Can you get a perfect score this week?

How well did you pay attention to this week's New Jersey news? Find out in the news quiz below. All seven questions are based on this week's top local news stories. Take the quiz and then share your score in comments to see how you stack up with other NJ.com users. And as always, no Googling, please.

If you didn't do well this week, there's always next Thursday's news quiz.

Rowan University's purchase of a $925,000 house for its president is fodder for criticism, but not all of the griping is valid.

Its $925,000 purchase price makes one thing clear: No one can say that Rowan University has provided a "million-dollar home" for its president.

One wonders if there were intense negotiations by the Rowan University Foundation to keep the price of the Harrison Township luxury home below seven figures, just to keep those "million-dollar" jabs at bay. 

As social media and nj.com users weigh in -- overwhelmingly negatively -- on the newly announced purchase, keep some things in perspective:

First, the home was purchased with donated dollars, not from Rowan's budget or tuition revenue. It's inaccurate to say that "taxpayers' money" bought the house, though it is not completely clear how upkeep and modifications will be funded.

Second, it's silly to pretend that a sizable university -- even a state university -- is not going to provide a nice home for its president, free of charge to him or her. Call it a "perk;" it's all part of the compensation package these days.

Third, it's unreasonable to expect a university-provided home to be a limited-use "legacy house" (read "historic Hollybush") on campus. Nor is there reason to doubt Rowan spokesman Joe Cardona's statement that the tract home in a Glassboro over-55 community where President Ali Houshmand now lives is "not meeting the needs of the president." 

Fourth, the Harrison Township home won't answer to "mansion" as readily as the former Woodbury presidential home on which Rowan took a financial bath. The Harrsion property has one fewer bedroom (four, not five) and, at 5,700 square feet, measures 800 square feet smaller than the Woodbury one. In 2013, Rowan sold the Woodbury house to the Diocese of Camden for $500,000 -- even though Rowan had purchased the house for $685,000, and $1.5 million in renovations were made.

Despite these facts, the Rowan administration and board should expect some criticism over the new residence. Though not directly purchased out of the school's budget, the foundation's $925,000 might have paid for other items that taxpayers now must fund. It's also fair to note that the new residence is not on campus, and not even in Glassboro, the university's hometown. Some commenters have complained that Rowan's dorm rooms are tiny, which is an irrelevant comparison.

Others are still miffed that Houshmand's salary was raised $175,000, from $375,000 to $550,000, when the ink was barely dry on the state legislation elevating Rowan to "research university" status in 2013. But neither that nor the Harrison purchase has a whole lot to do with the price of a Rowan education.

Nonetheless, a half-million-dollar college president being provided with a nearly-million-dollar house makes it difficult to project the message that the university is trying to keep costs down for its students.

The view from the 1.43-acre lot on Bailey Road is nice. The optics of the purchase are not quite as pretty.

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

The city of Woodbury could see a temporary hike in revenue, while a Salem County town may be better equipped to handle lost tax money.

Some officials have called a plan to make nonprofit hospitals pay fees in lieu of taxes a cop out, designed to keep hospitals from having to pay their fair share. Others have called it an unfair burden on institutions that boost the local economy. But in several South Jersey communities that could see a new source of revenue, it's still not clear just what will happen if a bill on the governor's desk requiring nonprofit hospitals to make payments to their host communities is signed into law.

The Hospital Community Service Contribution bill cleared both houses of the state legislature this week. The proposal, which would require nonprofit hospitals to pay $2.50 per bed per day to the towns where they are located, would also make institutions kick in $250 a day for any satellite facilities they may operate.

The bill's origins lie in a court ruling last year that found Morristown Medical Center was subject to property taxes, in spite of being a nonprofit organization on paper. It has received support from two of South Jersey's most prominent care providers, Kennedy Health and Inspira Health System.

"I think we join other hospitals around the state, and the New Jersey Hospital Association, in letting Gov. Christie know that we support this bill," said Greg Potter, spokesman for Inspira. "This is an extension of our commitment to the communities we serve." 

In Washington Township, home of Kennedy University Hospital, the possibility of added revenue has been viewed as little more than an added perk. If the bill passes, the town will receive about $210,000 in payments from Kennedy in the first year. Payments under the new law would increase by 2 percent each year.

"Kennedy Health has been a significant contributor to the South Jersey community for many years," said Kennedy Health President and CEO Joseph Devine. "As such, we remain committed to the strength and vitality of the municipalities where our hospitals are based. Kennedy was very supportive of this legislation, as we believe it provides for both hospitals and their municipalities to forge stronger relationships, while providing a reasonable approach to help support the public services we receive."

Washington Township Business Administrator Bob Smith, however, said the town had long thought of Kennedy first and foremost as an economic driver, not a source of revenue. 

"I think it's a fair bill -- $2.50 per bed per day is a lot better than zero," said Smith. "I did the math, and I think that's a fair amount to compensate Washington Township for the services we provide to the hospital, which are mostly in the form of police."

In other towns, however, it's a bit more complicated.

In Mannington Township, The Memorial Hospital of Salem County is losing its longtime status as a taxpaying entity, thanks to its pending sale to the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a California nonprofit. That sale initially meant that $860,000 in tax revenue would disappear altogether.

If the new contributions bill becomes law, Mannington would receive roughly $100,000 from the hospital in the first year of payments. That's enough to cover the municipal share of the lost revenue.

"Next year, a bill like this would provide us with the majority of what we would lose in tax revenue from the hospital changing status," said Mayor John Emel. "It's something that would be beneficial for us."

Emel pointed out, however, that the measure would not help the county or school district, which will still have to make up for lost funding. Mannington's schools received more than $430,000 a year from the hospital's old tax bill, while Salem County got a $320,000 cut.

