Swimmers took joy in their discomfort as they dashed back to shore after 30 seconds in the water. Watch video

SEA ISLE CITY -- Thousands of visitors faced down bitter cold in the little shore town Saturday afternoon for the 22nd Annual Polar Bear Plunge.

"That's good cold air!" shouted a man perched on top of a public bench.

The bars were full to bursting, and costumed revelers thronged down John F. Kennedy Boulevard as they made their way to the beach. The event, which brings out tens of thousands of people over the course of several days, would have been indistinguishable from a summertime weekend at the beach if it hadn't been for the heavy coats.

"Even if I went in," one young man could be overheard saying to his friends, "I'd just turn right back around. I don't think I could make my body do that."

Spectators stood in the sand holding clothing and blankets for their brave (or foolish) loved ones. Most of the swimmers were young adults in their 20s or 30s.

"I'm apprehensive -- a little concerned," said Steve McCalley of Langhorne, Pennsylvania. He had 12 young relatives dashing toward the waves, their goosebumps nearly visible from 20 yards away. The first wave of people to hit the water went in up to their waists before turning back. It had been only 45 seconds since McCalley voiced his concern.

"They're coming back now, so I feel better."

By 2:10 p.m., the time most swimmers had come out of the water, the temperature was a balmy 21 degrees, with a windchill making it feel as though it was 3 degrees on exposed, wet skin. It was a far cry from Wildwood's January Polar Plunge, when temperatures topped 50 degrees.

"How was it? F---ing cold," said 20-year-old Dan McCalley, Steve's son. "I'm aware I'm on record," he said, laughing. "I've never done it before, so I'm glad I did it."

"This is a stupid tradition," said Kyle Dorley, 23, of West Chester, Pennsylvania. But he was cheerful as he shivered.

"I think I got the full experience, and that's what it's all about."

From the safety of shore, a man named Chip admitted that this was the first time in 20 years he had not taken part in the plunge.

"I chickened out," he said. But he was far from alone.

"Out of eight of us, I think three people went in."

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

It's never too late to learn the value of a caregiver.

My wife is the hardest working person I know, bar none, whether it be doing a thousand chores outside and inside the house, or her behind the scenes volunteer work for our church or the Mantua recreation committee. Like scores of others who live their lives in a like fashion, she wants no credit for any of this. In fact, she dislikes credit.

But if you want someone to run an event or help out quietly, just ask. Chances are, she'll extend a hand and then work as hard, or harder, as anyone on your list. And get everything right and send everyone home happy.

Bob Shryock

But all of that pales in comparison to the harder work she enacts on an everyday basis as my primary caregiver. Believe me, I know about this.

I'm struggling mightily with my Parkinson's but she stands, in support, like a rock. She picks me up when I fall, helps me right the ship when I need my battery charged, and handles a myriad of related duties on an everyday basis. I can't fib and insist all this makes her happy, but she won't say no. She knows the curse of the caregiver.

She's willing to do all this and much more, but she doesn't pamper me. She's very tough, a tactic that enables me to function at a higher level than I'd have anticipated. She also won't allow me to feel sorry for myself for having a disease for which there's no cure. Fill the dishwasher, feed the dogs, vacuum the rugs, take the trash out, you know the routine.

11 unique Valentine's Day date ideas in N.J

She's the major reason I'm able to continue this column. I've written before about the importance of staying active at age 77 while burdened with a nasty disease. So far, with Kathy's help, I've been able to maintain a limited three-columns-a-week schedule. They're my two lifelines, my wife and the newspaper. The challenge still exists.

On Valentine's Day, here's a cheer to the Kathys of the world. Before becoming ill, I didn't have as much appreciation for caregivers, and all they do unselfishly, as I do now. Kathy changed my thinking in an even-handed way, reminding me of all the ones who share her calling and need only a simple, occasional thank-you to navigate the bumpy ride.

In our case, being caregiver means, among other challenges, that she's also my personal cab driver because I'm now unable to drive.

It's very hard on her, not knowing when I'm going to fall and where. And, bless her, she is among the dozens of people in my life who can't understand a word I'm saying. That may be the cruelest consequence of all.

It's difficult to articulate what she means to me. In truth, I don't tell her, nearly often enough. I've got no excuses.

She means everything.

* * *

His recent quadruple heart bypass surgery a major success, former Times columnist Jim Six prepares for Monday's cancer surgery at Cooper Medical Center in Camden.

So Jim continues his battle against two formidable foes with resolve and with enthusiasm.

"Hooray," Jim says.

And means it.

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

Glassboro's school superintendent writes that the poster is appropriate in historical context.

To the Editor: 

This is in response to the recent letter "Why does (Glassboro High) school have Che Guevara poster?" from Mike Herner:

As the Glassboro superintendent of schools, it is part of my job to ensure that students are provided with an appropriate curriculum. When our teachers teach world history, they discuss with students all aspects of the subject. Teachers may choose as part of their instruction on that topic to display posters, learning artifacts and/or other propaganda that were prevalent at a particular time in history. 

The poster of Che Guevara is no different. It is part of a variety of posters placed in classrooms as part of the instruction on a particular topic. The school district's mission is to provide our students with the tools necessary to be contributing members of a changing society. This is best achieved by offering a strong curriculum and one which provides our students with both a current and global world view, as well as a historic perspective. 

While there is no intention to offend individual sensibilities, to the extent that Herner disagrees with the choice of the poster, we certainly understand his perspective.

