Jonathan Strout and Theresa Pietrowski receive new positions in school district

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - The Washington Township Board of Education has endorsed the elevation of Washington Township High School Director of Guidance Jonathan Strout to the position of executive assistant principal of the school's 11/12 wing. Strout will move into the post formerly held by Theresa Pietrowski, who has accepted the position of Middle School Executive Assistant Principal. Strout will begin his new duties on March 1. He will continue to oversee the guidance department, as well, while interviews are conducted to find his replacement. 

A 1999 graduate of Muhlenberg College with a bachelor's of arts degree in psychology, Strout earned a master of arts in counseling in educational settings from Rowan University in 2006. He holds certifications in elementary teaching, school counseling, supervisor, director of school counseling services, principal and superintendent.  Strout resides in Washington Township with his wife, Talia, and three children, Eliana, Vivienne and Pierson.

Washington Township High School veteran educator Theresa Pietrowski has also been approved by the Board of Education as the district's middle school executive assistant principal.COURTESY PHOTO 

Washington Township High School veteran educator Theresa Pietrowski has also been approved by the Board of Education as the district's middle school executive assistant principal. In this newly created role, Pietrowski will, in conjunction with the building principals and department supervisors, be in charge of coordinating all professional staff development at Bunker Hill, Chestnut Ridge and Orchard Valley middle schools. She begins this new role on March 1.

An educator for the past 25 years, Pietrowski has served as executive assistant principal in the 11/12 high school building since September 2009. Prior to that, she was assistant principal in the 9/10 wing of WTHS for nearly six years. 

A 1991 graduate of Rowan University with a degree in elementary education and psychology, Pietrowski holds a master's degree in educational administration from Seton Hall University. She has served as principal of St. Cecilia School in Pennsauken and taught special education and language arts at Saint Matthew Regional School in West Deptford.

Cara McCollum died Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, one week after her Ford Mustang convertible slid off an icy South Jersey road.

Former Miss N.J. Cara McCollum was an activist for literacy, an up-and-coming broadcast journalist and, according to those who knew her, a caring individual. She was also an organ donor, and was public about being one.

McCollum, 24, died Monday morning, one week after her Ford Mustang convertible slid off an icy Salem County road and struck several trees.

A Facebook post from her family announced her death and the fact that before she died she had made the decision to donate her organs. 

The NJ Sharing Network, which facilitates organ donation throughout the state, was with her family this week as McCollum's organs were harvested to help others, and they hope her decision helps persuade others to do so as well. 

Throughout the country there are currently 120,000 people waiting for an organ on the national list, with 5,000 of those living in New Jersey, said Elisse Glennon, vice president and chief administrative officer for NJ Sharing Network.

While the organization and its representatives cannot speak directly about McCollum's case, a donor can save the lives of up to eight people with organ donation and help up to 50 people with tissue donations.

"Most people think of solid organs, but we are trying to educate more and more regarding tissue donation," Glennon said. "Some people think of it as not as life saving as a heart transplant, but it really does save lives. If you speak to any tissue recipient, they will say it saved their life."

Educating the public about organ and tissue donation is paramount to getting more people involved and registered as donors, according to the NJ Sharing Network. In New Jersey, high school students are taught in school about the process and the benefits of donation, but public figures being donors further helps to spread the word, Glennon said.

McCollum's very public support of organ and tissue donation during her life and her family announcing that her organs were being donated will hopefully help to raise awareness about the possibilities donation offers for many individuals.

"Organ donation is the ultimate gift of charity," Glennon said. "She (Cara) in her life was very charitable. In her life she was a role model. Even in her passing she was that...Ultimately I am certain because of her more people will become organ donors."

You can register as an organ donor at the department of motor vehicles while renewing or applying for a driver's license or on the NJ Sharing Network website.

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

Walgreens stores will begin selling the opiate antidote naloxone, known by the brand name Narcan, without a prescription.

Walgreens pharmacies in New Jersey will be selling Narcan without a prescription by the end of the year, the drugstore chain announced earlier this month.

The drug Naloxone, which is more commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a nasal spray or injectable  that can counter the effects of a heroin or opiate overdose in as little as two minutes.

New Jersey is one of 35 states in Walgreens' proposed Naloxone program, which aims to put the drug in the hands of those who need it.

Pharmacies in New York began selling naloxone without a prescription in early Febraury with Walgreens pharmacies in Indiana and Ohio following throughout the month. By the end of the year it is expected to be available in 5,800 Walgreens stores.

CVS stores began selling the drug without a prescription in New Jersey and 12 other states in September of 2015.

Pharmacists will have to train those purchasing the drug on how to use it properly.

