A 24-year-old man is dead after a stabbing in Philadelphia.

PHILADELPHIA -- A 24-year-old man has died after being stabbed in the neck and chest in the city Friday night, 6 ABC reports.

The incident occurred after 10 p.m. on 61^st street and the victim was brought to Penn Presbyterian where he was pronounced dead, the report said.

A weapon was found, but no information was immediately available regarding the suspect in the case.

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

Artice Bryant has been indicted on charges of arson in a domestic violence incident in February.

Artice BryandRebecca Forand | For NJ.com 

WOODBURY -- A Deptford man has been indicted on arson charges in a February fire that displaces 26 people in the township.

Artice Bryant, 25, is charged with burglary, aggravated arson and creating a risk widespread injury or damage in the February 9 fire at the Chestnut Lane Apartments.

Township police said the fire was an act of domestic violence and arrested Bryan hours after the blaze in Cherry Hill.

The fire was the second at the apartment complex in a year, but the two incidents were not related, police said.

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

The state Senate president asks constituents to make the most of the holiday.

To the Editor:

After 240 years of history, it's good to see America's birthday still resonates with the excitement and pageantry it deserves. From parades and fireworks, to cookouts and time with family, July 4th is an important time of year for our national consciousness.

Here in New Jersey, the holiday carries with it excitement for summer weather and weekend getaways. I hope everyone is able to make the most of whatever free time they have but, as they do, I hope they'll keep a simple thought in mind:

The last few months have been busy when it comes to deciding what kind of future we want to have in New Jersey. There are talks of roads, schools, taxes and spending. These topics are of great consequence to our state. Not surprisingly, they bring out passionate feelings. Such feelings are only inflamed by the swirling controversy and coverage of our national election.

I hope you'll look forward to Independence Day by remembering that what makes our country great is that we are a collaboration of individuals, identities and ideals. Sometimes those three concepts collide, but I believe July 4th is about putting people before politics. I hope everyone has a great holiday and finds a relaxing way to wish America another happy birthday.

Stephen Sweeney 

President

New Jersey Senate

D-Gloucester

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

Today and for seasons to come, Dean Clement Pappas will continue, along with the Pappas family, impacting our community for good.

Dean Clement Pappas, 76, philanthropist and former CEO and chairman of Clement Pappas and Company, Inc., a South Jersey food processing company, died of pancreatic cancer on April 30, 2016. (Photo provided) 

By Albert B. Kelly

Sometimes in life people have an impact far beyond what they know or even realize. It could be a teacher, long since gone from your life that had a positive impact on the direction of your life. It could be a long lost friend who was there in a season of need. It could even be a stranger, unknown to you, who did or said something that mattered in some way. 

Of course the same could be said about negative impacts --  the things that leave scars, shape thoughts, and alter destinies. But I'm not thinking about the negative here, but strictly the positive. And when I do think about positive impacts, I can't help but think of Dean Clement Pappas.

I say that with a heavy heart because Bridgeton, indeed the entire South Jersey region, lost a good friend and vital supporter this past April. You might have heard the name "Clement Pappas" and your only frame of reference might be "Clement Pappas & Company"  in Cedarville, Seabrook, or in other states. If that should be the case, then you missed knowing a good man.

I did not know him as well as I would have liked, but his legacy is a rich one. In addition to his successes in the food industry, Dean Pappas had an enormous impact, along with his wife Zoe, through philanthropy. Education, learning, art, and culture, in all their various forms, were very important to him and this was evident in the things he focused on.

Dean, in partnership with Zoe, established the Visiting Scholars Program at Stockton University. As I understand it, this idea for the Visiting Scholars Program was inspired in part because a stranger had a big impact on Dean when he spoke at his college in the early '60s. That stranger was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr..

Who knew that the seed that had been planted back then would eventually reveal itself as the Dean C. and Zoe S. Pappas Visiting Scholar Endowment Fund -- a vehicle that would ultimately bring the likes of former Supreme Justice Sandra Day O'Conner to the lectern at Stockton to inspire yet a new generation of college students.

Beyond his leadership at Stockton University as chairman, Dean Pappas was a force for good at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Film Society, and Blair Academy just outside of New York City in Warren County.

These were the more public and visible impacts and as notable as they are, it's a safe bet that these don't fully do justice to the positive impacts he had among those he love --  family, friends, colleagues, employees, and the many others that find their way into the life he lived.

