South Harrison Township could see the highest increase in state aid in the county.

Gov. Chris Christie has proposed spending more than $13 billion in funding, including $548 million in new spending in his 2017 budget proposal. The proposal increases school spending by about 4 percent and every district would get an increase in funding from the previous year.

Across the state, proposed school aid amounts varied greatly by district.

Here is a look at how Gloucester County schools would be funded under the proposal:

Wawa, rodeos, lower taxes, fresh produce from local farms... we could go on and on.

The health care workers union argues that Inspira didn't give them notice about the hospice plan but Inspira promises to retain its hospice employees.

VINELAND -- Inspira Health Network failed to inform a health care worker's union about changes to the hospital that affect the employment of 105 employees, according to the union.

In response, Inspira promises to find new positions for the employees in the transition.

Jane Humes | For NJ.com 

Inspira Health Network and Bayada Home Care, a private company that provides home care for patients, are working out a joint venture where Bayada will handle the hospital's hospice services for Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties.

The changes are expected to go into effect by mid-April and the 105 employees involved in Inspira's hospice services will either work for Bayada or find new employment in the health network.

According to the Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) union, the organization was not informed of the transfer of the network's home license to Bayada or that the transfer would affect 105 employees.

According to Inspira, the health network and Bayda have already discussed the change with the nurse staff and hospice program members.

HPAE represents 1,300 nurses at Inspira, including 31 nurses involved in hospice care.

"We demand that nurses' jobs and union rights be protected in any change of ownership," said Michelle Silvio, president of the local union, in a statement. "Inspira home care nurses provide quality, continuity of care in this community, and requiring nurses to reapply for their job puts patient care at risk."

Inspira Health Network filed a notice with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development about the 105 employees, per the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act).

"Inspira is committed to assisting all of their home care and hospice employees to identify positions available within the new joint venture," reads a statement by Inspira. "The network believes that nearly all of its home care and hospice employees will be offered positions. If any employees are not offered positions within the new joint venture, Inspira will work with them to find employment in other departments within the network."

Bayada will manage the joint venture from its offices in Millville and Woodbury.

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

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

CHEERS: To choosing a new leader. Cumberland County College's presidential search committee has narrowed its choice for a new president down to three candidates -- Dr. Jacqueline Galbiati, Dr. Stephen Nacco and Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernandez, officials announced this week. One of these people will step up to head the Vineland-based community college. Now that the search committee has made its choices, the public gets a unique chance to meet and questions the candidates in person at special forums next week.

JEERS: To using a tragedy for one's own gain. We hope it's not the case, but could someone have picked up the watch of a victim of a fatal accident in Cumberland County? The family of Larry W. Waller Jr. is offering a $100 reward for the recovery of the Citizen Eco Drive wristwatch Waller was wearing when he died in a tragic crash on East Commerce Street in Fairfield Township on Feb. 4. To think someone would lift the watch from the accident scene is disheartening. If anyone does know the watch's whereabouts, please email the family at trainman110@aol.com.

CHEERS to fighting the fair fight. Nobody can accuse of Donald Norcross of anything other than hitting the ground running. The freshman U.S. representative called on Congress Wednesday to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act and ramp up legislative efforts to close the wage gap between men and women. Just last month, Norcross led another charge to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 by 2023. To Norcross, this week's effort -- a bill that would amend the Equal Pay Act of 1963 -- isn't a matter of "if" it gets passed, it's a matter of when the playing field gets leveled.

JEERS to downright dumb behavior. When nine Camden County Correctional Facility workers were busted in late 2014 for exchanging racist text messages and videos, the county took no part in covering up the mess. A Camden County spokesman said the "belligerent" behavior of the "rouge officers" was at no time acceptable and they were fired soon after -- good call. This week's release of text messages and an Internal Affairs interview with one of those nine ex-officers, provided to NJ Advance Media by the local NAACP branch, revealed that this crew had a real problem with the inmates they dealt with daily, namely the African American ones. Don't let the jail cell door hit you on the way out, guys.

CHEERS: To Deptford and Gloucester County officials who collaborated last week to help a township resident who was facing last weekend's icy temperatures with no heat. Deptford police officer Shawn Wentz responded to the home Nov. 10 for a well-being check and found the resident was using his oven to heat his condo because the heater had failed. Wentz contacted the local Lowe's about the situation and the store donated a space heater to the resident. Two days later, Officer Daniel Volpe followed up with the resident and learned that the home's heater still hadn't been fixed. That was the day before temperatures were expected to plummet to single digits. Volpe made temporary repairs to the heater at the resident's request until permanent repairs could be made by the property owner. Last weekend's temperatures fell into the deadly range. No one should have to face that with no heat. Kudos to these officers, county and local officials and Lowe's for stepping up to help a resident in need. "This is a prime example of one of the many ways that the men and women of the department go above and beyond just crime fighting efforts," Deptford Police Chief Bill Hanstein said. "I could not be more proud of the many acts of kindness and caring for the community that have been displayed  by the officers of this department."

JEERS: To the organized bunch of thieves targeting meat distributors in Logan Township. For the second time since November, crooks have made off with huge hauls of frozen meat from businesses at Pureland Industrial Park. In both cases, drivers presented phony documents in order to load large shipments valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Police say they switch license plates and driver documents in order to elude capture once they leave these warehouses and are likely transporting the stolen goods to Florida. Neither crime produced security camera footage that could identify the driver. This is just one more reason why every business -- be it a bank or a meat merchant -- needs the highest quality surveillance equipment in order to identify thieves and help police do their jobs.

