MONROE TWP. — As part of their economic unit, the 4th grade TAG students at Whitehall and Radix in Monroe Township conducted a product comparison testing experiment to analyze paper towel brands. They conducted three individual tests and scored the results for each. First, they did a cost efficiency test to determine the cost per individual sheet for each roll....

MONROE TWP. -- As part of their economic unit, the 4th grade TAG students at Whitehall and Radix in Monroe Township conducted a product comparison testing experiment to analyze paper towel brands. They conducted three individual tests and scored the results for each.

First, they did a cost efficiency test to determine the cost per individual sheet for each roll. Then they tested for absorbency using graduated cylinders to measure the volume of water each sheet could hold. Finally they tested each brand for strength while seeing how many pennies could be held on a wet piece of paper towel.

The brands were ranked for each test, given points and the results were tabulated. What did they discover?

Bounty was the best overall brand dominating in strength and absorbency, yet also costing the most. You clearly get what you pay for with this brand.

Marcal came in second at almost half of the price.

The losing paper towel was Scotts. It was the only brand they tested that wash't two-ply, too.

Hopefully this group of students will think about a multitude of factors when it comes time for them to buy a product or service. Making conscious consumers -- one step at a time!   

We've detailed the reality of the heroin crisis in N.J. Today, we ask you — what do we do about it?

On Tuesday, we opened the door to the reality of the heroin crisis in New Jersey.  

At least 128,000 people are enslaved today by heroin's grip. More than 5,200 have died since 2004, a figure that's grown exponentially with each passing year.  Hundreds of thousands more feel the effects of heroin second-hand, and our ever-growing "living wall" documents hundreds of stories about the fallout the drug can cause beyond the user. 

Today the question becomes -- what now? Next week NJ Advance Media will take a comprehensive look at what's been done, what hasn't and what is planned to stem the tide of heroin use in New Jersey.  

But as it stands today, clearly the problem remains unencumbered and growing. We want to hear from you. What do you think can be done?  Where should the primary solution come from?  

Take our anonymous survey below to let us know. Once we have received enough responses, we will create an interactive graphic on this page showcasing them and use them to support our report next week on where New Jersey stands in the fight against heroin.

SEE THE RESULTS

While we wait for enough responses to come in, you will be able to see the current results of the survey in summary form once you have submitted your response. 

Results

Click or tap on each icon for more information about each user's answer. Use the buttons to sort by an individual category. This page will be updated periodically as new results come in. 

Last updated: 10:30 a.m., Dec. 18

Stephen Stirling may be reached at sstirling@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @sstirling. Find him on Facebook.

 

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP – Whitman Elementary School principal Ray Anderson recently recognized the school's Principal's List and Honor Roll students for the first marking period.  The honorees included: Principal's List Grade 3: Mark Hallman, McKenzie Mason, Allie Sanders, Delaney Schwartz, Gianna Costello, Gia Lawrence, Kiley McElroy, Isabella Wilson, Madalyn Ranson, Madison Bailey, Katherine Gentry, Andrew Iaconelli, Ally Johns, Colin Olivo,...

 

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - Whitman Elementary School principal Ray Anderson recently recognized the school's Principal's List and Honor Roll students for the first marking period.  The honorees included:

Principal's List

Grade 3: Mark Hallman, McKenzie Mason, Allie Sanders, Delaney Schwartz, Gianna Costello, Gia Lawrence, Kiley McElroy, Isabella Wilson, Madalyn Ranson, Madison Bailey, Katherine Gentry, Andrew Iaconelli, Ally Johns, Colin Olivo, Hunter Smallets and Justin Zuzulock.

Grade 4: Nina Cleary, Daniel Forcinito, Mariah Groff, Talia Morrison, Emma Smith, Shaylee Wolff, Nyla-Grace Davenport, Daniel Hillig, Ilexia Navarro and Michael Scheer.

Grade 5: Carmen Casella, Christina Chan, Angelina Costello, Daniel Hartong, Tangim Morshed, Sage Povernick, Alana Donlon, Colin Foss, Maxx Kennedy, Lily Molnar, Alexis Palombi, Emma Peltz-Robledo, Ava Graves, Jeremy Heil, Maggie Hunt, Kerri Orbach, Vedant Patel, Nicolas Barrett, Morgan Brewster, Sophia Diaz, Owen Friel, Christian Heil, Callie Krupa, John-Paul Landau, Shane McGinley, Carli Sullivan and Daniel Wilson.

Honor Roll

Grade 3: Alyssa Calderone, Marco Christopher, Claudia Crabtree, Chase Finley, Corey Hunt, Sebastian Major, Matthew McCord, Jonathan Schuck, Martina Weaver, Hayden Johns, Delaney Jordan, Madison Lex, Aleah Liberati, Jason Monti, Matthew Nguyen, Lucia Patrizio, Carter Poletis, Ralph III Ross, Hannah Sedgwick, Kaelyn Smith, Jocelyn Trost, Anthony Vazquez, Jason Wolff, Leah Baehr, Katie Fuller, Andrew Laneader, Zaida Taylor-Burch, Cody Edwards, Olivia Greer, Christopher Marques, Collin Merrigan, Eric Pyne, Ashley Frederick, Sean Peters, Javier Arceo, Chloe Argentini, Jason Bogart, Jordyn Catterall, Kylie Depka, Rory Friel, Dominic Grassi, Olivia McEnroe and Jackson Smallets.

