recently announced the school's Principal's List and Honor Roll recipients for the third marking period. Matthews will honor the students and their parents at a breakfast, sponsored by the GIS PTO, on May 19 from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. 

8th Grade Principal's List -- Owen Thomas Anderson, Bethel Bichay, Deja Cook, McKenna Fox, Corrine Franklin, Aaron Harrison, Kevin Lee,  Conor Milliken, Tyler Ortzman, Alicia Petrany, Visha Puwar, Kyra Rinehart, Katie Robinson, Anahi Santiago, Kimberly Sorbello, Virginia Tamburello, Haley Taylor, and Jennifer Volz-Price.

8th Grade Honor Roll -- Colin Bridges, MichaelAnne Briggs, Pablo Bryant, Alessia Grace Callahan, Morgan DiPatri, Melissa Elias, Alyssa Fields, Evan Gorman, Jadyn Hammond, Alyiscia J. Henry, Alexsandra Ibarra, Colleen Ann Keating, Ruby Kelly Keifer, Jake Lightcap, Aliya McCaffrey, Justin Miles, Chrishauna Mitchell, Tiaja Money, Emma O'Brien, Matthew Owens, Gorkem Ozdemir, Matthew Pajak, Kali Pierson, Isabella Polillo, Nickolas Putney, Kyle Rey,  Monica Robinson, Anthony Saicic, Tyra Sharper, Jodi Stetser, Jade Wesley, and Curtis Wright.

7th Grade Principal's List -- Yousif Aboubih, Grace Briggs, Gioacchino Castorio, Jared Elwood, Ray Hare, Meghan Holman, Emily Lynch, Carly McCone, Julianna Menna, Laila Muhammad, Allison Nop, Kyra Pinder, Amelia Polillo, Carter Profico, Devon Purnell, Andrew Ritter, Lorenzo Rodriguez Hines, Alani Screven, Anna Toy, Jaden Wedderburn, and Hannah Whitaker.

7th Grade Honor Roll -- Mohamed Fowi Abdullrahma, Mason Andreassi, Dawson Baptiste, Hakan Cakir, Ahmad Jalil Clanton, Deyona Cook, Ted Cowgill, Jeffrey Cucchi, Ethan Cunningham, Dion D'Amico, Santino DeAngelis, Gianna Fasulo, Ethan Flint, Trinitee Gadson, Nashanti Grace, Joseph Heggan, Skylar Hinkle,  Gabriella Joie, Ryan Kenish, Kyjah Knox, Paul McAllister, Melka McDonald, Mayooran Mohanakanthan, Nicholas Newell, Hannah Polillo, Madison Ragsdale, Miles Ragsdale, Sean Roberto, Xavier Salgado, Angelina Simmons, Brandon Stahl, Chase Taylor, Christopher Taylor, Ryann Troy, Salma Ventura, Kayla Waits, and Mercedez Willis.

This item submitted by the Glassboro School District.

Many employers list their job openings with county economic development offices.

If you're looking for a job, the Gloucester County economic development office has compiled a list of current openings around the region.

In addition to these openings, which are listed below, the Rowan College at Gloucester County's Career and Academic Planning Center posts a list of job and internship opportunities on its website. Those openings cover a variety of careers.

For a look at job openings statewide, check out New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development's OnRamp website.

There you'll find a searchable job bank including thousands of positions. Nearly 10,000 employers are registered to post openings on this site and search resumes. Using this site, applicants can create a resume, sign up for alerts and search listings. While users are encouraged to create an account to take advantage of all of the site's services, you can still search listings without an account.

Here's the list from the Gloucester County Department of Economic Development. Most of the listings include descriptions of the open positions. To learn more about these opportunities, contact the economic development office at 856-384-6930 or contact the employers directly.

• 1800GotJunk: General labor
• Advanced Subacute Rehabilitation Center: LPNs; RNs; support staff in housekeeping activities & food service
• Amazon: warehouse
• ASL Transportation Group: Class A CDL drivers; diesel mechanics; 3rd shift dispatcher
• Atrium Health & Senior Living: RNs; CNAs; LPNs; dietary aides; cooks; activities aides; housekeepers; floor porters; receptionists
• Bancroft: Direct Support Professionals; Housekeeping; maintenance techs; PT/OT/Speech Therapist Behavior Support Assts.
• Bayada Home Healthcare: home health aides
• Car Max: office help; sales consultants
• Coca-Cola: Warehouse super; production super; driver merchandiser; sales merchand.
• Comcast: Tech Ops-Installations; Call Center; Retail Stores
• Comfort Keepers: Cert. Home Health Aides, companion care
• Daimler Truck: FT/ PT Warehouse Workers; summer help
• Delaware River & Bay Authority: FT and Seasonal
• Delaware River Port Authority

