If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, dream on. Keep those hot summer days coming on Christmas weekend, global warming fans.

Bob ShryockTimes file photo 

Unless Philadelphia's growing army of meterologists is way off base on this call, we're going to either tie or obliterate a longstanding mark today for the highest temperature recorded on Christmas Eve.

And I say, bring it on. Ho, ho, ho. Figure on dressing down tonight, Santa.

Consensus prediction is 74 degrees, or one degree higher than the standing record of 73. Just 74?

Let's go for 80 and invite the neighbors over for a cook-out and dip in the pool. It'll be a great day to head to the Jersey shore and work on those sun tans.

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, dream on. Keep those hot summer days coming on Christmas weekend, global warming fans.

I'm thrilled by this because I'm always cold. Always. Since I've applied for residency in Florida but discovered there's no room for more transplants in the Sunshine state, I must learn to deal with somewhat harsher New Jersey winters. But I absolutely despise being cold.

My wife is the opposite. She thrives on cold weather, and loathes the heat. On Monday, the outside temp was a tidy 50-something. Inside the Shryock cottage, it must have been 40. How can that be? She groused about being saddled with the low 50s in late December, calling it a heat wave. I'm pretty sure I saw her lowering the thermostat a few notches. She's going to be thrilled with today's temps.

Conversely, I don't know what the hot flashes mean, but I can't get warm enough. When we took the kids and grandkids out for a pre-holiday dinner Monday, I wore four layers of clothing, hardly conducive to the week's upsurge in temps. I wrap myself in blankets, fighting the dog for possession, and take the space heater to bed with me.

The good news is, if we can figure out how to minimize the cold it's likely we're going to escape snow this winter, too. The only thing I hate more than cold is snow and the only thing I hate more than snow is lots of it.

Now we're concerned about it being too warm for Christmas. Go figure.

Because I'm an old dude, I can tell you without hesitation it was not always like this. It seems to me that, as a kid growing up, it almost always snowed on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Trust me, it's the truth.

I know this, too: We didn't worry about the heat.

Because there wasn't any.

~~~

Merry Christmas, dear readers.

Have a hot one.

Bob Shryock may be reached at bshryock@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @TheSJTimes. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

On Dec. 16, Glassboro's American Legion Shaw-Paulin Post 241 made its annual holiday visit to the New Jersey Veteran's Memorial Home in Vineland. A check was presented to the Veteran's Home from this year's poppy donations. The Legion members were joined by fourth and fifth graders from Seaview Elementary School and by members of the 177th Air Force Wing of Pomona.

On Dec. 16, Glassboro's American Legion Shaw-Paulin Post 241 made its annual holiday visit to the New Jersey Veteran's Memorial Home in Vineland.

A check was presented to the Veteran's Home from this year's poppy donations.

The Legion members were joined by fourth and fifth graders from Seaview Elementary School and by members of the 177th Air Force Wing of Pomona.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP – The Rotary Club of Washington Townships presented a new utility tractor to the Washington Township High School Minuteman Marching Band on Dec. 21. Valued at more than $5,000, sponsors in addition to Rotary include Autotech Collision, RC Computers LLC, Postnet and Peach County Tractor. Rotarian Tom Drissel headed up the selection committee. The marching band is...

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - The Rotary Club of Washington Townships presented a new utility tractor to the Washington Township High School Minuteman Marching Band on Dec. 21.

Valued at more than $5,000, sponsors in addition to Rotary include Autotech Collision, RC Computers LLC, Postnet and Peach County Tractor.

Rotarian Tom Drissel headed up the selection committee.

The marching band is excited to use its new tractor when it travels to Memphis, Tennesee, next week to perform at the Liberty Bowl.

 

A 24-year-old man and his 21-year-old girlfriend will face trial in connection with an assault that left the woman's toddler bleeding internally.

WOODBURY -- A Gloucester County man and his girlfriend were indicted on Wednesday in connection with a life-threatening assault against the girlfriend's son, the county prosecutor's office has announced.

Giovanni Crucitti, 24, will face trial for allgedly assaulting a toddler in December of 2014 (Salem County Jail).
 

Giovanni Crucitti, 24, of Washington Township, will face trial on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly attacking his girlfriend's 2-year-old son in December of 2014.

On the day after Christmas last year, the boy was taken to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in critical condition. He was severely bruised and bleeding internally, investigators said, and his kidneys had begun to fail. He survived, however, and is now in the custody of relatives. The GCPO said the boy's health is still being monitored by doctors.

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

Crucitti was arrested on Dec. 27, 2014, at which point he was also charged with possession of child pornography in connection with a picture on his cell phone. A press release about his indictment did not provide details about whether the child porn charge was connected to the assault.

Alyssa Barilaro, 21, was indicted for child endangerment Dec. 23, 2015 (Salem County Jail). 

Alyssa Barilaro, 21, also of Washington Township, was arrested at her Williamstown job on Wednesday after the indictment. The prosecutor's office said that although Barilaro was not home when Crucitti allegedly attacked her son, she failed to seek medical treatment for some time afterward, and refused to cooperate with the investigation. She will go to trial for child endangerment, and was held in jail on $30,000 bail.

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

 

Between Tuesday and Wednesday four people reported being robbed in two incidents on the streets of Paulsboro.