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

Anthony Johnson, 32, was hit by gunfire on Wesley Street between Oak and Chestnut streets early Saturday morning.

SALEM -- A man was shot multiple times as he rode his bicycle along a city street early Saturday, authorities said.

Anthony Johnson, 32, of Salem was hit by gunfire  on Wesley Street between Oak and Chestnut streets shortly after 1 a.m., according to the Salem County Prosecutor's Office. 

After being shot, Johnson rode to a home on Chestnut Street where Salem City police officers and emergency medical crews responded..

Johnson was truck by bullets in his leg, arm and torso, authorities said. He was taken to Christiana Hospital, Newark, Delaware. 

His  wounds are not considered life-threatening, according to officials.

Right now, authorities say they have no motive for the shooting.

Both the prosecutor's office and the Salem City Police Department are investigating.

Anyone with information abut the shooting is asked to call Detective Sergeant Carlos DeLaPaz of the Salem City Police Department at 856-935-8119 or Senior Investigator Jim Gillespe at the Salem County Prosecutor's Office at 856-769-3508.

Tips can also be anonymously texted to the prosecutor's office or Salem police using the tip411 app on any smart phone. 

A man was shot in Penns Grove earlier this year near a bar during the early-morning hours. In that case, authorities are still searching for a suspect or suspect.

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

Students got to put their skills to the test during the annual school event that highlights technology.

WASHINGTON TWP.-- Robot battles and rubber band-propelled boat challenges allowed students to put their own inventions to the test during Washington Township High School's annual District Technology Night on Feb. 18.

Tech Night, a district initiative for the township's career and technology education program, "tries to give opportunity for all of our students to explore and experience various technologies and hopefully become tomorrow's innovators and future engineers," said Steven Whalen, supervisor of career and technology education for Washington Township Public Schools.

Student Technology Ambassadors represented their middle and grade schools in competitions. The middle school students applied their knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to design solutions to three technology challenges.

Students entered their inventions into challenges for Structural Design, Robotics and the CO2 Dragster Race.

"I'm impressed," said Helen Edelmayer, the grandmother of one of the participating students. "I just think it's remarkable what kids are doing. It's amazing to see what they're doing with their hands."

Getting to use his hands to create something is one of the most exciting aspects of Tech Night, said Kenny Whipkey, president of the Bunker Hill Elementary's Tech Club.

Making projects helps inspire scientific creativity and "gets everyone excited and interested in science," he said.

"Students take the content they learned in the classroom and apply it in meaningful ways that they can understand," said Whalen. "Children get to see what they're capable of."

"The things middle school students are doing now, at that level, are things that just a short time ago our high school kids were doing, and I can only imagine what they'll be doing when they're in high school. It's really going to be something to look out for," Wallen added.

The goal is to get students involved in learning and applying real life critical thinking and problem-solving skills, said Pat Goliszewski, a technology teacher in the district. "We try to stay current and to let kids embrace the technology. It's no good if they only get to see it, we want them to play with it and experience it."

Niko Durnan and Dylan Bauer said their first Tech Night was a fun experience. "We wanted to come in first," said Durnan with a smile.

The two, along with Angelo Durnan, won the Model Bridge Design Structural Challenge with a bridge that held 17 pounds before collapsing.

"I like the challenge," Bauer said. "Building and seeing everyone's stuff was really fun."

The two think they may want a career in sports, but with pause, they added, "maybe engineering."

Louise Damiano-Gavigan has trichotillomania, an impulse control disorder characterized by uncontrollable hair-pulling.

WASHINGTON TWP. -- Thirteen years ago, Louise Damiano-Gavigan's New York jewelry business began struggling. As the stress mounted, she developed a strange habit she'd never had before: pulling her hair.

But pulling her hair wasn't the problem. Damiano-Gavigan's real problem was that once she started, she couldn't stop. She would hunt for a gray hair, or a hair that was thicker than usual, and pull.

"So here I am newly married, and I have basically no job and no direction. It was a sort of stress release," said Damiano-Gavigan, now 43.

Damiano-Gavigan has trichotillomania, an impulse control disorder characterized by a patient's compulsive pulling of their own hair. People with trichotillomania may pull hair anywhere on their bodies. The scalp, eyebrows and even eyelashes are some of the most common targets. The disorder occurs in people of all ages -- one estimate states that up to 4 percent of the general population has trichotillomania -- but in Damiano-Gavigan's case, it was stress and depression that triggered the pulling.

It wasn't until five years ago that she began seeking treatment. Damiano-Gavigan's husband, Frank Gavigan, began researching trichotillomania, and together, they began habit reversal therapy.

"I'd tell her wear mittens, or wear a baseball cap," Gavigan said. "It was frustrating. It's not easy to sit there and watch, but you'd know if you'd say anything, she would explode. I would have to leave the room."

The more they learned, the better they knew how to handle the situation.

"I learned to say it the right way, and she learned to hear me," Gavigan said.

Meanwhile, Damiano-Gavigan began looking for ways to preserve her hair. She had developed bald spots on her scalp from the constant pulling. Hair extensions didn't really address the problem, and one device -- a sort of integrated wig -- actually harmed her hair.