Grade 4: Destiny Harper, Tyler Ardito, Taylan Aydin, Bella Hughes, Allison Kawalec, Lainey Palmer, Augustine Pescatore, Anna Tobler, Madison Barris, Jack Crawford, Ashlyn Dye, Lilli Eastburn, Joseph Franchi, Garrett Mykulowycz, Kendall Piperata, Rachel Tatus, Logan Trout, Erica Mae Verain, Hanora Watson, Frank Coppola, Aidan Ellis, Daijahmarie Hettel, Tatum Holmes, Alvin Jin, Kylee Leyland, Emily Liberati, Mina Lockhart, Kylee Maccherone, Montana Malinowski, Brian Moy, Madison Nesmith, Lucas Ortiz, Ryan Palmer, Sasha Ronsayro, Aidan Birch, Sydney O'Shaughnessy, Ava Porreca, Alicia Seeger, Cierra Shelburne, Sophia Soriano, Riley Sozio, Dylan Thistle and Marley Thomas.

Grade 5: Nicholas Brown, Aiden Coleman, Christopher Logiovino, Kendall Morrison, Joshua Navan, Jackson Schultz, Emma Severance, Spencer Stuzynski, Faith Wahl, Trinity Whray, Jonathan Jones, Joseph Angeli, Alana DelRossi, Veronica DeLuca, Adrian Ilagan, Sean Monaghan, Nicolas Nigro, Joseph Agosta, Brendan Cueva, Drew Dolgos, Louis Esposito, Richard Hoffman, Michael Jordan, Jaden Kopischke, Grace Wahl, Colin Woodward, Mia Cardillo, Abigail Gilmore, Daniel Hulmes, Nevaeah Mellon, Isabella Mesi, Christian Paxson, Corbin Pierce, Charles Smith and Kenneth Smith.

 

Delsea Regional High School is proud to announce its inductees for the 2015-16 school year.  National Honor Society Inductees Class of 2016 - Seniors Sydney Casey, Angela Corbin, Colin Craig, Grant Craig, Sam Gorrell, London Harris, Jacob Hellmig, Nicholas Lopes, David Marshall, Madison McShea, Emily Musuras, Bria Nestore, Tyler Piper, Shane Price, Robert Scott, Jahmea Tenzie and Trevor Vidas....

Delsea Regional High School is proud to announce its inductees for the 2015-16 school year. 

National Honor Society Inductees

Class of 2016 - Seniors

Sydney Casey, Angela Corbin, Colin Craig, Grant Craig, Sam Gorrell, London Harris, Jacob Hellmig, Nicholas Lopes, David Marshall, Madison McShea, Emily Musuras, Bria Nestore, Tyler Piper, Shane Price, Robert Scott, Jahmea Tenzie and Trevor Vidas.

Class of 2017- Juniors

Elias Agostini, Brooke Antonelli, William Conners, Marissa Consalo, Brianna Coughlin, Taylor Preach, Matthew Eggink, Jenna Enley, Kayla Enley, Alexis Fagotti, Daryan Fennal, Francis Forte, Edward Gallagher, Cecelia Gerstenbacher, Stephen Hill, Marla Hughes, Isabelle Marsh, Kyle McBride, Cara McCoy, Ryan Meehan, Mackenzie Miller, Ashley Milstead, Desiree Perez, Rebecca Randles, Kaitlyn Rauscher, Carly Schepacarter, Thomas Schofield, Rebecca Smith, Cole Tistan, Rachel Tondo, Sierra Weyhmiller, Olivia Wright and Samantha Wright.

 

WOODBURY — NICHE-Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders awarded its highest honor to Inspira Medical Center Woodbury in recognition of its commitment to geriatric nursing care. NICHE is the premier designation indicating a hospital's commitment to excellence in the care of patients 65 years and older.  The "Exemplar" status — the highest of four possible program levels — was assigned following...

WOODBURY -- NICHE-Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders awarded its highest honor to Inspira Medical Center Woodbury in recognition of its commitment to geriatric nursing care.

NICHE is the premier designation indicating a hospital's commitment to excellence in the care of patients 65 years and older.  The "Exemplar" status -- the highest of four possible program levels -- was assigned following a rigorous program evaluation of the current state and future goals of the NICHE program at Inspira Woodbury. 

"This NICHE status signals our resolve to provide patient-centered care for older adults," explains Terri Spoltore, vice president, Patient Care Services. "Through our participation in the NICHE program, Inspira Woodbury offers evidence-based, interdisciplinary approaches that promote better outcomes, positive experiences, and improved care for the older adults. This leads to greater satisfaction rates for our patients, their families and our staff."  

"We go beyond the normal expectation for our elderly through our geriatric resource nurses, geriatric certified nurses and pharmacists," noted Jackie Savage, clinical resource nurse and NICHE coordinator. "Our older patients benefit from our commitment through our team's rounding which includes participation from physicians, pharmacy, PM&R, case management, and nursing."

"I'm so excited that Inspira continues to stay focused on our senior population," added Sandy Lovelace, RN, BSN, assistant nurse manager and NICHE co-coordinator.  "With our relationship with NICHE, we are able to share information and obtain new care strategies with hospitals around the country. I'm proud of this staff-driven initiative that reinforces our unit-based council's goals for patient satisfaction."

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

 

In the most densely populated state in the nation, it is unfathomable that there are still areas totally reliant upon decades-old copper telephone lines for communication.

By Greg Facemyer and Joe Derella

Can you imagine trying to conduct business in today's world with no high-speed Internet access, no cellular phone service, and landline telephone service that fails during wet weather? This is exactly the state of affairs in many rural communities, and this is exactly why 16 South Jersey municipalities have filed a petition for relief from the state Board of Public Utilities. Our very future is at stake!