PAULSBORO -- In just one night four people were robbed in two separate incidents in the borough this week, according to Paulsboro police.

A group of three individuals -- two men and a woman -- were held at gunpoint on Manor Avenue Tuesday night by two unidentified males. The three were walking from Broad Street and noticed they were being followed when they got to Swedesboro Avenue. They reported the two men, one of whom held a black handgun, approached them.

The suspects then went through their pockets and stole the woman's purse. Someone found the bag the next day on the street and returned it to police.

Just before 12:30 a.m. the same night, a woman walking down Delaware Street reported her purse was forcibly torn from her arm.

She identified the suspect as a younger black male wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to call the Paulsboro Police Department's detective unit at 856-423-6222.

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

 

A stolen tow truck, package thefts and the vandalism of Christmas decorations top Mantua Township's crime log.

MANTUA -- Police in the township are investigating several thefts and act of vandalism that occurred just before the holidays, ranging from a stolen truck to destroyed lawn decorations.

The crime log as of Dec. 22 included the following:

On Dec. 1, officers responded to the township Kmart for reports of shoplifting. There, they found two Salem County residents who had allegedly tried to make off with stolen merchandise. They were charged with conspiracy to commit shoplifting, shoplifting under $200 and possession of a hypodermic needle.

A tow truck was reported stolen from a Mantua Pike business on Dec. 2. Investigators say the 1999 Ford was last seen at about 10 p.m. and has an estimate value of $25,000.

A resident reported on Dec. 6 that a package had been stolen from their front steps. The item was valued at about $33. That evening, a Lestershire Drive resident that their Christmas decorations had been broken. Shortly before that call, police had received complaints of a tall, thin white man in the neighborhood attempting to steal decorations. The suspect fled in a dark green vehicle.

On Dec. 7, a Mantua Boulevard resident reported that their Christmas decorations had been vandalized, and an Essex Avenue resident complained that someone had stolen the contents of a delivered package.

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

A suspect described only as a black male attempted a smash-and-grab robbery at the Target store on Glassboro Road Dec. 11. The incident happened at about 10:23 p.m. He did not get away with any merchandise, however, and he and an accomplice fled the scene.

The next morning at 11 a.m., a white man shoplifted two televisions from the Mantua Kmart. An employee said she heard the store's alarm go off and saw the man get into a gray Nissan Maxima with New Jersey plates. The car was driven by a white woman and fled toward Berkley Road. That evening, at about 11:35 p.m., a Madison Road resident told police that several juveniles had destroyed an inflatable Santa Claus on their property. Police say the group punctured the $180 decoration and fled.

Just after 1 a.m. on Dec. 14, officers were called to Pine Street for a report of suspicious activity. There, they found two men in their 20s. The pair tried to flee when approached by police, but were caught after a short chase. Officers saw drug paraphernalia and a bag of marijuana in the men's vehicle, and both were charged with loitering to obtain a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest by flight. They were released on a summons.

At 10 a.m. on Dec. 17, police got a call about a disturbance at a Mantua Boulevard home. There, they found a 19-year-old Sewell man. The man had several outstanding warrants, and fled when police arrived. He was caught a short time after while trying to break into a shed, and was charged with burglary, resisting arrest by flight and criminal mischief. He was held at the Salem County Jail on $25,000 bail.

Just after 2 p.m., officers got word of a shoplifting at Kohl's. The store's loss prevention team saw two people placing clothes in shopping bags and attempting to sneak out with the items. A man and a woman were charged with shoplifting and related offenses, then released on a summons.

http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/index.ssf/2015/12/south_jersey_man_beat_girlfriends_2-year-old_cops.html

On Dec. 19, someone tried to break into a Glassboro Road business. Police found a broken window and pry marks on a trailer behind the main building, but do not believe the perpetrators ever made it inside.

At 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 20, a Grey Fox resident reported that his vehicle had been egged. The next morning, a trailer was vandalized on Bridgeton Pike.

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

  

 

Officials say that there is no doubt police body cameras will pose certain unforeseen obstacles in the future as more and more law enforcement agencies throughout the state and country adopt the technology.

Some municipalities still remain opposed to adopting police body cameras for its officers despite a continued effort by the state to assist in the cost of the devices.

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office announced a $2.5 million grant program earlier this month aimed at supplying 5,000 police body cameras to 176 law enforcement agencies throughout the state, including 10 in Gloucester County.

But Deptford Township officials say the money falls significantly short of what is actually needed to operate the systems.

"It's not sufficient," said Mayor Paul Medany, citing the added cost of storage and retrieval of the data used in recording the footage.

Deptford Township has been overtly resistant to adopting police body cameras, and earlier this year it challenged a state mandate that had required police departments to equip all newly purchased police vehicles with a form of mobile camera system.

That challenge -- focused mostly in the cost of the devices and the belief that the state had not provided an adequate funding source -- ultimately led to the halting of the mandate, which for now makes mobile camera systems optional for police departments while the matter remains in litigation.

But even with the state's newly rolled out grant, Medany said municipalities would still have to foot a portion of the bill.

"We would still have to pay out of pocket," he said.

Three municipalities in Cumberland County also applied for funding under the program, including the City of Bridgeton, which will receive $20,000 for 40 devices.

