Help shape workforce needs and training opportunities

BRIDGETON -- New Jersey's food processing executives will identify solutions to the industry's workforce needs and help shape workforce training opportunities for their industry at a key workshop and brainstorming session, the Food Industry Targeted Industry Partnership (FoodTIP).

The event will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Flying Fish Brewery, 900 Kennedy Boulevard, in Somerdale. This program is being hosted by the Rutgers University Food Innovation Center and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, with funding from the N.J. Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development (NJLWD) and the ManufactureNJ Talent Network.

FoodTIP will help NJLWD Identify skill gaps in New Jersey's food industry, develop strategies to meet the skill needs of employers, and facilitate creating career pathways for New Jersey's workforce.  

New Jersey food processors are invited to attend this event, which will be held immediately preceding a complimentary dinner and networking event of the N.J. Food Processors Association (NJFPA).

Benefits of attending this program include:

• Gaining the distinction of becoming an industry champion and receiving priority on applications for NJLWD state training grants.
• Accessing the $5 million Targeted Industry Partnership fund (TIP fund), which will fund the implementation of the strongest workforce investment ideas.
• Spearheading discussion on the priorities of the food processing industry with business, workforce, education, and state officials.
• Networking with regional businesses to promote innovation, collaboration, and efficiency.
• Helping to identify workforce needs and common skill gaps to determine in-demand skills, abilities, and credentials.
• Helping to develop a workforce strategy to close skill gaps.

Attendees must pre-register separately to attend either or both of these complementary meetings: To register for the Food Industry Workforce Training, that begins at 3:30 p.m., http://bit.ly/2fZxg7T.

To register for the NJFPA Networking Event and Dinner, that begins at 6 p.m., click: njfoodprocessors.org.

This item submitted by Michele Hujber for Rutgers Food Innovation Center.

These are the players that reached the 1,000-yard milestone in 2016

Digital scrapbook of community-submitted photos

Community photos for November 2016 includes photos of students in area schools doing great things like collecting food and toys for the holidays for those less fortunate; students of the month, kindergarteners having a Thanksgiving feast, an Eagle Scout and his project, library events and more. 

Flip through our digital scrapbook of community-submitted photos. Have a photo you'd like to submit? Send it to sjtowns@njadvancemedia.com. Please include a caption with names of everyone in the photo (names not necessary for very large group shots), and tell us about the event.

Do you have an upcoming public event that you'd like included in our community calendar? Go to nj.com/myevent.

The 13th Annual Motorcycle Toy Drop is Saturday at St. John of God Community Services.

DEPTFORD TWP. -- For a group of kids and adults with special needs, Christmas will come early.

It won't arrive on a sleigh pulled by eight tiny reindeer, but on the backs of about 100 motorcycles thundering down Delsea Drive.

St. John of God Community Services will hold its 13th Annual Motorcycle Toy Drop on Saturday morning.

The POW-MIA Awareness Motorcycle Club will lead riders down Delsea and into the parking lot at St. John of God, where they will distribute gifts to disabled residents in the local community.

About 60 residents, including those with physical and intellectual disabilities, will receive gifts this year.

The arrival of the motorcyclists has become a local tradition.

"It's so heartwarming," said St. John of God Community Services spokeswoman Shannon Reyes. "It's quite a sight to see all of them coming down Delsea Drive and pulling into the parking lot."

She described these Santas as "gentle giants" who truly get into the spirit of the occasion.

Some dress up as Santa Claus, while others choose reindeer costumes. One cycle even included a sleigh last year, Reyes recalled.

"The kids and adults really get into it," Reyes said. "They're ecstatic."

To witness or participate in the fun, the riders are expected to arrive between 11:15 and 11:30 on Saturday. St. John of God is located at 1145 Delsea Drive.

Anyone who wants to take part may call St. John of God at 856-848-4700, ext. 1600 to RSVP.

St. John of God Community Services is a non-sectarian agency that provides educational, therapeutic and vocational programs to those with disabilities. The agency also provides community childcare and pre-school services.

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

Get in the holiday spirit with these two special events

Deptford Township Mayor and Council will be hosting its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 2 at Deptford Township Recreation Center located at 52 Montague Lane in Deptford starting at 6 p.m.

Free Santa pictures will be taken, hot chocolate and cookies will be served.