It mattered to Dean and the Pappas family- so much so that they donated critical funding to programs dedicated to youth in the greater Bridgeton area. 

Via the Dean and Zoe Pappas Family Foundation, $15,000 came to "Friends of the Bridgeton Library" to carry out a range of educational programs for children and families. Not stopping there, the foundation gave $9,000 to the Cumberland Empowerment Zone in support of Bridgeton's new Student Advisory Committee -- a program to instill civic education among select high school students by making them stakeholders in our local government.

In addition to these, the foundation gave $10,000 to the Cumberland Empowerment Zone in support of the Steamworks Student Sponsorship Program so that low income students who otherwise couldn't afford it, can now receive training at Steamworks in the technologies shaping today's workforce. 

Finally, the foundation gave $7,500 to the Bridgeton Area Police Athletic League to support that organization and allow PAL to carry out their programs and activities for our young people. I worked closely with Dean and the Pappas family and was moved by their commitment to Bridgeton and our entire county.

Dean Pappas will never know the positive impact his generosity and passion has and will have in the lives of so many young people. But I think he knew that and my own sense was that he did not require knowing. Because his commitment was righteous, my guess is that he took it on faith and would leave it to us to make it real and pay it forward.

Unknown impact, sometimes in life people have an impact far beyond what they know or even realize. That will always be true of Dean Pappas. 

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

The governor wants to look into ending the reciprocal income tax agreement with Pennsylvania.

TRENTON -- Gov. Chris Christie will contemplate ending a 38-year-old agreement with Pennsylvania that allows New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents who work across the river to pay income taxes where they live

In an executive order Thursday night, the governor instructed state officials to explore the consequences of withdrawing from that income tax pact.

Christie's order comes 12 years after former Gov. James E. McGreevey proposed to end the reciprocal tax agreement, but dropped the plan after angering south Jersey residents and lawmakers who said many New Jerseyans who worked in Pennsylvania would have paid more in taxes. 

Currently, New Jersey doesn't collect income taxes from people living in Pennsylvania and working in New Jersey. Christie's former treasurer has estimated the Garden State would reap $180 million in revenue from Pennsylvania residents forced to pay taxes here.

The treasurer and attorney general, Christie said in an executive order, are to explore what it would take to pull out of the agreement and "prepare an estimate of the effects such a withdrawal would have on New Jersey's revenue collections."

Under the reciprocal agreement, a resident of New Jersey who works in Pennsylvania need only file a tax return in New Jersey. The same is true for a Pennsylvania resident working in New Jersey.

Christie signs $34.5B budget, cuts $300M

If the deal were scrapped, either resident would have to file two tax returns and claim a credit against taxes owed where they live for taxes paid in the state where they work.

Higher income Pennsylvania residents working in New Jersey are likely to pay much more. That state has a flat 3.07 percent income tax rate, while New Jersey's graduated income tax tops out at 8.97 percent. A highly paid executive living in Pennsylvania but working in New Jersey now can pay Pennsylvania's 3.07 percent flat tax. But an end to the reciprocal agreement means they'd have to pay New Jersey taxes, experts say.

But low- and middle-income New Jerseyan working in Philadelphia and other spots in the Keystone State would owe more.

A legislative analysis at the time found that it would cost a New Jersey resident who earns $75,000 a year working in Philadelphia hundreds of dollars more a year in taxes.

Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald (D-Camden), who opposed McGreevey's plan in 2002 predicted Friday it would "hit South Jersey residents especially hard."

"If we were against it before, we're against it now," added Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester). 

In a column in NJ Spotlight last year, former Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff predicted ending the arrangement would bring $180 million into the state. 

"New Jersey's losses from not being able to tax wealthy Bucks County residents who commute to high-paying jobs in New Jersey far outweighs the taxes New Jersey collects on low- and moderate-income Camden and Gloucester County residents who work in Pennsylvania, typically Philadelphia," he wrote.

He said it wouldn't take an act of the Legislature to cancel the pact, and that the state can terminate it with 120 days notice.

Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) said Friday that he's willing to consider the exit, so long as it doesn't adversely affect New Jersey residents.

"Hopefully, it's not going to do something to hurt New Jersey residents," he said.

Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

Learn about edible berries growing in the wild.

