Group selected to represent all Ambassador School's at Jefferson Awards

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - Once again, Washington Township High School is being nationally recognized for its outstanding community service leadership through the Jefferson Awards Foundation. The TWP SIA (Students in Action) group has been selected to represent all "Ambassador schools" at the Jefferson Awards national ceremonies in Washington, D.C. on June 16.

The Jefferson Awards were founded more 40 years ago by Sam Beard and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to create a national equivalent to a Nobel Prize for public service. Four years ago, under the leadership of advisors Eileen Lucarini and Josh Aronovitch, Washington Township joined the Students in Action program, which is the student recognition branch of the Jefferson Awards. Since then, on behalf of all the students and organizations that do community service, TWP SIA has prepared an annual report on all service conducted by Washington Township High School students. They also have performed live multimedia presentations on the same topic to demonstrate the impact of student service.  

Washington Township has twice earned recognition as the No. 1 service leadership school in New Jersey (2013 and 2014), and was named No. 3 and No. 1 in the nation, respectively, those same years. At that point, TWP SIA joined an elite company - the Ambassador schools. These schools have won their region twice in a row and have graduated to a higher level of service and recognition.

In the ultimate student service-related honor, the Ambassador schools voted TWP SIA tops in the nation, in large part because of the powerful video created by graduating senior and SIA leadership team member Abigail Haley. TWP SIA will represent all the Ambassador schools, New Jersey and Washington Township while being recognized at the national ceremonies in Washington on June 16.

"Washington Township High School continues to exemplify the meaning of community service, and has been acknowledged for these efforts through the honors they have continued to receive through the Jefferson Awards," Washington Township Superintendent of Schools Joe Bollendorf said. "However, it is critical to note that this award is a reflection of the amazing community work all of our students and staff contribute throughout all of our Washington Township Schools. Long-standing projects like the Helping Hands Hoagie Sale, Gobble up Hunger, Township Toys and the Giving Trees are just a handful of the major services our kids are involved in at all levels of our schools and in our community. Our kids and our staff have done so much and have been a tremendous source of pride for many years. It is wonderful to see them all be recognized for these efforts."

TWP SIA will be fundraising to bring additional team members to the national ceremony with a showing of the "Minions" movie at the Investors Bank Performing Arts Center on Friday, May 20, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are a requested donation of $5, and there will be a Minions costume contest at intermission. 

For more information, contact current TWP SIA advisors Eisa Jackson (ejackson@wtps.org) or Josh Aronovitch (Josh.Aronovitch@gmail.com) via email.

This item submitted by Matthew Pesyna, Washington Township School District. 

The RCGC STEM students competed in an international mathematics contest

DEPTFORD TWP. -- Four Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC) STEM students stood in front of faculty, advisors and fellow members of the Math Club to receive certificates citing them for their outstanding performance in the 32nd Annual International Mathematics Contest in Modeling (MCM). Two additional students were awarded certificates, but unable to attend the ceremony.

This is RCGC's first time entering students into MCM, a contest which gives teams comprised of three students four days to solve a complex, real-world issue with mathematics. MCM is an online competition, so each team is able to compete from their own school. When instructor and Math Club advisor Jennifer Hoxworth and her co-advisor and brother, adjunct instructor Ryan Hoxworth, starting looking into the challenge, they knew it would be too good for their Math Club students to pass up.

"We wanted to give our students an opportunity to use their skills outside the classroom and to represent their college internationally in a math competition," explained Jennifer Hoxworth.

The Math Club is one of RCGC's newest student clubs. In their short time together, student members have participated in the Garden State Math Competition at William Paterson University, Live Free or Pie Hard at RCGC and visited the Museum of Math in NYC. The Hoxworth siblings thought this would be the perfect addition to the club's growing roster of accomplishments and were excited to find six students who couldn't agree more.

"Leading up to the competition, Jen and I worked on providing the students with problems similar to what could be offered as part of MCM and helping them mentally prepare for the rigor of a four-day competition," said Ryan Hoxworth. "But once the competition started, each team worked entirely on their own to develop their solution."

RCGC's Math Club entered two teams into MCM. The first team was made up of Bridget Costello of Deptford, Ken Lee of Westville and Bobby Tenuto of Williamstown. The second team included Matthew Delengowski of Williamstown, Randy Hutchinson of Sewell and Zachary Jones of Mantua. All participating teams were given the opportunity to select from three problems to solve. These problems were not revealed until the competition began. Both RCGC teams chose to work on Problem B - developing a solution for debris in outer space.

Both teams worked on their solutions for four days on RCGC's campus before submitting their final solution. The team comprised of Costello, Lee and Tenuto earned "Honorable Mention," with only 12 U.S. teams placing above them. Their 27-page solution beat out teams from Virginia Tech, the United States Military Academy and the University of Pennsylvania. The team comprised of Delengowski, Hutchinson and Jones earned "Successful Participants."

A total of 7,421 teams from institutions around the globe participated in the competition this year - 389 of them from the United States. Problem B (chosen by the RCGC team because it sounded like it would require the most creativity to solve and more physics was involved) alone had 1,453 teams from around the world working to solve it.

This item submitted by Rowan College at Gloucester County.

Michael B. Olsen pleaded guilty to two sexual assault of a minor charges.