The average cost per device runs between $500 and $1000. But Bridgeton Police Chief Michael Gaimari said the $500 cameras are very cheap and are often defective. Therefore, he said, it is likely that his force will opt for slightly higher-end cameras at about $700 to $800 a peice.

"The funding only covers about 75 percent," Gaimari said, adding that the remaining 25 percent would have to be covered by his city.

But in addition to the cost of the devices, officials remain concerned with certain unforeseen issues they believe are likely to arise as more and more law enforcement agencies in the state and country adopt the technology.

Medany in past months has repeatedly said that he is not yet comfortable with the technology and believes issues -- particularly with regard to privacy -- still need to be worked out.

"This is a way unproven technology (and) not enough people are using it," Medany said. "What happens when a cop goes in that house with a camera rolling?"

The Attorney General's office reiterated its support for the program, saying in an email that the cameras "promote transparency and accountability" and "encourage public confidence in law enforcement and ... provide a video and audio record of what actually took place."

But Gaimari is also concerned with the technology acting like "big brother" on his officers as well as privacy issues on the general public, saying that the cameras will be recording in private spaces, like residential homes. He also wonders at what point officers would have to turn the devices on and off during the course of a shift -- whether they would need to have them on all the time, while driving in their vehicles, or just during an encounter with a member of the public. These types of issues he said still need to be worked out.

So while mobile camera systems remain optional for law enforcement agencies in the state, Medany said he plans to see how other police departments handle these unforeseen issues before adopting the technology in his own town.

"Right now, there's nobody knocking the door down for us to get body cameras, so I think (we) have at the luxury to wait and see how the other municipalities deal with all of the issues and then we'll take a look," Medany said.

But Gaimari said: "There's going to be problems (and) it's going to be an educational process."

Nevertheless, like any major initiative that brings about significant change within an agency, Gaimari said there's going to be stumbling blocks that require adjustment and adaptation. But overall, he believes the devices offer more benefits than drawbacks.

"It's an asset to us," Gaimari said, explaining that it helps the department be transparent as well as helping to substantiate officers' actions.

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

New Jersey ranks No. 1 in the country for spending on holiday gifts for their dogs

Bob ShryockTimes file photo 

It's comforting to know that New Jersey is first at something other than gas prices and shuttered casino hotels.

According to a report from Kyree Harmon, based upon information garnered from Milk-Bone and other doggie retail sources, New Jersey ranks No. 1 in the country for spending  on holiday gifts for their dogs.

That means there's going to be a lot of happy dog faces on Christmas Day today in the Garden State, where owners shell out an average of $30.01 per dog for sweaters and other ill-fitting garb. We're not cheapskates like the folks in Blue Grass Kentucky, who spend a paltry $8.63 for gifts for their dogs and bring up the rear among the 50 states.

The top five states in most spent on holiday dog gifts are, in order, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Georgia. The Delaware Valley does its share despite the state of Delaware's embarrassing 45th ranking at $14.14. What, and no state sales tax?

We're almost eight dollars ahead of  the national average of $23.10. But we're only 46 cents up on runnerup New York State so we've got to spend more on ugly sweaters for our dogs at Christmas 2016 to maintain the narrow advantage.

By the way, the report makes no mention who is expected to open our dogs' gift boxes.

To conduct the study, 3,000 Americans were polled on a variety of points relative to holiday gift-giving "including whether their dog is involved in stocking stuffing, Christmas sweater-wearing, and other holiday traditions."

Here, from the report, is a rundown on why dog-loving Americans are more generous in the gift-giving arena than other countries:

1. They want to express love for their dog.

2.  Because it's fun for them.

3.  To help their dog feel included like a family member.

4.  To give their dog a moment of happiness.

5.  To feel closer and bond with their dog.

Excuse me while I bawl.

Here's Milk-Bone's top five homemade doggy gifts:

1.  Treat Bouquet.

2.  Mistletreat.

3.   Sweet Treat Jar.

4.   Pawticularly Personal Ornament.

5.  Ho-ho-Howliday Treat Bag.

New Jersey's lead would be substantially wider based on what our two rather large dogs consume daily between the treats and regular cans.

There's another intriguing category, "Christmas Has Gone to the Dogs" by owners going overboard in preparation. Here's how:

1.   By hanging a Christmas stocking for their dog.

2.   By including their dog in a photo and inserting a  family holiday card.

3.   By posting photos of dog on social media with a holiday message.

4.   By dressing up their dog in a holiday-themed  outfit or costume.

5.   By making or buying dog-themed holiday decorations.

Frankly, I don't think a doggie sweater would fit either one. There are no XXXs for pooches, I think.

The dogs just wouldn't understand.

Merry Christmas, Blue. Ho ho ho, Romeo.

You're two lucky dogs to live in New Jersey.

Bob Shryock may be reached at bshryock@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @TheSJTimes. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

No one else was injured in the Christmas Eve accident.

CHERRY HILL -- Authorities say that the driver in a Christmas Eve car accident was having an "adverse reaction to drugs" when he lost control of his vehicle. Route 70 was reportedly shut down for more than an hour after the crash.

The Camden County Prosecutor's Office said on Friday that police responded to a single-car accident on Route 70, near Cuthbert Boulevard, at about 5:35 p.m. A car driven by an unidentified 44-year-old Marlton man had lost control and driven off the road, striking a utility pole. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigator with the CCPO said that an autopsy determined the man had died of an accidental drug overdose. Police did not offer any further details, but said no one else was injured in the crash.