• Delaware Valley Drug Testing: PT Drug testers (will provide training)
• Deptford Center for Rehab: CNA, LPN, RN, activity aides
• Devereux: PT/FT Direct Support Professionals
• DocuVault Delaware Valley, LLC: Customer service; warehouse; transportation
• Dunbar Armored, Inc.: Driver guard; diesel mechanic; teller
• ElwynNJ: Unit director; program coordinator; quality improvement specialist; group home counselor (technician positions)
• Farmers Insurance Group: Insurance agent/agency owner customer service rep; insurance producer
• First Student School Bus Co.: bus drivers; bus monitors
• Five Below: General Warehouse 1&2; forklift drivers
• Foresters Financial: Financial representative
• FoodComm: Butchers; sales, human resources; gen. labor
• Fulton Bank of New Jersey: Bank tellers; customer service reps
• Goodwill Industries: FT Production Associates; PT Production Associates; FT Asst. Mgr.; FT Team Leader; PT Customer Service
• H.A. Dehart & Son: bus drivers; bus mechanics; truck upfitters
• Histiocytosis Association: fundraising assistant
• Hoffman Pest Control: service; sales; customer service reps
• Holt Logistics: logistics
• Home Instead Senior Care: Cert. Home Health Aides
• Insight Work Solutions: Teaching FT/PT
• Inspira Health Network
• Integrity Solutions: hiring for Amazon
• Jet.com: Process Mgr; Operations Mgr; fulfillment associate; photographer
• Kennedy Health System: Certified/Registered Medical Assistants front desk receptionist, call center reps
• L3 Communication Systems-East: Software engineer; mechanical drafter; IT intern
• Lamatek: Customer service reps, marketing
• Lowe's: Outside lawn & garden; cashiers; paints; plumbing & tools; seasonal
• MAXimum Research, Inc.: F/T & P/T market research interviews
• McClane Company, Inc.: Warehouse, CDL A License Drivers
• MCR Services, Inc.: carpenters; project mgrs; project supers; estimators
• Metro Public Adjustment: Public Adjuster - FT/PT
• Miracle Ear: Secretary; professional trainee
• National Event Services, Inc.: Event staff; security
• Nemours Children's Health: Patient Serv. Reps; RNs; MA1&2; Social Work Therapeutic Tech; MRI Tech
• NEST: Customer Service Reps-FT/PT & Weekend
• Newark Police Department: Police officers
• New York Life: Financial services prof; insurance agent; financial adviser
• NexTek
• NJ State Parole Board: Parole officers, parole counselors
• NJ State Police: Entry level patrol officers
• NJ Third Legislative Office: F/T; P/T; internships
• NJ Turnpike Authority: Seasonal toll collectors & maintenance; p/t toll collectors
• Northland Group
• Paulsboro Refinery: Refinery operator trainee
• Pennsylvania State Police
• Pepco Holdings, Inc.
• Pepsi Cola: Merchandiser; conventional driver; maintenance super; production mech; seasonal production operation
• Performance Food Service Roma: CDL/A Drivers
• Philadelphia Police Dept.
• Plumbers & Pipefitters LU 322
• Primerica Financial Services
• Saint Gobain: Extrusion Operator; Maint. Tech; Assoc. Sales Engineer
• Seabrook House, Inc.: Maint.; LPN; Medical Billing Rep; PT-Med Records Clerk, Per Diem RN
• Senior Helpers: CNAs; Certif. Home Health Aides; live-ins
• ServePro: Office Mgr; Marketing Rep; Production Techs
• Service Master: Supervisor; cleaners; inspectors
• Sharp Link Staffing
• ShopRite: Cashiers, baggers, overnight stock, deli clerk
• SJ Transportation: CDL/A Drivers; mechanic;
• Source4Teachers: Substitute teachers; teacher aides; clerical
• Sunlight Care: home health aides; RNs; marketing
• Synergixx, LLC
• The Arc Gloucester: Clerk; Admin. Asst; Residential Dir; Direct Support Tech; Driver; Day Program Tech
• The Parker Group
• The Protocall Group
• Thrivent Financial
• Financial Representative
• Transamerica
• Insurance agents
• Tru Green: Outside sales; lawn technicians
• U.S. Navy: Machinists, Engineers, and Production Machinery Mechanics
• U.S. Vision: Production Associates; warehouse; supervisors; corp. recruiter; Mktg. Specialists; Sr. Fin. Analyst
• Verizon Wireless: FT sales reps
• Virtua Health: Lab Asst.; Registrar; Stationary Engineers; EVS; FSW; Security; CSS Tech; Med. Assts; Office Assts
• VWR International: F/T Material Handlers; P/T Material Handlers; Warehouse Supervisor; Customer Care Supervisor Administrative Assistant; Industrial Engineer Inventory Control Super; Distribution Clerk
• Wedgewood Pharmacy: Shippers; Pharmacy Techs; lab work; Veterinary techs; call center; data entry
• Wyanoke Group: Internships; Editors; Writers; advertising
• You Move Me: Gen. Labor, professional movers, crew leader
• Youth Consultation Service: Residential Asst.; Personal Asst.

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

The school took home three awards for their remotely operated underwater vehicle

DEPTFORD TWP. -- Holy Trinity Regional School's SeaPerch team, Trinitech, competed at the 2016 New Jersey SeaPerch Challenge at Rowan University on April 16.