Emel said he supports the legislation because it helps the local budget -- in short, as Smith said, it's better than nothing.

In Woodbury, where Inspira has announced its plans to move to Mullica Hill, the news is bittersweet. The move could mean that Woodbury collects payments from Inspira for a time, only to have that revenue cut when the main hospital leaves. Inspira has said the organization will leave some of its services in the city, so the per-bed payment might be replaced with the $250 per day rate reserved for satellite facilities.

"We've been following this legislation since its initial phases, and we're appreciative of the legislators who supported the bill. It's something that, as a city, we'd been pushing for a long time," said Mike Theokas, city administrator.

But with Rowan University trustees planning another vote on the sale of land to Inspira for a new hospital, Woodbury may have gotten its wish just in time to see the hospital depart.

"Exactly what it means from a dollars and cents standpoint, we're still evaluating. We're going to continue to work with the legislators, and count on their advocacy in whatever relationship with the hospital we may have," said Theokas.

"There is uncertainty, but we support the legislation, and given the current state of affairs, we're just taking it step by step. We're not making any assumptions one way or the other."

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

 

It could amount to a savings of more than $9,000.

Agree to attend Rowan College at Gloucester County for two years while interning for the county in a department that aligns for your major and you'll receive your education for free.

The plan presented recently by the Gloucester County freeholder board addresses needs of college students and the county itself.

Rowan College at Gloucester County President Fred Keating introduces the Roadrunner, the college's mascot, during an event at the school. (Tim Hawk/File photo)
 

The Gloucester County Public Service Scholarship is open to 20 students this fall and will cover tuition and fees to attend RCGC.

That amounts to a savings of more than $9,000.

"This scholarship is better than any scholarship we have," said RCGC President Fred Keating.

In addition to taking their courses, students will intern in fields including economic-finance, engineering, marketing, nursing, parks and recreation, social services and technology.

As examples of what these students might do, interns working in the economic development department could help develop marketing plans, county Administrator Chad Bruner explained, while those pursuing a health-focused education could assist doctors running flu clinics through the county health department.

"There are a lot of opportunities," he said.

Students will work in their internships five hours a week during the fall and spring semesters and 20 hours a week during the summer. They must take a minimum of 30 credits each academic year and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and fulfill their internship hours in order to see the scholarship renewed for the second year.

"This isn't a free ride," Keating noted. "They're going to put their time in at the county."

If successful, these students will graduate with an associate's degree, work experience and no college debt.

This scholarship gives students a head-start when it comes to covering the cost of future higher education, Keating said.

Many students today are crushed by college loan debt and often graduate with no job prospects. Also, it's the high price of higher education that prevents many from pursuing a degree in the first place.

"A lot of students are getting trapped and affordability is going to prohibit them from going to college. We pay an important role in the affordability issue," Keating said. "This program will be another piece of the puzzle."

In addition to giving a student the chance for an affordable education, the county could also see long-term benefits.

As interns gain experience interning with the county, they can take on more responsibilities when departments are especially busy. Department managers will also have a chance to see if these students could make future employees, Bruner added.

Turnover is a reality in any workplace, so having skilled job applicants with a knowledge of county operations is a plus.

"It could be very beneficial for the county and for the prospective student," Bruner said. "I think this could develop into something really special in Gloucester County."

Bruner said the county hopes the public service scholarship will one day expand to include Rowan University.

Just last week, Rowan President Ali Houshmand raised a similar internship concept in which a student could attain a four-year degree for $25,000. In this program, students would pursue a degree while working for a business in their career path. The business would then compensate the university for the student's services, helping to cover some of the costs of the student's education.

Local ideas targeting affordability in education have come in rapid succession in recent months.

In November, the university announced a program that would allow students to attain a degree in three years instead of four by taking classes year-round, saving a year's tuition in the process.

This week, Houshmand and his colleagues at RCGC and Rowan College at Burlington County unveiled plans for a 3-plus-1 bachelor-degree program. In this plan, students could attend the county colleges for three years, taking university level courses while paying county college tuition and fees. They would move to the university for their senior year, paying university tuition and fees.

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

 

GLASSBORO — Glassboro Intermediate School counselor Dave Davenport prides himself in preparing students for high school and beyond. This year, Davenport orchestrated a comprehensive career day to enable students to explore their interests. More than 25 careers were presented by 32 guests at the workshop. Students rotated among the presentations, with each student learning about two of their favorite...

GLASSBORO -- Glassboro Intermediate School counselor Dave Davenport prides himself in preparing students for high school and beyond. This year, Davenport orchestrated a comprehensive career day to enable students to explore their interests.

More than 25 careers were presented by 32 guests at the workshop. Students rotated among the presentations, with each student learning about two of their favorite careers.

Davenport carefully selected a variety of careers, incorporating both private and public sector employment, careers requiring a college education, and careers that required other preparation.

Careers and presenters included: Armed services -- Michael McGill, athletic trainer -- Danielle Williams, auto sales and repair -- Bill Errig, chef -- Simon Allinson, computer programming -- Tim Batten, cosmetology -- Cynthia Cosentino and Jasmin Rahman, crime scene investigation -- Nick Danze and Marie Myers, dance instruction -- Kathy Woodside, EMT and firefighting -- Chris Esgro and Andrew Halter, engineering -- John Iovacchino, fashion design and sales -- Theresa LaMonaca and Deborah Kersey, law -- Brian Berkley, physician -- medical spokesperson Kate Johnston, music production -- Octavius Crowley and Vincent Runfulo, nursing -- Donna Hamlet and Danielle Leshik, physical fitness training -- Jodi Feriod and Jim Mallardi, photography -- Rashad Pleasant, police -- Michael Bozarth, professional athletics -- Joseph Crispin, psychology -- David Davenport Sr., radio communication -- Matt Leon, teaching and school administration -- Matt Schwarz and Dr. Mark Silverstein, television and film production -- Ryan Henderson, and veterinary care -- Dr. Ruth Ann Wilson.