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

  

 

Every Saturday, the South Jersey Times cheers those who make our area a better place in which to live and jeers those whose actions merit derision.

Every Saturday, the South Jersey Times cheers those who make our area a better place in which to live and jeers those whose actions merit derision.

CHEERS: To the staff, students, families and supporters of Woodbury Child Development Center. This place makes it possible for low-income families to work for better lives for their children and it's a place that needs our help. The center is trying to raise $50,000 to replace roofs at its Carpenter Street home. Heavy rains have led to interior damage and if the center hopes to continue serving the community it needs to raise money pronto. They have several fundraisers planned in the coming months but you can do your part today with a donation. Send a check or money order to the Woodbury Child Development Center, 36 Carpenter St., Woodbury, NJ 08096. Donations are tax-deductible. For more information, call the center at 856-845-2243.

JEERS: To the disturbing claims laid out against a New Jersey man accused of defrauding Medicare by convincing senior citizens that they needed genetic testing. Federal authorities allege that Seth Rehfuss, 41, of Somerset, and others staged gatherings at senior facilities, including Clayton Mews, and duped attendees into believing they needed DNA tests to confirm if they were likely to suffer side effects from medications. They used scare tactics to convince victims to fill out paperwork with personal details and to submit to DNA swabs, officials allege. In collaboration with two medical labs, Medicare was billed about a million dollars for these tests. It's one more sign that fraudsters will try anything, and once again it's the vulnerable senior population that is targeted. What are we doing to protect these citizens from such brazen tactics?

CHEERS: To caring for those who do not have a home this Christmas. For the homeless, their main concern this season isn't finding the perfect tree or glittery bows. Their concern is finding shelter from the elements and decent food to eat. And it might not be just for themselves, but their entire family. On Tuesday the leaders of the Code Blue effort in Bridgeton handed out coats and "care kits" to the homeless. When the bitter cold finally does set in, they will also provide shelter. Code Blue has really taken off in Cumberland County and an effort is afoot in Salem County to offer some of the same services. This all truly shows we have not forgotten the value of aiding others less fortunate than ourselves.

JEERS: To preying on the most vulnerable. Being too trusting of others lead to an elderly Pennsville woman to being robbed of some $900 in cash and jewelry earlier this month. This resident fell for the phony contractor scam. Two guys appeared at her door, convinced her work needed to be done outside her home and while the woman was distracted, one of the "team" slipped indoors and burglarized the home.  Police have one simple message: Be suspicious when strangers appear at your door and don't be afraid to call 9-1-1. That's a message that everyone also needs to reinforce with their parents and grandparents.

If you know of someone or something you would like to nominate for a cheer or a jeer, please send the information to sjletters@njadvancemedia.com

Will the spring-like weather continue? Or is normal December weather returning for Saturday night's game?

If you have a ticket to the Eagles game against the Washington Redskins Saturday night, there's some good news and some bad news about the weather forecast.

The good news is temperatures will be running about 10 degrees above average for late December. The bad news is it won't be as warm as it has been the past few days, and occasional rain is likely. 

KICKOFF WEATHER OUTLOOK

These Eagles fans were tailgating before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015. (Tim Hawk | For NJ.com) 

The AccuWeather forecast calls for cloudy skies throughout the game, with the temperature hovering around 50 degrees at kickoff time, set for 8:25 p.m.

A light breeze, about 7 mph, will make it feel like it's 47 to 48 degrees. There's a 58 percent chance of rain prior to the game (so tailgaters will need rain gear) and a 55 percent chance of rain later during the game.

WHAT TO WEAR

With occasional rain showers in the forecast, fans should bring a rain poncho to the game, along with a heavy sweatshirt and a light windbreaker. Water-resistant gloves would be a good accessory to pack.

PLUS: Complete Eagles coverage 

WEATHER FACTOIDS

The normal high temperature in Philadelphia on Dec. 26 is 42 degrees and the normal low is 28. The forecast for today is a high of 53 and a low of 50, so even the low will be far higher than the normal high.

The hottest temperature ever recorded in Philadelphia on Dec. 26 was 68 degrees, back in 1964, according to AccuWeather data. The coldest was 3 degrees, in 1983. 

Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LensReality. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

 

The Eagles cheerleaders performed during the game against the Washington Redskins.

PHILADELPHIA -- The 2015 Eagles Cheerleading squad performed for the final time this year at Lincoln Financial Field during a 38-24 Eagles loss to the Washington Redskins.

With the victory, the Redskins clinched the NFC East championship; with the loss, the Eagles will miss the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five years. 

MORE: Good, bad, ugly in Eagles loss

At the end of the third quarter, it was announced that Charnei was selected to represent the Eagles cheerleaders at the 2016 Pro Bowl on Sunday, Jan. 31. The game will be televised live on ESPN at 7:00 PM ET from Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Look for a photo gallery of this season's best cheerleader images later this week. 

Tim Hawk may be reached at thawk@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @photogthawk. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

Despite momentous sales, the shopping crowd at Deptford Mall on the day after Christmas was minimal.

The signs were everywhere -- "Buy one get one 50 percent off," "Save up to 60 percent," and "50 percent off everything while supplies last."