There will also have plenty of activities for children of all ages. Characters will be walking around entertaining the children and there will be an arts and crafts table to participate in.

-- -- --

Deptford Township will also hold its annual Senior Light Bus Tour around Deptford Township to view all the beautiful Christmas lights. This event begins at Deptford Township Municipal Building on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 6 pm. Light refreshments will be served. Please call the municipal building and ask for the township clerk to let them how many will be attending the tour.

This item submitted by Dina Zawadski for Deptford Township.

Two great events for kids scheduled

Santa Claus is coming to Glassboro High School for two magical events this December. Sign-up today!

On Thursday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m., Glassboro High School Renaissance and the Glassboro Police Department will host a free Pajama Party with Santa for children ages 1-9, accompanied by an adult. Listen to stories with Santa, decorate reindeer cupcakes and enjoy a pizza snack. Complete crafts and letters to Santa. Adults can even enjoy "Coffee with a Cop." This Santa party will take place in the Glassboro High School Library, 550 Bowe Blvd. RSVP by Monday, Dec. 5 to pajamapartywithsanta@outlook.com or 856-652-2700, ext. 1101.

On Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon, Glassboro High School Music Boosters will host a Breakfast with Santa in the Glassboro High School Cafeteria, 550 Bowe Blvd. Glassboro Rotary Volunteers will cook for everyone. Diners will enjoy special holiday musical performances by Glassboro High School students. Tickets: $8; ages 2 land under are free. Pictures with Santa are $2. Tickets are available from GHS music staff/students and at the door. Tickets and information are also available by emailing laura.poorman@verizon.net or calling 856-347-0254. Attendees can enter the cafeteria from the back of Glassboro High School.

This item submitted by Jody Rettig for Glassboro School District.

Paul Bunkin writes that House Speaker Paul Ryan wants to gut the program.

To the Editor:

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan favors doing what his fellow Republicans failed to do in 1965.  

That year, they generally opposed the original Medicare legislation that was approved overwhelmingly by a Democrat-controlled Congress.

The Republicans wanted to keep health insurance entirely in the private sector. To them, Medicare represented socialist government involvement in the lives of Americans.  

Their reaction did not reflect reality at the time. Acquiring health insurance if you were old and/or ill, was very difficult and very expensive. In many cases, coverage was simply not available. 

Medicare was -- and is -- one of the finest government plans ever devised.  Millions of Americans are living longer, healthier lives as a result. 

Medicare protection is afforded to you consistently, regardless of where you live, your age or your health. Ryan wants you to choose from many options with his favored "reforms."

He would send health insurance for our older population back to private industry. Having sold this type of insurance prior to Medicare, I remember how difficult it was to get meaningful protection at a reasonable cost for elderly clients. 

Under Ryan's plan, people would be given vouchers, whose amount, I assume, would be tied to income. With these subsidies, people would have to decide which private plan to purchase. The lack of consistency is a problem. A 65-year-old in perfect health might not feel the same need for comprehensive protection as an 85-year-old. Existing Medicare provides the same protection to everyone, regardless of age.

Undoubtedly, for Medicare to survive, modifications must occur. One helpful change would be for wealthier Americans to pay more out of pocket before Medicare reimbursement begins. This would not punish the wealthier recipient. It's simply a more realistic approach for Medicare's survival. 

Ending Medicare as we know it -- a plan that has served older Americans so well for 50 years -- is not the solution we need.

Paul S. Bunkin

Turnersville

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

Paulsboro resident faces weapons charges

NEWARK -- A Paulsboro man was arrested Wednesday after he lied about being the victim of a robbery and shooting in the city, authorities said.

Police were called for a gunshot victim at the University Hospital emergency room around 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said in a statement.

Zachary T. Scott allegedly told detectives a group of men shot him during a robbery attempt near Livingston and West Kinney streets.

City detectives learned Scott actually shot himself near Lincoln Street and Doby Place, according to Ambrose. He was arrested after being treated.

Cops seek tips after deadly high-rise shooting

Police charged Scott with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Authorities did not say why Scott allegedly lied about his injury. Police officials have said the department does not publicize suicide attempts and similar cases often stem from illegal activity.

Earlier this month, police charged another man with making a false report that he was wounded in a shooting after he allegedly accidentally shot himself on the New Jersey Turnpike. Authorities said the arrest led to the discovery of guns and drugs in the man's city apartment.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Attendees will learn about the latest drug trends and discover common places where addicts hide drugs in the home.