By planning early, students can ensure that they pursue a high school schedule that will set them on the path to their desired career.

Clearview Regional schools are closed today following a boiler blowout at the middle school Thursday night, school officials said.

HARRISON TWP. -- Clearview Regional schools are closed today following a boiler blowout at the middle school Thursday night, school officials said.

"We're just assessing the situation right now," Superintendent John Horchak said early Friday.

These exhaust fans on the roof at Clearview Regional Middle School were blown off their mountings and flipped over by the force of the blowout. (Submitted photo)
 

Gas company representives, insurance adjusters and contractors are at the school trying to determine what happened and how to get the school back in operation.

A pressure buildup between the outside gas line and an internal regulator in the boilers caused an audible boom heard throughout the building around 8 p.m., officials said.

"That created enough pressure to literally create an explosion, albeit a limited one, in the interior of the building," Horchak said.

Cheerleaders and basketball players were in the building at the time, in the nearby gym and all-purpose room, and were evacuated. No injuries were reported, Horchak said.

Horchak and other staff members were at the high school next door hosting a parent night event when the incident occurred. They didn't hear the blowout but were notified by responding police.

The blowout caused the metal housing around five refrigerator-sized boiler units to bow outward. Also, the force of the blowout ripped two exhaust fans located on the roof from their electrical connections and flipped the units over.

Students and teachers were excused from school today, but office staff and maintenance personal are on hand as officials continue to investigate what happened and figure out what to do next.

Schools are already closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, but it's not clear yet it classes will resume on Tuesday. Horchak said a temporary plan will be needed to heat the building until boilers can be repaired or replaced.

These boiler units were installed in 2004 as part of a bond referendum.

The district hopes to have a temporary boiler installed over the weekend on the exterior of the building, Horchak said Friday afternoon. That process will require several inspections and testing before school can resume. 

"Hopefully this time tomorrow, we'll have a better idea and a full game plan in place," he said.

While the high school was not affected, both schools were closed in order to keep them on the same schedule, Horchak explained, and to avoid bus transportation issues. Also, some staff members move between both buildings.

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

WASHINGTON TWP. – Thirty-one Kennedy Health associates from the Washington Township campus – including many from the Medical Imaging Department (both outpatient and inpatient)  – won $50,000 in the recent record $1.6 billion PowerBall drawing! Each of the associates contributed $10 to a pool.  Their winning ticket was purchased at the Acme supermarket on Egg Harbor Road in Washington Township.

WASHINGTON TWP. - Thirty-one Kennedy Health associates from the Washington Township campus - including many from the Medical Imaging Department (both outpatient and inpatient)  - won $50,000 in the recent record $1.6 billion PowerBall drawing!

Each of the associates contributed $10 to a pool.  Their winning ticket was purchased at the Acme supermarket on Egg Harbor Road in Washington Township.

The explosive risk posed by hoverboards has prompted another New Jersey college to take action. Watch video

GLASSBORO -- In light of numerous explosions and fires, colleges throughout the country, one after the other, are taking precautionary measures by banning hoverboards, and Rowan University has become the latest to take such action.

The self-balancing scooters that were a popular item during Christmastime have been exploding, catching fire and causing homes to burn to the ground. Some experts, according to Wired, believe the problem is due to low-quality lithium ion batteries installed in some of the devices.

In a campuswide email, the Rowan University said, "In the interest of safety on campus, the university is prohibiting the possession and use of hoverboards on campus, including in all campus housing facilities."

Owners of the scooters have been advised "not to bring them to campus" and that any "found in campus housing facilities will be ... a violation of the prohibited items policy, and may result in confiscation as well as disciplinary action."

Last week, Temple University banned the devices in all of its residence halls and academic buildings.

About a week before that, Kean University also banned the scooters and vowed to confiscate any found on its campuses, according to a report by NJ Advance Media.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating the incidents caused by hoverboards. More information on the federal agency's investigation can be found at www.cpsc.gov.

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

A motorist was charged with multiple offenses after police say he ran from officers trying to stop him for speeding.

LOGAN TWP. -- A Pennsylvania man was charged with multiple offenses after police say he ran from officers trying to stop him for speeding.

 

A Logan Township officer attempted to stop Chamorick Biles, 39, of Collingdale, on Jan. 6 as he drove along High Hill Road, authorities said.

Biles allegedly refused to stop and tried to elude the officer. He eventually stopped the vehicle and fled on foot.

Efforts to track him using a police K-9 were unsuccessful.

Investigators later identified Biles as the motorist, police said.

Biles turned himself in at police headquarters this week, where he was charged with eluding, obstruction of the administration of law, speeding, unlicensed driver, possession of an open alcohol container in a motor vehicle and several other motor vehicle violations, according to Lt. Joseph Flatley.

He was processed and released pending a court appearance.

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

GLASSBORO — Glassboro High School announces the names of students on the Principal's List and Honor Roll for the first honor roll for the school year 2015-16. Principal's List: 9th grade - Kathryn Appleby Wineberg, Olivia Beltran, Sha'Lynn Clarke, Michael Cosentino, Antonio DeAngelis, Logan Healy, Brenna Higgs, Pariti Sutaria, Anthony Ungrue, Jayonna Wallace, Conor Warwick, and Robert Zoroiwchak. 10th grade - Dylan...