(Associated Press) 

In the most densely populated state in the nation, it is unfathomable that there are still areas totally reliant upon decades-old copper telephone lines for communication. This is not by choice, but by default because there are no alternatives in many of these areas. There is no fiber optic wire or cable TV wire for high-speed Internet access or Internet telephone line service, and cellular service is nonexistent or spotty at best. Our under-served areas are saddled with antiquated and deteriorating copper-based infrastructure. We are on the dark side of the digital divide.

Contrast this with the other side of the digital divide, affluent areas with fiber-based infrastructure where people and businesses can access the Internet at data speeds exceeding the federal standard, as well as communicate via mobile smart devices.

With such advanced technologies at their fingertips in these areas, it can be hard to relate to the inability in our towns to make or receive a phone call on a rainy day; to transfer large data files; to watch a YouTube video; to complete certain homework assignments.

Recent agreements between Verizon NJ and the BPU effectively ensure our under- served communities will remain in this technological abyss. 

The first agreement, approved in April 2014, releases Verizon from its Opportunity NJ commitment to deliver broadband throughout the state. This ensures Verizon will not have to string another road mile of fiber optic (FiOs) wire. The company will decide which Internet access medium to deploy if enough demand is demonstrated. Their choice, of course, will be wireless-only access that is more expensive for customers. 

The second agreement, approved this May, effectively deregulates basic land-line telephone service. It includes a sunset provision regarding the very service quality standards that hold the provider to its statutory obligation to provide "safe, adequate, and proper service."  

Both agreements are based on the flawed premise that competitive telecommunications services are available throughout the state. This premise fails to recognize that Verizon still operates as a monopoly in areas of deficiency.

The combination of these agreements is a death blow to South Jersey. Not only will these areas of deficiency not be brought into the 21st century, the continued neglect of deteriorating copper landlines will eventually relegate these areas to the 19th century.  

There is so much opportunity on the horizon, but it is available only to those on the right side of the digital divide. Experts agree that fiber optic wire will spur innovation throughout the 21st century. But the state has given Verizon the key to our economic future, and Verizon wants to deliver only the higher-bill wireless solution to the poorest areas. Our laws, regulations, and economic incentives need to change and correct this reality. We call on our state and federal leaders to support us in this effort.

We have been both frustrated and amused by Verizon's response to our underserved communities, likening us to the Anti-Digit Dialing League of the 1950s, and initiating a public perception of wire-huggers clinging to dated landline technology. Elected officials are charged with ensuring equal opportunity for all constituents, affluent and poor alike.  

Equal opportunity in today's connected world means equal access to critical integrated technologies; that is, fiber optic wire to every home and business, with a consistent and reliable wireless overlay. Only then will we, as publicly elected leaders, be able to deliver 21st century jobs, education, health care, public safety and agricultural sustainability.  

Yes, we are wire-huggers, and we insist on well-maintained copper landlines until they are replaced with the fiber optic wire that will spur innovation and job creation for our economically depressed areas.

Greg Facemyer is a member of the Hopewell Township Committee. Joe Derella is the director of the Cumberland County freeholder board. The petition seeking BPU review of Verizon service was filed by municipalities in Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem and Atlantic counties.

 

A man charged earlier this month with defrauding Medicare out of $1 million through a scam targeting New Jersey senior citizens paid a visit to a Gloucester County senior facility in November, police confirmed.

CLAYON -- A man charged earlier this month with defrauding Medicare out of $1 million through a scam targeting New Jersey senior citizens paid a visit to a Gloucester County senior facility in November, police confirmed.

Seth Rehfuss, 41, of Somerset, was arrested earlier this month on charges that he defrauded the Medicare program by convincing hundreds of seniors around the state to undergo unnecessary genetic testing, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Jersey.

Rehfuss accomplished this through a group called The Good Samaritans of America. Rehfuss and others used Good Samaritans of America to gain access to senior housing complexes where they gave presentations to residents, officials reported.

Those facilities included Clayton Mews.

"I can confirm that the gentleman arrested in this case was at Clayton Mews," Clayton Police Sgt. Andrew Davis said Thursday.

Rehfuss met with a group of about 20 senior citizens at the facility in November, Davis said.

While details of that local meeting haven't been released, federal authorities previously reported that Rehfuss and his colleagues lured seniors to presentations with advertisements of free ice cream. In those presentations, they used "fear-based tactics" to convince seniors that they were vulnerable to heart attacks, strokes, cancer and even suicide if they did not have this testing, federal officials reported.

The stated goal of the testing was to determine if patients were vulnerable to side effects from medications. Rehfuss also claimed that the testing allowed for "personalized medicine," according to the charges.

Rehfuss and others then took DNA swabs where the meetings took place or arranged to do it in the seniors' apartments, with no involvement of a healthcare provider or determination that the treatment was necessary, officials said when announcing the charges.

Using Craigslist, Rehfuss was able to recruit health care providers who were paid to sign test requisition forms for procedures they never performed for patients they never met. Medicare paid out more than a million dollars to two clinical laboratories from which Rehfuss received commissions of tens of thousands of dollars, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Rehfuss was charged with one count of health care fraud.

Only one of the local seniors came forward following news of Rehfuss' arrest to report that she had filled out paperwork and submitted to a DNA swab following a presentation.

"It's still an open investigation," Davis said. "We don't know how many senior citizens provided him with any identifying information or DNA for testing."

Clayton police are working with other agencies to share all information gleaned, Davis added. Anyone who attended the Clayton meeting and provided information or a DNA sample can contact Clayton police at 856-881-2300.

While the focus of the federal case was on the alleged Medicare fraud, county officials stressed the issues surrounding release of personal information.

Anyone who was a victim of this scam should call their local police and contact Social Security and Medicare to let them know that their personal information may have been compromised, officials said.