WOODBURY -- A West Deptford man admitted Tuesday to sexually abusing two young girls in Mantua Township, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

Michael B. OlsenSalem County Jail 

Michael B. Olsen, 36, was accused sexually abusing a 5-year-old girl on multiple occasions between 2012 and 2013. He was charged in May 2014 with aggravated sexual assault on a victim younger than 13 and endangering the welfare of a child. As he awaited trial on that case, Olsen was arrested again on June 5, 2015 and accused of improperly touching a second child.

As part of a negotiated plea, Olsen pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual assault of a child under 13 for the 2013 case and second-degree sexual assault for the 2015 case.

Assistant Prosecutor Alec Gutierrez will recommend a 10-year sentence on the first-degree charge and a concurrent five-year sentence for the second-degree charge, the prosecutor's office said.

He will be evaluated at the state's adult diagnostic and treatment center for sex offenders before sentencing. 

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

Amanda Castillo and Grayson Link honored for their achievements

The Delsea Regional Middle School Students of the Month for April are Amanda Castillo (grade 7) and Grayson Link (grade 8).

Amanda Castillo is the daughter of Yesenia and Rodolfo Castillo of Monroeville. Amanda is currently a member of the Delsea Middle School Art Club. Amanda won this month's Student of the Month for being "determined." Louis Neglia, Department of Language Arts Literacy at Delsea Middle School, commented that "Amanda is always looking for suggestions on how to improve her writing and doesn't settle for anything less than her best." Amanda volunteers her free time by helping to clean the local park and also has helped collect food for the Food Pantry. Eventually, Amanda would like to attend college and become a teacher.

Grayson Link is the daughter of Amy and Jeffrey Link of Franklinville. She is a member of the Delsea Middle School Art Club, is a Peer Mentor, a Media Center Aide, and a Student Ambassador. When not in school, Grayson rides horses competitively, takes ballet classes, and performs with the tap company- Footwerx. She also volunteers her time with the Little Bits 4-H Club serving meals at the Ronald McDonald House and performs at senior centers. Grayson is a member of the 4-H Equine Science Club, Teen Council, and is President of Little Bits 4-H Club. She plans to attend Paul VI High School to continue honors classes and be part of the dance program.

This item submitted by Louis Neglia, Delsea Regional School District.

Jamal McPherson and Caitlin Moore honored for their accomplishments

Seniors of the Month for April 2016 at Kingsway Regional High School are:

Jamal McPherson is the son of James McPherson and Janice Smith of Swedesboro.

School activities include, Student Council, Student Ambassador, Culture Club, 2013-2014 Vice President of Sophomore Class, S.U.R.E., Interact, varsity football, and spring and winter track.

Out of school activities include, Audio Productions, community service, and Helping Hands Rescue Mission.

Jamal has been named to the Principal's List. Jamal would like to host his very own television or radio show. He would like to be an audio producer and/or business/team owner as well as an Equal Opportunity Activist. 

Caitlin Moore is the daughter of Sherri Kubis of Woolwich Township.

School activities include, Culture Club Vice President, Varsity Cheerleading Captain, Habitat for Humanity, and Yearbook.

Out of school activities: Works at McDonalds as a crew trainer, volunteers at Ronald McDonald House and Habitat for Humanity building.

Caitlin has been named to the Principal's List, was a Spotlight Student of the Month for April 2016, and Athlete of the Month for October 2014.

Caitlin plans to attend the University of Maryland in College Park. Her career choice is undecided at this time.

The program offers opportunities for great paying jobs with outstanding benefits

DEPTFORD TWP. -- Faculty and staff from Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC) and Gloucester County officials joined representatives at the Paulsboro Refining Company to announce a partnership between the organizations that will launch a scholarship and internship program along with a new Process Technology associate degree program.

Both the new degree program and the scholarship is the culmination of two years of effort.

The partnership is part of a new Process Technology degree program that combines classes taught at RCGC with a hands-on scholarship and internship program made available through the refinery to qualifying students pursing the new degree program. Four scholarships offering 100 percent tuition, fees and books for two academic years will be accessible to RCGC students majoring in Process Technology. Those receiving scholarships will also participate in a 10-week paid summer internship at Paulsboro Refining Company. Non-scholarship students will also be eligible to apply for the internship.

The Process Technology program is the most recent addition to RCGC's rapidly-growing selection of majors, options and certification programs. It is designed to prepare students for careers in the petroleum and chemical process industries. The program curriculum will provide students exposure to a scientific background emphasizing hands-on work and critical thinking skills. Students will be able to enroll in the program starting September 2016.

"We are pleased to be partnering with Rowan College at Gloucester County for the purpose of launching the new Process Technology associate degree program," said Michael Capone, Operations Manager at the refinery. "With this program we can now offer a clear path to great refinery careers without ever leaving Gloucester County. And with the available scholarships, there are very real opportunities to get great paying jobs with outstanding benefits and in a very economical way."

This item submitted by Rowan College at Gloucester County.

Ken Frank writes that shielding college students from speech that might offend someone is the opposite of higher education.

To the Editor:

Is the general public aware that higher education is morphing into "lower information"? 

Many colleges and universities have created what they call "safe spaces." They are places where students can be tucked away from objective thinking and other points of view. Sounds cultish, does it not?

Today's students are the generation that grew up thinking that you are a winner just for showing up. You actually could get a trophy!  

Safe spaces are like bumper bowling or training wheels on a bike. You don't need to think or try too hard. No real skill is required. Safe spaces treat college students like little children.  