WASHINGTON TWP. -- Several area groups collaborating to tackle drug addiction in our communities will host a free Addiction & Mental Health Reality Forum on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at Investors Bank Performing Arts Center.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for a resource fair, where attendees can learn about area services to help those struggling with mental health and drug addiction issues.

The "Hidden in Plain Sight" exhibit allows parents to peruse a mock-up of a teen's bedroom to see if they can spot the places kids might hide drugs. (Submitted photo)
 

They'll also have a chance to walk through the "Hidden in Plain Sight" exhibit, which is a mock-up of a teen's bedroom. The goal of this exhibit is to educate parents about spotting warning signs of addiction in the home, explained Michele Perez, head of the Monroe Township Municipal Alliance and vice chair of the City of Angels, a non-profit addiction support and recovery service based in Hamilton.

The exhibit helps inform parents about common tactics teens use to conceal their secrets, Perez said.

"It will open their eyes to what our kids are experiencing on a daily basis," Perez said. "It brings us into their world. It can tell you if they are struggling with something."

The forum follows at 7 p.m. with a presentation from a mental health professional and a discussion about addiction symptoms parents should watch for, along with information about current drug trends in Gloucester County.

Vigil honors lives lost to overdoses

The mental health component is vital to combating drug addiction, Perez noted.

"Mental health and addiction, they kind of go hand in hand," she said.

But we aren't done with that bedroom just yet.

The "reveal" comes as presenters take a closer look at the hiding places parents missed during their walk-throughs. This is the part that really hits home for parents.

"The parents are just floored," Perez said of previous "Hidden in Plain Sight" presentations. "They say, 'How could I be so blind?'"

This bedroom exhibit belongs to the Monroe Township Alliance and the group wants to share it with other communities.

"The Monroe Township Municipal Alliance is willing to bring this exhibit to any municipality and surrounding counties to share this eye-opening experience," Perez said.

The Dec. 6 program is a collaborative effort between Monroe Township Municipal Alliance, Washington Township Municipal Alliance, City of Angels, Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office, the Governor's Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, NewPoint Behavioral Health Care, Gloucester County Addictions Task Force, Gloucester County Opiate Initiative and the First Step Program.

Register to attend the free event by going online.

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

Each week the cadets practice knot tying, learn about gear and fire fighting practices, and work together in hands-on activities.

DEPTFORD TWP. -- A dozen or so teenagers took their seats in the Cooper Street Station's makeshift classroom. They sat facing forward, CADET sprawled across the back of their shirts and yards of rope attached to their chairs by carefully tied knots.

"Figure eight with a safety," one cadet said to another who walked in late, prompting him to tie his knots.

It's a practice the cadets do week-to-week to keep their knot tying skills up to par because years from now, as the teens grow into adults and continue their journey with the Deptford Fire Department, these knots could help save a life. 

These cadets are the boys and girls making up the inaugural class of the Cooper Street Station cadet program. Each week, on Tuesdays, the teens gather for an hour at the station to learn the basics of fire fighting. 

"This program is vital in promoting interest for junior firefighters," said Lt. Leonard Steen. "This gives kids early exposure to it all, educating them and letting them do some hands on things." 

Each week the cadets listen and learn about another aspect of the job. During this class the kids learned the specifics of hoses as well as the proper ways to use connectors and nozzles when trying to get proper water flow. 

"What's important to remember about hooking up to a fire hydrant?" Steen asked the kids.

"You have to flush it," one said.

"Don't stand in front of the hole," another added.

"Right, because you will get wet," Steen added.

After the lesson comes a hands-on activity to apply what they've learned. The teens were split into two crews to hook the hose up to a truck.

The first crew took their places beside the truck in the bay. Steen counted them down and cut them loose to make the connections and race the clock.

The kids unrolled the hoses, throwing them to the opposing wall to unravel. From there, they worked to secure connectors and attach hoses of varying sizes. More than two minutes passed. 

"A three-story house is now a one-story house, come on now," said Chief Jeff Pfeiffer.

After 3:29, the team was done. Steen inspected the crews work, stopping just before the first connector. 

"Do we think water's getting through this," he said pointing to a kink in the line. The response was unanimous. "No." 