"If our residents take nothing else from this new invasive scam, please do not let people into your home that you do not know, or people who cannot show credible identification," Freeholder Lyman Barnes said in a statement. "If the person insists he/she is from a legitimate non-profit organization and you are still not comfortable, call 9-1-1."

To learn more about identity theft and other scams, contact the county Office of Consumer Affairs at 856-384-6855.

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

 

 

A weather monitor station, aimed at tracking toxic chemicals in case of an accidental release, was installed in Logan Township.

LOGAN TWP. -- The first weather monitoring station, aimed at giving first responders necessary information in cases such as the 2012 Paulsboro train derailment and chemical spill, has been installed in Gloucester County.

In cases of chemical releases in the country's air the new weather monitoring devices are designed to show wind direction and speed, letting emergency personnel know what areas will be the most affected.

Multiple stations are planned close to the Camden-to-Salem freight rail line and the first was placed at the Gloucester County Dream Park equestrian center in Logan Township, which is run by the county Improvement Authority.

"The weather station will greatly increase the safety of surrounding Gloucester County communities in case of a toxic release," Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean Dalton said in a written release Thursday. "The information provided from its instruments will assist in evacuation plans and keep residents out of harm's way."

Hundreds of Paulsboro families were evacuated or told to shelter-in-place after a train derailed, spilling toxic vinyl chloride into the borough's air on Nov. 30, 2012.

A review of the response to that incident led the prosecutor's office's critical infrastructure coordinator to recommend the weather monitoring stations that will feed data to the county 911 center and to emergency response workers, according to the prosecutor's office.

A $100,000 grant from the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and $50,000 from the county's allotment of federal Homeland Security money paid for the weather stations, of which another eight are planned.

They will be maintained by state climatologists and connected to computer servers at Rutgers University, the prosecutor's office added.

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

The Chabad Jewish Center at Rowan University on Thursday issued a strong statement condemning more swastikas recently found at the same residence hall where others had been discovered less than a week ago.

GLASSBORO -- The Chabad Jewish Center at Rowan University on Thursday issued a strong statement condemning more swastikas recently found at the same residence hall where others had been discovered less than a week ago.

Last Thursday, swastikas were found inscribed in the stairwells of the second and third floors of the Chestnut Hall residence off Carpenter Street, according to university spokesman Joe Cardona.

On Dec. 11, several swastikas and other anti-Semitic markings were discovered carved into doors of Chestnut Hall.

The Chabad Jewish Center said in response to the most recent incident that it plans on putting forward two initiatives in the spring semester "aimed (at) fostering increased awareness and pride of" its Jewish heritage.

The university held a meeting with about 100 students on Sunday to address the situation.

At this point, no one has been held responsible for either incident, university officials said.

Rabbi Hersh Loschak, co-director of the Rohr Family Jewish Student Center -- Chabad of Rowan, said in a statement on Thursday that the situation was "extremely troubling."

Loschak added, "The news of such occurrence should arouse outrage in every decent individual."

Since the first incident, Loschak said he has been "in daily contact with the faculty and public safety officials on campus."

"These antisemitic incidents are being handled (at) the highest level, and I believe the police are doing everything to apprehend the perpetrator as quickly as possible," Loschak said.

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

 

Authorities identified the trooper as Eli McCarson of Gloucester County.

A New Jersey State Police trooper was killed Thursday after crashing into a utility pole in Salem County while responding to a report of a domestic dispute, authorities said.

Eli McCarson (New Jersey State Police)Don E. Woods | For NJ.com 

Eli McCarson, 30, of Gloucester County, was driving to the domestic call in Quinton Township at 10:45 a.m. when he struck the utility pole on Quinton-Alloway Road near Route 49.

McCarson was taken to The Memorial Hospital of Salem County, where he was pronounced dead around noon.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash, according to New Jersey State Police. It was raining Thursday morning in Salem County.

"Whether it's facing an armed assailant, or responding to a critical call on a rainy day, troopers and other law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect every member of the public," said Col. Rick Fuentes, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. "This is a tragic loss for us, made even worse during this holiday season, but I know our troopers will not flinch. They will continue their duties and answer every call with others in mind, just as Trooper Eli McCarson was doing when he gave his life in the line of duty."

McCarson's vehicle went off on the right side of the road and into the utility pole, where he was trapped inside while authorities opened his jammed door.

He was part of New Jersey State Police's 155th class, which graduated on Feb. 20, 2015. He worked out of Woodstown barracks.

According to his Facebook page, he graduated from Rutgers-Camden in 2008.

He was married in September and turned 30 on Dec. 5.

McCarson was a Glassboro resident, according to the Glassboro Police Department, which joined other law enforcement agencies from across the nation in extending sympathy to McCarson's family on social media Thursday.

Don E. Woods may be reached at dwoods@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @donewoods1. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

The odor permeated the neighborhood Thursday as numerous workers in hazmat suits carried out the animals.

PITMAN -- Gloucester County authorities removed dozens of cats from a hoarding situation in the borough's Grove neighborhood on Thursday afternoon.

Gloucester County Animal Control, along with the Pitman Police Department, NJSPCA officers, the Office of Emergency Management and borough firefighters were on the scene at the Sixth Avenue home. Authorities had first arrived on Wednesday night to begin mitigating the strong odor of cat waste, which permeated the air 50 feet away even in a steady rain. A woman who lived in the house had been removed from the property before officials came to collect the pets.

"Last night, you couldn't even stand out here," said Pitman Mayor Russ Johnson as he stood on a corner around the block from the house. "Right now, we're worried about the ammonia levels in the house. I don't know how the tenant wasn't deathly ill."