"It was heavy, very visible and painful," said Damiano-Gavigan. "I have scars now where hair won't grow."

In November, she found something that worked: a 3D-printed prosthesis that was custom made for her scalp. Damiano-Gavigan went in for a consultation at the Wall Township-based Transitions Hair Solutions, where owner Danielle Grillo helped outfit her with the piece.

"The 'scalp' is made of a breathable, antibacterial, anti-fungal polymer," said Grillo. "It fits better than a normal piece because it sits flush on your head. If you ran your hand over the person's head you wouldn't feel it."

A factory in Italy printed out the piece, then injected it with thousands of individual human hairs. The makers imitated the natural grain, color and texture of Damiano-Gavigan's hair. Now, her natural hair is allowed to grow back beneath the prosthesis. It is attached to Damiano-Gavigan's head with a special adhesive. She can shower and even play sports with the prosthesis in place.

Grillo says the piece is useful for burn victims and people with alopecia as well as those with trichotillomania. Because it is not the wearer's real hair, she said, most people do not bother to pull on it once it is in place.

"Peope with trichotillomania don't generally pull on a prosthetic. When they go to pull, a lot of times they have to feel the tension. They don't feel it with the prosthetic," she said.

The prosthetic is not a cure-all, however, which Damiano-Gavigan readily admits. The piece cost about $5,000, for one thing, and that's for a smaller prosthesis that only covers the crown of her head. She has to go in for a monthly appointment, when the piece is cleaned and re-attached to her head. However, she notes, it allows her to live a normal life.

"It's a confidence thing," she said. "As a woman, I didn't feel complete."

In general, she added, people with trichotillomania (sometimes called simply "trich") stay silent.

"It's hidden, because there's a lot of shame attached to it. People hide. I know I isolated myself a lot."

Damiano-Gavigan is still working to find a way to stop pulling.

"If I'm tired or stressed, all bets are off," she said. But she finds that meditation and yoga alleviate the urge to pull, and is still exploring other options.

"It's something that's always with you," she said. "I had dealt with depression before, and I still do. There are multiple issues that come with this. But now my hair can grow, which is something that didn't happen with other treatments."

She also had a message for other people dealing with trichotillomania.

"You're not alone."

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

It's becoming standard for towns to loosen regulations that have kept chickens out of non-agricultural backyards. But a "Chicken Advisory Board"? Really?

Chickens. They're not just for barnyards anymore.

This spin on the old orange juice slogan was validated once coops started popping up on roofs of Manhattan high-rise apartments more than a decade ago. The chicken-as-pets, urban-egg-provider movement has spread to the suburbs, where it has gained new fans rooted in the sustainable farming and local-food movements.

As such, New Jersey towns have had to rethink ordinances that bar chickens from being kept at non-rural residences, along with a number of other animals classified as wild or livestock. Usually, the call for an exemption starts with one family that is shocked to learn that its chicken shed runs afoul of current laws.

At this point, nobody has to convince city or township councils of the benefits of raising a few individual chickens. They can make fine pets, provide learning experiences for non-farm children, offer nutritional and tasty eggs, are a source of organic fertilizer and, upon the ultimate sacrifice, can become the basis for a pot of flavorful soup.

What local officials have tried to do is keep things from getting out of hand. Laws that allow chickens at home but limit the size of a residential flock, as well as attempt to control noise and odors, have been enacted in several places. So it is in Woodbury, where a long-awaited chicken ordinance is up for a vote Tuesday night. 

The Woodbury Council ordinance has a "sunset" provision for these birds that wake us up at sunrise; it's a pilot program that will expire two years from now. Regarding those noisy roosters, they won't be allowed at all. Families will need residential lots of at least 4,000 square feet, and the coops will be limited to single and twin homes. Up to 20 licenses will be available to chicken fanciers.

As long as things stay in moderation, it's all good.

However, we came to one provision that we almost thought was an early April Fools joke upon reading about it:

Woodbury wants to create a "Chicken Advisory Board." Five appointed members  would hear any complaint from neighbors, or that might arise from the way the chickens are kept. Assuming that five willing individuals with no conflict of poultry interest could be found, the ordinance is silent about whether the appointees would be supplied with "Chicken Inspector" badges.

Seriously, this board sounds like serious bureaucratic overreach. Can't a town with barely 10,000 residents and fewer than 2,500 single-family homes police a few chicken coops without a cumbersome new board? How often would it have to meet? Are all 20 licenses even spoken for?

Approve the ordinance, but drop that advisory board like a flaming plate of hot wings. Chicken patrol shouldn't overwhelm existing city personnel. If it does, set up the board later.

Granny made the top 10 on my personal list of unforgettable characters I've met during a long newspaper career

Bob ShryockTimes file photo 

J.T. DeLuca, who plays baseball for Kingsway, has fascinating baseball bloodlines. Grandson of Jim and Pat Ambrosius, J.T. is the great grandson of the late former Phillies' Whiz Kid shortstop Granville "Granny" Hamner, who led his club in hitting (.429) in the Yankees' four-game sweep in the 1950 World Series and was a three-time National League all-star. He had a gun for an arm.

J.T. is well-versed in "Pop's" background as a big league shortstop and second baseman but wants more information about his personality and approach to the game and stories about him. J.T.  emailed me because of the friendship Granny and I struck when he was player-manager for the Kansas City affiliate Binghamton, NY Triplets and tried resurrecting his career, at age 38,  as a knuckleball pitcher who led the Eastern League in earned run average.