 

GLASSBORO -- Glassboro High School announces the names of students on the Principal's List and Honor Roll for the first honor roll for the school year 2015-16.

Principal's List:

9th grade - Kathryn Appleby Wineberg, Olivia Beltran, Sha'Lynn Clarke, Michael Cosentino, Antonio DeAngelis, Logan Healy, Brenna Higgs, Pariti Sutaria, Anthony Ungrue, Jayonna Wallace, Conor Warwick, and Robert Zoroiwchak.

10th grade - Dylan Acri, Katherine Amrhein, Imani Anderson, Dalton Beato, Ryan Brown, Ian Carter, Sarah DiPietro, Katrina Dowdy, Juliana Elwood, Francesco Fazzolari, Holly Felker, Nicholas Gambino, Connor Johnston, Dominique Khieu, Osazee Nosa, Ava Powell, Bhoumin Puwar, Ryan Ristine, Noah Schmidt, Joanna Short, and Michael Silvanio.

11th grade - Samuel Adams, Tugce Cakir, Taj DeFrance, Jacob Dorfman, Julia Fisher, Molly Fitzpatrick, Colleen Grehlinger, Margaret Grehlinger, Alex Jurich, John Kenney, Lauren Lightcap, Megan Lord, Christopher Maldonado, Treron McBride, Sarah McWilliams, Robert Norton, Gulden Ozdemir, Emily Provine, Dayanara Rodriguez, Sophia Romalino, Stephanie Scott, Keri Straub, Kevin Troy, Dexter Van, and Brianna Vanartsdalen.

12th grade - Nicholas Angelucci, Crystal Brown, Cheyenne Colna, Lenessa DeFrank, Alisha Donnell, Casey Donovan, Wayne Duffey, Cassandra Ferrara, Brenden Finley, Arielle Fithian, Bailey Fokin, Mariah Graves, Angelina Hodson, Aja Ka Rose Jefferson, Alizsa Johnson, Noah Johnston, Gianna Jordan, John Kelly Keifer, Sarah Kerr, Alyssa Kurke, Savannah Masso, Veronica Menna, Almina Ortak, Ashley Rey, Nathan Samuels, Matthew Schillaci, Neil Schoenfeldt, Alexis Snead, Mark Tierno, Michael Turner, Thomas Villec, Alexia Winder, and Micaela Woerner.

Honor Roll:

9th Grade - Angelya Amorette Leona Antonelli, Courtney Aravanis, Luke Archibald, Cody Beato, Justin Bilinski, Elizabeth Briles,  Chase Cassaday, Leah Crispin,  Adrianna D'Amico, Sophia D'Anna, Ryan Dougherty ,Hatice Seyda Emanet, Tyler Estes, Christian Figueroa, Lateesha Fooks, Ibrahim Gocmez, Devon Hill, Darrell Johnson Jr., Jasmine Johnson, Marc Jurek, Athena Le, Gregory Maccarone, Trinity McAllister, Coty McArthur, Joshuah McCoy, Simone Murphy, Kyree Myers, Luis Nunez Pacheco, Hannah O'Brien, Meredith Owen, Feyance Prewitt, Devon Pritchett, Dominick Profico, Madison Ridge, Perez Ruiz, Jacob Smith, Ryan Toppi, Rebekah Toy, Giovani Antonio-David Velez, Hayley Walsh, Maxwell Wickel, and Kayla Young.

10th grade - Ciani Allen, Colin Angelo, Givonna Boggans, Hunter Briggs, Jayson Buff, Marceline Byrer, Brianna Cabezas, Salea Cameron, Anthony Carite, Sharita Carr, Tiffany Chandler, Frederick Costa Jr., Tayler Davis, Simon Donoway, Noah Dorfman, Evan Ellison, Kyra Franklin, Eric Gilbert, Tyler Goldschmidt, Jared Gonzalez, Amaya Gregg, Anna Haltiwanger, Carmelo Ibarra Jr., Jamir Jenkins, Andrew Kautz, Batuhan Kir, Alexander Lopez Jr., John Maldonado, Keisy Morales Alor, Only Noel Otero, Collin Oncay, Alex Resnik, Tiara Rogers, Radja Salvador, Asher Schools, Steven Selfridge, Ryan Sgro, Jakob Snyder, Quinlan Somdahl Sands, Katie Tritto, Jacob Uscilowski, Natalie Vazquez, Zachary Vito, Olivia Warlow, and Payton Wolf.

11th grade - Rachel Adams, Hiba Ahmad, Kenneth Bakely, Macala Beltran, Harleigh Burke, Robert Bruce Carter, Roy Cook Jr., Kristy Costa, Rabia Salisu Danyaro, Dylan DiPatri, Briani Downes, Brianna Fiorentino, Alayna Fleming, Jeda Gregg, Daniel Guerin, Mya Hamwright, Alicia Ilescas, Amoni Jennings, Bianca Jurek, Tiahjzah King, Mehran Mahnan, Tashe Mattison, Maciana Mazzeo, Jack McMahon, William Mintz, Taylor Moore, Caleb Nicholson, Shyenne Ojeda, Dursun Ortak, Dyone Payne, Anthony Prosperi, Joshua Pyronneau, Kierre Raynor, Solana Reyes, Kali Rogers, Daniel Schmittinger, Dylan Skidmore, Kim Speller, Tanner Tohanczyn, Kendyl Tranchina, Jared Velez, Jordyn Wigglesworth, and  Michael Williams.