It was Dec. 26 and retailers were trying their best to move any products that hadn't sold prior to Christmas coming and going.

However, even with the momentous sales at nearly every store in Deptford Mall, the crowds were similar to a normal day at the shopping facility, if not smaller.

Betsy Collins of Elmer ventured out to the mall but not for any exchanges or to use gift cards she had received on Christmas Day.

"I got a retirement gift and some 'Thank you' cards," Collins said of her bounty. "And I came out to see what good sales there were."

She was also surprised by the lack of shoppers at the mall.

"It's not as crazy as I thought it would be," she said. "Especially for the day after Christmas and a weekend."

Sicklerville resident Linda Astorga agreed that the crowds were unimpressive.

"I exchanged a Michael Kors bag and wanted to see what good sales were going on," Astorga said.

Her sister Christa Giordano of Clementon carried one large back from Aeropostale and said she was just there to shop the generous sales.

"This is the best time to shop," Astorga said. "The day after, not before Christmas."

According to several posts on Facebook, many shoppers were taking advantage of the after Christmas sales from the comfort of their own homes.

"Online shopping is where it's at, " said Brittany Lehman of Pennsville. "So many good deals."

Emily Nicole, formerly of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, now living in Georgia, was hitting the good sales at Sephora.com.

Some shoppers did venture out, but to places other than the malls to use gift cards, make exchanges, or just make a day of it.

Vicki Frischkorn of Middletown, Delaware, traveled to Tanger Outlets in Rehobeth for one exchange and one after Christmas purchase.

"It wasn't crazy there either," she said. "I was very surprised. Easy in and out."

And Salem's Jenna Keen was headed to Headlight Tattoo Shop in Woodstown to use a gift card she received from her husband John Keen and best friend Stephen Scull.

"I'm getting 'Let it be' on my wrist, but I'm not getting it until Monday because the girl I wanted was booked," Keen said sadly, after she had visited the busy shop Saturday.

So, by the looks of it, shoppers were busy looking online and visiting the tattoo parlors on the day after Christmas this year.

Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellyroncace. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

Legal sniping between the Cooper and Virtua systems now threatens the stability of one city's vital EMS services.

Courtroom battles between South Jersey's two dominant Camden County-based heath care organizations, initially revealed as a relatively innocuous set of counterclaims about "Top Docs" advertising puffery, now pose a threat to regional emergency medical services.

Last week, Superior Court Judge Douglas Hurd set aside a controversial state law that, in essence, transferred Virtua's long-standing EMS coverage in Camden City to Cooper University Hospital.

The judge ruled in favor of a challenge to the law by Virtua Health Systems and Capital Health System. Fast-tracked by the Legislature in June, the so-called Chapter 70 law was quickly signed with little fanfare by Gov. Chris Christie.

Hurd agreed that the law was unconstitutional "special legislation" to benefit Cooper, as well as Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, which could dislodge Capital as the provider in parts of central New Jersey.

Virtua officials hailed the ruling -- although it's sure to be appealed. Also rejoicing were critics of South Jersey Democrat political power broker George Norcross III, who heads Cooper's board. Some were especially rankled by Republican Christie's embrace of the legislation, viewing it as evidence of secret deals involving the governor, Norcross, and Norcross' buddy, state Senate President Stephen Sweeney.

Indeed, the law smells of sneaky dealings. It assigns Camden EMS services to the regional Level 1 trauma center operator, which undeniably is Cooper. But life-support units from many organizations turn up at Cooper's well-regarded trauma center. Why would Virtua suddenly be unworthy of delivering patients there?

It was only after the law had passed the Legislature among last-minute criticism that Camden County officials produced a report critical of Virtua's paramedic response times throughout the county. Virtua challenged the report as flawed, but Hurd's decision is based mainly on his finding that the law is unconstitutional. 

What nobody is taking seriously enough is the immediate effect on residents. The new law, with Cooper as Camden's EMS vendor, was slated to take effect Jan. 2. Cooper, with a new $2.5 million from the state, was bulking up its paramedic services. Virtua, presumably, hasn't let go of equipment and personnel that has served Camden for the past 30-plus years. A spate of back-and-forth appeals could leave one program or both dangerously short-handed.

For 2016, to avoid chaos, Virtua's Camden service should remain in place. The case is headed to the court's appellate division. Obviously, one side or the other won't like what the appellate judges say. If neither side budges, the case will end up before the state Supreme Court.

In addition to their 2009 ad-claims war, Cooper and Virtua clashed previously over the latter's plans to expand cardiac services. Market-share skirmishes are bound to occur as hospital systems invade each other's "turf" with specialty clinics. Nonetheless, South Jersey would be better served if two of its top health providers could stop feuding like Hatfields and McCoys long enough to think about patient and community needs.  

Judges who hear the EMS case from this point on are obliged to consider medical service delivery above all else. They should ignore which side has the most political pull, or the loudest lawyers and public relations team.

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

It is disturbing that an official in such an esteemed position as Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice J. Michael Eakin would openly engage in such communication.

According to his many friends and associates, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice J. Michael Eakin is the kind of guy who would be a great next-door neighbor. Many say he is very sociable with an engaging, gregarious personality. 