Mark J. Silverstein

Superintendent

Glassboro Public Schools

Primary election fatigue setting in

To the Editor:

Is anybody else sick of presidential primary elections?

Why do we have to have them so stretched out? By the time New Jersey gets to vote (June 7), it will probably be useless in regard to selecting party nominees. Like the November general election, all of the states should hold their primaries on the same day.

What a waste of money. Umpteen Republicans have been running, many of them while still holding their elective taxpayer-funded jobs. What would happen if I told my employer that I would miss work to seek another job, but still expected my full paycheck? "You're' fired!"

Our taxes have been paying for Gov. Chris Christie to spend 261 days last year outside of New Jersey. I say, if you want to run for president, quit your current job first.

The Democrats are no better. Hillary Clinton couldn't even manage her own email as secretary of state. How is she going to run the country? Sen. Bernie Sanders is a socialist.

Democracy? I'm to the point where I don't care. Whoever is elected will not be for the people.

Charles Garrison

Elmer

Seniors need not miss school vote

To the Editor:

Regarding the South Jersey Times editorial "End N.J.'s extra school bond voting dates"  on Feb. 7:

(The editorial called for school district borrowing referenda to be held on the same November date as regular school elections, not on several separate voting dates each year. It also criticized as inhospitable to senior citizens the limited hours -- mostly late afternoon and evening -- that polls are open on the school referenda dates.)

I live in a senior citizen community in Monroe Township, and I do believe our school board cares about the seniors. The board set up a meeting in the Holiday City clubhouse to discuss the district's March 8 referendum on bond financing of up to $14.9 million for facility improvements.

This community consists of 1,200 voters, and seniors DO vote.

I have gone to the Gloucester County Board of Elections offices in West Deptford Township and picked up more than 1,000 absentee ballot to make sure that everyone has a chance to vote in the referendum -- even if is "cold and dark," as the editorial states, when polling sites are open.

Ron Coleman

Williamstown

Note: The writer is a member of  the Monroe Township Board of Education.

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

Some areas of Cumberland County Route 553 need a huge vacuum cleaner.

By Lisa Morse Morrison

It's not my intention to single out, blame or offend anyone in particular. Recently, I've started wondering if I'm the only person who notices a serious litter problem in Cumberland County. 

Other counties in New Jersey may be as bad, or worse. However, this is where I live, and this is the area I care about.

The trash issue is complex, and has many implications. Studies reveal that 90 percent of sea birds have plastic in their system, links between trash accumulation and higher crime rates, and that litter can be a deciding factor for businesses and homebuyers on whether to pick certain locations. These three findings alone should give everyone the incentive to clean up. Taxpayers are picking up the tab for empty and abandoned homes.

My weekly routine provides an opportunity to travel much of Cumberland County.   The trash is everywhere. During my daily drive on County Route 553, I wish I could just cover my eyes. Some areas of that road need a huge vacuum cleaner. Stretches of this road are so full of trash, I wonder how surrounding homeowners can stand to look at them.

Apparently, this doesn't bother anyone, because the trash sits there, untouched.  Townships advertising themselves as "a clean community" should have to earn that title. It grieves me.

There was a time when incarcerated individuals had trash pickup assignments. I don't know all the facts regarding prison labor, but perhaps policies have changed.  I see supervised men from time to time, but not like I used to. 

Cumberland County is home to several correctional facilities. Are we getting all we can out of this valuable resource?  This area needs the prisoners' help, and it could make a big difference.

Volunteer groups who get organized and do cleanups deserve a lot of credit. Where I live, local historical society members do this a couple of times a year. The Cumberland County Improvement Authority and student groups also organize cleanups. However, given the magnitude of the situation, it's just not enough.

People must realize that they don't have to wait to be organized.  They can make a difference on their own. It's as simple as picking a troubled area and making the commitment to keep it clean.  Road adoption signs are nice, but not necessary. 

No one can tackle the entire county, but most people can handle a small area. This includes homeowners being responsible for their own properties. Trashed yards reduce everyone's property values.

Picking up litter is not a demeaning task, and no one should ever feel it's beneath them. On the contrary, it should be beneath everyone to leave litter lying on the ground. Litter removal is a mission with purpose, and a sure way to leave a good footprint on this earth. Good stewardship never goes out of style. Don't worry about what others think, just do it! 

Our Bayshore Region is unquestionably a breathtaking, and environmentally sensitive area. It's upsetting to see how people are willing to treat it.

It's time for everyone to recognize just how bad the trash problem is. I challenge any of our elected officials to take a ride anywhere, and really look. May they also take note of the storm and water drains clogged by circulars and litter.  

I wonder what it could mean for Cumberland County if it became the cleanest county in the state after being at the bottom of so many lists. It would be a title worth boasting about.

Multi-million dollar projects are diminished if people are driving through trash to reach them. This is our home. I'd like to see as much time and energy invested in cleaning up. Determination and commitment are priceless.

 Lisa Morse Morrison writes from Port Norris.

A Gloucester County shuttle has doubled its ridership since it was established seven months ago.

After past attempts at east-west service that tanked, Gloucester County has apparently latched onto a shuttle bus with some staying power.

The service, geared toward the 8,500 people who work in the Pureland Industrial Park in Logan Township, runs straight across Gloucester County, with its easternmost stop at the Avandale Park & Ride lot in Winslow Township, Camden County.

Gloucester County officials say the shuttle, which costs $1 for a trip to or from Pureland, has doubled its ridership since it began last year. Within the complex housing 180 businesses, an internal shuttle is fare-free.