An estimated minimum of 40 to 50 cats were removed from the house. Matt Stanton, a spokesman for the NJSPCA, said the animals would be given a medical examination, at which point the agency would consider pressing animal cruelty charges against the owner.

"The first priority is the safety of the animals," said Stanton. "It depends on the condition of the cats. Sometimes we'll have the owner sign the animals over to us, and that will be it. But if we find something horrible -- evidence of abuse or neglect -- we will take action."

http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/index.ssf/2015/12/gloucester_animal_shelter_offering_bogo_cat_adopti.html

The Grove is a historic collection of 19th-century cottages, many of which are situated along tiny, pedestrian-only lanes. Some houses sit only a few feet apart from each other, and neighbors said they had been suspicious of the situation for months, catching glimpses of cats and kittens in the house's windows.

"I'd come home, park my truck and walk up the sidewalk and smell it," said a man who moved into the neighborhood in September. A neighborhood group called Friends of the Grove first complained to the borough about the house in late summer, but members did not know the full scale of the problem in what is otherwise a quiet part of town.

Another neighbor described seeing first responders get sick from the smell on Wednesday.

"They opened up all the doors and had fans running, and they came out throwing up," she said.

Gloucester County officials said in an emailed statement that 40 of the cats would be taken to the county shelter in Clayton after an assessment at Pitman Animal Hospital. Any overflow was expected to be divided up among other local animal welfare agencies.

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

Killing hundreds of animals during their mandated holding period is irresponsible on the part of the Gloucester County Animal Shelter.

In 1990, the Gloucester County Animal Shelter replaced a patchwork of municipal pounds and for-profit animal control services. With 24 towns, it had been a nightmare for anyone to find a lost pet. In addition, conditions in some  of the contracted shelters were poor.

County freeholders of that era, recognizing the need for one of the first new "regionalized" services in decades, had the vision to build the Clayton shelter and expand it a dozen years later. The Gloucester County model's success likely shamed Camden County into building its own central shelter.

Lately, however, the GCAS has become a model for poor operation of a system that is supposed to care for animals and, whenever possible, find them "forever homes."  

A state inspection possibly prompted by one well-publicized case found that the shelter improperly euthanized 312 cats and 71 dogs just this year, killing them before the end of a state-mandated holding period. While many shelter animals are strays, in perhaps dozens of other cases, a missing pet for which a family had been searching through heartbreak was destroyed needlessly. Some animals, the report said, were not even scanned for information microchips before their demise. 

The shocking report erases any perception that the saga of Moe the cat - put to sleep in October just hours after its arrival -- was an isolated incident. The state Department of Health found other deficiencies that it says spread illness throughout the GCAS animal population. The shelter didn't even have a written disease-control protocol, as required.

Reporters seeking comment from county spokesperson Deb Sellitto received a standard answer that's used so often that Sellitto might as well record it on her voicemail: The problems were "either all remedied or in the process of being remedied." Nothing said about accountability, or investigating why these deficiencies -- including some repeat violations dating to 2009 -- were allowed to occur or fester.

It's a wonder how anyone can defend shelter director Bill Lombardi against these accusations, though Sellitto gave it her best. Sure, the shelter and its employees do some good and caring things, but the freeholder board needs to call Lombardi on the carpet. It should be up to him to prove why he shouldn't lose his job. Freeholder Daniel Christy, the animal shelter liaison, must take charge and initiate a top-to-bottom review.

Overwhelmed with so many dogs, exotic pets -- and, mostly, kittens and cats -- it's not realistic for public shelters to have a "no-kill" policy. (Kudos to the smaller shelters and rescues that do.) Irresponsible owners who don't get their animals spayed or neutered, or let them run wild without identification, are a huge problem. So are heartless folks who simply dump a no-longer-wanted family member in the woods.

There is no excuse, however, for running a shelter where people's pets are routinely killed without even cursory attempts to find owners. Moe had a microchip. If taken to a different shelter, he'd likely still have a life.

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

Joan Pacitti writes that a new hospital and existing congestion on Route 322 near Route 55 would be a bad mix.

To the Editor:

I read the Dec. 10 South Jersey Times article ("New hospital in South Jersey? Upcoming vote will decide") regarding the possibility of Inspira Health Network building a hospital on Rowan University-owned land on U.S. Route 322 near Route 55. 

This seems to be a done deal even though there was a pending Rowan meeting to finalize it. Although other sites have been discussed, this Harrison Township location seems to be the best spot for the hospital to those who have the power to approve it.

EARLIER: Harrison, Woodbury officials react to possible hospital relocation

I have no idea who at Rowan and/or Inspira -- which would buy the tract from the school -- thought this location is a good idea. This hospital would be built in an area which is already way too congested. Adding Route 55 and Route 322 traffic to the mix is definitely asking for trouble.

My concern is with ambulances coming and going to the hospital, plus visitor and staff parking, combined with the existing traffic. And that's just "off season." What about during the summer months, when many people use these roads go to the shore.?

I don't know if there were public meetings on these hospital plans or not. Maybe I missed them. To me, this is a disaster waiting to happen.

Joan Pacitti

Mullica Hill

Authorize FCC as political correctness cops

To the Editor:

A recent letter ("Police show bias in 'Hispanic' description of floating body") from writer John Lemon  complained that the Bridgeton Police were biased in their description of a body found in Cohansey River as "Hispanic."

Perusing the paper since then convinced me that Lemon must be right: There are many other words and descriptions that someone or other would find offensive.  

I suggest, therefore, that we resurrect the Federal Communications Commission's aggressive role in the first half of the last century of protecting us from sex and off-color language on broadcast radio and television. Movies were subject to similar scrutiny by an industry office.