Reportedly, Easkin attempts to arrange his professional calendar around getting together with friends for fishing trips, which has allowed him to travel throughout the Americas. This is the justice, who, at his swearing-in ceremony in 2002, stepped up to the podium, pulled out his harmonica and hit the audience with a Bob Dylan tune before beginning his remarks. 

A personality such as his is often easy for others to gravitate toward. Unfortunately, Eakin is caught up in what some are calling "Porngate" of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and he was recently suspended from the bench.

In an effort to make a long story short, while investigating the Jerry Sandusky/Penn State scandal, it was uncovered that several of the commonwealth's top attorneys and judges were sending each other pornographic, racist, sexist and homophobic emails which they considered "humorous."

After review following their public release, I do not believe the emails attributed to Justice Eakin are pornographic. One expects pornographic photos and illustrations to depict sexually explicit or erotic behavior. The material Eakin reportedly emailed include crude, over-the-top parodies, better described as overtly insulting, racial and sexist. 

One email was a photo of a naked, overweight woman on her hands and knees, with a mask of a pig's snout and ears, with an inappropriate sexist comment. Another email described a a guy who tased a woman before sex in a park, and a domestic violence victim who is urged by her physician to keep her mouth shut.

It is disturbing that an official in such an esteemed position as Eakin would openly engage in such communication. It is true that many of the emails were sent from Eakins's personal home computer, prompting him to claim they were confidential and should not have been made public. The problem is that he sent the emails to colleagues at work. Once they hit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's servers, they became part of the public domain. 

It is vital to the integrity of any judicial system that those interpreting and applying the law are viewed as fair and impartial by those seeking justice. Overall public perception is also vitally important, since, once confidence is lost, it is a slippery slope toward system failure. 

The justice's emails targeted black and Latino women, Muslims and victims of domestic violence, their humanity stripped in photo and dialogue. There is the fictitious letter to Dear Abbey asking, "I'm an eighteen year old girl from Arkansas and I'm still a virgin. Do you think my brothers are gay?" Another email has a female teacher describing an abstract noun as something you can think of, but not touch. When she asks the class for an example, a little boy answers with a coarse reference to her breasts. 

Much more of what the justice viewed as "jokes" cannot be printed here. How could a highly educated man, trained in the law, knowingly participate in such obvious wrongdoing?

Currently, Eakin is fighting for his career and could face dismissal from the court. Perhaps there are other ways for him to learn an important lesson, express remorse and make amends. But I find it interesting that not one of his self-described "jokes" targeted the demographic to which the 67-year-old belongs -- older white males. Also, the Yahoo account from which the emails were sent utilized the pseudonym "John Smith," which indicates that he did not want his real name attached to them.

That says a lot all by itself.

Milton W. Hinton Jr. is director of equal opportunity for the Gloucester County government. He is past president of the Gloucester County Branch NAACP. His column states his personal views, not those of any organization or agency. Email: mwhjr678@gmail.com.

I've shared many Gewertz stories with readers over many years, but one anecdote rises above the rest.

Bob ShryockTimes file photo 

A friend called the other day and wanted to chat about some old columns I'd written including several focused on the most unforgettable character I've known since relocating in Gloucester County 52 years ago.

That would be the irrepressible Kenny Gewertz, former Deptford mayor, and former New Jersey assemblyman, about whom I've written many volumes. Someone once told me "You can't make that stuff up," referring to my Gewertz ramblings, and he was absolutely right.

I've shared many Gewertz stories with readers over many years, but one anecdote rises above the rest because it involves me and there is no need for embellishment. It's just vintage Gewertz.

We were on friendly terms as I assumed chief editorial duties at the old Woodbury Daily Times in the late '60s and early '70s. I found Ken to be highly likeable, but the truth is he drove me nuts with phone calls ripping the product an average of two times a day.

In the early spring of 1972, I asked publisher Jack WIlson for a week off to go on a golf trip to Puerto Rico. Ah, a full week away from KG.

"No problem, Bob," Wilson said. "When you get back, I'll introduce you to your new publisher. We've sold the paper to a Texas-based company, Harte-Hanks. The takeover starts Monday."

I was stunned, speechless. I thought the easy-going Wilson was going to be my boss forever.

"Maybe I should stay home to protect my turf, Jack," I told Wilson.

"No, go on your trip, Bob," Wilson said. "I know Kenny is getting to you. Deal with Gewertz and the ownership change when you get back."

So off we went - through an East Coast snowstorm that turned a 5-hour flight into a 24-hour adventure and a raft of airports.

We stayed at El Conquistador, a resort located on the ocean approximately 60 miles from San Juan. Great golf course, casino, spectacular food.

On Saturday afternoon, I took a tram ride from the side of the mountain, where our room was located, to the top.

I was feeling pretty good. But as the tram car neared the top, I noticed a face that appeared all too familiar.

"It looks just like Ken Gewertz," I mumbled to no one  in particular. "But it can't be. Can it?"

It was KG all right..

"Ken, what in the devil are you doing here?" I think the language was a tad bit more colorful.

"I'm in San Juan on business, heard you were staying here, and thought I'd take a  cab out to say hello."

Hello. HELLO?

"Well, since you're here, let's go have a drink."

"Sorry. Bob. Can't. Gotta run. I have a meeting in San Juan in a few hours."

And off he went to complete a 120-mile trip just to say hello.