It's good news showing that reasonably priced public transportation does work, and is desired by commuters who live in spread-out areas of South Jersey. The line backed by a consortium of government and nonprofit agencies.

Specifically, the shuttle carried 1,028 one-way passengers last month, up from 557 such trips in June 2015, its wide-scale launch. The circulator shuttle in January carried 918 people from point to point within 3,000-acre Pureland, up from a mere 181 trips last June.

On a monthly basis, these aren't earth-shattering or earth-saving numbers. Divided by 25 workdays, they may represent as few as 40 average users a day. Still, it's an accomplishment to see a shuttle bus gain riders rather than lose them over time.

Especially encouraging to shuttle backers is that a single stop in Glassboro, on Main Street between Rowan Boulevard and Victoria Avenue, is picking up 30 percent of shuttle riders. This bodes well for Glassboro as a transportation hub, when and if Gloucester County gets its long-awaited light-rail line. While the proposed train would not operate to Pureland or its vicinity, its Camden-Glassboro route has many other employers along the way. 

Apparently, a lot of workers looking for automobile alternatives hail from Glassboro. 

Shuttle operators are planning another Glassboro stop at Ellis Street and Higgins Drive, right across from the expanded Liscio's Bakery facility -- itself an employment destination.

While saying they're pleased with the current ridership numbers, officials like United Way of Gloucester County's Michael Gower want to emphasize that the bus is not for work commuting only. Anyone can use it reach shopping centers, medical appointments and educational institutions along a 10-mile route with designated stops in Williamstown, Mullica Hill and Swedesboro, as well as Winslow, Glassboro and Logan. The bus will pick up and discharge riders anywhere along the route where it is safe.

Positive thinking should lead planners to consider additional Pureland shuttles, since the site also attracts workers who live other places with limited NJ Transit scheduled bus service, such as northern Salem County. 

In the short term, it's good to see success on the initial route even as gasoline prices slide -- success for the environment, success for the growing number of adults who choose not to own cars, and success for workers whose only option is to use public transportation.

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

Rick Eli held on for a 4-3 decision on the final weight and put the Paulsboro High School wrestling back on top of the Group 1 wrestling world as the Red Raiders edged Kittatinny, 28-27.

Rick Eli held on for a 4-3 decision on the final weight and put the Paulsboro High School wrestling back on top of the Group 1 wrestling world as the Red Raiders edged Kittatinny, 28-27.

Emergency personnel respond to a morning fire Sunday that destroyed a home.

GLASSBORO -- A Sunday morning blaze left five residents displaced after flames ravaged the home, officials said.

The fire broke out at 8:30 a.m. in the home located off Deptford Road.

Five residents are displaced after a fire ripped through a Glassboro home Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016 (Photos submitted by American Red Cross New Jersey Region, Alan Pew | For NJ.com)
 

American Red Cross responded to the scene to assist the five adult males who lived in the house.

Volunteers provided emergency assistance for the five residents, including food and clothing.

Woolwich home destroyed by fire

Coffee and snacks were also provided for the emergency responders on scene who battled the blaze in the single-digit temperature.

All five residents had somewhere else to stay at this time.

The fire remains under investigation.

Dominick Ruggiero Jr. cites the governor's abrasive personality.

To the Editor:

This is how I see Gov. Chris Christie's just ended presidential candidacy:

I have sat back and listened to all the debates. I must say that they show no promise of any change with the exception of the Feb. 6 one, where Christie took on Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.

However, I think Christie should not criticize any candidate. Here is a governor who had a veteran Navy Seal escorted out of a town hall meeting and labeled him stupid. He told another questioner about slow Hurricane Sandy aid a year after the storm to shut up and sit down.

More recently, in New Hampshire, he responded to a questioner about not staying in New Jersey after the recent blizzard with "What do you want me to do, bring a mop?"

On top of it all, there is "Bridgegate." He stands there and touts his efficiency, but then states he had no knowledge that his staff was involved in a politically motivated plan that shut down lanes into the George Washington Bridge.  

Some leader he is. He has no idea what his staff is doing, and then wanted to be president? What a joke!

How could we elect anyone who shows so much disrespect for people? This is someone who uses the state helicopter to travel to his son's ball game. How can Christie stand in front of a national audience and throw stones at any candidate when he, as the saying goes, lives in a glass house.

I ask this question: Do we want someone so ill-tempered to be president or in any other position of authority?

Dominick A. Ruggiero Jr.

Sewell

Why downgrade Woodbury hospital?

To the Editor:

Regarding Inspira Health Network's plans to replace its Woodbury hospital with a new building in Harrison Township:

The Inspira leadership sounds quite convincing when they say the Woodbury building, the former Underwood-Memorial, building is too old to continue using and that it would be cost prohibitive to upgrade it.

How about Our Lady of Lourdes in Camden, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia? They're old, and they're still there, using their original buildings.

It seems to me that there's much more going on here than we have been led to believe. If Inspira pulls its beds out of Woodbury, that site will be be no more than a glorified urgent care facility. And how long will that last? 

Inspira does not need to build a new hospital, it needs to build a new management team.

John Heritage

Woolwich Township

Traffic a barrier to hospital site

To the Editor:

I'd like to express my opinion about the proposal to put a new Inspira Health Network in Harrison Township:

I believe the proposed hospital site is in a very dangerous place, traffic-wise.  It would be on U.S. Route 322 near a Route 55 freeway interchange. Not only is there steady traffic on Route 322, but traffic is increasing on Route 55, as well. In the summer months, the traffic is even worse with so many people using both routes to go to the Jersey shore and the Delaware beaches.