Violence was not regulated as much. In Western movies, the Indians -- er, Native Americans -- never won.  

A re-engergized FCC would protect us from political incorrectness. Every form of media would be required to have a "PC" staff to insure that no words would slip through that might offend anyone. America would be the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Politically Correct."

Harry Walker

Pitman

Hire experts to decode terrorist messages

To the Editor:

Ever since the San Bernardino, Calif., terror attack, our government has suggested that it is unable to do anything about encrypted messages sent over the Internet. 

However, the government can do something. It can hire computer programmers to write a program that scans all outgoing messages and blocks any encrypted messages sent overseas, with exceptions for government agencies, etc.  

Larry Lueder

Mantua Township

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

Deptford Township High School's Peace for Paris project was a huge success. The following letter from students, teachers and staff at the high school was mailed to students in Paris this week. Dear Friends, We are students from Deptford, New Jersey in the United States of America. We have been following the events in your country since the terrorist attacks on Nov....

Deptford Township High School's Peace for Paris project was a huge success. The following letter from students, teachers and staff at the high school was mailed to students in Paris this week.

Dear Friends,

We are students from Deptford, New Jersey in the United States of America. We have been following the events in your country since the terrorist attacks on Nov. 13. We are heartily sorry for the pain and suffering that your city and your country have endured. 

Our teacher, Ms. Rachel Kerr, has travelled to Paris on a few occasions. She tells us all the time that Paris is her favorite city, and she has a lot of pictures in her classroom from France and the historic landmarks. After the attacks on Nov. 13, she came up with an idea to send messages of hope, love and support to your nation. As a group, we organized a PEACE for PARIS Campaign where students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 (ages 14-18) took time out of their lunch periods to decorate and write messages of unity to you, our friends in Paris, France.

Students at Deptford High School sign letters of support and create artwork in support of the people of Paris.COURTESY PHOTO 

We know the loss that your city has suffered will never be forgotten and it is still fresh in your minds. We know many of you have lost family members, friends, and neighbors and loved ones in the attacks. Along with this loss, you nation has also lost a sense of security. We know this may not take your pain and suffering away, but we hope it can show you that there are good people out in the world that do love and support you.   

Please accept this small token of love from your friends at Deptford High School in Deptford Township, New Jersey. 

We hope our messages may give you solace knowing that you are in our thoughts and prayers this holiday season. 

Sincerely,

The Spartan Spirit High School Student Newspaper

The Students and Teachers at Deptford High School- USA

 

Eli McCarson, 30, was described as a kind man of God and a dedicated husband.

Mourners have started an online fundraiser in memory of the state trooper who was killed in a Salem County car accident on Thursday.

Eli McCarson, 30, was heading to a call of a domestic dispute at 10:45 a.m. in Quinton Township when his cruiser struck a utility pole on Quinton-Alloway Road. A steady rain was falling over South Jersey through the day Thursday morning, but state police have not yet provided further details about the cause of the accident.

The speed limit near the scene of the accident is 35 miles per hour. NBC reported that it had recently been lowered from 50 in response to complaints of other accidents.

Two women, Sarah DiPhillipo and Alicia Silverman, have created a GoFundMe campaign in McCarson's name.

"On December 17, 2015, heaven gained a beautiful angel. For anyone who knew Eli, he was truly a genuine man. He touched the hearts of every person who had the privilege of knowing him," wrote DiPhillipo and Silverman.

"You were a man of God Eli, someone everyone loved and looked up to. You never gave up on your dreams, and your ambition to succeed was admirable. You blessed us with so many memories and you will always be remembered."

By Friday evening, the donation drive had reached more than half of its $10,000 goal.

McCarson was described as a kind man and a dedicated husband. He had lived in the area all his life, attending Lambs Road Academy for elementary school. The Clearview Regional High School graduate had married his wife, Jordan, in September, and the couple had recently purchased a home in Gloucester County.

"Everyone who knew their relationship knew it was true love," DiPhillipo and Silverman wrote. "In this time, please help Jordan and their family. Thank you for your service Eli."

The Officer Down Memorial Page, a website that honors fallen law enforcement officers, was abuzz with condolences from around the world. Agencies from South Carolina, Virginia, California, Missouri, Arkansas and New York wrote in, along with a few international posts from as near as Canada and as far as Europe.

"Rest In Peace Trooper McCarson," wrote a Belgian police officer. "All my thoughts fly to your co-workers, friends and family. A brother in blue from UE."

The Salem County Prosecutor's Office also released a short statement.

"On behalf of all Salem County law enforcement we would like to extend our condolences to the family and colleagues of Trooper McCarson," said Prosecutor John T. Lenahan.

On Friday night, Gov. Chris Christie issued an executive order that all state buildings will fly flags at half-staff on Wednesday, Dec. 23, in McCarson's honor.

"Trooper McCarson was a loving and devoted husband, son, and brother, whose memory will live in the hearts of his family, friends, and fellow members of the New Jersey State Police," Christie said in a statement. "Trooper McCarson served his State with courage, professionalism, and commitment to the finest ideals and traditions of the New Jersey State Police.

"It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of Trooper McCarson, and we extend our sincere sympathy to his family, friends, and fellow members of the New Jersey State Police."

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

An eternally proud member of the famed all-black Montford Point Marines, Browne died Thursday, three years after being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

Hugh Victor Browne was among the 20,000 black men who dealt with racism and segregation to help break the Marine color barrier in the midst of World War II.

An eternally proud member of the famed all-black Montford Point Marines, Browne died Thursday, three years after being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, highest civilian honor for distinguished achievement in the military, in Washington, D.C.