As part of the competition, the team, made up of 35 7th and 8th graders, designed and built a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) and used it to compete against other teams to complete specific underwater missions.

The competition also required teams document their work and learning in a notebook and give a presentation on their work at the competition.  

Holy Trinity Regional School received the following awards this year: 

• 3rd Place - Obstacle Course
• 3rd Place - Engineering Notebook
• 1st Place - Team Spirit

Holy Trinity Regional School's third place finish is its highest ever ranking in the pool portion of the competition. Driver Scott Jones, with the help of Navigator Zach Toles, earned the third place win by completing the obstacle course in two minutes.  

SeaPerch is a nationwide competition program intended to introduce students to science and engineering and increase interest in engineering as a career field of choice.

This year was Holy Trinity's fifth year competing in SeaPerch, and the team's first year competing at Rowan University. The school's seventh grade teacher, Matthew Tornese, serves as the team's adviser and Butch Summers is the team's engineering mentor.

This item submitted by Holy Trinity Regional School.

John Scott, 36, died from injuries he sustained in an assault on March 29.

John Scott, 36, of Paulsboro, has died of injuries suffered in an assault near his home. (Facebook)Matt Gray | For NJ.com 

PAULSBORO -- The borough's police department and the county prosecutor's office are offering a $3,500 reward for information regarding the murder of John Scott.

Scott, 36, was assaulted outside of his Pine Street home at around 4 a.m. March 29 and died three days later from a head injury sustained in the attack.

His death in under investigation by the Paulsboro Police Department and the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office and a reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for Scott's death.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Bryn Wilden of the GCPO at 856-384-5610 or Det. Michael Bielski of the Paulsboro Police Department at 856-423-6222.

Information can also be emailed anonymously to the prosecutor's office at tips@co.gloucester.nj.us.

Rebecca Forand may be reached at rforand@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @RebeccaForand.Find NJ.com on Facebook. 

Joseph Jones has been superintendent in Woodbury since 2005.

WOODBURY -- Woodbury Superintendent Joseph Jones announced today that he will be leaving the school district to pursue other opportunities.

The Neshaminy Board of School Directors in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, announced that the Woodbury City superintendent was the final candidate in their search for the new superintendent of the Neshaminy School District.

The board will formally name Jones as the new superintendent at an upcoming public school meeting.

Joseph Jones named S.J. Regional Superintendent of the Year

"Due to my deep connections with the Woodbury school community, I have tremendously mixed emotions about leaving," Jones said in a statement this afternoon. "However, this is the right thing for me at this stage of my career and for my family."

Jones went on to say that he will miss everything about his experience in Woodbury including his students, colleagues and the community as a whole.

"I will continue to work with you to accomplish the good that happens every day in this 2-square-mile city and support all of the singular and collective efforts that ensure each child is ready to meet life's challenges with courage, confidence and pride," Jones added.

Jones has served as the superintendent of the Woodbury City Public Schools since 2005.

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

Flora Rodriguez-Pasion, R.N. chosen for her work ethic and positive attitude

WOODBURY -- Flora Rodriguez-Pasion, R.N., was chosen by Inspira Medical Center Woodbury as the Employee of the Month. The Deptford resident was recognized for her work ethic, positive attitude, and outstanding job performance.

Flora Rodriguez-Pasion, R.N.Courtesy Photo 

Rodriguez-Pasion works the night shift at 6 Pegau West, the unit where she has worked since she started at Inspira Woodbury more than 17 years ago.  

After finishing her nursing studies in her native Philippines, Rodriguez-Pasion began her nursing career working in the Intensive Care Unit at a British hospital in Saudi Arabia for three years. Then, an older sister, also a nurse, convinced her that she should join her in New Jersey.   

While this sister now is encouraging her to transfer to the operating room, Rodriguez-Pasion knows she would not enjoy her work as much in a closed unit.  "I have made the decision to stay at the bedside. I really enjoy the patients and their families."

Flora and her husband Edgardo have a daughter, Kate, a sophomore at Deptford High School and a son Eric who will complete his nursing degree at Temple University next year.

Karen Forst brings a decade of experience to her new position

WINSLOW TWP. -- Clarksboro resident Karen Forst has been named director of grants and fundraising at Laura Bishop Communications (LBC), LLC as of March 1. Previously, Forst was a development and grants consultant at LBC.

Karen ForstCourtesy Photo 

Forst brings a decade's worth of experience in grant writing, fundraising and board development to Laura Bishop Communications.

"After integrating grant writing and fundraising into the communications services we provide by bringing Karen on as a consultant nearly two years ago, we took a step toward our long-range plan," said Managing Principal Laura Bishop. "We recognize that our clients' desire to fundraise and receive grants is expanding. It's an added value that not many other public relations firms can offer, which is why we are so excited to have Karen as our new director of grants and fundraising. She brings an amazing energy and fresh dyanmic to our team."

Forst spent eight years with the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE), where she most recently was the director of institutional giving; she spent seven years as PDE's development director.