It would be very dangerous to have ambulances trying to get through this traffic. Also, there would be a good number of cars going back and forth for employees of the hospital at different times of the day. It's also likely that  school buses are using Route 322.

This is a bad idea on so many levels, and I hope the people in the area are aware of it.

Joan Pacitti

Mullica Hill

Editor's note: Rowan University trustees are slated  to vote this week on whether or not to sell the university-owned parcel to Inspira.

Do Dems have Sharpton's back on tax lien?

To the Editor:

Wasn't it refreshing watching Democrats Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton promote racial harmony through their lovefests with the Rev. Al Sharpton in their attempts to secure black presidential primary votes?  

I wonder if either candidate took the time to lay out a payment plan for Sharpton's back taxes of up to $4 million?  

After all, shouldn't all wealthy individuals pay their "fair share" in order to fund their socialist agendas? Or does that only apply to those who actually earn their wealth?

Walt Rouh

Mantua Township

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

After 37 productive years, Tony deserves a break. But the sport he has loved for so long will miss him.

Someone will be missing Sept. 9 when the Kingsway Regional High School football team opens its season at Williamstown in a battle of West Jersey Football League Group 5s.

The Dragon coach, Tony Barchuk.

After 37 years as Kingsway head football coach, Barchuk notified school officials last week the 2015 season was his last after achieving 206 career victories and a great deal of professional respect. His 2001 team recorded one of the most important wins in school history, defeating Hammonton for the NJSIAA state Group II title.

Barchuk will return as head girls' softball coach this spring. He coached Kingsway to a state softball championship in 2008 and a spot in the finals in 2012.

With his 37 years, the likeable Barchuk has seniority status as a head football coach in this region. Florence coach Joe Frappolli has 42 years, most in South Jersey.

Barchuk, one of the few coaches in the area to serve as head coach for two major sports, will also step down as softball coach and physical education instructor this June. He was a year-round coach, also assisting with girls' basketball.

I've known Barchuk since he arrived as Kingsway football coach in 1979. We formed a friendship through my work as a Channel 5 sportscaster. I probably announced a dozen or more Dragon games he coached over the years, including many memorable victories.

As a sports journalist, I found him to be a willing interview subject and source, eternally upbeat and candid, win or lose. On off nights, Tony never hid from the press. He was consistently up front with them.

Barchuk was a fixture at Kingsway, supporting other sports as well as the teams he coached. It made him popular with fellow coaches, the student body and faculty-staff. He achieved a high level of popularity and credibility.

Tony's booming voice, well-suited for the high school athlete, will be missed.

After 37 productive years, Tony deserves a break. But the sport he has loved for so long will miss him.

And so will I.

The university is looking to expand its School of Osteopathic Medicine with a campus at the Jersey shore.

GLASSBORO -- Rowan University officials will vote Wednesday to explore opening a new medical school campus in Atlantic City.

The agenda for Wednesday's trustees meeting says the board will decide whether to hire the firm Tripp Umbach for a feasibility study on "the impacts associated with a potential four-year branch campus of a medical school."

Ken Blank, Rowan's senior vice president for health sciences, said the school has been in talks with AtlantiCare health system about cooperative ventures and the idea of opening a campus of Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine developed.

"We had a meeting about how we could work together and the branch campus concept came up," he said. "We've been talking and now we think it's time to do the feasibility study."

Rowan and AtlantiCare will split the cost of the study. The Atlantic City campus would be smaller than the main program in Stratford, Blank said Tuesday. This marks the university's first attempt to establish a presence in Atlantic City.

Rowan first began accepting students to the SOM, located in Stratford, in 2012 after the dismantling of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

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

Kennedy Health has come out against the plan, saying a hospital in the proposed location would be too close to its Washington Township facility.

GLASSBORO -- Rowan trustees have approved a proposal to sell 100 acres of land to Inspira Medical Center for construction of a new hospital in Harrison Township.

Trustees voted Tuesday after hearing a presentation on Inspira's plans and going into closed session twice.

Under the deal, Inspira will pay Rowan approximately $9.5 million for 100 acres of land on Route 322 at the Route 55 interchange.

Inspira plans to build a 172-bed hospital with an estimated price tag of $310 million, hospital officials said Tuesday. The new 350,000-square-foot facility is projected to provide jobs for 1,400, including full- and part-time positions.

Trustees tabled the measure last month after Kennedy Health CEO Joseph Devine spoke against the idea.

Devine argued that building a hospital at that location would oversaturate the area's health care markets, since Kennedy operates a hospital six miles away in Washington Township.

Kennedy Health employees gather for Tuesday's Rowan University trustees meeting. (Matt Gray | For NJ.com)
 

After hearing Devine's concerns, trustees voted 9-2 on Jan. 6 to table the measure and take more time for review. Approval by the trustees gives Rowan President Ali Houshmand permission to negotiate the sale to Inspira.

The board made two amendments to the original resolution Tuesday, one requiring that the sale price of the land be based on its appraised value, not the set figure of $9.5 million included in the original language. The second amendment requires that the board gets a final look at the negotiated deal before it's finalized.

The measure passed 11-0 with three recusals.

A large group of Kennedy employees from the Washington Township hospital, many clad in their white lab coats, turned out for Tuesday's meeting. No one from Kennedy spoke publicly at the session.