By Karl Anderson

I would not try to live by foraging alone, but in the summer I eat the wild fruits that grow in our area. Blueberries get a lot of publicity, and as a commercial crop they were developed in New Jersey, at Whitesbog, in the 1910s.

But there are still plenty of them out there growing wild, usually in somewhat damp, highly acid soil, especially in the Pine Barrens. There are three species of highbush blueberry in New Jersey, including one that has black berries, and two species of lowbush berries. All are edible and tasty. 

Also abundant in the Pine Barrens is black huckleberry, a low-growing shrub with (of course) almost black berries. It is also very tasty.

What's the difference between a huckleberry and a blueberry? Well, for the discriminating consumer, the huckleberries (three species in New Jersey, one of which has blue berries) have fruits containing several large seeds. Blueberries have very small seeds. So if somebody serves you blueberry pie, and you wind up with seeds stuck between your teeth, you know that some huckleberries got into it. 

More generally distributed are blackberries and raspberries. What's the difference between these very closely related fruits? It's almost arbitrary, but if you pick a raspberry, the fruit separates from its stem, leaving a kind of "cavity" in the fruit.  When you pick a blackberry, a piece of stem adheres to the fruit.

Your nose knows the name of that plant

All blackberries and raspberries are edible, but some are better than others. Start picking and you will soon learn which ones to look for. All the local species have spines on the stems, so pick with care. 

There are over 40 species of blackberry in New Jersey, but sorting them out is a task for the professional taxonomists. Even they often will label a plant as "Rubus sp." which is a scientific way of saying "some kind of blackberry or raspberry."

The casual botanist will probably refer to all the more robust species as "highbush blackberry" and let it go at that. There are a few species that sprawl on the ground, and these are sometimes lumped together as "dewberries." 

There are only three local species of raspberry, including the occasional cultivar of red raspberry that manages to escape into the wild. The very common black raspberry is easy to recognize -- its stems (canes is the right word) don't grow terribly tall and they have a blue-gray coating which makes them easy to recognize. The ripe fruits are black.

And look also for wineberry. Its canes are tan, covered with both hairs and spines, and they grow to be 5 feet tall. The berries are bright red, and quite large and juicy. It's not a native plant (from Eastern Asia, originally) and is considered an invasive species.

So don't feel bad about picking all the fruit you can find, view it as a public service. 

For information about the Gloucester County Nature Club, see gcnatureclub.org/.

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

New federal legislation concerning lender-owned, but abandoned, homes could bring some stability back to New Jersey's housing market.

They're baaack! 

"Zombie" homes, that is, although they've never really left us in New Jersey.

For about two years, the South Jersey Times has been describing good responses by towns and counties in our region to deal with seemingly abandoned houses, which are usually in foreclosure and often owned by a bank or other lender. A longstanding problem in urban areas, the issue hit the suburbs big time after the housing-market implosion that began in 2007.

Now, there's some proposed help at the federal level. U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., has introduced legislation called "Preventing Abandoned Foreclosures and Preserving Communities Act of 2016."

One useful element of the bill is a requirement that lenders notify borrowers who are in foreclosure proceedings that they can continue living in their homes until a foreclosure is court-approved and, in New Jersey, even longer. 

This provision may be of limited benefit in New Jersey, however. A big reason that mortgage meltdown effects still lingers here is that this state has one of the nation's most drawn-out foreclosure procedures -- and most homeowners who are in arrears are aware of it. Lenders and their lawyers decry the turtle's pace  stemming from requirements for a court order followed by a sheriff's sale, but the system does protect potentially displaced homeowners by giving them time to set things right.

Menendez's bill also requires mortgage service firms to remind occupants that they're still responsible for paying taxes and other fees until the lender takes possession of the home. This one looks like a mixed bag to us. It might improve towns' tax collection rates, but it might also encourage more residents to just walk away -- rather than continue to pay outrageously high property tax bills on homes they know they can't keep.

On the most solid ground are some provisions that New Jersey towns and counties have tried to address with some success through local ordinances requiring registration of the vacant properties. That way, a town knows to whom to send tax bills. More importantly, it tells a municipality how to get in touch with a responsible party should a property undergo a fire or vandalism that entices squatters, or if a home's condition creates a safety or health hazard.

The senator's bill actually goes a step further by requiring lenders to notify a town as soon as it's clear that occupants have "walked away" from a house. For federally insured loans, language specifically bars lenders themselves from walking away. Since this is one area that local laws can't touch, it's an especially good provision, assuming that regulators get appropriate enforcement "teeth."