The second crew completed the task in under three minutes, with no kinks in the line. 

"What made them do it better," Pfeiffer asked the kids.

"No kinks?" 

"They had a plan?" 

"They communicated," Pfeiffer said. "Communication is key in firefighting, everyone has got to know what the rest of the crew is doing to get things done effectively." 

With the year coming to a close, the first semester of the cadet program is as well. While many of the cadets will attend a graduation ceremony, receiving their helmets, in the upcoming weeks, a second semester will start in January. Cadets will learn more and carry out more hands-on lessons.

New members are welcome to join anytime, they will just have to take the classes they've missed to be caught up. 

"They're a really great group of kids," said Steen. "Of course going into anything like this it's always a toss up on if they'll all get along or not, but they want to see everyone do well and it's nice to see that. They work together and have fun with it."

Anyone looking for more information on the cadet program should reach out to the station at 856-227-8188. 

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

Sarah Spanarkel took the oath of office on Nov. 29

Sarah Spanarkel took the oath of office on Nov. 29 as an assistant prosecutor in the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

Spanarkel earned a bachelor's degree from York College in York, Pennsylvania and her law degree in 2015 from New York Law School. A Toms River native, she served a clerkship in her hometown, the county seat of Ocean County, with Superior Court Judge Melanie Appleby, half in the court's criminal division and half in Family Court. 

The oath of office was administered by Superior Court Judge Kevin T. Smith at the Gloucester County Justice complex. Spanarkel's initial assignment will be in the GCPO's grand jury unit.

Addressing the office staff at the swearing-in, Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean F. Dalton said "we've all made the decision as far as pursuing a career in public service," recalling that he received the oath of office as county prosecutor in 2002 from Judge Smith's father, Superior Court Judge Donald Smith.  "We are so happy Sarah has made that decision as well." 

Judge Smith noted that Spanarkel is "embarking on a very noble profession" in  which the objective is "not just winning, but doing justice."

This item submitted by Bernie Weisenfeld for the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

New Jersey producers now have until Dec. 13 to submit ballots

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) New Jersey Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Paul J. Hlubik, recently announced that the deadline to submit ballots for the 2016 County Committee Elections has been extended to ensure farmers and ranchers have sufficient time to vote. Eligible voters now have until Dec. 13 to return ballots to their local FSA offices. Producers who have not received their ballot should pick one up at their local FSA office.

 

"We're extending the voting deadline to Dec. 13 to give farmers and ranchers a few additional days to get their ballots in," said Hlubik. "I urge all eligible producers, especially minorities and women, to get involved and make a real difference in their communities by voting in this year's elections. This is your opportunity to have a say in how federal programs are delivered in your county."

FSA has modified the ballot, making it easily identifiable and less likely to be overlooked. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than Dec. 13. Newly elected committee members will take office Jan. 1, 2017.

Nearly 7,700 FSA County Committee members serve FSA offices nationwide. Each committee has three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms of office. One-third of County Committee seats are up for election each year. County Committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to help FSA make important decisions on its commodity support, conservation, indemnity, disaster and emergency programs.

Producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program to be eligible to vote in the County Committee election. Approximately 1.5 million producers are currently eligible to vote. Farmers and ranchers who supervise and conduct the farming operations of an entire farm, but are not of legal voting age, also may be eligible to vote. 

For more information, visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. You may also contact Al DiBella, County Executive Director for Salem/Gloucester Counties, Farm Service Agency, United States Department of Agriculture, 51 Cheney Road in Woodstown. Call 856-769-1126.

This item submitted by Al DiBella for U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The suspect stabbed the woman several times, once in the neck, and fled the scene.

GLASSBORO -- A Glassboro man has been charged with attempted murder after stabbing a woman in the neck. 

On Wednesday, around 1:08 a.m., Glassboro officers were sent to Beau Rivage to answer a call about a disturbance. After arriving at the scene, officers reported a woman was found stabbed in the neck and that the suspect had fled the scene in a dark colored Ford truck, police said.

Officers began treating the woman and searching the area for the suspect who was identified as Richard Parham. He was taken into custody after a foot chase by police. 

The woman who was stabbed was taken to Cooper Trauma Center for multiple stab wounds. The weapon was found in the residence, according to police. 

Parham was charged with attempt to commit murder, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. 