12th Grade - Bridgett Alberta, NyAsia Brackett, Brandon Corson, Cecilia DiAmbrosio, Shaun Dowdy, Briana Dunner, Robert Elentrio Snoke, Molly Frazier, Gabrielle Galeone, Busra Gocmez, Jordan Hammond, Jacob Harrison, Kristopher Hartung, Joseph Heaton, Brielle Hewes, Peter Hodson, Dezmen Horne, Ronald Hubbs, Anita Jenkins, Jonathan Kenish, Acosta Kittles III,  Savannah Markert, Alejandro Martinez, Vito Mazzeo, Jonathon Meddick, William Myers, Chance O'Connor, Claudia Perez, Gwendolyn Polillo, Matthew Reilly, Marlena Richeal, Megan Ritter, Leonardo Rodriguez Carrion, Brandon Roland, Sydney Rae Simonelli, David Still, Angel Stroman, Anthony Valerio, Danielle Valles, Alexis Wallace, Jonathan Wallace, Alexander Wickel, and Natoria Wright.

GLASSBORO Glassboro Intermediate School Principal Kriston Matthews recently hosted seventh-grader Carly McCone, eighth-grader Melissa Elias and seventh-grader Yousif Aboubih for lunch as part of the school's Positive Behavioral Program. The three were recognized for the good character they have shown at Glassboro Intermediate School. Principal Matthews administers the program, with input from the teachers. The PTO supports the lunches...

GLASSBORO

Glassboro Intermediate School Principal Kriston Matthews recently hosted seventh-grader Carly McCone, eighth-grader Melissa Elias and seventh-grader Yousif Aboubih for lunch as part of the school's Positive Behavioral Program. The three were recognized for the good character they have shown at Glassboro Intermediate School. Principal Matthews administers the program, with input from the teachers. The PTO supports the lunches with its fundraising efforts.

PAULSBORO

The following students have been selected as Students of the Month for December at Billingsport Early Childhood Center in Paulsboro.

• Kindergarten - Jahsir Johnson,  Sloane Golembiewski, Lauren Walter, Jada Holmes and Jayden Lawrence.
• First Grade - Eithand Clark, Anylah Hodges; Sarielle Bonilla, Chase Zott,  Katelyn Taylor, Lilian Lemmo and Chase Breedlove.
• Second Grade - Sakai Williams, Lily Paulsen, Marilyn Lucci, Jaylynn Dorman,  Brieille Johns, Kayla Smith and Rufus Wallace.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP  

Chestnut Ridge Middle School music teacher Julie Parker announces the successful auditions of several of her students who have earned a coveted spot in the 2016 Olympic Conference Honor Band. The student-musicians include:

• Grade 8: Joshua Dicks (trumpet), Tyler Muha (trumpet) and Max Whittier (clarinet).
• Grade 7: Jessica Rhodes (baritone - first chair), Colin Ly (clarinet - first chair), Tristan Ly (alto saxophone - first chair) and Zachary York (French horn - first chair).

"We extend our congratulations to these fine musicians," Parker said, "and thank all of the students who represented CRMS at this event."

Washington Township's Bells Elementary School Principal Ginny Grier recently announced the school's Paw Pride winners for the month of January. The Bells School Paw Pride Program is a Character Education Program that rewards students in grades 1-5 for demonstrating excellent character traits. These students were selected for exhibiting one of the four pillars of character education: Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be a Friend, Be Safe. Students earn a paw, and place their paw in a class drawing box. Winners received a pizza lunch with Principal Grier, a certificate and scented pencils, thanks to the Bells Home and School Council. 

Paw Pride Winners for January:

• Grade 1 - Nicolas Morales, Marlee McGrath, Nina Mason, Maggie DelPizzo and Adrianna Poletis.
• Grade 2 - Thomas Caraballo, Stone Tyson, Andrew Brown, Vincent Venuti and Giavanna Spadano.
• Grade 3 - Lucca Arico, Christopher Taylor, Lori Tomasello, Grace Lazarro and Sincere Fletcher.
• Grade 4 - Ty Perkins, Jayden Marcel, Allison Szustowicz, Kiera Brasky and Natalie Generao.
• Grade 5 - John Dorgan, Kryssa Karavangelas, Madison Lawler, Kaia Popolo and Bailey Ratcliffe.

Three Washington Township Bunker Hill Middle School students were among a group of talented musicians recently named to the All-South Jersey orchestra.

• Katrina Lucero (grade 6 - violin)
• Emma Chu (grade 6 - violin)
• Clara Fok (grade 8 - violin)

"The All-South Jersey orchestra is an honors orchestra where students go through a rigorous audition process in order to earn a selection," BHMS orchestra director Mark Przybylowski said. "They go up against students from all over the South Jersey area on the instrument of their expertise and are evaluated based on a blind audition that includes preparing a variety of scales, sight-reading a musical piece and preparing a sonata. It is an honor for these students, and we are so proud of their accomplishment."

Owners of the former Kiddie Kollege appealed a decision saying they were liable for a $6.3 million contamination cleanup.

FRANKLIN TWP. -- One of the owners of the contaminated former Kiddie Kollege daycare site is not personally responsible for the cleanup, an appellate court ruled Thursday.

In May 2014, a Superior Court judge found the former owner of the site, Accutherm Inc., and current owners Navillus Group and Jim Sullivan Inc. liable for the $6.13 million cost to clean up mercury contamination at the former thermometer factory that later housed a daycare center.

Navillus and Jim Sullivan Inc. filed an appeal of this decision based on three points in the case. An appellate court released its findings this week, affirming the majority of the Superior Court's original judgement, but remanded the case back to court on two points.

Jim Sullivan Jr., one of the shareholders of Jim Sullivan Inc., argued that he should not be held personally liable for the cleanup. The three-judge appellate court agreed, saying the court "pierced the corporate veil" of Jim Sullivan Inc. by imposing personal liability on James Sullivan Jr.