However, there are no safe spaces in the classroom. There, professors freely indoctrinate students all day long, personally and politically. Then they will grade on how well a student listened and learned. This certainly discourages the exercise of free thinking.

Safe spaces are meant to protect tender ears from the need to think or debate intelligently. Of course, living in the real world requires considering divergent opinions, but it's now nap time on many campuses.

In time, we all learn that the gap between feelings and convictions is a mile wide. Feelings are fleeting and vary. Convictions are foundational, born out of time and experience.  

Who among us was wiser and smarter at 19 than we were at 40? But that subject is unsafe for the moment, and must not even be whispered on many campuses during these days of enlightenment.  Too much higher learning going on, and it must not be interrupted.

Ken Frank

Pitman

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

A suit was filed after the fire district could not produce minutes for five meetings.

HARRISON TWP. -- A judge has ordered the township fire district to comply with state law by doing a better job of keeping meeting minutes following a lawsuit filed over access to records.

In 2015, Flemington resident Donald Baldwin filed an OPRA (Open Public Records Act) request for board of fire commissioners executive session meeting minutes from 2011 to 2015. The fire district provided redacted minutes for all but five of those executive sessions.

Baldwin filed suit against Harrison Township Fire District over the missing minutes and the redactions.

While Superior Court Assignment Judge Georgia Curio ruled that the redacted portions were appropriate, she granted injunctive relief on the issue of the missing minutes.

"The Fire District must strictly adhere to OPMA (Open Public Meetings Act) in all respects including, but not limited to, the keeping of minutes," she wrote in her ruling.

N.J. fire commissioner will appeal conflict ruling

Open public records advocate John Paff first reported on Curio's ruling.

Baldwin serves on the board of a statewide non-profit group that focuses on OPRA and OPMA issues, according to his suit.

Baldwin's attorney, Walter Luers, said his client became aware of problems with the fire district's record keeping and filed the OPRA request. The missing minutes were from sessions held in 2012 and 2015.

Luers doesn't expect to get those minutes, since they probably cannot be reconstructed. "That ship has probably sailed," he remarked. "Under the injunction they have to strictly follow the law going forward."

Fire district chairman Ken Powell said the district tried to provide Baldwin with all information requested and will comply with state requirements. 

"The fire district is complying with the Open Public Meetings Act and will continue to keep reasonably comprehensive minutes of all its meetings as required by OPMA ... we are adhering to the judge's order as required and we will continue to do so," Powell said.  "The fact of the matter is the fire district was not required to pay any legal fees to the plaintiff, and that the argument provided by our solicitor to Judge Curio proved that the fire district made every reasonable attempt to supply the information as requested."

The suit sought payment of legal fees to Baldwin if the fire district was found at fault, but Curio denied that request.

The fire district is expected to keep minutes for all meetings, including executive sessions, and doesn't have to report back to the court on its progress.

If Baldwin files a request for Harrison fire district minutes in the future and doesn't get them, he could file a motion to enforce the court order, Luers said.

"It's essentially self-enforcing," he said. "They are on their honor to follow the law." 

"I would hope that they don't need to be told again."

Another problem with this fire district's record keeping habits came up earlier this year, when the Department of Community Affairs issued a notice of violation regarding commissioner Larry Crane.

In that case, the DCA cited Crane for a conflict of interest when he previously served as a paid EMT for the first district while also serving as a commissioner. Crane is appealing the notice, saying he never voted on matters pertaining to EMTs while he served as an EMT.

The DCA said it was difficult to determine if Crane's assertion was accurate because record keeping was inadequate for the period of 2010 to 2012.

Information on meeting attendance and how each commissioner voted was not recorded, the DCA said.

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

Priority will be given to Gloucester County seniors 60 and above with low income

WOODBURY -- The Gloucester County Division of Senior Services annual "Keep Cool" Fan Distribution for seniors will be take place on Wednesday, June 15.

 

Freeholder Director Robert Damminger said, "Summer weather will soon be upon us and with that comes hotter temperatures and humidity. The Division of Senior Services 'Keep Cool' Fan Distribution is an opportunity for the county to help those seniors who are living on fixed income or a tight budget stay cool and comfortable during the summer season."

Freeholder Jim Jefferson liaison to the Division of Senior Services said, "For those seniors who do not have central air or live without window air conditioning units, fans are a useful tool to help keep their homes cool and prevent them from endangering themselves when the weather heats up."

Fan Distribution will take place on Wednesday, June 15 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Glassboro Senior Center located at 152 S. Delsea Drive in Glassboro and at Gloucester County Senior Services Offices at Budd Boulevard located at 115 Budd Blvd. in West Deptford from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Due to the limited amount of fans and under the guidelines set forth by the Older Americans Act, priority will be given to seniors 60 and above with low income or possessing a PAAD (Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled) or Medicaid card.  For more information, please call the Division of Senior Services at 856-384-6900.

This item submitted by the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The winners will be recognized at a dinner next month.

The winners of the Best of Gloucester County 2016 have been announced.

The annual competition is presented by the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce, TD Bank, and NJ Advance Media/South Jersey Times.

Area residents had a chance to cast their votes in support of their favorites.

A "Best Of Gloucester County" dinner celebration will be held June 2 at Auletto Caterers. Winners will be presented with their awards at this event.

For more information about the dinner, visit the chamber online. 