Parham's bail was set at $300,000 cash. He was taken to the Salem County Jail after failing to post bail.

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

The people and events from and in New Jersey that helped shape history.

The December installment of the "This month in N.J. History" gallery includes firsts in transportation and technology; military events; birthdays of politicians, poets and pop; and extreme weather events.

If there are dates you don't see on our timeline but believe should be remembered, let us know in the comments section.

And, be sure to enable captions for the gallery so you can read all the information associated with each day in New Jersey history.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

Here are links to previous "This month in N.J. history" galleries:

November     October     September     August     July

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

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

ALLOWAY TWP.

-- 33 N. Greenwich St., Ian J. Parker and Jennifer L. Schori to Sara R. and Warren Morgan III for $250,000.

 

BRIDGETON

-- 357 and 359 S. Pine St., Casaba Real Estate to Greenpeak Properties LLC for $68,000.

CARNEYS POINT TWP.

-- 26 4^th Ave., JP Morgan Chase Bank National Association to Shimon Verschleisser for $54,000.

COMMERCIAL TWP.

-- 2410 Temperance St., Ditech Financial LLC to Pamela and Jeffrey Fine for $9,500.

DEERFIELD TWP.

-- 60 Rosedale Dr., Brandon and Robyn Hancock to Josef Zelik and Josef Zelik Jr. for $165,000.

DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 207 Katherine Ave., Montrose Homes LLC to Derek J. Hunter for $165,000.

EAST GREENWICH TWP.

-- 60 Quaker Road, Diane K. Newcomb and Walter Conway to Kimberley Abreu for $220,000.

-- 14 Jubilee Dr., Terence McGovern, executor, to John C. and Eileen Winton for $317,000.

GREENWICH TWP. (GLOUCESTER COUNTY)

-- 186 S. Democrat Road, John Limanni, executor, to Patrick J. Limanni for $168,500.

-- 22 Hudson St., Anna Lee Tufts, executor, to Jeffrey Smith for $147,000.

LOGAN TWP.

-- 100 Cardinal Court, Joy P. Smith to Christopher and Nicole Andrus for $220,500.

MANNINGTON TWP.

-- 151 Dubois Road, Robert J. and Deborah T. Callahan to Neco A. Nociti for $224,500.

-- 56 and 56A Acton Station Road, Steven R. Drake to Lorene Stoltzfus for $152,500.

MILLVILLE

-- 1513 Fairton Road, Edward G. and Pamela C. Austen Jr. to Octavius J. Johnson II for $224,000.

-- 111 Burns Road, John G. Carr and Clarence Maul Jr., executors, to Jennifer and Matthew Cuesta for $193,000.

-- 5 Hillside Ave., Elden and Margaret Lorish to Andrew and Kristine Schnaars for $143,500.

-- 9 Marlyn Terr., Susanne M. Battistini, executor, to Kimberly Billings and Scott Milan Jurich for $129,000.

-- 118 - 120 W. Main St., Dariusz and Katarzyna Tokarz Freedom Properties and Holdings LLC for $145,000.

-- 82 Sharp St., Fannie Mae to Raymond Thomas Burkey Jr. for $78,750.

Oldmans property sells for $1.5M

MONROE TWP.

-- 1220 E. Malaga Road, Richard Cohen and Karen Taylor to Sean P. Krullish for $289,000.

NATIONAL PARK

-- 701 Columbia Blvd., Kathleen Anderson to Felix and Viviana Rodriguez for $165,000.

NEWFIELD

-- 109 Nottingham Lane, Sherwood Forest Homes LLC to April Mendel for $250,000.

PAULSBORO

-- 1315 Pine St., Catherine M. Nuebling and Thomas Vanzant to Randall Martinez for $90,000.

PENNS GROVE

-- 123 Penn St., Frank and Sara Ollek Jr. to Moses Leach for $99,900.

-- 186 S. Broad St., CR Properties 2015 LLC to Albert N. Blackshear for $5,000.

PENNSVILLE TWP.

-- 20 Fort Sumpter Road, Selita Property Management LLC to 20 Fort Sumpter LLC for $4,275,000.

-- 1 Old Forge Road, George and Efthimia Kamenakis to Wayne C. and Stacia F. Cheeseman Jr. for $178,000.

PILESGROVE TWP.