Previously, Forst was with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) from 1999 to 2006. She began her career there as a watershed education and outreach coordinator, advancing to senior/principal environmental specialist for the Bureau of Environmental Analysis and Restoration, at the Division of Watershed Management.

Forst holds an Master of Science degree in Environmental Science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

An active member of the East Greenwich community, Forst lives in Clarksboro with her husband and two children.

Larry Stephens will lead the group of talented associates

MULLICA HILL -- Larry Stephens was named sales manager of Weichert's Mullica Hill office.

Larry StephensCourtesy Photo 

"We are fortunate to have someone with Larry's expertise join the management team at Weichert's Mullica Hill office," said Weichert Regional Vice President Dan Giannetto. "Clients and sales associates alike will benefit from his strategic thinking, passion and the driven attitude he brings to everything he does."

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Stephens has been a dedicated real estate broker for three years. He has been a resident of Gloucester County for 40 years and currently resides in East Greenwich Township with his wife and three children.

"I am excited to lead this group of talented associates at the Mullica Hill office," said Stephens. "I look forward to using my experience to be a reliable coach and business partner, creating empowerment and life balance with our team of entrepreneurs."

If you are looking to start or enhance your career in real estate, or would like to learn about all the real estate services Weichert Realtors has to offer, contact Stephens at the Weichert office located at 54 S. Main Street in Mullica Hill or call 856-223-2600.

This item submitted by Weichert Realtors.

Twenty-six veterans and nine rookies will be cheering on the sidelines when the Eagles begin the season.

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders finalized their 2016 squad during the Final Audition Show at the Merriam Theater earlier this month.

Of the 35 members, ten are from New Jersey. Women from Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and Louisiana round out the remaining 25 positions on the squad.

Twenty-six veterans and nine rookies will be cheering on the sidelines when the Eagles begin the season against the Cleveland Browns Sept. 11 at Lincoln Financial Field.

Donning the Vera Wang uniform this season are nine woman that have earned master's degrees. Interesting careers include an attorney, physicians assistant, behavior therapist and senior forensic accountant. 

The squad members from New Jersey are: Erica and Rachel of Marlton; Gabriella and Sage of Medford; Julia of Moorestown; Lauren of Vineland; Maurisa of Sicklerville; Michelle of Princeton; Nitara of Asbury; and Samara of Pompton Lakes.

From Pennsylvania are: Deonna, Snow, Charnei, Symone, Malia and Dana of Philadelphia; Alex of Holland; Alicia Marie of Lafayette Hill; Ally of Jamison; Amanda Grace of Glen Mills; Cat of Center Valley; Christine of Sellersville; Diane of Norristown; Farrah of Huntington Valley; Janel of Shamokin; Jessica of Downingtown; Jessica of Swarthmore; Jillian of Warrington; Mandi of Pipersville; Marissa of Newtown Square; and Victoria of Garnet Valley.

Completing the squad are: Amanda and Jenny of Wilmington, Del.; Kayla of New Rochelle, N.Y.; and Arzice of New Orleans.

The final cut: Eagles cheerleader hopefuls vie for a spot on the squad

Over the next several months, fans will have the opportunity to meet the cheerleaders as they participate in several events.

All veteran members of the squad will appear at the Eagles Draft Day Party Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field.

One of the more unique opportunities available to fans is the chance to travel to Riviera Maya, Mexico, in June for the cheerleaders' 2017 Calendar Shoot.

In July, the Eagles Cheerleaders will hold cheer camps at Camden Catholic High School and Lincoln Financial Field. Current and former Eagles Cheerleaders will help instruct the students ranging from ages 6-14.

The cheer camp is part of the first ever Eagles Football Academy, which also includes youth football and adult fantasy camps. The Eagles youth football camps will be held in July and August at five different locations throughout the Delaware Valley.

The adult fantasy camp will be held in the spring of 2017.

Tim Hawk may be reached at thawk@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @photogthawk. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The check was presented at the recently completed home in Clayton

PITMAN -- The support received from corporate sponsors is key for Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity (GCHFH) to continue their mission of building safe, decent and affordable homes throughout Gloucester County. ParkeBank is pledging $5,000 to GCHFH for this upcoming year. 

ParkeBank has always been supportive through sponsoring our events and furthering our mission. This year they are going above and beyond. ParkeBank Senior Vice President and GCHFH Board President Daniel Sulpizio says, "ParkeBank has genuine interest in the communities we serve, and we are all about building strong neighborhoods and helping families grow to their fullest potential. At the end of the day if we have helped one family we have succeeded".

"One hundred percent of every dollar donated to GCHFH goes towards our mission of building a home. We are incredibly appreciative for the generous contribution from ParkeBank. With their donation we are able to build a better Gloucester County," says GCHFH Executive Director Anthony Isabella. 

Sulpizio presented ParkeBank's check at the most recently completed home in Clayton. The dedication ceremony which took place recently will be the home of the Wickward family.

Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity is a community-driven nonprofit organization that develops working partnerships with local businesses, churches, community groups and other individuals to successfully tackle a significant social problem -- affordable, safe and decent housing for all.