The life-long Woodbury resident, brother of noted actor Roscoe Lee Browne, was 90.  He believed he was among the first from New Jersey recruited as a black Marine.

Vic graduated from Woodbury High School in June 1943. He was walking near 13th and Market in Philadelphia a month later when a Marine recruiter stopped him and asked if he'd like to become a  Marine.

"I was 4-F because of a trick knee," Vic said in a 2012 Times story. "I was tested anyway and passed. They swore me in right there. The recruiter said 'now go to the drug store, buy a leather travel bag, bar of soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, and call your mother. Then we'll take you to 30th St. Station.'"

Hugh Victor Browne II, sits with his Congressional Gold Medal before Woodbury's 2nd Annual Basketball Tournament, where he was an honored guest, Saturday, July 12, 2014. Browne was one of the first black US Marines from New Jersey to break the color barrier in the midst of World War II. He died Thursday at the age of 90. (Calista Condo | For NJ.com)Calista Condo 

While he talked on the telephone to his sister, Vic's mother could be heard in the background yelling, "Victor, come home immediately."

Vic's response: "I will when I get out of boot camp."

That same day Browne was on a train heading south to join the Montford Point Marines, the military's first all-black Marine unit, quartered for boot camp near all-white Camp Lejeune, N.C.

At the time of his passing, Cpl. Browne was one of just a few hundred Montford Point Marines still living in the States including less than a dozen with Delaware Valley roots.

In 2012, Browne, who lived on Carpenter St. in Woodbury, received the Congressional Gold Medal after President Obama signed a bill awarding the medal to all Montford Point survivors.

One gold medal was minted and bronze replicas were presented to each living Montford Point Marine plus relatives of those who died since Obama signed the law.

"I can't wait," said Browne, who wore his camouflage Marine cap and trademark Marine logo sweater around town. "This is the highest civilian honor you can get. The medal is for what we had to put up with to become Marines. I'm going to wear it and show it off. I'm still proud to be a United States Marine."

He was one of about 400 presented medals.

"It was more than I ever hoped it would be," Browne said.  "They read the names of every honoree, along with a beautiful letter from President Obama. I never saw so many black officers. I'm so happy. It's been a long time coming."

Sharing the moment were his son Craig, an Army master sergeant,  and daughter Lovie Tarver, whose husband Sam is a Navy officer.

"It was a first class program all the way," Browne said.

Victor was the only surviving sibling of six children born to Baptist minister Rev. Sylvanus and Lovie Browne. His brother, Roscoe Lee, was an Emmy-winning actor with a distinctive bass  voice.

Victor said he believed the Marines were willing to take anyone in 1943, even a 4-F like him, because so many had been lost in combat.

Two years later President Roosevelt issued an order banning exclusion in any military branch because of race.

Victor said boot camp at Montford Point was no picnic. The soldiers were housed in metal huts with no running water and had a long walk to go to the bathroom. The area was infested with  alligators, snakes, muskrats and mosquitos. "Conditions were terrible," he said.

All enlisted men were black and all officers white. But, he said, the black drill instructors "made us Marines."

But then Browne says he got lucky. Two years after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Vic raised his hand affirmatively when asked if anyone could type and wound up as base paymaster on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

He spent the remainder of his service time there in support of battle-tested white Marines who served throughout the Pacific theater.

But others gave their lives in infamous Pacific battles and helped break down the racial barriers.

A widower for 20 years, Browne was struck by a car near his Carpenter St. home in 2008 and suffered some memory loss and hearing problems, He was told he could have died.

When he awoke, his first words were, "Where's my Marine hat?"

Once a Marine, always a Marine.

Services are pending.

The township school district has its sights set on a nearly $100 million bond referendum for major upgrades to school infrastructure, and it is hopeful voters will approve the measure in the spring.

File Photo 

DEPTFORD TWP. -- The township school district has its sights set on a nearly $100 million bond referendum for major upgrades to school infrastructure, and it is hopeful voters will approve the proposal in the spring.

Residents in March will be asked to vote on two questions.

The first relates to a multitude of projects, including new classrooms and gym facilities, electronic upgrades, roof replacements, new cafeterias, a two-story wing addition at the high school, and an entire floor of five new science labs. Entrances to all school buildings would also be secured along and upgrades in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

School Superintendent Dr. Charles Ford Jr. said these projects are necessary to bring the school district into the 21st century "to move Deptford Township to be one of the best school (districts) in Gloucester County."

"If Deptford Township is one of the best in the county, it will benefit Deptford as a whole," Ford said. "Good schools lead to higher property value, lower crime rates and ... builds Spartan pride throughout the community and our school system."

Sixth-grade students from all four elementary schools would also be relocated to Monogahela Middle School, which is where the new wing would be built.

The second question asks voters to decide whether to authorize upgrades to the air conditioning and electrical in all school buildings.

If both measures pass, the 30-year bond will increase the tax on residents by $276.76 a year based on a household assessed at $179,080.

If only the first question is approved, however, taxes will increase $213.56 a year. Voters must approve the first question for any of the projects to go forward. If only the second question passes, neither project would proceed.

Several people in a community Facebook group voiced frustration at the additional tax burden with some feeling that the school district has not adequately communicated the proposal to residents. However, others felt the tax increase would be reasonable considering the benefits of improving the overall stature of the school system.

Ford said come January he plans to meet with senior citizens, parents, teachers, and anyone else with questions or concerns.

Ford also presented information on the proposal at a recent school board meeting.

The school district has submitted the required applications and paperwork to the state, and it now remains up to the voters to decide.

Preliminary numbers indicate that the school district would receive roughly $22 million back from the state -- however, Ford said that number is subject to change and still needs to be confirmed.