Local, county, state and federal governments all have roles in preventing a vacant home here and there from becoming a blighted neighborhood. While we'd prefer comprehensive plans to get existing zombie homes occupied fast, either by temporary renters or presumptive new buyers, the senator's legislation does employ several strategies to stop the zombies from multiplying. Let's try them.

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

The Williamstown High School student drowned a year ago.

MONROE TWP. -- Family and friends of Darius Boyer gathered at the Williamstown High School football field Saturday evening to remember the young man a year after his death.

Darius, who drowned last July while swimming with friends, was honored with prayers, candles and a balloon release.

Attendees also blew bubbles into the air as a way of "blowing kisses up to Heaven," explained Darius' mother, Linda Williams.

Williams has established a scholarship in her son's memory and collected donations during Saturday's program.

She recently accepted her son's high school diploma following the Class of 2016 graduation ceremony.

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

The weekly fireworks show and nightly Multimedia Light and Sound Show delighted the crowds at Tropicana Atlantic City.

ATLANTIC CITY -- Fireworks and a new Multimedia Light and Sound Show illuminated the sky at Tropicana Saturday night.

The fireworks show occurs at 10 p.m. every Saturday night through Sept. 10. If you're looking to catch another fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day, Atlantic City will light up the night sky with a show projected to start at 9:30 p.m. Monday, along with numerous other fireworks displays scheduled throughout the weekend in New Jersey.

The weekly show is produced by Fireworks by Grucci, a sixth-generation family-owned company "world-renowned for their pyrotechnic artistry and scientific innovation," according to a press release on Tropicana's web site.

The Multimedia Light and Sound Shows -- produced by Moment Factory -- consist of five fantasy-themed shows: The Illusion Show, The Sailor's Log, Pinball Magic, Fauna and The Stroll. The shows play nightly, every half hour starting at 8:30 p.m., on the boardwalk. 

Both the fireworks and Multimedia Light and Sound Shows are free and can be viewed from the beach or boardwalk.

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

Dogs and cats throughout northern New Jersey need forever homes.

It seems intuitive, but it's worth a reminder -- Fourth of July fireworks and fare don't necessarily mix with pets.

Pets as well as people can have fun on the Fourth.Courtesy of tppc.tv 

A national study conducted by BluePearl Veterinary Partners found that animal hospitals see a 25 percent increase in visits over the Fourth of July holiday.

Here are some tips to help keep your pet from being one of those medical emergencies:

*    Many pets are frightened by the loud explosions of fireworks. Staying home to comfort a nervous pet may be more important than watching display.

*    Some dogs are prone to run at the sound of the pyrotechnics. Be sure doors are closed and gates are shut.

Noise phobias are real problems for some dogs, and even some cats, according to
Maureen Blaney Flietner, writing for the American Animal Hospital Association. While there are medications available to treat this condition, pet owners may not have to go that far; pets can be conditioned to deal with loud noises like fireworks.

One of best ways to do that is to teach your pet to go to a safe place when he is afraid, she explains. For example, it might be his crate, a spot in the basement or a closet, or even under the bed. It should be fixed up to be a bunker-like place, insulated from the sounds and away from windows.

When your pet is first getting used to it, help by engaging him with play, treats, or affection.

*    It's not unusual for emergency veterinarians to treat dogs for a corn cob or a rib bone they have swallowed.  So, be careful of what your dog may find during a backyard barbecue or a gathering at the park.

*    Be aware of other foods, too. Canines can get sick from avocados, apple seeds, caffeinated beverages or alcohol, onions, potatoes, grapes, tomatoes, chocolate and sugar-free gum containing xylitol.

Here's a gallery of dogs and cats in need of adoption in northern and central New Jersey. More adoptable pets can be seen by clicking here and here.

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

Hollywood Vampires, featuring Alice Cooper, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry and actor Johnny Depp, performs at Borgata's Event Center in Atlantic City.

ATLANTIC CITY -- Actor Johnny Depp led the Hollywood Vampires on stage but it was 68-year-old front man Alice Cooper who stole the show Sunday night at Borgata's Event Center.

The rock supergroup, featuring Cooper, Depp and Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, flawlessly rocked their way through a 21-song, 90-minute set in support of their self-titled debut album.