Granny and I became close when I covered the Triplets in spring training in Daytona Beach, Fla. in 1962.  He liked calling me "my reporter." His players included Ken "The Hawk" Harrelson, who broke the Eastern League home run mark that year, and future major league pitchers Lew Krausse Jr. and Fred Norman.

After driving Granny north to his Richmond, Va. home we spent the next three months building our friendship, transitioning ex-big leaguer and young sportswriter.

After not seeing each other for 30 years, we reunited in the early 1990s when I was managing Pitman Golf Course and Granny called me for a job as starter-ranger. I obliged and he spent the next two years regalling the golfers with his amazingly funny stories about the old days with the Phils. No one could tell a story like Hamner. He once made me promise that I wouldn't repeat any of them.

. He possessed an engaging personality both on and off the field. He was highly competitive and loved having young pheenoms whiff awkwardly trying to hit his unhittable knuckleball.

When my oldest son Rob was born at Lourdes' Hospital not far from the Triplets' Johnson Field, Granny had a gift.

A baseball signed by him.

I wish I knew where Rob put it.

---

Pitman Poems on Parade, a new event that originated in 2015 to showcase work by amateur poets, returns to downtown Pitman in April as a highlight of National Poetry Month.

With the youngest poet just 5 years old and the oldest 92, their poems are to be displayed on posters in the windows of businesses along Broadway and surrounding streets.

The event was an instant hit a year ago. McCowan Memorial Library had scant little wall space left because nearly 200 poems by students and adults were displayed there.

"We had parading penguins - OK, students dressed as penguins  -  special programs at the schools, a display of poems at Pitman Manor, as well as (entries from) the police chief, superintendent of schools, and nine current and past Miss Pitmans," said event spokesperson Lynne Nelson.

This year the committee is adding an open house and reception April 22 for all participants plus family members and townspeople. Actors dressed as history's famed poets will circulate through the crowd. Poets will be asked to recite their work for guests who make the request.

---

Greg "The Bull" Luzinski, one of the top sluggers in Phillies' history, will be inducted in the All-Sports Museum of Southern New Jersey at a Saturday, April 9 ceremony beginning at 11 a.m.

The  spectacular museum is located at 8 Burt Street, Bridgeton. The public is invited. RSVP to Dave Hitchner by March 26. Email Dave at DEH7545@aol.com or call him at  856-455-5168 for additional information.

Rarely have I seen an individual who used such great power and authority to uphold laws that deny minority individuals their civil and human rights.

A week ago, U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia died while on a quail hunting trip at Cibolo Creek Ranch in Shafter, Texas. 

No one's death brings me joy, yet I find it difficult to mourn this man's transition into the next realm. I am certain his family and friends loved and respected him, yet I, and many others, detested his opinions as a jurist. Rarely have I seen an individual who used such great power and authority to uphold laws that deny minority individuals their civil and human rights. 

Many who describe Justice Scalia as a brilliant legal scholar and intellectual are attempting to get a head start on rewriting the history of his tenure on the Supreme Court. The historical record will show, years after most of us have closed our eyes for the last time, that Scalia acted as if he believed that people of color, women and members of the gay community were inherently inferior. But, unlike many others who share such beliefs, he unabashedly entered them into the written record.

"There are those who contend that it does not benefit African Americans to get into the University of Texas where they do not do well, as opposed to having them go to a less advanced school, a slower-track school where they do well," he stated during oral arguments before the court on a race-based admission case. Most of the black scientists "come from lesser schools where they do not feel that they're being pushed ahead in classes that are too advanced for them," he continued. This was just two months ago. 

I would have liked to ask the justice to name the less-advanced and slower schools to which he was referring. A chemistry degree is a chemistry degree. It's the same for biology, dentistry or medicine. I have never seen or heard of a bachelor's degree being divided into "beginning" "intermediate" or "advanced" categories. 

Who is he to speak to how those of color studying the sciences feel? Scalia spoke the words of an individual who viewed African-Americans as inherently inferior in an academic environment.

Here is how he felt about women in the workplace desiring equal pay: "Certainly the Constitution does not require discrimination on the basis of gender. The only issue is whether it prohibits it. It doesn't."

In essence, he was saying was that it is OK to discriminate against working women just because the Constitution does not specifically prohibit it. That is ludicrous. 

Scalia subscribed to the theory of "originalism," which attempts to interpret and apply the Constitution as the Founding Founders intended. This theory appears to be nothing more than a last-gasp attempt by a certain segment of the population to maintain power and control. 

As A. Leon Higginbotham Jr., the late federal judge, so aptly pointed out, the Constitution is a flawed document -- something that is evident from its 27 ratified amendments and many others that have been proposed. Scalia refused to accept that the Constitution is a living document, and that the Founders could not have envisioned society in the year 2016. Since the Constitution was written, our country has expanded to 50 states, legal slavery was ended, and women are no longer viewed as property. They've entered the work force in great numbers, they can can vote, and they hold a significant number of elected offices. Things have changed and will continue to do so.

Many are aware of the high number of convicts who have been sentenced to death, only to be exonerated later by DNA evidence. One of the most frightening things Justice Scalia said regards the death penalty and how it is applied. Following his strict embrace of originalism, he commented about one case, "Mere factual innocence is no reason not to carry out a death sentence properly reached." 