"Our Supreme Court has recognized as a 'fundamental proposition that a corporation is a separate entity from its shareholders, and that a primary reason for incorporation is the insulation of shareholders from the liabilities of the corporate enterprise," the court wrote in its decision.

It also concluded that there was not enough evidence against the defendants to find them liable on a theory of "unjust enrichment" -- meaning the court did not find the shareholders of the companies were unjustly enriched at the expense of another.

The court ordered the case back to trial court for these two reversals. 

Sullivan Inc. and Navillus also argued that they should not be held liable for damages at the site because they were "innocent purchasers" of the land.

On this point, the court ruled that the evidence showed the defendants were given a mini pollution report before purchasing the property. James Sullivan III, another shareholder of James Sullivan Inc., testified in court that he misinterpreted the report, believing there was no threat to the environment or to the health of individuals.

"We reject the notion that an owner of contaminated property can avoid cleanup responsibility under the Spill Act based on a subjective misunderstanding of a report and the law," the appellate court ruled.

Accutherm manufactured mercury thermometers at the plant from 1987 or 1988 to 1994, during which time mercury spills and discharges contaminated the site.

Jim Sullivan Inc. bought the building at a tax sale in December 1999.

It leased the building to Kiddie Kollege -- a daycare center that cared for children between eight months and 13 years old -- from 2004 to 2012.

The building has since been demolished and children that attended Kiddie Kollege began receiving medical monitoring for mercury poisoning in 2012.

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

Authorities are looking for a man who skipped a court appearance on credit card fraud charges.

WOODBURY -- Authorities are looking for a Franklinville man who skipped a court appearance on a charge of attempted fraudulent use of a credit card, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

Bernard M. Kanuck III, 32, of Franklinville, is sought for failure to appear in court on a third-degree charge of fraudulent use of a credit card, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office. 

Bernard M. Kanuck III, 32, of Idle Lake Road, is described as 5 feel 11 inches tall, 165 pounds, with blue eyes and blond hair. He has tattoos on his back and left arm.

In April 2014, Franklin Township Police investigated a report of credit card fraud following the theft of a card from the victim's residence.

The card was canceled after the theft, but someone tried to use it without success at two Franklin Township businesses. Charges were eventually signed against Kanuck, authorities said.

He was indicted in August 2014 on charges of third-degree criminal attempt/fraudulent use of a credit card (two counts) and fourth-degree retaining possession of a credit card with knowledge it was lost or mislaid, with intent to use it, sell it or transfer it.

Anyone who knows Kanuck's whereabouts should not attempt to apprehend him. Instead, contact the prosecutor's office at 856-384-5643 or GCPO Sgt. Ron Koller at 609-929-6348.

Other fugitives wanted by the prosecutor's office can be viewed on the GCPO website.

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

The session will include elected leaders and information about services available to residents.

DEPTFORD TWP. -- U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross and other government officials will attend a town hall meeting Thursday, Jan. 21, to answer community questions about government services and ongoing projects.

U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross 

The session runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Deptford Senior Center, 1341Tanyard Road.

Gloucester County Department of Health and the Divison of Senior Servcies will be on hand to answer questions and hand out information. Gloucester County Emergency Services will provide free blood pressure screenings and distribute Vial of Life kits.

The Vial of Life program allows residents to fill out a medical information form and keep it stored in a safe place in case of an emergency.

Learn more about the program online. 

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

My Sister's Kids is a non-profit program for South Jersey children dealing with the loss of loved ones and are still in mourning.

There is a language to grief -- a language not everyone has the benefit of using.

Sometimes people are left alone with their thoughts and feelings as they mourn a loved one. This is especially true of children, whose whole concept of mortality is so new and inexplicable.

Dorothy Snyder has been witness to this grief with her nieces and nephews -- when her older sister died and left three children and later on when her other sister died and left a daughter.

Her experience with her sister's kids made her seek out a place where children can have a place to express their grief. Unable to find such a place, she created her own.

"We give them permission to grieve in a safe place where they are with other people who are going through the same thing they are going through so they don't have to feel awkward about it," Snyder said before Thursday's meeting at Cumberland County Community Church.

Last year she started My Sister's Kids. It's a non-profit program for South Jersey children dealing with the loss of loved ones and are still in mourning. The services are free for families.

E.J. Rodriguez, 13, of Vineland, has been coming to My Sister's Kids for the past year. He is still mourning his grandfather, who passed away in 2014.

"He called me and he told me that I had to start being the man of the house more because he was in the hospital," E.J. said.

His grandfather didn't sound sick at all on the phone but, later on, remembers coming home from field day at school -- wearing the same color orange T-shirt that all of his other classmates were wearing -- and finding out his grandfather died.

He went for a walk to clear his head and brought a basketball with him. As he walked he worked on dribbling the basketball through his legs -- perfecting the move as he walked down the street and worked out his grief.

During the viewing, all his family members got a T-shirt with their grandfather's picture on it. On E.J.'s shirt, there was a photo of him giving E.J. a basketball for Christmas.

In honor of his grandfather, he even became an Eagles fan. Just don't tell his father, who prefers the Redskins.

Franki Reynolds, 16, of Millville, just recently started going to My Sister's Kids. Her father died when she was little and her pop-pop died recently.

"At first I was going just to see how it was," Franki said, while making a collage that of things that reminded her of her father. "I didn't really plan on coming back but I ended up wanting to come back because it helps you deal with the feelings you are feeling at the moment."

Now, it's easier for her to open up about her feelings.