Cooper's strong voice and stage theatrics were backed by the exceptional guitar playing of Perry, who showed off his style early on in the Jimi Hendrix cover "Manic Depression."

Depp played wingman most of the night to Cooper's vocals and Perry's guitar. Any skills that he might have, other than a few guitar solos, were mostly lost in the mix of the six other musicians on stage. 

Those musicians included Stone Temple Pilots bassist Robert DeLeo, drummer Matt Sorum (the Cult, Guns N' Roses), guitarist Tommy Henriksen (Alice Cooper's band) and pianist, percussionist and guitarist Bruce Witkin (Johnny Depp's group the Kids).

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"Hollywood Vampires started as a drinking club," Cooper explained about halfway through the show. "All are dead except me." He then dedicated the next song, "Dead Drunk Friends" to all of his drunk friends.

Cooper then traded in lead vocals for the harmonica in the Fleetwood Mac cover "Stop Messin' Around." Perry sang and shared guitar solos with Depp. 

"I quit drinking whiskey," said Cooper when remembering a conversation he had with Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister, who died in December. "I'm drinking vodka now."

The band then rocked their way through a cover of Kilmisters' "Ace of Spades."

"Thank you New Jersey," said Cooper as the band gathered together after playing "Sweet Emotion," the last song of the set.

"If we did not do one of your favorite covers they probably aren't dead yet."

The band returned to the stage to close out the show with Tiny Bradshaw's Train Kept a Rollin' and Cooper's "School's Out," which was arguably the fan favorite of the night.

But before leaving the stage, Cooper couldn't help but tease the audience by saying, "I know some of you girls have been asking about Johnny's room number."

"It's 20 something."

THE SET LIST

• Raise the Dead (original) 
• I Got a Line on You (Spirit cover)
• Rebel Rebel (David Bowie cover)
• Suffragette City (David Bowie cover)
• Manic Depression (Jimi Hendrix)
• Five to One/Break on Through (Doors cover)
• As Bad as I am (original)
• 20th Century Boy (T. Rex cover)
• Bang a Gong (T Rex cover)
• Come Together (The Beatles cover)
• 7 and 7 Is (Arthur Lee, Love cover)
• Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin cover)
• Dead Drunk Friends (original)
• Stop Messin' Around (Fleetwood Mac cover)
• Ace of Spades (Motorhead cover)
• Pinball Wizard (The Who cover)
• My Generation (The Who cover)
• I'm Eighteen (Alice Cooper cover)
• Sweet Emotion (Aerosmith cover)

ENCORE

• Train Kept a Rollin' (Tiny Bradshaw cover)
• School's Out (Alice Cooper cover)

Hollywood Vampires will perform in the area next on Sunday July 10 at the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn, New York.  

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

Families and neighbors celebrate America during the annual Fourth of July parade.

PITMAN -- Patriotic music filled the streets in the borough Monday morning as families and friends celebrated America during the annual Fourth of July parade.

From live bands and dancers to antique cars and churches, hundreds gathered for the festivities.

What's open this 4th of July

The annual celebration kicked off with a run and then the parade marched on through the streets of Pitman.

SEPTA is expected to provide schedule updates Monday afternoon

PHILADELPHIA --The structural problems that have taken one-third of SEPTA's railcar fleet out of service could mean a commuting headache for thousands of New Jersey residents who depend on mass transit around Philadelphia.

SEPTA announced the problem with its Regional Rail fleet due to fatigue cracks on equalizer beams at a press conference on Sunday and warned people that the Tuesday morning commute could be challenging. 

An update on train schedule changes is expected to be announced Monday afternoon during a 2:30 p.m. press conference. Those changes should reveal how New Jersey commuters who rely on SEPTA regional rail from Trenton and West Trenton will be affected.

Residents should also be prepared for additional traffic on roads and bridges into Philadelphia as some people opt to drive instead of taking SEPTA.

Here's what you should know: 

• Traffic may be especially heavy on 95 South into Philadelphia and the Delaware River bridges. Additional parking is available for those driving into the city. 
• Commuters can take PATCO, which runs regularly between City Center and southern New Jersey. It's a subsidiary of the Delaware River Port Authority, and trains run regularly 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except for 9th/10th and Locust, which runs between 4:15 a.m. until 12:07 a.m. 
• Officials say the changes wouldn't affect the holiday weekend, but commuters should see changes starting Tuesday, July 5, including early and rush hour trains. 
• The Broad Street Line, Market-Frankford Line and Norristown Line of the subway are helping with overflow by running regularly 
• The upcoming Trolley Tunnel Blitz, a nine-day tunnel closure for maintenance and construction, has been postponed. It was due to start Friday, July 8.