The quote above is one of the most elitist, most callous statements regarding innocent people facing the death penalty I have ever heard. It places the law above the innocence of a human life, above an innocent human being. How could a member of the highest court in the land, sworn to act in the best interest of the people in this nation, say that it is justifiable to execute a person who might be innocent as long as the process followed the law?

Antonin Scalia, a great jurist and renowned constitutional scholar? Not in any shape or form.

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

To the Editor: In regard to the death of Justice Antonin Scalia and replacing of him on the U.S. Supreme Court, the Republicans are once again taking partisanship to the brink of lunacy.  They have vowed to block any effort made by President Barack Obama to seat a new justice on the court because, well, because Obama is a...

To the Editor:

In regard to the death of Justice Antonin Scalia and replacing of him on the U.S. Supreme Court, the Republicans are once again taking partisanship to the brink of lunacy. 

They have vowed to block any effort made by President Barack Obama to seat a new justice on the court because, well, because Obama is a Democrat. They're not fooling anyone. The Republicans are hoping they can capture the White House and replace one conservative justice with another. 

There are approximately 11 months before the next president takes office, and Obama has a right and a constitutional duty to appoint a new candidate to replace Scalia. 

The Republican-controlled U.S. Senate has a right to reject Obama's choice, of course, but for the Republicans to suggest to the president that he shouldn't even bother to begin the process because of non-existing "precedents" and "tradition" is the height of collective arrogance. It is also an attempt to circumvent the constitutional process that should take place. 

John McBride

Mullica Hill

Back Dems' House challenger in 1st Dist.

To the Editor:

As I write this, it's Thursday night, Feb. 18, and my fingers are just beginning to thaw. I have spent the last two hours knocking on doors in my hometown of Glassboro for, and with, Alex Law. 

Law is a progressive Democrat who is running against incumbent U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross June 7 for the party's nomination in New Jersey's First Congressional District.

Funny thing is, despite my toes being numb, I feel great. The reason is because I am helping to elect a congressman who is going to put the people of South Jersey first. Law believes in campaign finance reform, student loan reform, investing in sustainable energy and Internet neutrality. 

He is not beholden to large donors, and when he gets to Washington, he will truly be representing the people who sent him there. You can find out more at about him at alexlawforcongress.com. Mark your calendar to vote in the Democratic Primary on June 7.

Liz O'Keefe

Glassboro

The two boats ran aground near the Absecon inlet Saturday. Watch video

BRIGANTINE -- Crews are working to free a tugboat and a 135-foot barge that ran aground on the beach near the Absecon Inlet Saturday, the Coast Guard said.

A commercial salvage company and the Coast Guard's Delaware Bay Atlantic City sector have been trying to free the two vessels since about 7:30 this morning.

"We're going slow and steady to make sure everything stays safe and make sure there is no pollution," Coast Guard Petty Officer David Micallef said. "Our main priority right now is safety and environmental impact."

The 77-foot tugboat, Miss Katie, lost power Saturday and beached north of the Absecon inlet. The barge, which is carrying a crane and other construction equipment, drifted before ending up aground on the south side of the inlet.

An investigation on the cause of the incident is ongoing.

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

Bridgeton Mayor Albert Kelly waxes nostalgic for Bridgeton 1955.

MAYOR ALBERT B. KELLY 

By Albert B. Kelly 

I don't know about anyone else, but I love nostalgia. It doesn't cost much of anything and it always makes us feel good inside. Sometimes it might be hearing a song that takes you back years to another time and place.

For me recently, it came courtesy of one Paul Helmes and the 1955 Cumberland County Business Guide distributed by the then Bridgeton Evening News which he was kind enough to share. Having been born in 1955 and raised at 21 Willow St (now occupied by the ALMS Center), these names and photos take me back to my beginnings. 

For the record, Thomas A. Dailey was mayor and Fred Bates was the city clerk. Earl McCormick was the comptroller and Kenneth Wilson was the tax collector. The director of welfare was Wilbert Davis and the commissioner of streets was Colin Irving. The council president was Arthur Carman and while meetings were on Tuesdays, they began at 8 p.m. Go figure. 

Bridgeton telephone numbers had the old letter exchanges as in BR9-0278, which was the number for Smasheys shoe store. Unlike today's disposable mindset, Bridgetonians needed television repair and they could choose between Stanley Clark, George Custer, DeSantis Television Service, Henry's Radio & TV Service, and Paul Sheppard. 

If you had a little too much to drink at the Victory Bar, or perhaps Motta's Bar on Mulberry, you could always get home using Veale's Taxi-Bridgeton first taxi cab company. There was also the ABC Taxi Service at 48 S. Laurel Street -- perhaps Bridgeton's second taxi service. Who knows?

For those looking to grab a quick bite to eat downtown, we had the Copper Kettle Gleissner's Bar-B-Q, the Markette Dinett, and Skinny's Restaurant.

I was surprised to see a night phone number for the Bridgeton Live Poultry Market run by Tom, Steve, and Lou at 11 Jefferson Street. I guess the day starts early when you're doing live poultry, though apparently not for Quaker Brand Baby Chicks (no night number) at 103 Cohansey Street.