Here is a rundown of the winners:

PROFESSIONAL / OTHER SERVICES

• Accountant: Joan Halter - CPA - Mullica Hill
• Architect / Engineer: Robbie Conley Architect
• Attorney: Law Offices of Brian J. Duffield
• Bank: TD Bank - Mullica Hill
• Chiropractor: Coniglio Chiropractic Wellness - Dr. Barry Coniglio
• Day Care / Nursery: The Goddard School - Swedesboro
• Dentist: Connoly Family Dentistry
• Dry Cleaners: Tori's Cleaners & Tailor
• Eye Care: Dr. Jean Heisman O.D. Eye Care
• Graphic Design: Manna Design
• Health Service: Lisa's Companions & Caregivers
• Hotel / Hospitality: Brian DiNella - Otts
• Insurance Agent: The Barclay Group
• IT / VOP / Computer Companies: PCH Technologies
• Laundromat: Mantua Coin-op Laundromat
• Limo Company: Arrive In Style
• Marketing / Social Media: Graphics Solutions
• Massage Therapist: Beth's Hair Boutique & Body Spa
• Non-Profit: Angels of God Clothing Closet - Pitman
• Online / Ecommerce: www.glassbororentals.com
• Orthodontist: Kadar Orthodontics
• Physician / Group: Dr. Charles Sprigman, DO - Mullica Hill
• Pet Grooming: Critter Cuts, Sewell
• Photographer: Abby Lynn Photography
• Physical Therapy: Victory Physical Therapy
• Printer: Bellia Print & Design - Woodbury
• Realtor: Marcy Ireland - Wenonah
• Sign Company: Salmon Signs - Pitman
• Travel Agency: Bon Voyage Travel - Woodbury Hieghts
• Tuxedo: Tuxedo Gallery - Mantua
• Web Master / Design: Graham Communications

AGRICULTURE

• Farming: Duffields Farm
• Farm Equipment: Peach Country
• Farm Supplies: Grappo's Stone & Garden Center
• Nursery: Platt's Farm Market
• HAIR CARE & SALON
• Barber Shop: Timmon's Barbershop - Sewell
• Day Spa: In the Village
• Hair Salon: Beth's Hair Boutique & Body Spa
• Nail Sculpture: Belle Nail and Spa in Deptford
• Tanning Salon: Tantini Tanning Bar

DINING - RESTAURANT

• Breakfast: Blue Plate - Mullica Hill
• Lunch: Canteen - Mullica Hill
• Dinner: Franklinville Inn - Franklinville
• Restaurant (Italian Food): Botto's - Swedesboro
• Restaurant (Latino-Mexican): El Manantial - Woodbury
• Restaurant (Seafood): Val's Seafood - Sewell
• Pub/Tavern/Bar: The Village Pub - Swedesboro
• Asian Food: Green Tea - Swedesboro
• Diner: Swedesboro Diner - Swedesboro

FOODS

• Bakery: Yhanne's House of Cheesecakes (YHOC) - Clayton
• Best Barbeque: Uncle Pig's BBQ Pit
• Burgers: Smashburger - Glassboro
• Candy Shop: Devour Desserts
• Caterer: Nicolosi Catering
• Crabs (live or cooked): John's Seafood - Paulsboro
• Cheese steaks: Steak Out - Sewell
• Coffee Shop: Crescent Moon
• Hoagies - Subs: Pal Joey
• Ice Cream: Dippy's Ice Cream - Mantua
• Pizza: Cicontes - West Deptford
• Water Ice: Rita's Water Ice - Mantua
• Wings: Babes Bar & Grill - Paulsboro

FESTIVALS / EVENTS

• Best Event: Lights on Main - Mullica Hill
• Parade: Pitman 4th of July Parade

LEISURE / ENTERTAINMENT

• Arts / Artist: Joseph Getsinger
• Dance Studio: All That Jazz
• Entertainer: Greg Jones Project
• Fitness Center (Coed): Planet Fitness - Mantua
• Fitness Center (Women's): Fit To Dance Studio
• Golf Course: Pitman Golf Course
• Karate: Yi's Karate Swedesboro
• Music - Plays: Old Town Music, Turnersville
• Other Leisure Business of Entertainment: Bon Bon's Parties & Events
• Parks: Washington Lake Park

RETAIL

• Antique Shop: Woodbury Antiques
• Arts / Crafts / Hobbies: McArt A La Carte
• Art Gallery: Galleria Deptford
• Body Art / Tattoo: Seven Three Social Club Tattoo Studio
• Cards & Gifts: Donna's Hallmark
• Carpet / Floor Coverings: Abbey Carpet & Floor - Woodbury
• Clothing Stores: Kohl's Mantua
• Coins-Gold-Precious Medals: Pitman Coins & Currency
• Comic Book / Gaming Country Shop: Tiki Tiki Board Games - Woodbury
• Country Shop: Zimmerman's Country Market
• Consignment Shop: Repeat Boutique - Mullica Hill
• Convenience Store: Wawa - West Deptford
• Dollar: Dollar Tree - Sewell
• Electronics: Mullica Hill Verizon Wirelesszone
• Farm Market: Amish Market - Mullica Hill
• Feed Store: Damminger's
• Fishing-Hunting Supplies: Bob's Little Sport Shop
• Florist: Mullica Hill Floral Company
• Food Store: ShopRite West Deptford
• Frame Shop: The Frame Shop - Sewell
• Fuel Oil Company: Hoagland Oil
• Furniture Garden Center: The Boujie Basement
• Garden Center: Bloomers
• Hardware: Warren's Hardware - Mullica Hill
• Jewelry: Pitman Jewelry Shop
• Liquor Store: Wine Warehouse - Mantua
• Lumber Yard: Peter Lumber - Pitman
• Outdoor Equipment Sales or Services: Borrie's Outdoor Power Equiptment
• Pet Shop: Pet Valu - Mullica Hill
• Pharmacy / Drug Store: Pitman Pharmacy
• Pool Supplies: The Pool Store - Sewell
• Shoe Store: DSW - Deptford
• Sporting Goods: Dick's Sporting Goods - Deptford
• Spring Water: Arctic Wolf
• Tire Center: Dempsey's - Mantua
• Trophy / Awards: Gloucster County Awards
• Wine - Winery: Heritage