Kate Mishkin may be reached at kmishkin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KateMishkin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Col. Jennifer Hammerstedt is Hill AFB's installation commander

NEWFIELD -- When it comes to great leaders, Our Lady of Mercy Academy (OLMA) is especially proud of this one -- Col. Jennifer Hammerstedt, OLMA Class of 1991. Col. Hammerstedt assumed command of the 75th Air Base Wing (ABW) and became installation commander of Hill Air Force Base (AFB), Utah, during a change of command ceremony. Prior to coming to Hill AFB, Hammerstedt served as commander of the 402nd Aircraft Maintenance Group at Robins AFB, Georgia. 

"There really is no greater honor than to serve those who serve," said Hammerstedt. "I could not be more excited about the opportunity to support those who generate airpower from its inception, to sustainment and deployment, across all spectrums." 

As Hill Air Force Base's installation commander, Hammerstedt is responsible for the Air Force's second largest base by population and size. The wing oversees one million acres and more than 1,300 facilities valued at $6.5 billion while providing installation support to the Ogden Air Logistics Complex, Life Cycle Management Center, Nuclear Weapons Center, 388th and 419th Fighter Wings and more than 50 other associate units totaling 21,000 personnel. The 75th ABW also has base support responsibility for the operation of the 1,490-squadre-mile Utah Test and Training Range. 

Hammerstedt was commissioned in 1996 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. During her career she has led flight line maintenance and munitions operations in six different Air Force wings. She deployed worldwide in support of Operations Northern and South Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn, including two deployed squadron commands. Col. Hammerstedt also served on two major command staffs and as an Air Force legislative fellow in the office of U.S. Congressman Trent Franks from Arizona.

"We couldn't be more proud of Jennifer," said Brooke A. Coyle, Head of School.  "Her reputation as a great leader both in and out of the Air Force is well known at OLMA.  We are grateful for her service and look forward to continuing to follow her career." 

OLMA is South Jersey's privately owned, Catholic High School for young women.  It was founded in 1962, by the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy. The academy is a high school designed for women by women. To find out more, visit www.olmanj.org or call 856-697-2008.

This item submitted by Our Lady of Mercy Academy.

Dr. Katz will officially end his time at CMRSU on August 6 with his interim replacement stepping in on August 7.

Dr. Paul Katz, dean of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University is leaving to take the position of university presidents at University of Science in Pennsylvania. (Photo provided)
 

CAMDEN -- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University's founding dean, Dr. Paul Katz, is headed across the river to Philadelphia where he will take on a new role as the president of the University of the Sciences. 

Coming in as the founding dean of the first ever four-year allopathic medical school in South Jersey -- which welcomed its first class in 2009 -- Katz was responsible for more than just the students.

He shepherded the school through a rigorous accreditation process, oversaw completion of the medical school's location in Camden, built a faculty and staff, and expanded the relationship between the two institutions.

After the school got situated, Katz began his work helping the students grow as leaders, doctors, and members of a larger community. 

"[Katz] has led the creation of an innovative medical curriculum and opportunities for students to become active in the Camden community which will contribute to their role as physicians many years after they graduate," said Ali Houshmand, president of Rowan University, in a press release.

Katz's time at the medical school will end on Aug. 6, a few months after CMSRU graduated its pioneer class. Dr. Annette Reboli will take on the role as the interim dean of the school effective on Aug. 7. 

Dr. Annette Reboli has been named as the interim dean of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, effective on August 7. (Photo submitted)
 

Reboli is no stranger to the school. As vice-dean, she has been overseeing the Liaison Committee on Medical Education accreditation process, undergraduate and graduate medical education, faculty affairs and faculty development as well as creating clinical affiliations for the medical school since its beginnings. 

Prior to coming to CMSRU, she served as the head of the Division of Infectious Diseases and the deputy chief for administration of the Department of Medicine at Cooper University Hospital, where she also served as the hospital epidemiologist.