Don't forget to sign up for the seventh annual Build a House -- Build a Dream Golf Outing on June 6 at Scotland Run. More information at gc-habitat.org.

This item submitted by Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity.

Paul Bunkin compares the famous Berlin Wall plea to Donald Trump's policies.

To the Editor:

"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." 

In one of his most famous Cold War speeches, President Ronald Reagan in 1987 challenged the Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, to tear down the Berlin Wall. This wall was erected in 1961 to prevent residents of communist-run East Germany from fleeing into West Germany. They were fleeing, sometimes at great cost, to improve their lives and to enjoy the chance to live in a free society.

Fast forward 54 years. We have a person running for president who, from day one of his race for the White House, indicated his intent to build a wall on our southern border with Mexico. Donald Trump wants to keep persons wishing to improve their lives and the lives of their families from entering the United States. 

These people, like the East Germans, want to leave an oppressive life for the promise of what our great country has to offer. We must come up with a legal solution that offers hope to these desperate people. Building a wall to keep them out goes against everything our country has stood for since its beginning.

Paul S. Bunkin

Turnersville

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

Marcus Rayner disagrees with Albert Kelly's recent column about limitations on access to lawsuits over problems with businesses.

By Marcus Rayner

As the president of an organization that is dedicated to "tort reform" and otherwise ensuring that New Jersey's civil legal system is fair and unbiased, I read Bridgeton Mayor Albert Kelly's April 25 column  ("The fine print of inequality") with great interest. 

Kelly made an impassioned argument that consumers are being denied access to the court system due to limits on filing lawsuits, and that as a result, income inequality is increasing.

I disagree. 

Framing justice so narrowly mistakes form for substance. At its core, justice is about having your rights vindicated. And there are more and better ways to get that done than to sue somebody.

When I believe a business has done me wrong, the first thing I do is tell them so. There are only a few times I can remember that I my complaint was not promptly addressed. Those businesses that did not value me as a customer enough to fix my problem no longer have me as a customer. To me, this is justice.

Relying on arbitration -- using an impartial third party rather than formal litigation -- to resolve disputes is also just. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that arbitration is as good at resolving disputes as litigation. It also happens to be quicker and cheaper.

The biggest opponents of arbitration are plaintiffs' attorneys, who make their living in the courtroom. These attorneys are running a smear campaign against arbitration because they know that having a faster and cheaper process for resolving disputes will cut into their bottom line.

Scaring people into believing that arbitration is being unfairly forced on consumers through "form contracts," which may require a consumer to agree to mandatory dispute resolution when buying something, is one of the anti-arbitration crowd's favorite tactics. However, no company actually forces consumers to buy its goods and services. Consumers choose to make purchases that include arbitration agreements because they want the product or service being offered and are willing to agree to certain conditions to get it. 

Additionally, arbitration allows the business to sell the product or service at a lower price, which benefits consumers immensely. If you don't agree with the terms and conditions being proposed by one company, you are free to see what their competitors have to offer.

When thinking about arbitration, consumers and politicians must look beyond the rhetoric and focus on what really matters: justice. 

Informal dispute resolution and arbitration allow us to answer Mayor Kelly's question -- "What happens when something goes wrong?" -- as fairly as and more quickly and cheaply than litigation. Pretending otherwise will benefit nobody but the attorneys who get rich dragging people into court.

8 arrests were made following a two-month-long naracotics investigation by the Clayton Police Department and Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

CLAYTON -- Eight people were arrested after a two-month long narcotics investigation, according to police. 

On April 22, the Clayton Police Department and the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office concluded the joint investigation after executing two individual search warrants, with assistance from the Gloucester County SWAT team. 

According to a release from the Clayton Police Department, the search warrants for two residential properties -- one on the unit block of N. Delsea Drive and another on East Center Street.

During the investigation, eight people were arrested and numerous drugs -- including marijuana, heroin, Molly/MDMA and drug paraphernalia -- as well as money were seized.

At the East Center Street property, the following arrests were made: 

Desmond Catlett, a 28-year-old man from Clayton. He was charged with distribution of CDS (heroin), distribution of CDS within 500 feet of park, possession of CDS, failure to surrender CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail for Catlett was set at $25,000 full and he was incarcerated in Salem County Jail.

Julie Maldonado, a 36-year-old woman from Camden. Maldonado was arrested for a $100,000 child support warrant out of Camden County Sheriff's Department and four outstanding criminal warrants. She was turned over to Camden County Sheriff's Office.

Precious Joyce, an 18-year-old female from Clayton. Joyce was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams and failure to surrender CDS to police. She was released after receiving a summons.

Monica Catlett, a 50-year-old from Clayton. Catlett was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams and was released on a summons.

At the North Delsea Drive residence, the following arrests were made:

Mickayla Perez, an 18-year-old woman from Clayton, was arrested for possession of CDS (marijuana), distribution of CDS, possession of CDS with intent to distribute CDS within 500 feet of a public park, and possession of CDS (3 capsules of purported Molly/MDMA). Perez was released on her own recognizance.