One employee said prior to the meeting that allowing Inspira to build at the proposed location doesn't make sense, because these same services are already available nearby at Kennedy.

"I think that it's duplication of services," said Linda Jatzke, critical care manager at Kennedy's Washington Township hospital. "I don't think that it should go through. It's not a good move." 

Devine said previously that he hasn't ruled out legal action to stop development of a hospital at that location.

"Obviously we're disappointed," said Lisa Morina, Kennedy vice president of marketing and external relations, following Tuesday's vote. "Our position hasn't changed and it's not going to change. We still don't think it's a good idea and it's not in the best interest of the community."

During Tuesday's session, Inspira CEO John DiAngelo offered more details about the project and its projected benefits. A video and slide presentation outlined the company's history, current services and goals for the new facility.

Inspira looked at more than 100 possible locations, according to Inspira Executive Vice President Todd Way.

"We do have other sites, but they are not as ideal as this one," Way said.

"This is the best place for us to be," DiAngelo said of the Harrison Township location.

Once trustees heard Inspira's presentation, had a chance to review the land sale agreement in greater detail and added its two amendments, the board was comfortable with moving forward, Houshmand said after the vote.

The final agreement will include more specifics on how Rowan and Inspira will work together on expanding medical education opportunities to students, officials said.

Houshmand stressed that this agreement doesn't change its relationship with Kennedy or any other area hospital, noting that all play a vital role in improving health care in New Jersey.

"There's no fight," he said. "We love Kennedy. They are our colleagues."

Rowan already partners with Inspira, Kennedy, Virtua Health and Cooper University Hospital on various programs. 

Inspira wants to move inpatient hospital services from its Woodbury hospital to the new facility. Services will remain at the Woodbury location, including the ER. That facility will receive about $7 million in upgrades, officials said Tuesday.

"We have no intention of abandoning Woodbury at all," DiAngelo stressed.

Inspira plans to file its certificate of need application for the new facility with the state by March 1. DiAngelo expects this process could take a year. After that, construction of the hospital would take about two years. 

As part of the deal, Harrison Township will transfer 34 acres of land near the Route 55 interchange to Rowan free of charge.

Harrison Township Mayor Lou Manzo said the new facility is more than just a hospital, noting the development this project will attract.

"It will be an entire medical campus with numerous supporting medical office buildings that will develop over the next several years," Manzo said in a statement. "It will also have a positive impact on the planned Richwood project at that interchange, which is set to move forward this year."

As for the Inspira facility in Woodbury, Manzo said, "I'm also eager to help facilitate the repurposing of the Woodbury location, which has always been a priority in my mind. ... I will continue to lend my support to ensure the result will be a long term benefit to our friends in Woodbury.

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

Ken Frank asks why transportation-dependent goods have not fallen in price.

To the Editor:

Who gets the windfall?

Since around November 2014, fuel prices have dropped drastically. In a matter of a couple of months they fell almost by half, from nearly $4 for a gallon of gasoline to around $2. 

Since transportation costs proportionally drive the price of goods and services, and since we've seen no reduction in the price of food especially, it's fair to ask: "Who has reaped the windfall?" Everything we own has been transported by truck or train, so when the cost drops by so much, why doesn't the consumer feel the impact?  

When prices were rocketing up we were told that rising prices were the result of fuel costs. Should we not benefit from the reverse of this  process?   

Also, back when fuel oil prices were going up, we were told the rise in crude oil was due to threats or rumors of trouble in the Middle East. That was a built-in excuse to raise the price of crude almost weekly.  Did those threats and rumors stop over the last 14 months? I don't think so.  

Someone's making a bundle. It's not the oil companies this time, because their stock prices are falling and oil industry jobs are being lost. The consumer is getting gamed and not one of our representatives is pressing the issue as to why?  

Somewhere on the road of commerce someone is enjoying a nice windfall. The question is: "Who?"

Ken Frank

Pitman

N.J. needs bang for gas-tax buck

To the Editor:

A Feb. 15 South Jersey Times print edition headline stated: "Number of drivers who support gas tax (increase) growing." The article was based upon a November 2015 survey of 600 New Jersey drivers by the AAA. 

Commuters claimed that travel has gotten worse in the last two years. What was the exact question asked in the poll? At a time when we are overindulged with polls for politics, everyone knows that poll questions can be twisted to get the answer the pollster wishes.

Road and bridge repairs are needed annually and the quality must be well controlled. The people interviewed for the article specifically mentioned if gasoline taxes are raised, the money must go to the highway and bridge maintenance. 

The last time the road tax subject was reviewed, New Jersey's costs were among the highest in the nation to improve or build roads. Before any consideration is given to increasing the gas tax, our legislators and governor must convince taxpayers that they will get the best cost, quality and oversight. This reader is of the mind that someone needs to do their job better.

In Washington Township about a decade ago, a proposed program to fund annual maintenance was allowed to fall by the wayside. Today, the township has some atrocious roads. The condition of Stagecoach Road atop the sanitary sewer right-of-way near Johnson Road might be a quality or oversight failure by the township municipal utilities authority. 

Lawmakers must assure taxpayers that costs, quality, and oversight will be improved, and future maintenance failures avoided. 

As usual more spending, more taxes.

Gerald Keer

Turnersville

Trump's wall endangers wild animals

To the Editor:

Donald Trump is all for closing the border with Mexico to all access by building a wall.