According to Rowan University spokesman Joe Cardona, the school will start a national search for a permanent replacement for Katz in the early fall. The process should take around six months to complete. 

While Katz will be missed as a member of the Rowan University community, Houshmand said he is certain Katz will bring great success to the University of the Sciences, just as he had to CMSRU. 

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

Kennedy will have access to the latest developments in cancer research

WASHINGTON TWP. -- Kennedy Health's Cancer Center became a member of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Network at Jefferson, effective July 1.

The Kennedy Cancer Center, based in Washington Township, provides a full array of diagnostic and treatment services -- including radiation oncology, medical oncology, diagnostic imaging and a comprehensive breast care program -- all in one convenient location.

As a Network member, the Kennedy Cancer Center -- part of the multi-hospital Kennedy Health system -- will have access to research studies, medical education, cancer screenings and administrative resources at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson. Kennedy cancer patients will have access to several programs unique to the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Network at Jefferson, including Tele-Health, its Senior Adult Oncology Program and Precision Medicine -- an emerging treatment approach that, when appropriate, steers the patient to specific treatments based on state-of-the-art genetic analysis. This, in turn, means local access to medical expertise, second opinions and advanced research for patients.

Earlier this year, Kennedy Health announced plans for a proposed partnership with  Jefferson.

"This is a tremendously positive step forward for our healthcare organization," said Kennedy Health President & CEO Joseph W. Devine. "We are excited to become part of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Network, as we are confident this partnership can only benefit our patients and the communities of southern New Jersey that we serve."

This item submitted by Kennedy Health.

The winning ticket matched at six numbers in Monday's Pick-6 drawing.

ELK TWP. -- Someone who bought a lottery ticket in South Jersey is a new millionaire.

 

A winning Pick-6 ticket sold at a Gloucester County convenience store matched all six numbers drawn Monday and is worth $8.3 million.

The store where the ticket was sold is Buck Road Mini-Mart in Monroeville.

"I'm very excited," said store manager Ravi Wadhwa. "It helps the business a lot."

An official with the New Jersey Lottery stopped by the store Tuesday to report the winning ticket sale.

The winning numbers for the Monday drawing were 02, 12, 16, 17, 29 and 34.

Wadhwa hasn't heard from any customers claiming to hold the winning ticket. "Nobody has said anything yet," he chuckled.

Mega Millions jackpot jumps to $449M

Stores that sell major winning tickets receive a check for a few thousand dollars, but Wadhwa hadn't heard as of mid-day Tuesday just how much the store may get.

All of this is a new experience for Wadhwa, since this is the first time the store has sold a million-dollar winner. He has worked for the business since it opened in 2001.

Wadhwa posted signs about the winning ticket at his store on Tuesday morning and hopes this news will drive sales for the next big jackpot. The MegaMillions drawing is tonight at 11 p.m. and the jackpot is worth $454 million.

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

Loretta Winters, Gloucester County NAACP president, among those honored

KYW Newsradio honored its 7th annual Women's Achievement Award winners at a special reception on June 28.  Five women were recognized for their leadership, influence and dedication to the Delaware Valley. Among the five women spotlighted was Loretta Winters, Deptford Township School District's Registrar, Homeless Liaison and Public Relations Coordinator, President Gloucester County NAACP,  Second Vice President of the New Jersey State Conference NAACP and Member of Board of Directors for South Jersey Federal Credit Union.

KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg hosted the event at the CBS Broadcast Center in Philadelphia. Winters has received many awards for her work in making South Jersey a better place for persons of all diverse identities to work, live and raise a family. Amy Looney, Director of Survivor Services for the Travis Manion Foundation served as keynote speaker.

Over the past seven years, KYW Newsradio has been honoring women whose contributions have had a positive impact on our diverse communities throughout their listening area. Over a three-month period, KYW Newsradio accepted nominations for this award online. A panel of regional female business leaders selected the winners, and leading up to the reception, KYW reported the five women stories of career and community success onair and online at cbsphilly.com/leadership.

Loretta was nominated by her family and Wilfredo "Wil" Rojas, communications chair and third vice president of the local NAACP branch, submitted the application and written nomination narrative regarding Winters' dedication and volunteer work in Gloucester County and the extraordinary work she does in for all residents, regardless of their of cultural identity. This program benefits Career Wardrobe, a nonprofit organization that provides a unique and essential service to help women of all walks of life achieve in our community.