Eric Perez, a 55-year-old man from Clayton, was arrested on an outstanding warrant and was released on his recognizance.

Iringo Perez-Gonzalez, 38-year-old man from Clayton, was arrested on an outstanding warrant, and was released after posting bail.

Steminto Rowe-Akins a 21-year-old man from Clayton, was arrested for possession of CDS (marijuana), distribution of CDS, possession of CDS with intent to distribute CDS within 500 feet of a public park, and possession of CDS (3 capsules of purported Molly/MDMA). Bail was set at $25,000 with an option to pay 10 percent. Rowe-Akins posted bail and was released.

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

The Gloucester County jury found the granddaughter and an estate planner committed fraud in handling of Woodbury woman's estate.

WOODBURY -- A woman siphoned hundreds of thousands of dollars from her grandmother's estate with the help of hired professionals who failed to carry out their responsibilities, a civil court ruled Monday.

Following a two-week trial in Gloucester County Superior Court, a jury returned a verdict of fraud, consumer fraud and breach of fiduciary duty against Jennifer White and an estate planning business.

The case involved the estate of the late Janet E. Bradford, who died in 2008. The Woodbury resident left her estate to her children.

Three of Bradford's children claimed a daughter of a fourth child "hijacked" the estate and they accused Fidelity Estate Planning, LLC and attorney Donald L. Kingett of failing to fulfill their responsibilities.

The children argued that Janet Bradford suffered from Alzheimer's disease and was manipulated by White, who took control of her grandmother's financial accounts. The siblings claimed Fidelity and Kingett failed to ensure Bradford's estate plans were carried out as she intended.

In addition to the findings against White and Fidelity, the jury found that Kingett "deviated from accepted standards of legal practice" and that this was a "proximate cause of plaintiff's asserted losses," according to court records.

"Due to interventions of Bradford's granddaughter and this team of professionals, the estate was raided and siphoned off to the one granddaughter," said Jeffrey V. Puff, attorney for the three Bradford children. "Despite Janet Bradford's original intentions, her estate plans were hijacked by the very professionals hired to protect her."

About $450,000 has been recovered for the siblings, Puff said, and the Bradford estate has been returned to the three childrens' control. No criminal charges were filed in the case. 

"We've been fighting to get it back and we finally did," said plaintiff Brenda Varelli, a daughter of Janet Bradford. "We finally got justice for what they did to our mother."

Varelli was joined in court by one of her brothers, and has remained in touch with the other, who lives in Maryland. "He's glad that it's hopefully over," Varelli said.

Efforts to reach representatives for the defendants were unsuccessful Wednesday.

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

To this day, I've blamed my testing ineptitude that day on the fact that I had to listen to a '50s rock 'n roll hit, "Band of Gold," while taking a 3-hour test.

Bob ShryockTimes file photo 

Mercersburg, Pa. is about 20 miles west of my hometown and rests not far from the Mason-Dixon Line which straddles two states.

It is the birthplace of President James Buchanan. Oddly, Mercersburg is the only town in the sprawling state of Pennsylvania that can boast that a U. S. president was born and raised there.

If truth be known, however, Buchanan was not one of our more distinguished presidents.

But Mercersburg was known for something besides being birthplace of a president. To this day it is acclaimed for having one of the finest preparatory schools in the country, Mercersburg Academy.

I never attended the Academy as a student, but, luck of the draw, I did spent three hours in the campus cafeteria on a lovely spring Saturday morning in 1955.

A high school junior, I was at the prep school to take the Standard Aptitude Test (College Board exam)  on sort of neutral turf.  My test efforts, by the way, did not enhance my chances of entry into Washington & Lee, Columbia, Northwestern, or several other top flight journalism schools. When the scores arrived in the mail signaling acceptance or rejection, I was a resounding 0-for-7. No. I have no clue how I ultimately was accepted by Gettysburg and its lofty standards, but I have the honorary degree from my 1960 G-burg class to prove it.

To this day, I've blamed my testing ineptitude that day on the fact that I had to listen to a '50s rock 'n roll hit, "Band of Gold," approximately 100 consecutive times during the three-hour exam. It was playing on a turntable that had jammed at about 9 a.m. Ever since, I've hated that song. It was a trifle difficult to concentrate and further eroded my chances to do reasonably well.

"A simple little band of gold, to prove that you are mine..."

But that wasn't my only brush with infamy at Mercersburg.

Because your columnist's name could have been Robert Elden Coolidge.

Huh?  

My mother, Lib, dated 30th President Coolidge's son several times when he was a student at Mercersburg Academy. Mom and Dad were a close couple through their high school days but their relationship soured briefly and Mom met Coolidge, whose first name is not in any of the history books I've read, on the rebound at an academy dance. Mom said young Coolidge was "polite and did a good job of parting his hair."

They dated two or three times until sanity prevailed and my dad proposed on the rebound.  Until meeting Coolidge, Mom had  never dated anyone except Dad.

To the best of my knowledge, young Coolidge wasn't invited to the wedding and didn't bother sending a gift.

Mother said she never got to meet President Cal.