AUTOMOTIVE

• Auto Detailing: Waterline Auto Spa - Glassboro
• Auto Parts: Advance Auto Parts - Woodbury
• Auto / Truck Repair: Service Automotive - Sewell
• Body Shop: TMT - Sewell
• Car Wash / Detailing: 5 Point Carwash
• Dealership - Auto Sales: Pallies Auto - Sewell
• Trucking Firm Company: Zeisloft Trucking
• Machine Shop: Boyle Tool & Die West Deptford

CONTRACTORS / COMMERCIAL SERVICES

• Builder/Construction: Cipriani
• Developers: Bruce Paparone Inc. New Homes
• Electrician: DGM - Sewell
• Heating & AC Service: J&J Mechanical Inc.
• Home Improvement: Total Construction
• Landscaping: Haines - Sewell
• Lawn Care: Premier Lawn & Landscape services
• Painters: Painting by Howard
• Plumber: Georges Plumbing - Mullica Hill
• Septic Company: English Septic
• Storage - Self/Cold: iStorage - Mullica Hill
• Tree Services: Bethel Mill - Sewell
• Other: In Stitches - Deptford

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

Alka Kohli, M.D. has been named chief population health and clinical officer

MULLICA HILL -- Inspira Health Network has appointed Alka Kohli, M.D., to serve as executive vice president and chief population health and clinical officer for the South Jersey-based health system.

Alka Kohli, M.D., M.B.A.CRTERRY@COMCAST.NET-CRAIG TERRY 

In her role at Inspira, Kohli will focus on supporting the network's mission to improve the lives of all community members. She will champion innovative clinical strategies to improve population health, and enhance quality and the patient experience. Additionally, her efforts will include reducing the cost of care for families across the region.

Prior to joining Inspira, Dr. Kohli served as senior vice president and chief medical officer at Virtua. In previous roles she served as vice president of Medical Affairs, medical director of Operations and as chief of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Kohli received her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and Chemistry from the University of Denver. She subsequently attended medical school at the University of Colorado, School of Medicine and completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Indiana University Medical Center. In 2014, Kohli earned an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from St. Joseph's University's Haub School of Business. In addition, she maintains board certification in obstetrics and gynecology.

For more information about Inspira Health Network, visit www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org or call 1-800-INSPIRA.

The Deptford Township Library, formally known as the James H. Johnson Memorial Library, had changed it name.

DEPTFORD TWP. -- Geraldine D'Alonzo was home one afternoon when her son brought her some surprising news. The sign bearing her father's name was removed from the Deptford library building. 

"I assured him it was probably nothing, that they were just cleaning it and it would be hung back up, but I wanted to make sure," said D'Alonzo. 

D'Alonzo, who lives just across the street from the library, decided to call the library to be sure. 

"Deptford Township Library," answered the woman on the other end.

"They'd been answering the phone that way for a while now," said D'Alonzo. "It threw me at first because the library is the James H. Johnson Memorial Library. It was named in honor of my father. Why weren't they using that name?" 

Whether it was when the library was in the basement of a school building, on Almonesson Road, or where it currently sits on Ward Road, the library has always held a special place in D'Alonzo's heart. From a young age, she found herself at the library with her parents, as they worked to make the library the best it could be.

James H. Johnson was one of the founding board members of the library. He was named president of the board in 1961, a position he held until he died in 1976. 

"After his passing, the library board voted to rename the library after my dad," said D'Alonzo. "In June of 1977, there was a ceremony and the library was renamed in his memory." 

Now, the library is being renamed to the Deptford Township Library.

"I understand that they didn't need my permission or my family's permission to do this, but it would have been common courtesy to have been informed," said D'Alonzo.

According to Mayor Paul Medany, the public was notified of the change through public meetings and a survey that was done prior to the switch. 

In fact, the process of changing the library's name actually began four years ago, he said. 

"It was a strategic plan that the board put into place," said Medany. "The point of doing it was to have one identity for the library, one name."

Over the years, people had referred to the library as the Deptford Library and others called the library by its full name causing some confusion on its identity. 

"We absolutely are not making this change to disrespect the memory, or the families of those who helped establish the library," said Medany. "It was just a change that needed to happen and it's following the completion of renovations we had made to the library." 

A special room has been designated inside the library to honor those that helped establish the library over the years. 

"There are several families, including the Johnsons, and many individuals that have helped make the library what it is and we do want to keep that memory alive," said Medany. "The room will contain photos, documents, and anything else denoting the history of the library." 

Medany added the library is always looking for historical documents to add to the library and encourages the community to bring them to the library to add. 

"I've been a member of the library since I was about 6 years old and I've still got my library card," said Medany. "I wholeheartedly support the library. We're just keeping things simple with this name change." 