"I am honored to be included in this select interesting group of women achievers, who love our Delaware Valley and work hard to make it even better. We all give back to our communities by adding our time and talents in making meaningful contributions to others, consistent with our role as agents of change," said Winters.

The other 2016 Winners were:

• Patricia Quinn, Guckin Funeral Mansion Funeral Director and Founder of Final Farewell Organization
• Sharmain Matlock-Turner, President and CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition
• Dr. Varsha Goate-Bhuya, DMD, Clinical Assistant Professor at University of Pennsylvania  
• Dr. Amy Goldberg, M.D., F.A.C.S., Temple University Health System

If rain kept you from checking out the fireworks displays on the fourth, here are some places you can still go to see a show.

While thousands of people gathered at their local parks, parade paths, and recreation centers to watch the night sky light up with fireworks this weekend, the rain on Monday night caused numerous towns to postpone the Fourth of July shows.

If rain stopped you from seeing the show, here is a list of rescheduled fireworks shows:

Egg Harbor City -- Fireworks will be at 9 p.m. on July 16 at Egg Harbor City Lake.

Collingswood - Fireworks will be held July 5 at 9:15 at the high school stadium.

Sea Isle City -- Fireworks will be at 9 p.m. on July 5 at the 50th Street beach.

Monroe Township  -- Fireworks at Owens Park at dusk on July 5.

Cranbury -- Fireworks will begin at dusk on July 5 at Village Park.

Atlantic Highlands -- Fireworks will be at 9 p.m. on July 8 at municipal harbor.

Vineland -- Fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m. on July 5 at Vineland High School at 2880 E. Chestnut Ave.

Wildwood -- Fireworks have been postponed until July 9 at 10 p.m. at the beach at Pine Ave.

Maplewood -- Fireworks have been scheduled for 9 p.m. on July 5 at the Memorial Park. 

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

Alex Gattinelli started both games, and despite going hitless, he held his own against the elite players in the area.

WASHINGTON TWP. -- As a freshman on the Washington Township High School varsity baseball team in 2014, Alex Gattinelli saw four of his teammates get selected for the prestigious Carpenter Cup.

That's when he made up his mind that he, too, would someday get chosen for the annual all-star tournament, which is held every June and consists of some of the top players from South Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Gattinelli fulfilled that promise this year, as he was rewarded for an excellent junior season with a spot on the Olympic-Colonial team.

"(Township coach Bill Alvaro) told me right when the playoffs started, and I was surprised and happy," said Gattinelli, a catcher. "I wanted to play in the Carpenter Cup ever since my freshman year. We were one of the best teams in South Jersey that year and we had (four) kids make it, so that made me want to go. I didn't make it my sophomore year but I finally did this year."

Olympic-Colonial -- which is made up of players from the Olympic and Colonial conferences -- won its tournament opener, 5-3, over Chester County. The locals were then eliminated from the tourney with a tough 3-2 loss in the quarterfinals, as Suburban One National/Bicentennial rallied for two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Gattinelli started both games, and despite going hitless, he held his own against the elite players in the area.

"I hit a couple balls hard," he said, "just right at people."

The best part of the experience was getting to meet some of the other standout players from South Jersey. Gattinelli cited Cherry Hill West's Jack Goan and Jake Campbell, Nick Decker of Seneca and Eastern's Jack Herman and Davis Schneider as some of the teammates he bonded with.

"You get to meet other players from the conference and see how much talent there really is out there," he said. "When you play against them, they're your rival, but then you get to be teammates for a few days and that's fun."

Gattinelli also got to catch two terrific pitchers: West Deptford's Drew Wilden and Lenape's Ben Rodier.

"They hit their spots," he said. "I really didn't have to move my glove at all."

Gattinelli was a South Jersey Times all-star this year, as he hit third in the Washington Township lineup and finished with a .373 average. He led the team with 28 hits, three home runs and 22 RBI and helped the Minutemen advance to the South Jersey, Group 4 semifinals.

This summer he is playing with several teams, including a select squad in the MSI travel program. He will be competing this weekend with that team at a Perfect Game tournament in Georgia.

"I'm hoping to get exposure and get some colleges interested in me," Gattinelli said. "I had a few Division I scouts come out to my games this spring and I've talked to some good schools. All the colleges I've talked to want me as a catcher. I'm just waiting to see where I really want to go."