Bridgetonians could get fine photos at Connelly-Moy or a good house painting from Charles Emery, president of Modern Paint Co. For those who enjoyed learning the Fox Trot, Waltz, Polka, Peabody, or Jive, there was the Carnegie Dance Studio in the Feinstein Building

While generations of doctors come and go, Bridgeton in 1955 boasted quite a few including Mary Bacon, Ben Berkowitz, William Fithian, Edwin Greene, Alex Palladino, Ralph Phillips, Anthony Pino, Leonard Scott, and Herbert Wilson.

How many youngsters back in the day visited the Walnut Street Hobby Shop at 31 Walnut Street? Their ad says they stayed open until 10 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays. How many remember Elwell's Food Market at the corner of Hampton and Giles Streets?  

Bridgeton has always been filled with people of faith. In 1955, those who led their respective flocks included J.H. Wilson from Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, Paul Braisted from Pilgrim Holiness Church, and Thomas Gooley from Immaculate Conception.

Laurel Hill Methodist Church was led by Kenneth Stevens, while Pastor R. W. Davis was in the pulpit at Union Baptist Temple. George Moody led Pearl Street Baptist Church, and Robert DeRemer was at Berean Baptist.

Time and space won't let me list all there was to see and reflect on in this directory, but it was enough to look back and remember. It may be that the past was never quite as rosy and bright as we'd like to make it out to be, but whatever it may have lacked, it offers its own special form of comfort to us now.

Many of the names in that directory still make up part of the backbone of our community today -- names such as Woodruff, Russell, Sheppard, Hankins, Pearson, and Catalano to name but a few examples. This current generation building and expanding on the success of their forefathers.

Today there are new names to consider such as Arellano, Sosa, Garcia, Rivera, Gomez, or Lopez and while these can't find much to be nostalgic about in a 1955 snapshot of our community, they're building lines forward so that a snapshot of now might allow their children to wax nostalgic in say 2055 and that's no small thing.

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

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

Navigating our health care system can be complicated, scary, stressful and yes expensive.

 

Let's face it. No one likes to be sick.  Whether one is dealing with "flu like" symptoms or facing a chronic illness, being sick can dramatically impact our quality of life and how we view life in general.

Each day, the media or advertisers bombard us with information on the latest health scare like the Zika virus or a new medicine that will cure us of every possible malady with only 12 or 15 life-threatening side effects.  But don't worry; there is another medication that will address the side effects from the first medication!

Navigating our health care system can be complicated, scary, stressful and yes, expensive.   While doctors and hospitals generally try to do a good job in addressing our health problems, it is hard not to feel ignored when there is only so much time and so many sick people to be cared for.

This is why it is extremely important to take an active role in your medical treatment and make informed decisions regarding your care. This week, Your Legal Corner will discuss the "Patient Bill of Rights" and tips to consider to receive the best medical treatment possible. 

Patient Bill of Rights

In New Jersey, individuals receiving medical treatment in a hospital setting have legal rights governing their care.  These rights provide that all patients should be treated with courtesy, consideration and respect.  Additionally, each patient must receive an understandable explanation of his or her medical condition, recommended treatment, expected results, risks and reasonable alternatives.

Further, written consent is required by the patient or the patient's legal representative, before any non-emergency treatment can be given.  Also, in most circumstances the patient has the right to refuse medication, and treatment and to be informed of the medical consequences of refusal.

A patient can request a transfer to another facility and have prompt access to medical records.  The right to a copy of hospital charges, an itemized bill as well as an explanation must also be provided. 

Medical Care Advocate

The old adage two heads are better than one is especially true in health care.  Engage a medical care advocate to assist in managing daily care.  An advocate can be a close friend, family member or retained from an agency. Legal authority must be given by the patient to an advocate to attend health appointments with the patient, keep records and discuss care alternatives.     

A medical care advocate can help resolve issues regarding health care, medical bills, and challenges that are related to a patient's care.  A medical advocate should be someone you trust who can work well with other members of your health care team.

Internet as a Health Care Tool

According to a Pew Research Center study, approximately 80% of American adults use the Internet to research medical conditions or care.  As with most topics, the Internet can be an invaluable research tool as long as one considers the source of the information. 

If previously diagnosed with a disease, the Internet can be utilized to learn more about your condition and your treatment options.  It can also be utilized to learn more about doctors as well as hospitals and their specialties. Most importantly, it can help you refine your questions to your doctor to get more specific, helpful information regarding your treatment.

Knowing your rights, enlisting the help of another, carefully researching the Internet and taking an active role in your medical treatment can make a world of difference in your medical care!

Till next time, God bless, keep smiling, when Your Legal Corner will discuss  "Reporting child sexual abuse." Victoria M. Dalton is a dedicated Family/Elder Law Attorney with the Law Offices of Hoffman DiMuzio. Email correspondence to vdalton@hoffmandimuzio.com or call 856-845-8243.

Please note that Your Legal Corner was created to provide educational material about the law and is not legal advice.

Scouting helped Jones develop a set of principals that served him well his entire life.

Brian W. JonesCOURTESY PHOTO 

WESTAMPTON -- The Garden State Council, Boy Scouts of America announces the appointment of Brian W. Jones to serve as Council President and Chair of the Executive Board, a two-year volunteer position. Jones, a resident of Woodbury and longtime Scouting supporter, is the president/CEO and director of The First National Bank of Elmer. 

New initiatives for 2016 include a STEM Scouts program for boys and girls in third through 12th grade that provides hands-on lab experiences, and expansion of the Exploring program that offers teens a chance to explore careers in a variety of fields such as medicine, law enforcement and fire fighting.