And I never got to live in the White House.

Things are looking up fishing wise, especially down along the shore.

Jim Bolton 

By Jim Bolton

Things are looking up fishing wise, especially down along the shore.  The weather is finally cooperating with milder weather and less wind.

Some big blues are finally showing up in many areas which is great news and quite a few keeper stripers are taking the bait. Then we also have good news for the tautog fisherman as they have shown up in good numbers and some big ones.

I heard the blue fish were being caught from Mystic Island down to Absecon Inlet up to 14 pounds on lures and bait.

But that's not the only good news.  Like I said before, some big keeper stripers are being caught in some of the same areas.  A 43 inch striper was weighed in at Captain Howards Bait and Tackle Shop.

The Brigantine area has also been a good spot for some nice size stripers and blues.

Over the weekend tog fishing really picked up along with some nice lures making the fishing very interesting.

Utsch's Marina in Cape May has been one of the places to fish from lately for tog.

Over in Delaware Bay I had the first report of nice size stripers being caught which was good news.

Ken Hildreth at "Husted's Landing" had John Robins of Bridgeton bring in a 42 inch striper.  He was fishing with Steve C.

Mark at the "Sundog Marina" had Rich Vanni and crew of Bridgeton bring in two stripers going 39 inches and 43 inches and Steve Avena weighed in a 44 1/2 pounder.

Talked to Captain Mike Rothman of the Bonanza out of Fortescue.  He said not much was going on yet, but things should start any day, especially the black drum season.  He is going to have his first drum fishing trip on May 11.

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.

Many pastimes have survived over the years, while others are havebeen lost in the "sandboxes" of time.

In the neighborhood where I grew up warm weather meant one thing: wiffle ball!

We played in the street and our "field" was makeshift at best. First and third bases were trees near the curb; home plate and second base were chalked on the pavement. If no one brought chalk, the nearest stick or hunk of cardboard would do.

I'll never forget the regular yell of "car!" that halted play until it passed or the "infamous two-strike wait" as it was known in our neighborhood for kids who got two strikes and then became statues for the next 15 minutes. And, the game ended when the streetlights came on, of course.

Courtesy of distejon 

In this gallery, we'll look at a variety of things folks in New Jersey have done to enjoy themselves in their leisure time. While some of the pictured activities continue, it's important to note how many games are being lost in the "sandboxes" of time.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

Recently, my 18-year-old son and I were traveling in Toms River and saw a sign for a playground that depicted a child on a seesaw. John commented as we passed the park that we were gypped; there was no seesaw on the playground. Then he said, "To tell the truth, I've never actually seen a seesaw except in pictures."

Courtesy of distejon 

I suppose we can chalk that up to a litigious society. But I'm happy to say that my childhood was filled with seesaws, monkey bars and those things that went around in circles. And, no one got hurt, for the most part.

Another thing that isn't seen much anymore is a coin-operated ride in front of a store. In my youth, they seemed to be everywhere -- horses, helicopters, spaceships and anything else that could be made to rock back and forth for a dime or a quarter.

Then again, my family may have had something to do with their disappearance. About 15 years ago, my daughter wanted to ride one at a local store and my wife dropped a coin in the slot. The horse reared back and ... smashed store's plate glass window. No one was hurt and no one was sued, but it's safe to say Stephanie's interest in such rides ended that day.

courtesy of distejon 

Here's a gallery of games people played in days gone by in New Jersey. Be sure to have captions enabled to find out more about each photo. Can't get enough? Here's a link to last year's gallery.

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

Here's a roundup of recent home sales in Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester counties.

South Jersey Times 

BRIDGETON

-- 351 N. Laurel St., Peterson ad Enterprises Inc. to LandPro LLC for $228,600.

CARNEYS POINT TWP.

-- 157 Johnson Ave., Jean M. Spinelli to Shane R. Blachard for $225,000.

DEERFIELD TWP.

-- 862 Lebanon Road, Evette Gonzalez to Evette Gonzalez for $142,500.

DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 207 Katherine Ave., LBNJ LLC to Montrose Homes LLC for $48,000.

EAST GREENWICH TWP.

-- 115 Eagleview Terr., Jacqueline M. and Justin D. Cupples to Elise M. Green for $196,000.

-- 35 New Oak Road, Elite Construction Corporation to John M. and Melody A. Laranjeira for $307,500.

-- 13 Linden St., Arthur S. Lieb, Kathleen T. Lieb, Jason Ballentyne and Kelly Ballentyne to Barry D. Simon and Denise I. Schmidt-Simon for $260,000.

-- 130 Timberlane Road, Actlien Management LLC to Daniel Cosner for $20,000.

ELK TWP.

-- 495 Elk Road, Kevin A. and Deborah A. Eaise to Steven and Jennifer Bergin for $225,000.

ELSINBORO TWP.

-- Salem Country Club Road, James G. Yvonne Ter Haar Grant to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for $520,000.

FAIRFIELD TWP.

-- 53 Shoemaker Lane, El Chapulin LLC to Javer Alejandro Hernandez for $17,000.