"It's opened my eyes that I'm not the only one going through it and there's a lot of other people who are," she said. "It's OK to feel the way you feel and it's OK to not be OK, basically. There's always someone that's going to be there and support you and you shouldn't feel alone in something."

In the past year, approximately 20 families from Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties have joined the group and more are being added through word-of-mouth.

My Sister's Kids has a board, its facilitators are trained to help children who are grieving and the group receives help from Inspira Medical Network's hospice and bereavement program.

One of the directors of the program is Norm Wilson, Snyder's nephew and one of the inspirations for the program -- a program he wished he had when his mother died of cancer when he was a child.

"A lot of times, in the home, the child might be reluctant to bring up what they're feeling because they might notice every time they talk about dad, mom gets really upset," Wilson said. "So the child doesn't want to be upsetting to the other people, so they hush up about it. When they come where they meet a lot of other kids their same age, they can realize they aren't the only one. A lot of kids are going through the same thing and they are more likely to open up to peers."

My Sister's Kids meets twice a month at Cumberland County Community Church on Broad Street in Millville.

A fundraiser is scheduled for April 23 at the Millville church, staring at 6 p.m. Call 609-364-8320.

Who'd we jeer and who'd we cheer? Read it here.

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.

JEERS: To the punks who vandalized Franklin Township's Little League complex. It's pretty sad to see a place that's obviously well cared for desecrated with graffiti, but someone really went to work on this site recently, leaving markings on several structures. The vandalism was discovered this week and reported to police. We hope those responsible are located and -- as part of their punishment -- put to work cleaning up the mess. It doesn't have to end there, though. They can help with upkeep at the facility longterm. Maybe that would help them appreciate the work others put into keeping our public spaces looking great.

CHEERS to getting out of the way of progress. On Tuesday, Evesham Township officials gathered to watch as an excavator went to work knocking down a long-vacant big-box store. In its place, more than 250 apartments, two restaurants and more than 80,000 square feet for retail. The project also include a deal with the New Jersey Department of Transportation to build a park at the front of the property along Route 70. After seeing what Gloucester Township has accomplished with their new high-end shopping mecca located near the Atlantic City Expressway, Evesham stands to gain with high-visibility along Route 70 as motorists pass through.

JEERS to missing puzzle pieces. On Tuesday, David "D.J." Creato was hauled into court on murder charges following the death of his 3-year-old son. This is a heinous crime, as Creato's attorney said, but there's something missing. If Creato said he went to bed around 10 p.m. and last used his cell phone just after 1:30 a.m. on the day his son was found dead, what took place before the 6 a.m. 9-1-1 call? According to prosecutors, Brendan died from a lack of oxygen by way of "homicidal violence" that could include drowning or asphyxiation. The exact cause of death was not revealed in court and Creato's attorney said he was surprised anyone was charged based on the evidence presented Tuesday. If someone is going to be charged with murder, shouldn't we find out exactly how the victim died?

CHEERS: To a new school leader. Steven Price has been named the superintendent of the Cumberland Regional High School District. Price has more than 30 years experience as both a teacher and a supervisor. He was principal at the Lakeside Middle School in Millville before taking the job of Cumberland Regional super. "I think my diverse background and experiences will truly help me support all that Cumberland Regional has to offer," Price said. He officially begins his new job in March. 

JEERS:  To a tragic end to a young life.  On Monday, the body of Danyelle Minerva was found in a remote section of Alloway Township. How long the 19-year-old woman had been there isn't know. How she got there is still a mystery, according to authorities.  What is known is that a young woman who was well-loved and had suffered many tragedies as she grew up is now gone. The public has been asked to contact police to help them find answers: Contact Det. Sgt. Glen Garrels of the New Jersey State Police Major Crime Unit at 609-882-2000 Ext. 3355 or the Woodstown State Police Station at 856-769-0775. Anonymous tips are welcome.

CHEERS: To catching a police officer in the act. We speak of a good deed captured on camera New Year's Eve, when a Glassboro woman's power chair broke down while she was on her way home. Patrolman Steve Cavallaro didn't hesitate to lend a hand and ended up pushing the woman, still in her chair, all the way home. We wrote about this act of kindness and service because it's the sort of thing that often doesn't make headlines. While some would prefer to vilify police officers at every turn and question each decision they make, let's remember that the photo of this officer helping a citizen is the norm. Thanks to Patrolman Cavallaro for helping a citizen in need.

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

Rocco L. Carsillo, 57, admitted that he killed his girlfriend after a night of partying.

WOODBURY -- A West Deptford Township man was sentenced to 24 years in state prison Friday for stabbing his girlfriend to death in 2014, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

Rocco L. Carsillo was sentenced Friday in the stabbing death of his girlfriend, Margaret Ann DePietro, 50.
 

Rocco L. Carsillo, 57, pleaded guilty in October to aggravated manslaughter in the death of 50-year-old Margaret Ann DePietro, admitting that he killed her after a night of partying during which both had used drugs.

A family member found DePietro's body in her apartment at The Grand at Kings Woods on March 5, 2014. Carsillo was arrested in Winslow Township two days later on active warrants for other offenses and was charged a short time later in the killing.

Police recovered a knife with his DNA and the victim's blood on it.

Carsillo has remained in jail on $500,000 bail since his arrest.

The pair's relationship dated back to 2003 and included previous incidents of domestic violence, authorities said. DePietro had obtained a temporary restraining order against Carsillo in November 2013, but the TRO was dismissed later that month when neither of them appeared in Family Court, officials previously said.

Carsillo lived for a brief time with DePietro but had no permanent address.

He admitted to authorities that he had been living with her for 10 days before her death and that he didn't remember details of the stabbing. He admitted, however, that he tried to clean up the crime scene before he fled.