For more information visit the Deptford Township Library website.

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

Mr. Biggs was found injured on the side of a road in Commercial Township. Watch video

MILLVILLE -- They call him Mr. Biggs. A stray pit bull that was found on the side of the road in Commercial Township earlier this month.

Mr. Biggs was a friendly dog but was visibly injured with a head wound and he had difficulty walking. When Millville-based TLC Animal Rescue took him to the animal hospital, X-rays showed bullets still lodged in his head and leg.

"We had no idea the extent of his injuries," said Shelly Denhardt, vice president of TLC Animal Rescue. "He wasn't walking on his hind leg but we had no idea. At first we thought he was probably hit by a car. We had no idea he was shot or to the extent his leg was shattered."

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TLC Animal Rescue is raising money to take Mr. Biggs to an orthopedic surgeon in Red Bank, hoping to save the pit bull's leg from being amputated. The animal group was hoping that putting pins in Mr. Biggs' leg would help him but the surgery will instead require a plate. The surgery for his leg is estimated to cost $4,000.

"We were just shocked and hysterically crying," Denhardt said. "It was just unbelievable news for such a sweet dog."

A volunteer for TLC Animal Rescue was driving in the area of Main Street and Strawberry Avenue in Commercial Township on May 2 when she spotted Mr. Biggs laying on the side of the road. They took Mr. Biggs to the Cumberland County SPCA and picked him up a week later, which is the required protocol for strays that are found. Mr. Biggs is now staying at the TLC Animal Rescue. He was named after the volunteer who helped rescue him.

Due to his injuries, rescue workers believe that he was used as a fighting dog. The workers are unsure if he was shot and then dumped or shot in the woods but, either way, Mr. Biggs ended up injured on the side of the road waiting for rescue.

"We've certainly rescued dogs that have had scars, have been under weight and have been severely mistreated but we have never had a case where a dog has been this abused," Denhardt said.

Mr. Biggs' abuse is under investigation. Once he is healed, he will be put up for adoption by TLC Animal Rescue. In order to pay for the operations, the animal rescue group is collection donations and organizing fundraisers.

For more information about donating money, visit www.tlcarescue.com/info/donate or Paypal: tlcarescue@hotmail.com.

Students from Rowan Univeristy's College of Communication and Creative Arts walked in 2016 commencement.

GLASSBORO -- The College of Communication and Creative Arts at Rowan University held commencement on May 12, 2016.

The ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on the Bunce Green and brought together 382 graduates and their families. Commencement speaker for the ceremony was Nicholas Palelogos, executive director of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and a two-time Tony Award-winning producer.

He kicked off his speech by rapping the opening verse from the "Hamilton" musical.

Cooper Medical School's inaugural graduation

With family, friends and classmates, the now Rowan alumni received their diplomas marking the end of their undergraduate careers. 

The College of Communication and Creative Arts was one of eight ceremonies being held over five days at the university. 

"You are artists. You look at what everyone else looks at, and see what nobody else sees." - Nicholas Paleologos #Rowan16

-- Rowan University (@RowanUniversity) May 12, 2016

The delegates will spend a week a Rider University in June

American Legion Post 133 in Woodbury will be sponsoring five young men to attend this year's session of Jersey Boys' State. The program will bring together nearly 1,000 high school juniors from throughout the state to participate in an intense week of hands-on leadership and citizenship training. This year's session will take place at Rider University from June 19-24

Post 133's delegates were nominated by their schools and selected by American Legion representatives based on their scholarship, character, leadership and school and community service.

The Post 133 delegates are:

Brian Lastinec
 

Brian Lastinec -- Deptford High School. He has been on the Principal's List every marking period of his high school career and was inducted into the National Honor Society this year. He is active in student government, the Future Business Leaders of America, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He plays baseball for the Deptford High School team as well as the Deptford Senior American Legion team. He has served the community by volunteering at a local food bank, assisting with food drives and helping at special-needs school.

Jake Lloyd
 

Jake Lloyd -- Woodbury High School. He is enrolled in advanced placement physics, psychology, history and English classes and has received several awards for his academic achievements in language and math. He plays soccer and baseball for Woodbury High and is active in several club. He also works on the yearbook staff and the students in government program.

Jaquan Solomon 

Jaquan Solomon -- Woodbury High School. In addition to excelling academically, he has a passion for the creative arts. He had a lead role in his school's production of the musical "Rent" and displayed his vocal and poetic talents at the 2015 Woodbury High School talent Show. He has played football and participated in track and field each of his high school years. He served as president of the Poetry Club, captain of the track team and president of his junior class. He was selected as the AVID student of the year and is a past recipient of the Teacher's Choice Award.

Kyle Bailey 

Kyle Bailey -- Woodbury High School. He was selected to taken advance placement English and is enrolled in Honors Spanish and Pre-Calculus. He was recently nominated for the National Honor Society. As a student athlete, he plays basketball and track and field. He has accrued numerous school and community service hours and has been selected to attend student leadership programs.

Daniel O'Leary 

Daniel O'Leary -- Woodbury High School. He is consistently on the Honor Roll and has a special interest in service learning, completing all his required hours by his freshman year. He has a strong work ethic, successfully combining school with a part-time job as a construction worker. He works full-time doing construction and landscaping work during the summer. He also finds time to do volunteer work for his school and was part of the stage crew for the Drama Club.

This item submitted by American Legion Post 133.