If this were to happen, Trump would be doing an injustice to many animals. There are bears, rabbits, big-horn sheep, deer, mountain lions, wild boars, jaguars and many others regularly crossing the border in order to survive. 

This is not fantasy. It has been cited by conservation and environmental organizations in both Texas and Mexico that are working together to help these animals.

These animals need the border to be open to them so they can live the lives they were meant to live. The Defenders of Wildlife is among the organizations that can provide details.

Ethel Ashenfelter

Glassboro

High winds from a cold front sweeping across New Jersey are blamed for the large number of power outages.

High winds and a band of heavy thunderstorms left thousands across New Jersey without power Tuesday.

As of early afternoon Atlantic City Electric was reporting more than 11,900 customers were without electric.

PSE&G said 18,400 across its service area were in the dark.

Jersey Central Power & Light was reporting 5,500 without electricity.

The winds have been produced by a strong cold front sweeping across New Jersey.

Utility officials blame the winds for the outages which began multiplying across the state before noon.

There have been numerous reports of trees and utility poles brought down by the wind snapping electric lines.

Many estimates by utility officials are that power is expected to be restored by Tuesday evening, but some customers may see later restoration times due to infrastructure damage.

Atlantic City Electric Spokesman Frank Tedesco said crews from his company along with outside contractors, including tree trimmers, are working to restore power. 

While there are some large outage pockets, many are individual homes or businesses.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @TheSJTimes. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

A gym in Gloucester County put a unique spin on exercise during the Valentine's Day weekend. Watch video

EAST GREENWICH -- A man stands in the center of a busy room, bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet as he listens to the thumping bass of the high energy music cranking out of the speaker behind him.

He takes a deep breath, readying himself for the challenge that still lies ahead. Raising his fists up, he takes up a defensive stance as he locks eyes with the familiar face in front of him. He's ready.

Just then, a timer goes off. The man pulls his elbow back then launches his fist straight toward his intended target - a picture, of all things. But not one of just anyone. It is a picture of himself.

"That's me 117 pounds ago," Kevin Dougherty said, explaining his choice to pummel his own image. "Some people might be shredding their ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend, but I wanted to shred the ex-me."

Dougherty, along with dozens of others spent their Saturday afternoon shredding only calories, but also various forms of exes at East Greenwich iLoveKickboxing.com fitness studio's "Shred Your Ex" event.

During Valentine's Day weekend, members of studios nationwide had the opportunity to bring in photos of someone or something they disliked in order to punch, kick, and otherwise shred up the images all in the name of love.

"Shred Your Ex's main focus is to give people a killer workout and to bring people together for Valentine's Day," said Katie Burns, manager and instructor of the East Greenwich franchise. "Since Valentine's Day is usually such a Hallmark holiday it's kind of cool to do something different."

In addition to rounds which included various kickboxing techniques, lightning rounds, and partner exercises, Shred Your Ex gave attendees the opportunity to win prizes, listen to some great music, and to take home a rose and Valentine's Day card at the end of the class.

Although the theme of the workout is unique, it is also relaxing for those who need to relieve extra stress during the holiday.

"Getting to punch and kick something or someone is therapeutic," said iLoveKickboxing instructor Shyra Dehner. "Shred Your Ex is a great event to come and better yourself not only physically but also mentally. You can relieve stress and also get fit."

While some chose to use pictures of ex-lovers, others brought along images that represented something they wished to cut out of their lives, including food items, disliked acquaintances, or, as in one case, a photograph of a particular presidential candidate.

"I wanted to bring an empty bag of chocolate today because it's definitely my downfall," said Anna Malone. "Physically removing something from your life and knowing you're going to remove this negativity by shredding it is just a huge stress relief."

According to Burns, the ability to "beat up" an ex is not the only draw for those attending the event. Others joined in on the event simply because they wanted something to do during a holiday that is typically focused on romantic relationships.

"We are bringing people who don't have something to do for Valentine's Day here to kick some serious butt," said Burns. "Anyone who doesn't have a valentine can come here and we are going to be their valentine - or at least their anti-valentine."

She added: "I don't think there's a holiday out there for people you don't like. It's awesome that people are coming out and putting up pictures and beating the crap out of them. It's so satisfying."

Though the event was focused on providing an alternative to the hearts and flowers of Valentine's Day, Shred Your Ex was not just a fun way to burn calories. For many, it was a way to relieve stress and gain a positive outlook on life.

"This is a great way for people to celebrate Valentine's Day in a different way," said Rebecca Bradshaw. "Not only do you get a workout but you relieve a lot of stress and you get to leave the studio feeling great about yourself."

State Sen. Jeff Van Drew wants the state Board of Public Utilities to hold a hearing in the area were service is impacted.

A state senator wants the Board of Public Utilities to hold a hearing in South Jersey to hear directly from Verizon customers who say they are frustrated by poor service.

A state senator wants the Board of Public Utilities to hold a hearing on Verizon service in South Jersey. (File Photo) 

While Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-1^st Dist., focused on Cumberland and Atlantic counties -- the areas he represents -- the problems with Verizon service extend into Salem and Gloucester counties, officials there say.

"These problems are not only an inconvenience, they are causing public safety and quality of life issues and require action," he wrote in a letter to Richard S. Mroz, president of the New Jersey BPU.

"The inability of a resident to reach emergency personnel by phone or for emergency officials to communicate effectively could literally mean the difference between left and death. For students, in adequate telephone and Internet service could mean the inability to access educational materials and, for a business owner, it could result in lost production and revenue."