Before Superior Court Judge Robert P. Becker sentenced Carsillo, Assistant Gloucester County Prosecutor Margaret Cipparrone read letters from DePietro's daughter and sister which described the victim as a kind, caring and "gentle soul" who continued to give "up until the last moment, unfortunately to the wrong person."

Becker noted that Carsillo was a drug addict with a criminal record that included convictions for production of methamphetamine, possession of narcotics and aggravated assault. The judge said Carsillo would "remain lawless" until his addiction was effectively dealt with, according to the prosecutor's office.

Carsillo must serve 85 percent of his term before he is eligible for parole and will be subject to five years of parole supervision when he is released.

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

A former soccer player and Woodstown graduate, a local author returned home to talk with kids.

WOODSTOWN -- A Salem County native returned to his stomping grounds to share his work as a published author to young elementary students Friday.

Oscar Hernandez, now of Westville, graduated from Woodstown High School in 2000, but now teaches in Gloucester County while writing children's books.

Hernandez, 34, was a guest of honor at Mary S. Shoemaker School during the annual Meet the Artists and Author Day -- an event held each year to show students the ability to turn creativity into a career.

For more than a decade, Shoemaker students have invited in unique visitors who have turned their love for creative arts into work.

Young students have the opportunity each year to work hands-on with actual artists and listen to a published author speak about the field.

"I was afraid to try new things, sometimes. Trying new things is good for you," Hernandez said to the young pupils.

Hernandez talked about writing and challenging himself to reach his goals.

Art teacher Susan Chapman and Jamie Morgan (Success in Technology, Enrichment, Literacy, Library and Research instruct) coordinate the event.

The former Woodstown resident has six books published, between E-books and hard copies.

Driving through Woodstown? Look out for detours

Not only was Hernandez crafty, he also successfully played soccer at Rowan University.

"He not only excelled in the classroom, but on the field as well," Morgan said of the author.

While Hernandez spoke to the third graders, second-grade students were busy across the hall working with artists.

"My favorite thing is when we make things and color things," Bob Waddington, 7, said as he sculpted his clay pot.

This event is an important one for students, according to Chapman, because it provides students a chance to be creative, non-restrictive in a learning environment.

"It goes across the board -- children need more hands on experience and time to think outside of the box," Chapman said.

Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

Are you a Verizon customer having issues with your landline phone service? South Jersey officials want to know about them.

Associated Press 

BRIDGETON -- Are you experiencing issues with your landline telephone? If so, Cumberland County officials want to hear from you.

The county has set up a form on its website allowing people to submit any service-related issue they may be experiencing.

The county -- which is leading a group of 16 communities in South Jersey -- says these reports will help its continuing effort against Verizon New Jersey to ensure the telecom giant does not abandon the copper landline telephone service in South Jersey.

The group filed a joint petition last month to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, demanding that Verizon maintains the copper infrastructure in its communities.

The form on Cumberland County's website asks people to answer a few questions, like explaining "the nature of your service problem including each and every date you encountered a Verizon service problem."

It also asks: "What did Verizon do?"

"Did Verizon contact you or come to your home to remedy your service issue? If so, what specifically did they do or say. Please be as detailed as possible providing this information."

After you finish filling it out, submit the form.

The group of 16 municipalities -- from Atlantic, Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland counties -- has been engaged in a fractious battle against Verizon for about two years over basic copper landline telephone service in South Jersey.

The group of municipalities is hoping that the BPU ultimately holds a public hearing in which each side would present its case on the matter.

To fill out a complaint, visit www.co.cumberland.nj.us

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

The dance-a-thon raises the school's total donations to $220,000 during the 13 years of the event.

WASHINGTON TWP. -- Washington Township high schoolers shimmied and twirled their way to $28,000 for the National ALS Association at the annual, 18-hour-long "Monzo Madness" dance-a-thon.

Roughly 500 high school students attended the 13^th annual event on Jan. 15, which was hosted by the school's Interact Club. The club is a community service based organization that puts on several events a year, from blood drives to St. Baldrick's Day.

In order to participate, students paired up, and each team had to raise a minimum of $100 dollars. All of the funds raised were presented to the Philadelphia chapter of the ALS association before the event started. This year, the students raised a total of $28,000, bringing the school's total donations to the foundation to $220,000.

"I think it's good," said Interact Club Advisor April Renzetti. "The kids really did well, they raised a lot of money."

After the check presentation, students were moved to the high school's gymnasium where the dance-a-thon was held. Starting at 2:30 p.m., they were "locked in" until 8:00 a.m. the following morning. Students could leave at any point if they were tired, but they needed a parent to sign them out, and once they left, they could not come back and start dancing again. Everyone danced for one hour at a time with a 10 minute break in between to rehydrate and snack.

"It's for a good cause and it's fun," freshman Mia Najd said about why she decided to get involved.

DJ John Scuilli provided the music for the event, a combination of electric dance music and remixes of crowd favorites, including "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus and "Shots" by Lil Jon. This was Washington Township High School alumnus Scuilli's fifth year DJ-ing the event, which he does for free every year. 

"I'm always looking for ways to help the community, it's for such a good cause," Scuilli said. "I'm happy to be a part of it and hope to be for years to come."

Together, senior Sean Troy, 18, and his partner raised $100 for the fundraiser.

"It's not much, but it's contributing to a cause," Troy said. "This community has been great to me and I want to contribute back."

Although he's not sure what career path he plans to follow yet, Troy knows he wants a job that allows him to serve a community. His passion for giving back is why he entered the dance-a-thon.

"I really just want to help people," Troy said. "It is a great time for the school to come together, get to know and make new friends. ... It's a great experience in my high school memories."