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

You probably think you'll get a perfect score this week. Not a chance.

How well do you remember the biggest New Jersey stories of the week? Take the NJ.com news quiz and find out. the seven questions below are all based on stories you've seen on NJ.com in the past week. Once you're done. share your score in comments.

There's a fresh NJ.com news quiz every Thursday evening.

For the next two years, the city will try out a pilot program of 20 licenses for backyard hens. Watch video

WOODBURY -- Go ahead, count your chickens -- up to nine, anyway.

City council approved an ordinance allowing residents to keep a maximum of nine hens in their backyards on Tuesday evening. The move is the beginning of a pilot program that will expire at the end of February 2018. A maximum of 20 licenses will be available in town, and after the pilot program expires, officials will decide whether the birds can stay for good.

"There was very little public comment, and very few comments from council," said Mike Theokas, city administrator. "The mayor has to name an advisory board, and after that, we'll begin licensing procedures."

The ordinance follows the example of several New Jersey towns, including Newark, who have already loosened their laws on chicken-keeping. Woodbury requires a minimum lot size of 4,000 square feet, proper housing and a 15-foot buffer space between chicken coops and neighboring homes. No roosters are permitted.

"Of course we're happy with it," said Jessica Ferguson, who keeps a dozen hens with her husband, Paul. The couple were part of a group that worked with Woodbury officials to formalize a measure allowing the birds on residential property.

"It's a nice ordinance, and it could serve as a model for other parts of South Jersey," Ferguson said. She has already been contacted by residents of nearby Deptford and West Deptford who hope to bring similar laws to their own towns.

Theokas acknowledged last week that the movement for sustainable and organic food was taking a hold in town. Ferguson agreed, saying she was happy to see her local officials on board.

"It's the start of a path to sustainability in Woodbury," she said.

The Fergusons currently own 12 hens -- three too many, but the ordinance includes a clause that lets residents who currently have more than the maximum legal number of birds to keep the animals, provided they do not replace the extras once they die.

Several people have already come to city hall seeking licenses, Theokas said.

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

The state found much more than a dirty dozen unscrupulous contractors in just three months, and many others will soon crawl out from under their rocks.

When the state this week issued a list of 40 home improvement contractors that had allegedly cheated customers in the last quarter of 2015, three things stood out:

-- Chasing scofflaw contractors is a lucrative way to fill state coffers. The Division of Consumer Affairs noted that it had collected $481,477 in penalties and restitution from enforcement actions during the period. 

-- South Jersey is over-represented on the "bad guy" list. Nearly half the firms -- 17 of the 40 -- have addresses in Burlington County or south.

-- More of these sharks are circling the water, especially after two recent winter storms.

Despite stepped-up patrols by the state, it's up to property owners eager to fix ripped roofs, replace broken windows or repair flood damage to take measures to protect themselves before hiring anyone. 

The DCA cheater list ranges from the unlicensed to those who can't seem to finish any one job. It would be charitable to say they all suffer from advanced ADHD. Any property owner looking for a contractor should know the drill by now: Get multiple estimates, don't give a large deposit before any work is done, check out the vendors on various websites.

But, if such advice were always followed, the home-improvement scam "investigative report" wouldn't be an ongoing staple of local TV news. And, the state wouldn't keep putting out lists of dozens of outlaw firms.

It's good news that exactly one month after the Jan. 22 blizzard struck, the federal Small Business Administration began offering low-interest loans to help businesses, renters and homeowners make repairs. Properties that qualify are in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Ocean counties.

While Gov. Chris Christie garnered criticism for keeping his focus on his now-busted presidential campaign after the storm, the governor did come through, belatedly, by requesting the federal disaster declaration on Feb. 11. For residential loans, claims must be filed by April 22. More information can be found on the SBA website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

The loan money is also of great interest to contractors, both the responsible ones and those who lurk around looking for prey. This week's sustained rain and high-wind event created still more property owners needing restorative services, though they're not eligible for the SBA loans.

Whether it's a repair that dates back to Hurricane Sandy, a more recent weather disaster, or just a desire to add that nice deck before spring, honest home-improvement firms are awaiting your call. So, too, are the fly-by-nighters. 

From your county's consumer affairs office, to the Better Business Bureau, to  yelp.com, there are multiple resources to check business people. "Take the Money and Run" is the title of Woody Allen's first movie and of a Steve Miller Band song. Don't let it become the sad slogan for your next home improvement project as well. 

Workshops are free of charge, though registration is required.

Gloucester County has scheduled several job workshops in preparation for a March job fair.

The job fair is slated for March 23 at Rowan College at Gloucester County.

Registration is required to attend the free workshops by going online to www.wibnj.com or by calling 856-384-6963.