Last year a group of 16 municipalities from four counties in South Jersey filed a petition with the BPU in an effort to ensure Verizon New Jersey does not abandon its basic landline telephone service.

The towns include:

* Atlantic County: Estell Manor and Weymouth Township.

* Gloucester County: South Harrison Township.

* Salem County: Alloway Township, Lower Alloways Creek, Mannington Township, Township of Pilesgrove, and Upper Pittsgrove Township.

* Cumberland County: Commercial Township, Downe Township, Hopewell Township, Lawrence Township, Maurice River Township, City of Millville, Upper Deerfield Township, and Fairfield Township.

"I respectfully request that BPU hold a public hearing in the First Legislative District to hear directly from residents, emergency personnel and public officials about the communications problems they are experiencing. I would also request that Verizon participate," Van Drew wrote to Mroz. 

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @TheSJTimes. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The northern portion of Gloucester County was hardest hit when wind and rain took out trees and cut power to thousands of homes Tuesday.

MANTUA -- Jean DuBois looked out her front door on Tuesday afternoon, pointing to where a railing used to line her front steps. A total of four trees had come down on her property, one of which punctured the roof of her house.

Strong winds during an afternoon thunderstorm brought down trees and powerlines throughout most of South Jersey. Readers in Salem, Cumberland, Gloucester and Camden county wrote in describing downed trees, roof damage and power outages.

Around northern Gloucester County, public works employees and emergency responders were handling numerous complaints of tree damage. Gloucester County's communications center received 125 calls to local fire departments, 252 calls to police and 150 calls to 911.

"I've never heard anything like that in my life," said DuBois, a former county freeholder. Her lawn was littered with branches and splintered tree trunks.

She had heard an earsplitting noise just after noon, and peered out her front door to find that the walk across her yard was impassable.

"I've been here 37 years. Once we had a twister and a tree came down on the garage, but that was years ago."

County officials said on Tuesday afternoon that the areas of Woodbury, Deptford, Woodbury Heights, Mantua and Wenonah had taken the brunt of the storm. County roads were mostly clear, however, and it did not appear that anyone had been injured. For the majority of residents, life went on as usual.

"This end got hit much worse than the southern end of the county," said Deb Sellitto, county spokeswoman.

"There's tons of trees down," said a Deptford police officer who was watching an intersection where a traffic light had gone out. "But our fire department got most of them. We're just waiting for the lights to come back on."

Widespread power outages had affected thousands of South Jersey residents.

Back in Mantua, DuBois said emergency responders and municipal workers had responded immediately. Firefighters and EMTs had checked on her at home, and the mayor was making his rounds to inspect the damage.

"The township was great," DuBois said. "They came right out."

"It's almost like the second coming of the June storm," said Mayor Pete Scirrotto. "But the important thing is no one got hurt."

He looked at the trees that had completely blocked traffic on tiny Glover Road. A contractor was on the way to remove the trees from DuBois' home, and the insurance company was expected to come out Wednesday.

"It's amazing, to think something that big could just fall."

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

A Paulsboro man tried to beat the train through an intersection Tuesday evening.

PAULSBORO -- A car was struck by a freight train and dragged a few hundred feet Tuesday when the driver tried to beat the engine through a railroad crossing, according to Paulsboro's mayor.

No one was injured in the crash at the corner of Beacon Avenue and Monroe Street.

Emergency personnel were on the scene and are working to remove the car from the railroad tracks, according to Mayor Gary Stevenson, who said it would be towed out.

The CSX freight train engine appeared to coupled to another engine, but no other rail cars were being pulled at the time.

It appears there is antifreeze leaking from the car and little damage to the train, Stevenson said.

The driver of the vehicle, a Paulsboro resident who is not being identified by police, was walking and talking to emergency responders immediately following the accident.

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

Police found 57 folds of heroin during a motor vehicle stop.

FRANKLIN TWP. -- A motor vehicle stop Tuesday night lead to the arrest of three New Jersey residents who were found with 57 folds of heroin, police said.

Franklin Township Police conducted a motor vehicle stop at 9:47 p.m. on Porchtown Road near the intersection of Royal Avenue.

The driver, Nicole Evans, 32, of Mt. Ephraim, and passengers Albert Guida, 21, and Thomas Nicholas Jr., 34, of Williamstown, were all charged with drug offenses.

Car hit by freight train, dragged hundreds of feet in Paulsboro

During investigation, police found 57 folds of heroin, an amount of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and and undisclosed amount of money.

Evans, Guida, and Nicholas were all charged with possession of controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public building, possession of heroin, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bail for all three was set at $50,000.

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

Two chunks of Philadelphia-area jobs have just left for Mexico. It's a situation that Donald Trump taps into effectively.

Pennsylvania's presidential primaries don't take place until April 26, but don't be surprised if Northeast Philadelphia scores big for Donald Trump -- and maybe Bernie Sanders -- based on news this week.

It's been reported that Carbone Industries, a supplier of brake calipers to the automotive industry, will ship 1,300 jobs from its two Philadelphia locations to Mexico. 

You can't get a better illustration of the frustration that Trump taps into than the loss of more than 1,000 manufacturing jobs from a locally based company. To cite H. Ross Perot from his 1992 presidential campaign, that "giant sucking sound" you hear is jobs going across the border.

In addition, the job losses will occur in a neighborhood that's already been decimated by an icon that was familiar by smell, if not on sight, for anyone who traveled on Roosevelt Boulevard: Mondelez Global Inc., shut its Nabisco cookie and cracker bakery last May, idling 300 workers. Some of the production went south of the border.