Former school board president Rachael Green said, though she recognizes the need for infrastructure improvements, she was concerned that the school district is not focusing enough on the wages of teachers and support aides.

She always is concerned the proposal would not sufficiently address reducing class sizes, which she sees as a vital need.

However, according to Ford, reducing classroom sizes remains a central component of the improvements and additions.

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

 

You can adopt one of the cats that was rescued from a Pitman home on Thursday.

CLAYTON — You can adopt one of the cats that was rescued from a Pitman home on Thursday.

This is one of the more than 70 cats rescued from a Pitman home. This feline is one of those up for adoption. (Submitted photo)

Gloucester County Animal Shelter took in 43 cats from the home and the animals have been deemed healthy and ready for adoption, county officials announced.

Police, animal control and other agencies descended on the Sixth Avenue home in Pitman where they say a resident was hoarding more than 70 cats.

The county animal shelter has extended its previously announced deadline to adopt two cats for the price of one in time for Christmas to Wednesday, Dec. 23. The deadline was previously set at Friday. Adoptions will resume Monday, Dec. 28.

It costs $95 to adopt a cat from the shelter, and the BOGO deal remains in effect. The fee includes spay/neuter, feline leukemia/AIDS combination test, age-appropriate vaccinations, worming, disposable cat carrier, identification tag and collar and a microchip from the animal shelter.

In addition to the 43 cats taken in by the county shelter, another 29 cats were taken to Pitman Animal Hospital for care. After medical review, healthy cats from that group will also be offered for adoption.

"We have been working with other groups to try and get them to take some of the animals and so far Northshore and Delaware County have committed to taking some," county spokeswoman Deb Sellitto said.

To pre-register to adopt a cat (or two) visit the Gloucester County Animal Shelter online or call them at 856-881-2828 and press 1 for adoptions.

This cat, rescued from a home in Pitman, is up for adoption. (Submitted photo)

The shelter is located at 1200 N. Delsea Drive, Clayton.

The shelter was criticized in a recent state report for euthanizing nearly 400 animals this year before the state-mandated seven-day holding period had expired.

County officials previously said this and other issues raised in the report have been or are in the process of being addressed.

Healthy cats are held as long as possible after the waiting period, Sellitto said Friday. Generally, cats that are put down are sick, injured, feral and/or have behavioral issues, she said, adding that none of the cats rescued from the Pitman home have been euthanized.

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

DEPTFORD TWP. — Twenty-three men and five women graduated from the Gloucester County Police Academy on Dec. 9 in the Physical Education Center on the campus of Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC). Police Academy Director Fred H. Madden welcomed family and friends of the graduates, as well as senior law enforcement professionals and college officials. RCGC President Frederick Keating...

DEPTFORD TWP. -- Twenty-three men and five women graduated from the Gloucester County Police Academy on Dec. 9 in the Physical Education Center on the campus of Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC).

Police Academy Director Fred H. Madden welcomed family and friends of the graduates, as well as senior law enforcement professionals and college officials. RCGC President Frederick Keating and Board of Trustees Chairperson Gene Concordia provided opening remarks.  

The keynote address was presented by Lt. Vincent DiPietro, of the Franklin Township Police Department.

DiPietro, Keating and Concordia awarded the diplomas to the 28 graduates representing Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties as well as The College of New Jersey and Rowan University.

Atlantic County: Michael Newell Jr. and James Andrew Patterson, Ventnor City.

Burlington County: Christopher W. Barker, Joseph W. Devlin Jr. and Nathaniel E. Tilghman, Willingboro; Zachary M. Czepiel, Florence Township; and Justin Carmelo Rodriguez, Burlington Township.

Camden County: Benjamin F. Gindville and Izetta M. Heyward, Camden County Sheriff's Department.

Cumberland County: Kimberly L. Beu, Jasmine L. DeLaTorre, Meaghan Kailey Pagan, Tony S. Pierro and Amanda Lynn Rivera, Vineland;  Matthew D. Rammel and Mark E. Yoshioka Jr., Bridgeton.

Gloucester County: Christopher O. Bell, Washington Township; Robert J. Heffner, William R. Pintozzi, Andrew R. Sharp and John J. VanLeer Jr., Monroe; Russell Joseph Carmolingo and Michael W. Welding, Rowan University.

Salem County: Deric I. Adams and Andrew Douglas McDonald, Salem; Sean W. Henderson, Salem County Sheriff's Department.

The College of New Jersey: Daniel Butchko and Philip Apgar Hamner.

The Gloucester County Police Academy is located on the Rowan College at Gloucester County campus on Tanyard Road, Deptford.

 

On Dec. 13, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 125 (FOP 125), along with the Monroe Township Police Department held its annual Christmas Party and toy collection. The toys collected will be distributed to residents in Monroe Township to benefit families in need. Every year, a different organization is selected as a recipient for the toys. President James DeHart ensures...

On Dec. 13, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 125 (FOP 125), along with the Monroe Township Police Department held its annual Christmas Party and toy collection.

The toys collected will be distributed to residents in Monroe Township to benefit families in need. Every year, a different organization is selected as a recipient for the toys.

President James DeHart ensures that the toys stay in the Monroe Township and Gloucester County region to help those close to home. Through the years, FOP 125 has donated thousands of new, unwrapped toys to the residents of Monroe Township to ensure kids in need receive that much needed light of hope during the holiday season.

This is just one of many charitable activities the FOP participates in to ensure that Monroe Township Police Officers can give back to our community.

For more information, contact Detective Derrick Jacobus at 856-728-9800, Ext. 501 at the Monroe Township Police Department.