The Phillie Phanatic roamed the halls, strutting, spoofing and posing

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - The adults in the building were as excited, if not more so, than the students when the Phillie Phanatic showed up for a surprise visit to Washington Township High School today.

The Philadelphia Phillies infamous and animated mascot roamed the halls, strutting, spoofing and posing in an effort to drum up excitement for Washington Township Night at the Phillies on June 2.

Tickets remain for the 7 p.m. game versus the Milwaukee Brewers.

Members of the WTHS Student Council handed out pencils and necklaces that contained bar codes that interested fans could scan to easily access tickets. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Student Council.

The Phanatic's visit was arranged by Student Council co-advisors Brittany Mason and Shannon Molloy.

To purchase tickets to Washington Township Night at the Phillies, visit www.phillies.com/wths.

This item submitted by Jan Giel, Washington Township School District.

And a pair from Gloucester County was also named best dressed. Watch video

Thousands of you voted this week to decide which New Jersey prom would rise above the others. Out of 15 schools, Williamstown High was voted Prom of the Week. Nice going, Braves! Your photos will be featured on NJ.com's homepage shortly after Friday's prom in Philly. It's the second-straight week that a Gloucester County school won Prom of the Week: Kingsway took it last week.

This pair from Paulsboro won best dressed this week.Photo by Rebecca Forand | For NJ.com 

This pair from Paulsboro won our first best dressed vote of the 2016 prom season. Nice job, you two. Those are two pretty good looks. We'll see how they stack up with the other best-dressed winners when we get to the end of prom season.

Here's the lineup for proms NJ.com will be at this weekend. Click the links here to see prom pics from last year.

Thursday: Salem Vo-Tech and Wood-Ridge.

Friday: Audubon, Bridgeton, Cherokee, Eastern, Franklin, Haddon Township, Gateway, Glassboro, Millville, West Deptford, Williamstown, Winslow and Woodbury.

Saturday: Cedar Creek, Mainland and Trenton Central.

Tweet and Instagram your prom pics with #njprom.

John Shabe can be reached via jshabe@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter and find NJ.com on Facebook.

Police discovered the scam when neighbors called to report squatters moving into foreclosed homes.

MONROE TWP. -- Police say a Camden man broke into foreclosed properties and rented them out to unwitting victims.

Levar M. Taylor (aka Raymond Erving), 38, of Camden, is accussed of illegally entering foreclosed homes in Monroe Township and leasing them. (Salem County Correctional Facility) 

Authorities believe he has pulled the scam in many towns around South Jersey, according to Monroe Township Police.

Levar Michael Taylor (aka Raymond Erving), 38, allegedly entered two foreclosed properties in Monroe, one in the 1700 block of Black Oak Road and the other in the 1600 block of White Oak Lane.

Utilities were illegally turned back on and winterization stickers placed on the closed-up homes were scraped off, police said. Taylor then posed as an agent to lease the properties.

Taylor allegedly received more than $12,000 from people seeking to lease the homes for cash in Monroe Township, police said.

The transactions were conducted under Taylor's name and his company, Financial Adjustment Bureau Corp. Neither Taylor nor FAB Corp. are licensed to conduct real estate transactions, police said.

Investigators have identified other victims in surrounding counties, police said, and are asking anyone who did business with Taylor to contact them. Police believe he has pulled similar scams in Mount Holly, Pennsauken, Willingboro and Woodbury, among other towns.

"If you have rented, leased or purchased a home from Mr. Taylor or the Financial Adjustment Bureau Corp., we encourage you to contact your local police department," police said in a release.

7 things to know about that vacant home next door

Anyone with information may also contact Monroe Detective Derrick Jacobus at 856-728-9800, ext 501.

Police became aware of the alleged crimes when neighbors called to report squatters in the foreclosed homes, Jacobus explained. When officers came to the homes, the residents showed them the bogus lease agreements. The victims were able to identify Taylor as the "agent."

The renters are still living in the homes, Jacobus said. "Law enforcement cannot evict them," he noted.

It will be up to the banks owning the foreclosed properties to determine how to proceed.

Taylor was charged with two counts of burglary, theft by deception, identity theft, forgery, criminal mischief and failure to register as a sex offender.

He was placed in Salem County Correctional Facility on $75,000 bail.

Housing scams of this sort are on the rise in the area, police said. Scammers are taking advantage of the wave of foreclosures that have left many homes empty. Crooks often break open lock boxes to gain entry and will even change locks on the homes.

"If your potential landlord is asking for a cash down payment or only allowing you to look at vacant, bank owned, foreclosed properties, more than likely you are being scammed," Monroe Police warned in their press release.

Police offered these tips to avoid falling victim to similar scams

• Always seek and confirm the identity of the person you're dealing with. You want a confirmable name and address or even a notarized ID. For renters, you should be able to confirm ownership of the property on county registers.
• Never rent or lease a home sight unseen.
• Never wire money to someone you don't know, no matter how plausible their story, and never hand over cash for rent or deposit without confirming ownership and without seeing, reading, and double-checking any lease agreement before signing.
• If you're renting, it may be preferable to work with a bona fide rental agency. Some owners do legitimately rent out privately, but just be more wary when dealing with them, police cautioned.

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

More than 40 high school athletes were honored during the annual Scholar Athlete Banquet.

DEPTFORD TWP. -- The South Jersey Coaches Association (SJCA) honored 42 high school athletes at its 40th Annual Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet at Auletto Caterers Tuesday night.