That's vintage Gewertz, a true character I genuinely miss.

Bob Shryock may be reached at bshryock@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @TheSJTimes. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

Chaos broke out at the Deptford Center Mall Saturday night after a "large disturbance" involving more than 500 people erupted near the food court.

File Photo 

DEPTFORD TWP. -- Chaos broke out at the Deptford Center Mall Saturday night after a "large disturbance" involving more than 500 people erupted near the food court.

Multiple law enforcement agencies from both Gloucester and Camden counties were called to the mall, located on Deptford Center Road.

Videos posted on social media show droves of people dispersing near the Sears store on the second level. 

One juvenile was arrested in the incident, police said.

Officials at this time are not describing the incident as a "fight," but rather a "large disturbance" as there have been no reports of any assaults or injuries.

However, several people on social media characterized the incident as "a fight."

Police only had limited information but said that there was no evidence of any gunshots and that no weapons had been recovered.

However, authorities said the matter remains under investigation and additional charges "may be pending," said Lt. Kevin Pancoast, of the Deptford Police Department.

The staff at the Deptford Center Mall said they were not authorized to comment on the incident. Employees at the Sears store in the mall also decline comment.

2000 people flash mob at the deptford mall, sweet

-- Steve (@SteveByers7) December 27, 2015

What happened at the Deptford Mall? [?] [?]

-- Taylor (@Tmerinuk123) December 27, 2015

@sexSIE_ what's going on in Sears lol

-- Big Daddy Doodle (@marcellisonn) December 27, 2015

@sexSIE_ it was a fight

-- Donnell (@nell_so_dope) December 27, 2015

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

Police say the large group of 500 people that caused the uproar at the Deptford Mall Saturday night are believed to be juveniles. Watch video

DEPTFORD TWP. -- The large disruption at the Deptford Mall Saturday night involving a group of 500 people was possibly a flash mob organized on social media.

Though not confirmed by law enforcement officials, numerous people on Saturday posted to social media sites, including Twitter, discussing plans to go to either Cherry Hill or Deptford malls.

Everyone direct yourselves to the Outlets, Cherry Hill Mall, & KOP today, please and thank you. Safe Driving[?] .

-- Robyn Banks. (@lyssajoanne12) December 26, 2015

Cherry hill mall or deptford mall today [?]

-- 100 % Ginuwine (@DS7_Era) December 26, 2015

Police believe the large group was made up of mostly juveniles.

Another flash mob took place at a mall in Louisville, Kentucky, involving more than 1,000 teens who were reportedly "loitering, refusing to leave businesses" as well as fighting, according to a report by ABC on Sunday.

Authorities arrived at the mall on Deptford Center Road at about 8:30 p.m. and "encountered a large crowd believed to be juveniles" that had "created a disturbance in the area of the food court," according to a statement from the Deptford Township Police Department Sunday evening.

As officers ejected large groups of people from the mall, "sporadic fights erupted in the parking lot," the statement said.

Officers broke up all those involved in the uproar and remained at the scene for about an hour "to prevent any additional disruptions."

Videos posted on social media show droves of people -- some voicing confusion -- dispersing near the Sears store on the second level. 

One juvenile was arrested in the incident but was later released to a guardian, police said.

Officials said no injuries were reported. They also said there was no evidence of any gunshots and that no weapons had been recovered.

Authorities said the matter remains under investigation and additional charges "may be pending," said Lt. Kevin Pancoast, of the Deptford Police Department.

The staff at the Deptford Center Mall said they were not authorized to comment on the incident. Employees at the Sears store in the mall also declined comment.

I swear the whole Instagram bout to be at cherry hill or deptford

-- Linda Rose (@lindaaroseexo) December 26, 2015

2000 people flash mob at the deptford mall, sweet

-- Steve (@SteveByers7) December 27, 2015

wish I knew what was going on lmao pic.twitter.com/koZVzqqy5r

-- mack lee (@kenzinaughtonn) December 27, 2015

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

According to a Harvard study, U.S. residents file more lawsuits and have more lawyers than any other country.

Victoria Dalton
 

Growing up in a family of six, often my parents would receive an overly zealous "Santa" gift list, to which they would then carefully respond, "Santa can't bring everything."  Surprisingly, on Christmas morning, as children, we were seldom disappointed as mom and dad always told Santa what we wanted most.    

Whether we realize it or not, negotiation and compromise are an integral part of life.  We are constantly reaching agreements with family, friends, business associates and adversaries. 

We live in a litigious society.  According to a Harvard study, U.S. residents file more lawsuits and have more lawyers than any other country.   Our legal system relies upon negotiations to resolve a significant number of both civil and criminal cases.

Civil Mediation

In New Jersey, parties to a civil lawsuit can refer their case to mediation.  Mediation is a dispute resolution process in which an impartial third party facilitates negotiations between the parties.  The goal of the mediator is to help the parties reach a mutually acceptable settlement.  Mediators, after an initial free one-hour session are paid their usual hourly rate that is split by the parties.

Under N.J. Court Rule 1:40-12, mediators must meet educational, training and mentoring requirements established by the court system.  A list of mediators can be found on the Judiciary's website at njcourts.com.  Parties or their lawyers must agree on the mediator within 14 days of referral, otherwise the court will appoint the mediator.