The workshops will be held as follows:

Thursday, March 3, 5-7 p.m. at Mullica Hill Library, 389 Wolfert Station Road, Mullica Hill. This location is on Pureland East-West Shuttle route.

Monday, March 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Glassboro Library, 2 Center St., Glassboro. This location is also on Pureland East-West Shuttle route.

Friday, March 11, 1:45-4 p.m. at Rowan College at Gloucester County, Eugene McCaffrey College Center, Room 202, 1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell.

The job fair will be held 9 a.m. to noon on March 23 in the RCGC gymnasium, with employers representing fields including law enforcement, trades, health care, retail, transportation, logistics, bio-science and financial services.

Job seekers are asked to register online before attending the free event. 

A list of employers participating in the event can be found online. The list is likely to grow.

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

During my long tenure in the news business, I had one "feeler" to run for public office but unhesitatingly declined.

If the presidential election was today rather than eight months from now, I have a clue who would get my vote. But just a clue. I've been see-sawing on my pick throughout the zany debates that sometimes resemble an old WWF free-for-all, and have pretty much made up my mind who won't get it. That includes just about everybody, narrowing what to this point has been a wide-open field.

Bob ShryockTimes file photo 

I'm a registered Democrat who tries voting with my head. Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't. If Hillary Clinton gets the nomination and I stick to party lines, I'm leaning her way. She seems to be the most savvy candidate remaining in either camp. Sure, she carries baggage. Who doesn't? I don't see many presidential hopefuls who are baggage-free on either side of the political fence. I love Bernie Sanders, but somehow can't envision him going head-to-head with a coterie of tough-talking world leaders.

Fortunately, there is no rule that says I have to vote for Donald Trump, at this writing the likely GOP nominee - perhaps in a runaway. At one point I considered him a viable candidate because I found his candor refreshing, some of his ideas reasonable, and his quirky campaign attack on everybody that moves at times curiously humorous.

I no longer consider Trump amusing. His personality barrages on fellow Republicans, Democrat foes, women, the handicapped, even the Pope, have been, at best, consistently outrageous, aggravating me at times. Only Santa Claus has escaped a thorough Trump-ing, and Santa could be next.

My Dad, a newsman of all things, ran for office once, and regretted his decision the rest of his life.

A registered Republican who was editor of his hometown paper, Dad asked by the GOP committee to run for mayor. Dad mulled over his options and was a reluctant "yes," with full knowledge of the dangers, shocking family members and close friends who figured he knew better.

Mom was totally opposed, reminding Dad that a newspaper editor had no business serving in public office.

"Even if your intentions are admirable, every time a story appears that is pro-Republican you're going to hear about it," Mom told him over dinner one night. "Readers will have a field day second-guessing you, not to mention the paper. You'll divide the town."

Dad was a popular guy. He was a positive, savvy journalist who knew how to balance the scales. But as savvy as he was, he soon discovered Mom was correct in her judgment. The Democrats screamed when a story appeared that they felt put them in a bad light. And all stories quoting GOP candidates were deemed biased even if they clearly weren't. it was, after all, a Republican town.

So, as it turned out, Dad the newsman and would-be politician lost the election handily. To make matters worse, a significant number of readers canceled their subscriptions because they felt Dad used the newspaper in an ill-advised manner to promote his candidacy - even though it wasn't true, a biased reaction, from this view, for sure. In fact, many close friends and confidants solidly in Dad's corner lobbied on his behalf. If anything, they said, he over-compensated to make certain the paper appeared fair.

During my long tenure in the news business, I had one "feeler" to run for public office but unhesitatingly declined.

It seems I'd capitalized on Dad's tactical error. It was one of the few times in my life I could honestly say that.

There was another reason. I simply wasn't smart enough to serve.

But smart enough to not vote for Trump? We'll see.

Based on my sorry track record of picking winners, this one could go badly awry.

Episcia are related to the African violet and need similar conditions

By Lorraine Kiefer

Many folks love to grow African violets and are very successful with them all year long. Violets are so beautiful when blooming and often easy to grow in good morning or late afternoon light.

A great addition to the window garden is a violet relative that has bright colored leaves and blooms and likes the same conditions with a tad more light is the episcia. These are related to the African violet as both are gesneriads and need similar conditions.  Episcias are often called red violets or "flame" or "trailing" violets. The  foliage can be shiny green, bronze and silver and the tubular flowers are found in white, yellow, lavender, pink, orange or red. I love the red best and always have one or two in my house.

Episcia is a genus of 10 species belonging the the Gesneriaceae plant family. 