The SJCA is run by volunteers -- both active and retired athletic directors -- and aims to recognize outstanding South Jersey athletes and coaches. It includes schools from the Burlington County Scholastic League, Cape Atlantic League, Colonial Conference, Olympic Conference and Tri-County Conference.

Highland Regional High School's Christian Scafidi and Eastern Regional High School's Madison Morano were named the overall winners. Christian, a 4-year varsity letter winner in both basketball and baseball, has a weighted GPA of 4.58 and is ranked second in his class of 305. He has committed to The University of Pennsylvania and will play on the baseball team. Madison plays field hockey -- scoring 95 career goals and tallying 79 assists in four years -- and softball for Eastern.

Most Courageous Honorees:

Rebecca Brown, of Kingsway, is a cancer survivor. At the end of her sophomore season playing girls basketball, Becca was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Doctors were shocked she was able to play the entire season with a large tumor between her heart and lungs. After nearly five months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Becca began to work with a trainer, hoping to get back on the court by November. She was cleared to play for her junior season, and split her time between the JV and varsity teams. On Feb. 5, 2015, Kingsway hosted its annual Coaches vs. Cancer game, and Becca hit the second shot of the game. A year ago, she had unknowingly had cancer as she played in the game, and this year, as a senior, she was a starter for the game, as a survivor.

Alexis Wallace is a 3-year varsity letter winner for Glassboro High School's field hockey team. Alexis also has cerebral palsy, which impairs the left side of her body. She has had several surgeries on her foot and her left arm is significantly weaker than her right. Alexis also played on the varsity girls basketball team her junior year.

Kaitlyn Weatherby was the co-captain of GCIT's swim team during the 2015-16 season. She has been swimming competitively since she was nine years old, learning how to overcome difficulties communicating without the use of her hearing aid; Kaitlyn is deaf. Last year, she competed for Team USA in the World Deaf Swimming Championships in San Antonio, Texas.

Kyle Pszenny, a football player for Pennsville Memorial High School, was critically injured last June from a hit-and-run accident, which left in in a coma for months. In December, shortly after Pennsville won the South Group 1 football championship game in his honor, he awoke from the coma and has been working hard to become the "new" version of himself.

Community rallies to support football player recovering from June hit-and-run

Dylan Witmer, a senior at the Atlantic County Institute of Technology, is a 4-year varsity baseball player. In April 2015, he was involved in a traumatic car accident, suffering a broken collarbone. Dylan was honored by the National Strength and Conditioning Association for his hard work to return to the baseball field after his accident.

Melvin Brown helped the Bordentown Regional High School boys basketball team capture the Central Group 2 championship. Melvin began his high school career at Bordentown, but attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School as a sophomore and junior, playing on the boys volleyball team. While at Rancocas Valley, Melvin was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and had to undergo treatments at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia every six weeks.

Scholar-Athlete Honorees:

Tri-County Conference, Royal Division: Christian Scafidi (Highland) and Madison Cydis (Clearview); Tri-County Conference, Diamond Division: Quinn Collins (Delsea) and Hannah Seabert (Delsea); Tri-County Conference, Classic Division: Kyle Leach (Pitman) and Katherine Sayer (Pitman).

Colonial Conference, Liberty Division: Austin Jeffrey Stoner (Haddonfield) and Samantha Budd (West Deptford); Colonial Conference, Patriot Division: Owen Long (Haddon Township) and MacKell Schultes (Gateway).

Olympic Conference, American Division: Paul Jacob (Bishop Eustace) and Madison Morano (Eastern); Olympic Conference, National Division: Matthew Wolf (Timber Creek) and Casey Wagner (Timber Creek).

Cape Atlantic League, American Division: John DiNofrio (Mainland) and Kathryn Hutton (Mainland); Cape Atlantic League, National Division: Salaam Horne (St. Joseph-Hamm.) and Carlina Sacco (St. Joseph-Hamm.).

Burlington County Scholastic League, Liberty Division: Beepul Bharti (Northern Burlington) and Lauren Wightman (Northern Burlington); Burlington County Scholastic League, Patriot Division: Zavian Bell (Willingboro) and Cassandra Skelton (Holy Cross Academy); Burlington County Scholastic League, Freedom Division: Robert Wachter (Delran) and Emily Klein (Delran); Burlington County Scholastic League, Independence Division: Richmond Aririguzoh (Trenton Catholic) and Te'Nel Coleman-Kearny (Willingboro).

Sportsmanship Honorees:

Tri-County Conference: Tammoy Clarke (Clayton) and Lily Nguyen (Wildwood).

Colonial Conference: Tyler Blair (Sterling) and Jillian Caputo (Haddon Township).

Olympic Conference: Kevin Haines (Shawnee) and Kelli Connolly (Camden Catholic).

Cape Atlantic League: Earl Heim (Mainland) and Isabella Terramarga (Absegami).

Burlington County Scholastic League: Dante Gipson (Bordentown) and Paige Brown (New Egypt).

In addition to the Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet, the SJCA holds two other banquets each year. Coaches Awards Night recognizes all South Jersey coaches who have led their teams to divisional, conference, sectional or state championships. The Hall of Fame Awards banquets recognizes coaches and athletic directors that have made significant contributions to interscholastic athletics.

Lori M. Nichols may be reached at lnichols@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @photoglori. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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John Shabe can be reached via jshabe@njadvancemedia.com. Follow John on Twitter, and find NJ.com on Facebook.