At the mediation session, each side will make brief presentations about the issues of the dispute.  The mediator will assist the parties to explore areas of possible compromise and attempt to develop a solution that meets everyone's interests.

Advantages of Mediation

Mediation has advantages over the traditional litigation process.  Importantly, it is cost efficient saving both time and money.  The outcome can be tailored to meet the unique needs of the parties.  Also, resolutions reached through mediation are confidential, allowing parties to keep sensitive information private.

Resolution and compromise does not just occur in civil matters.  Criminal cases also involve discussions between the prosecutor and the defense attorney in an effort to resolve a case before trial.

Plea Bargain in Criminal Court

Criminal cases involve fairly high stakes where a person's liberty hangs in the balance.  Negotiation between a prosecutor and defense attorney are called plea-bargaining.  If they are able to resolve the charge, it is called a plea agreement.

In a typical plea agreement, the prosecutor may recommend a reduced sentence of incarceration or probation in exchange for the defendant pleading guilty.  A defendant must certify that they are entering into the plea agreement freely and voluntarily since they are giving up their constitutional right to a jury trial and question the witnesses against them.

Most criminal cases are resolved prior to trial with plea bargains making up a substantial part of those resolved cases.

Santa has now made his rounds and after careful negotiation, in most cases, has met the expectations of children throughout the world. It is time to relax and rest!

Till next time, God bless, keep smiling, when Your Legal Corner, will discuss the legal importance of retaining an accountant.

Victoria M. Dalton is an attorney with the law offices of Hoffman DiMuzio. Send questions, or comments to Victoria atvdalton@hoffmandimuzio.com. Or call 856-845-8243.  Please note that Your Legal Corner was created to provide educational articles about the law and is not legal advice. 

 

Have we become numb to the images of crime scene tape, grieving families, and stunned bystanders? Watch video

Albert B. Kelly 

By Albert B. Kelly

There's not been a day that's gone by in 2015 without a story or headline about a mass shooting, at least it seems that way. This year can be remembered for a lot of things and no doubt as we put the finishing touches on December, there will be "retrospectives" with images from the previous 12 months.

Unfortunately, in America in 2015, they say we basically average one mass shooting a day. If you take a little time to check out the website "Mass Shooting Tracker" it seems to confirm it.

As of this writing at least, assuming I understood the website, a total of 353 mass shootings have taken place with 457 dead and 1,312 wounded. These mass shootings have happened in just about every state in the union.

Here in New Jersey so far in 2015, we've had 11 mass shootings leaving 10 dead and 35 wounded -- covering multiple communities including Newark, Patterson, Trenton, Camden, Jersey City, East Orange, and Long Branch

If these N.J. numbers come as a surprise, that might be because we only see news coverage for the really juicy storylines --  those involving larger numbers of victims, possible terrorist motivations, or racial and ethnic overtones. Lacking these, the stories remain largely local.

In the wake of these shootings, there's talk of tightening gun laws, implementing an assault weapons ban, dealing with gun show loop holes, or doing universal background checks. But then we're quickly reminded by someone that any new laws would not have prevented...

Maybe a specific law wouldn't have prevented whichever mass shooting happened to be splashed all over the news in a given week, but what about the shootings we don't hear about?

Much credit needs to go to Brock Weller of shootingtracker.com and Mark Bryant (Gun Violence Archive) for putting forth the effort to track down this data and make it available to the public. 

Maybe the next step is to sift through the details on this year's mass shootings and determine what, if anything might have prevented or mitigated any one or more of the 350 plus mass shootings that took place in 2015. 

With society's newfound love of the algorithm, maybe someone somewhere with the right kind of technical chops can write the thing in such a way so as to connect the dots between the shootings and the proposed laws and help get us beyond partisan rhetoric.

If we're honest about it, most of us had no idea that we, as a society, are averaging about one mass shooting per day. Most of us had no clue as to how many have been killed or wounded, much less why. But are we really that powerless to change things?

Have we become numb to the images of crime scene tape, grieving families, and stunned bystanders? I find myself getting cynical reading the obligatory tweets with "thoughts and prayers" from the folks who actually have the power to do something -- Congress. Let's at least try something different in 2016.

If it takes a sunset clause in new laws, let's try. An expiration date means it has a beginning and an end, but at least we'll have a chance to see if something helps.

If the focus needs to be a package of things like background checks, mental health screenings (where appropriate), minimum liability coverage, tighter age requirements, storage requirements, so be it.

In 2016, when it comes to legislation, let's not let the perfect be the enemy of the good in dealing with gun violence. A law's value can't be that it has to prevent most mass shootings. Preventing one or two would do just fine, as any of the heartbroken families might tell us.

I could be wrong, but I hope we're reaching critical mass as we close out 2015 -- a tipping point, just as we did with other things like food and drug safety, seat belt laws, and smoking. Just as we're doing with texting and driving and perhaps climate change.

None of the laws regulating these areas is perfect. Lawmakers often revisit legislation to amend or revise statutes based on experience and the lessons we've learned. So it should be with gun violence.

The year 2015 can be remembered in a lot of different ways, let's hope it's not remembered as the year we did nothing in response to mass shootings except fight among ourselves and tweet out thoughts and prayers for the victims.

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

Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at letters@southjerseymedia.com