-- 1288 Route 40, Frank E. and Rachel V. Stumpo to Christopher J. and Jennifer Carlin for $360,000.

-- 138 Point Airy Road, Joseph A. and Alison J. Alliegro to Daniel A. and Heather A. Sorbello for $476,000.

-- 23 Melissa Lane, U.S. Bank National Association to Rosia Rivera for $185,000.

-- 618 Buck Road, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation to Thomas H. Mitchell for $49,000.

PITTSGROVE TWP.

-- 425 Langley Road, Diocese of Camden to Thomas A. and Frances Verchio Jr. for $500,000.

QUINTON TWP.

-- 55 Cool Run Road, Fannie Mae to Kamri Lesher and Richard Porreca for $200,000.

SALEM

-- 13 Olive St., Patricia D. Crist, executor, to Scott Rodda for $7,000.

VINELAND

-- 3515 E. Chestnut Ave., Peter P. and Suzanne W. Casazza to Eric Castellari for $200,000.

-- 800 S. Spring Road, Prasan and Ravivan Anusontarangkul to Juan B. Perez and Yulisbet Zayas for $195,000.

-- 798 Sheridan Ave., Jonathan D. Forsythe to Jason L. and Jessica M. Wadden for $185,900.

-- 1420 S. Lincoln Ave., 1420 Lincoln Avenue LLC to Dakota Properties Inc. for $1,050,000.

-- 1085 Manuel Gordillo and Lorraine Holt to Hilda I. Acevedo for $139,000.

-- 1725 Wynnwood Dr., Cheryl T. and Steven P. Weinberg to Natalie E. Vargas for $210,000.

-- 1049 Alexander Dr., Roxann D. Winrow to John Lee for $20,000.

-- 12 Columbia Ave., Gustavo W. and Lisa M. Calvo to Felix S. Nunez for $220,000.

-- 315 Rosewood Ave., Timothy Clifford and Karen L. Lyden to Hector Acosta Ramos for $120,000.

-- 1070 S. Delsea Dr., Bayview Loan Servicing LLC to Vineland Acquisitions 1070 Inc.for $149,000.

-- 2432 LaValle Ave., Bayview Loan Servicing LLC to Norman Reed for $75,000.

-- 1045 E. Park Ave., Z&D Realty LLC to EP Vineland LLC for $75,000.

-- 301 W. Chestnut Ave., 301 West Chestnut Ave. LLC to Gopinath Sub LLC for $825,000.

WASHINGTON TWP.

-- 41 Dorothy Dr., John and Maryanna Abriola to Ryan and Kelly Van Laeys for $412,000.

-- 84 Longwood Dr., Jonathan and Karen Fluck to TeNeal and Loretta L. Griffin for $224,000.

-- 444 Aldeberan Dr., Justin Taylor and Tara Gorman-Taylor to Terrance R. Holmes Sr. for $132,500.

-- 17 Haines Dr., Amelia Appel to Anthony M. Appel for $210,000.

-- 26 Lamson Lane, U.S. Bank National Association to Anthony Marchetti for $331,000.

-- 6 Hartford Road, John G. Hartley to Angela M. Hayes for $150,000.

-- 423 Merion Road, Grace Schoch to Michael F. Evans Jr. and Chelsea Petruzzi for $175,000.

WEST DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 4 Budd Blvd., Bayview Loan Servicing LLC to Joseph M. Venti and Miriam K. Craig-Venti for $177,000.

-- 909 Doncaster Dr., Christopher G. and Melissa E. Mirra to Joshua M Cassidy and Courtney E. Collins for $266,000.

WOODSTOWN

-- 37 School Lane, Cynthia Miller Breswick and Wayne Daniel Miller, co-executors, to Joshua D. and Rebecca J. Tunstall for $142,000.

WOOLWICH TWP.

-- 13 Locust Lane, Richard A. Coscia to Chris D. Beckett Jr. for $260,000.

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

The victim was not immediately identified

DEPTFORD-- A driver was killed Wednesday after his van veered off Route 55 in Gloucester County and slammed into a tree, authorities said.

The victim, who was not identified pending notification of next of kin, crashed on northbound Route 55 near mile marker 58.8 around 4 p.m., State Police Trooper Lawrence Peele said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident remains under investigation.