Jones comes from a family of Scouts and was a member of Boy Scout Troop 54 in National Park, a program he credits for shaping his life.

As a Scouting volunteer, Jones has held many positions and has received the Award of Merit and the President's Award for outstanding Service from two different councils.

Jones has been widely recognized by many organizations for his philanthropy and commitment to community service. 

Jones earned a graduate degree from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking from the University of Delaware, a B.S. in Administrative Studies from Rowan University, an A.A.S. in Finance Technology from Rowan College at Gloucester County, and an A.S. in Business Administration Rowan College at Gloucester County. He also has been published in several leading banking industry journals.

Jones is married and has a son and daughter.

The school also announced its 'Educational Services professional of the Year'

Pitman Middle School has named Sue Crispin its "Teacher of the Year" for the 2015-2016 school year. Crispin's hard work and dedication to the students of Pitman is an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of knowing her.

Students in Crispin's music classes are asked to think critically and experience the music they study through conversation, singing and listening.

Laurie Drank, school nurse, has been named Pitman Middle School's "Educational Services Professional of the Year" for the 2015-2016 school year. Drank's commitment to the children, parents and staff of the school makes her the perfect candidate for this award. She has a tough, but rewarding job and the school is fortunate to have her.

This is a well-deserved honor for Sue Crispin and Laurie Drank and everyone at Pitman Middle School is proud to have them on the Pitman Middle School team.

Kristen Stewart, principal of Pitman Middle School, announces the names of students on the Principal's List and Honor Roll for the second marking period.  PRINCIPAL  6th Grade — Holly Bish, Carley Bridges, Madison Bridges, Colleen Broesler, Logan Campbell, Ryan Campisi, Reilly Capanna, Ryleigh Chreiman, Colby Dahl, Nancy Davidson, Magdelina Davis, John DeChristopher, Leah Duncan, Emma Evans, Megan Foody, Catriona Galvin, Faith...

Kristen Stewart, principal of Pitman Middle School, announces the names of students on the Principal's List and Honor Roll for the second marking period. 

PRINCIPAL 

6th Grade -- Holly Bish, Carley Bridges, Madison Bridges, Colleen Broesler, Logan Campbell, Ryan Campisi, Reilly Capanna, Ryleigh Chreiman, Colby Dahl, Nancy Davidson, Magdelina Davis, John DeChristopher, Leah Duncan, Emma Evans, Megan Foody, Catriona Galvin, Faith Gigliotti, Aidan Grigus, Aidan Grookett, Julia Gushue, Amelia Hamm, Harry Hoang, Benjamin Horner, Evelyn Hulitt, Aidan    Leach, Andrew Lee, Salvatore Lynch, Kathleen Martin, Lily Maxwell, Abigail May, Ashlin McConnell, Zachary Newdeck, Joseph Paglione, Arabella Pirrone, Cole Sharpnack, Chelsea Simons, Jon Strahorn, Alaina Villari and Emily Williams. 

7th Grade -- Eric Bogardus, Deryn Bullock, Kelsey Byrnes, Avery Canna, Karolina Chagnay, Elena Clark, Liam Conner, Gabrielle Conover, Colin Cooper, Cameron     Cronin, Alyson Dean, Emily Faustino, Holden Fellenger, Elizabeth Giedosh, Payton Keblish, Daniel Kelly, Samantha Kenney, Molly Lentz, Sean Lynd, Grace Mazzola, Maria Pensabene, Carolyn Pepe, Emma Rentzel, Isabella Ross,  Isabella Santiago, Lauren Sears, Abigail Shelanskey, Jessica Singh,  Katelyn Tierney, Olivia Van Mater, Tabitha Versak-Kennedy, Stacey Watson, Brooke Wentzel, Jeffery Williams, Angela Wrigley and Ryan Zheng.

8th Grade -- Wyatt Anderson, Angela Bevilacqua, Karis Brady, Kyle Broesler, Daniel Cannon, Sean Carpenter, Grace DePaul, Abby Donahue, Michael Franchi, Frederick Gelbart, Dalton Gipe, Theodore Graves, Ellie Green, Samuel Grossman, Jeffrey Hardy, Edion Harms, Thomas Jackson, Tyler Jackson, Shane Mc Fadden, Michael Meighan, Marissa Ozer, Alexis Preis, Paige Sanders, Joshua Schofield, Catherine Simons, Stefanie Singh, Mallory Skinner, Yasmin Smith, Taylor Stakiel, Nora Stanwood, Giana Sulpizio and Steven Villec. 

HONOR ROLL

6th Grade -- Lacey Belville, Julianna Bonanno, John Buckley, Jackson Campbell, Cole Clayton, Adam Donahue, Aiden Ewe, Ryan Falcone, Maddix Ganiel, Cassidy Gear, Kaylee Grace, Angelina Harris, Nicholas Johnson, Joseph Joyce, Daniel Kapr, Jessica Kenney, Ryan Kinder, Zackary Kraemer, James Logan, Nicholas Lou, Connor Lowe, Mason Marker, Lauren Morris, Hunter Mott, Brynn Neyman, Ian O'Boyle, Braden Payne, Savannah Pelletier, Ryan Powell, Ashlynne Quinn, Charles Spaeth, Tyler Supulski, Samantha Trotz, Ava Trum, Abigayle Walker, Reese Whitley and Jonathan Young. 