GREENWICH TWP. (CUMBERLAND COUNTY)

-- 304 Stathems Neck Road, Elizabeth J. Dilks to Devin L. Dick for $140,000.

HARRISON TWP.

-- 207 Maria Elena Dr., Vertex Properties LLC to Adam Louis for $415,000.

-- 104 Dillions Lane, Richard and Vickie Kelso to Alexander and Allison Rotsettis for $540,000.

-- Williamson Lane, Reuter Enterprises Inc. to George and Andrea Benas for $70,000.

LOGAN TWP.

-- 130 Harvest Road, Frank R. and Samantha A. Barr to Raechel K. Suit for $188,500.

MANTUA TWP.

-- 206 Redbud Lane, Darryl G. Fanelli to David L. Inzinna for $134,000.

-- 680 Santa Fe Dr., Richard Jackson, executor, to Daniel Tomazcwski for $158,000.

MILLVILLE

-- 924 Barbara Terr., Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp by attorney to Flipping Keys LLC for $58,320.

-- 506 to 508 E. Oak St., Bart Hennaut to BTW 5 LLC for $64,132.42.

-- 814 E. Vine St., BTW 2 LLC to BTW 5 LLC for $56,495.54.

Pittsgrove property sells for $4.2M

MONROE TWP.

-- 1309 Heidelberg Dr., Timothy O'Hara and Suzette Avitollo to Robert J. and Jamie A. Newcomb for $240,000.

-- 1301 Briarwood Dr., I1 Homes LLC to Chinyere Nwanosike for $182,000.

PENNS GROVE

-- 6 to 8 Beach Ave., U.S. Bank National Association to Robert D. Paradise for $40,300.

-- 101 W. Harmony St., Fannie Mae and Manuel Roble for $23,900.

PENNSVILLE TWP.

-- 15 Craig Place, Albert J. Lemcke to Rick McGuire for $140,000.

-- 148 Harvard Road, F. Comerford Construction & Sons Inc. to Jessica R. Jargowsky for $90,000.

PITMAN

-- 234 Crafton Ave., Casa Development LLC to Jonathan and Lindsey Jednak for $279,900.

PITTSGROVE TWP.

-- 34 Lincoln Road, Jason and Jennifer A. Willmot to Katharine Marie Jarvis and Zachary Liam Jago for $245,000.

QUINTON TWP.

-- 49 Main St., Richard L. McKee, executor, to Stephen E. Turner Jr. for $45,000.

SALEM

-- 13 Davis Ave., Wilmington Savings Fund Society to Mark Childs for $10,500.

UPPER DEERFIELD TWP.

-- 108 Sentry Dr., William S. Nunn to Benjamin H. Turner III for $140,000.

UPPER PITTSGROVE TWP.

-- 761 Route 40, GEV Inc. to Magnolia Property Group LLC for $700,000.

VINELAND

-- 2370 Dahliadel Dr., Scott Poulson, executor, to Jose A. Rosado for $155,000.

-- 1888 E. Wheat Road, Phyllis Sterbakov Trust by executor to Kilsy Perez Santos for $45,000.

-- 740 S. West Ave., Anthony R. Hatten, administrator, to RPJ Properties LLC for $120,000.

-- 1683 Washington Ave., Bota Investments LLC to Diana P. Garcia Nieves for $190,000.

-- 2139 E. Chestnut Ave., Anita L. Wagner to Wolfe Realty LLC for $100,000.

-- 798 Sheridan Ave., Assured Property Solutions LLC to Jonathan D. Forsythe for $170,000.

-- 1325 Roosevelt Blvd., First Diamond Realty LLC to Andrea M. Pedemonte for $183,000.

-- 1016 Timberbrook Dr., Daniel W. McFarland to Christopher Lee Totton for $167,500.

-- 4729 Stoney Bridge Road, Five Group Inc. to Cynthia E. Pino for $295,000.

-- 1901 W. Garden Road, Evoqua Water Technologies LLC to UGSI Chemical Feed Inc. for $3,100,000.

-- 415 N. 8^th St., Fannie Mae to Alan Investments III LLC for $15,450.

-- 571 E. Forest Grove, Eduardo Ocasio to Richard Crabtree for $216,000.

-- 1019 W. Elmer St., Wells Fargo Bank to Ghanshyam Patel for $57,500.

WASHINGTON TWP.

-- 30 Bryant Road, Christopher C. and Gina M. Amerman to William H. and Nancy M. Beard for $262,500.

-- 27 Hamal Court, Fannie Mae to Richard Rosenberg for $39,000.

-- 7 Hampshire Ave., Fannie Mae to Rafael Vega, trustee for $105,000.

WEST DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 598 Lynn Ave., Nancy P. and Richard Lowe to Gabrielle D. Scolpino and Derek R. Jimenez for $208,000.

-- 880 Marian Road, John M. Gliatto, executor, to Luke E. and Ashley L. Colone for $237,000.

WOODSTOWN

-- 244 Borton Dr., Fannie Mae to Steven and MaryAnne McIntyre for $115,000.

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