Much of the state has been drenched with rains for the last two days, but it was not immediately known if wet roadway conditions were a factor in the crash.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.  

The crash occurred Wednesday afternoon.

DEPTFORD TWP. -- State police have identified a driver who died when his van ran off Route 55 and struck a tree on Wednesday afternoon.

Donald Jones, 52, of Succasunna, was traveling north near exit 58 around 4 p.m. when his 2016 Nissan conversion van ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a traffic sign support, according to Trooper Alejandro Goez.

The vehicle then re-entered the roadway, ran off the left side into the median and hit a tree.

Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Police do not know if Wednesday's rainy conditions contributed to the accident.

Jones is the ninth person to die in a crash on this 40-mile state highway in 2016. The highway runs between Deptford Township in Gloucester County and Maurice River Township in Cumberland County.

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

Proceeds from performance will benefit 'Ballroom Dancing For a Better U'

GLASSBORO -- Let's Dance Studio (LDS) in Glassboro has been serving the Gloucester County area for more than 30 years teaching dance to children and adults.

This year Let's Dance will be presenting "The Princess Nutcracker" directed by La'Nise Ambrose, an instructor at LDS and a Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate from Rowan University.

This year's production proceeds will benefit "Ballroom Dancing For A Better U," a nonprofit foundation that benefits individuals with special needs, the underprivileged and senior citizens.

Everyone at Let's Dance Studio understands the need to give back to the community.

"The Nutcracker Princess" will be held at Glassboro High School on Saturday, Dec. 10 at at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for veterans and children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the studio located at 111 E. High St. in Glassboro or at the door the evening of the show.  

This item submitted Kathy Woodside for Let's Dance Studio.

Donations will go to The Lighthouse Ministry of Philadelphia

WEST DEPTFORD TWP. -- Lamatek is making a donation to The Lighthouse Ministry of Philadelphia in the form of new, unwrapped toys for the 2016 holiday season. Employees of Lamatek will also be in attendance at the annual Lighthouse Christmas party on Dec. 16, where gifts are distributed to the children and their families.

For the last 12 years, Lamatek has donated gifts, food, coats and time to the annual Christmas program that reaches out to over 500 needy children, men and women from the Philadelphia community. The Lighthouse has been running this event for almost 30 years to provide much needed food for the less fortunate, coats for the homeless, and Christmas gifts for underprivileged children. 

Lamatek's contribution to the Lighthouse program could not be sustained each year without support from generous employees and friends who are willing to give what they can to help others have a better holiday.

Lamatek will be accepting donations from the community as well, whether it be food, new Christmas toys or gently used coats up until the evening of the party. Appropriate gifts include non-electronic toys for boys and girls, from infants to young teenagers, that do not require batteries and do not promote violence (such as toy guns, swords, etc.) 

To learn more about Lamatek's involvement, visit www.lamatek.com/about/community.

This item submitted by Jennifer Lucano for Lamatek Inc.

The diploma was presented to the veterans son, whom he never got the chance to meet.

PAULSBORO -- Almost 73 years after Paulsboro High School graduate George Henry Carney was killed in action, school administrators honored his sacrifice with the presentation of a special diploma. 

The year was 1942. George Henry Carney was working at Sacony Vacuum in Paulsboro when he decided to join the war effort.

Lt. George Henry Carney was a Paulsboro High School graduate described as being a young man full of energy. He died serving in the Air Force and was honored with a special diploma. (Photo Provided)
 

The first of his 1934 graduating class to enlist, Carney was commissioned to the United States Army Air Force where he served as a pilot. He flew a B-24 Liberator Bomber until Nov. 25, 1943 -- the day Carney's aircraft went down, killing all on board.

Back at home, Carneys's wife was pregnant with their son.

Fast forward 73 years. The son her never met, George Henry Carney Jr., and his family, met with the Paulsboro Board of Education, Superintendent Laurie Bandlow, Mayor Gary Stevenson, as well as other school administrators and community members to accept a honorary, special Paulsboro High School diploma on behalf of the fallen war vet just outside the school's Hall of Heroes.

Carney said he was honored and grateful to receive the diploma on his father's behalf.

"It was an honor and a privilege for the Paulsboro Board of Education to award a diploma to the family of Lt. George Henry Carney, especially in the Paulsboro High School Hall of Heroes," said Bandlow. 

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