7th Grade -- Jaycee Andres, Paige Blaker, Lauren Brown, Peter Bullard, Katherine Burger, Sarah Derby, Creighton DiOrio, Amber Downs, Lauren Dresh, Christopher Engstrom, Jake Ewe, Jenna Georgette, Matthew Gerace, Christoper Hamm, Jake Hasher, Destiny James-Grady, Olivia Kensil, Emily Langer, Samuel Lippincott, Jacob Lyko, Brenna McHenry, Ryan Monteith, Rylee Moorman, Nicole Murphy, Makenzie O'Brien, Colin Ott, Isis Pickard, Owen Post, Jacob Powell, Fernando Robles, Dylan Stiteler, Ethan Szymanski, Julie Tozour,Jack Underwood, Cole van Oyen, Katherine Wright and Jonathan Zubert.

8th Grade -- Julian Antonucci, Alison Bish, Emily Bohl, Sarah   Brennan, Richard Brett III, Jessica Campbell, Evan Caple, Molly Coles,   Zane Coles, Nathaniel Conley, Caleb Dahl, Thomas Derenberger, Sophia Dzinski, Gia Falciani, Jason Gaunt, Anthony Gigliotti, Aaron Hickman, Russell Johnson, Warren Johnson, Henry Kowalski, Keri Leach, Sydni Martin, Tyler Matlock, Patrick McKenna, Chloe Naphy, Jason Neagle, Joshua Neyman, Owen-James Orcutt, Andrew Pagan,Robert Petersen, Gina     Poitras, Sebastien Reed, Ashley Ricciardelli,Isabella Shainline, Daniel Tapken, Isabella Tullio, Virginia Uyehara, Juliana Villari, Madyson Wehlen, Declan Worley, Bryce Yordy and Charles Young. 

Two Salem County residents were stopped in Franklin Township, Gloucester County.

FRANKLIN TWP. -- A traffic stop in the Gloucester County town Friday evening resulted in a drug arrest and dozens of folds of heroin, police said.

At about 11:13 p.m., police stopped a 2004 Infiniti driven by Richard Carapucci, 29, of Pittsgrove Twp., along Route 40 near Oak Avenue. The officers initially arrested Carapucci, along with his passenger, 19-year-old Janirah Bacon of Pittsgrove, on paraphernalia charges.

During the arrest, officers found 62 folds of heroin and a large, undisclosed amount of money. Carapucci was charged with possession with intent to distribute, possession of paraphernalia and related charges, including a traffic violation. Bacon was charged with possession of paraphernalia and possession of a CDS.

Bacon was released on summons pending a municipal court date, while Carapucci was held at the Salem County Correctional Facility on $50,000 bail.

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

Long-time Inspira receptionist has been the welcoming face in the lobby for 17 years

Judy Muhlbauer Courtesy Photo 

WOODBURY -- Judy Muhlbauer was chosen by Inspira Medical Center Woodbury as the Employee of the Month for December. This West Deptford resident was recognized for her work ethic, positive attitude, and outstanding job performance.

Muhlbauer has been the welcoming face at the guest services desk in the lobby for the last 17 years.

The receptionist is the perfect mix of professionalism and friendliness and makes sure visitors are clear about where they have to go in the hospital. She serves as that extra set of eyes, along with other guest services staff and security to notice someone outside or in the lobby who made need some immediate assistance. Muhlbauer also helps to match up volunteers with a call for assistance from a patient floor or department.

The hospital, with Muhibauer's help, has become much more efficient in getting visitors on their way to where they need to go. Over the years, Muhlbauer and her co-workers have adjusted their roles to align with patient privacy laws, new computer systems, and keeping track of the new services offered at the hospital.

Thomas Guzzi was a teacher at a Vineland elementary school and the school district drama advisor.

An elementary school teacher and drama club advisor was arrested Friday for allegedly downloading child pornography, according to officials.

He was suspended without pay after the arrest.

Thomas Guzzi (Submitted photo)Don E. Woods | For NJ.com 

Thomas Guzzi, 36, of Pitman, was charged Friday with second-degree distribution of child pornography and third-degree possession of child pornography.

New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice and U.S. Immigration and Customers Enforcement agents conducted the arrest Friday at Guzzi's Pitman residence.

Federal authorities monitor file-sharing websites known for child pornography and traced multiple downloads to Guzzi, according to Peter Aseltine, spokesman for the Division of Criminal Justice.

Authorities seized two laptops, a mini-computer, a desktop computer, three iPads and two phones, Aseltine, as well as external hard drives.

Guzzi has been employed in the Vineland Public Schools district since 1995, according to Dr. Joseph Rossi, executive director of personnel for the district.

He was an advisor to the drama club and a teacher at the John H. Winslow Elementary School.

After Guzzi's arrested Friday, the district suspended him without pay. His salary was approximately $65,000, Rossi said.

Parents of Winslow School students were sent a letter Friday explaining the arrest of one of the school's faculty members, although the communication did not detail the charges.

Guzzi was in possession of a school district computer, as is common with teachers, according to Rossi, but it is not clear at this time whether that computer was used in a crime.

Guzzi was held in the Salem County Correctional Facility in Mannington Township in lieu of $50,000 bail.

If released on bail, Guzzi cannot have contact with children and must surrender his passport, according to Aseltine.