Trump has already tweeted about the Carbone situation, saying that it is exactly what won't happen if he's president. Last year, made a point of Mondelez's U.S. factory closures, disclosing a personal Oreo boycott on word that some batches could be coming from Mexico rather than Chicago.

When job losses eviscerate neighborhoods, and are felt so viscerally by their residents, it may not matter if Trump has any real idea of how to stop the bleeding. Sanders, who also rails against trade agreements, may not have a solid solution, either.

Protectionist tariff legislation is complicated. It depends on who's being protected. One reason that confectionary companies, including Mondelez, are said to be poised to go to Mexico is because the cost of sugar there is not kept artificially high by controls designed to protect domestic growers.

More mainstream presidential candidates like Hillary Clinton and a raft of "free-trade" Republicans have disappointingly failed to preserve jobs, as well. You can't blame broad pacts like the North American Free Trade Agreement that riled Perot 24 years ago for all the job shifts. When elected officials ignore that the manufacturing sector has taken it on the chin, however, all the Trump signs should be no surprise.

The federal government could do more by targeting current tax breaks toward companies that expand existing manufacturing plants. States, too, need to look at their substantial "goodie" programs. 

Developers associated with Rowan University were just awarded $50 million in state credits for building a parking garage and privately owned student housing. It's legitimate to ask, if New Jersey is going to dole out billions of dollars in commercial tax credits, why they're laser-focused on projects like the Rowan one, or on moving jobs from into Camden from Evesham.

Has anybody ever considered using some of the incentives to keep jobs from moving from Jamesburg to Juarez?

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

PAULSBORO — Loudenslager Elementary School announces the names of Students of the Month and Board of Education Students of the Month, both for January, and Honor Roll students for the second marking period. Students of the Month for January 2016: Grade 3  — Aaron Redd, Jadyn Lord, Lewis Rosario, Sariyah Davis, Aniya Mitchell, Justin Roman Venosa, Grade 4 Michael...

Jane Humes | For NJ.com 

PAULSBORO -- Loudenslager Elementary School announces the names of Students of the Month and Board of Education Students of the Month, both for January, and Honor Roll students for the second marking period.

Students of the Month for January 2016:

Grade 3  -- Aaron Redd, Jadyn Lord, Lewis Rosario, Sariyah Davis, Aniya Mitchell, Justin Roman Venosa, Grade 4 Michael King, Lauren Staryeu, Shana Veney, Grade 5 Michael George, Johnathon Muy Alva, Richard Wright, Robert Stotsenburg,  Grade 6 Taquan Brittingham, Jasmine Jacotin, Dominic Barber, Kianna Garrett, D'mara Brooks, James Kelly.

Board of Education Students of the Month for January 2016: 

Conner Lennon, Lana Agha, Donald Zott, Gianna Batts, Josiah Woodards, Devin Horton, Devyn Booker.

Honor Roll Students for Second Marking Period 2015-2016:

High Honors: Russell Robinson, Gianna Batts, Lana Agha, Jaden Gaines, Hailey Goss, Alyssa Veney, Stephen Lane, Conner Lennon, Aaron Redd, Destiny Jefferson, Kevin Foust, Cameron Baker, Arrieana Davis, Rashan Jefferson, Malakyi Hubbard, Austin Willetts, Emilie Gibbons, Samuel Powell, Bryan McManus, Kamya Hambrick, Angelina Lane, Sofia Giovannitti, Raquel Blair, Devyn Booker, Latavia lewis, Emma Nagbe, Marcella Williams.

First Honors: Janasia Payne, Aaliyyah Bateman, Georgia Baker, Gabrielle Bennett, Cody Lockenmeyer, Jayden Stone, John Reed, Jadyn Lord, Ariana Aguilar, Jayla Johnson, Aniya Mitchell Eric Scott, Lem-Nasha Shambry, Janai Carr, Heather Jenkins, Corrine Bartley, Cody George, Alma Melendez, Amaura White, Violet Williams, Summer Armstrong, Nicholas Homan, Gavin Punihaole, Shana Veney, Saniyah Collins, Brookelyn Harvey, Tyasia Folston, Gerard Sharp, Robert Stotsenburg, Azhmeir Campbell, Barry Green, Levi Sparks, Preston Moore, Ja'Vonn Osbourne, Josiah Woodards, Daviont Baker-Alston, Johnathon Muy Alva, Le'Lah Brunson, Matthew Coleman, Zabreya Cooper, Isaiah Oster, Hunter Zubec, Payton Keen, Kyla Haas, Devin Horton, Jasmine Jacotin, A'yanna Johnson, John Saunders, Faith Hartman.

Second Honors:  Javon Bagby, Nashon Davis, Taquan Brittingham, Michael Marlar, Keith Rainer, Tahliya Redd, La'Mya Davis, Serenity Gaines, Nyasia Green, Za'Mya Saulters, Ryon Brown, Saniyah Gibson, Nyma Sesay, Lauren Staryeu, Connor Macklin, Ma'Leahyah Johnson, Anaiah Hill, Ivan Murray, Elaisha Scruggs, Samuel Clark, Brion Hardy, Brandon Armstrong, Angela Parkinson, Treasure Holder, James Kelly, Anthony Scott, Dylan Punihaole, Najea Wright, Ariel Williams, Ulyssa McGill, Adrianna Green.