Episcia are related to the African violet as both are gesneriads and need similar conditions. Lorraine Kiefer 

Established plants display flowers throughout the entire year as long as they get good light and are kept warm and in good humidity. Food is also important, so  fertilize episcias twice a month with any good soluble liquid fertilizer like Plant Nutrient. Fertilize only on well moistened soil so you do not burn the roots. I have also successfully used osmocote time release for blooming, 14-14-14 twice a year too. I do cut back on all feeding in November and December as it is so dark.

You can grow episcias in a soil the same as the one for African violets. I use pro mix or one of the other potting soils, but not violet mix as that is too heavy.

Episcias thrive in an east, southeast or partially shaded south window. If you want them for foliage effect only, you can grow them near a north window. But  they bloom best with some sunlight and warmth.

The foliage of the episcia can be shiny green, bronze and silver.Lorraine Kiefer 

If you are growing plants indoors under artificial light like fluorescents they respond to  this non-changing light intensity. They will produce really lush foliage and many colorful blooms if the pot is about 14 inches from the light tube that is on for 12 to 14 hours each day. The average household temperature between 72 to 75 degrees during the day with the usual five to 10 degree drop at night, seems to suit them. If your house is like mine it is sometimes cooler than this -- try to keep them in a warm spot in winter. They often look cold and shriveled if it is too cold in winter or if air conditioning is on in summer. Grow near a source of warmth in winter. I put mine out on a shaded porch in summer and they do well until the nights get cold. Episcias need more water than African violets and like fairly humid conditions. Episcias and all of your house plants will benefit when set on trays of pebbles with water under the pebbles.

When plants look straggly, trim off the runners and repot the old plant. I often start new plants  by putting leaves or small runners in baggies with moist soil in them. Although some root the leaves in water, in winter I find better luck with putting a few leaves in a baggie with a few inches of sterile pro mix very wet potting soil in it. This is hung over a small nail in a window that does not get hot sun. soon the leaves root and can be put in small pots in an East window.

I have always loved these awesome plants with colorful leaves and bright red blooms.  Although the plant needs to somewhat dry out between waterings, they require a humid environment and love a good soaking

I have always loved to grow blooming houseplants and as a child had a window sill full of violets and a few episcia. I remember always wanting to stop in the hardware store in Sea Isle City 50 years ago to buy the episcia they sometimes had under their grow light. I looked forward to that all year. Now I both root them and get them from a grower in North Carolina.

I have and episcia and African violets on a table in a window across from the kitchen table. Because in their native environment they grow in a semi-shaded spot, they flourish in a window that has good morning light. This, coupled with moisture, adequate watering and feeding, and moderate temperatures will insure many pretty blooms throughout the year. These face east and get gentle sunbeams from early morning until after lunchtime.

Violets thrive here along with episcia and a maidenhair fern. The secret is frequent watering. Whenever there is a little water left in a glass on the table I dump it in one of the plants. You'd think that this would be too much, but what with the sun and the little stony cement containers that hold the water as it drains through it seems to be just right. The plants often dry out in between waterings, but never wilt. In winter they need more when the fireplace insert sends out dry heat. Soon I will add a primrose and hyacinth to complete a spring window garden.

Lorraine Kiefer is the owner and operator of Triple Oaks Nursery in Franklinville. She can also be reached by e-mail at Lorraine@tripleoaks.

Saturday Night Dance party is one of the longest running on-air radio broadcasts

DEPTFORD -- Adelphia Restaurant will honor Bob Pantano as he celebrates 39 years on the air. Pantano's Saturday Night Dance party is one of the longest running on-air radio broadcasts. He will be honored at his live broadcast on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Adelphia Restaurant, 1750 Clements Bridge Road in Deptford. The event starts at 7 p.m. and runs until 2 a.m. on 98.1 WOGL Philly's Oldie station.

Special guests making an appearance at Adelphia's for Pantano's anniversary include: Bobby Valli (Brother of Frankie Valli) singing some of the Four Seasons hits, Rich Sheppard (former lead singer of The Drifters) singing their hits, Jimmy Lee (Blue Magic & Fat Larry's Band), Jimmy Phillips (Sons of Robin Stone). 

Pantano has been the featured DJ at Adelphia on Thursday nights for 15 years and nine years on Saturday nights where he airs his live radio show featuring hits from the '50s, '60s, '70s and '80s. 

Pantano, originally from South Philadelphia, now resides in Washington Township with his wife. He started his career in the late 1960s spinning at record hops and then in the 1970s at nightclubs. In 1971, he began his professional radio career on WCAM in Camden. Then in 1977, Bob pioneered the live-radio broadcast, The Saturday Night Dance Party, which airs every Saturday night live from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The Adelphia Balis family also owns and operate The Philly Diner & Sports Bar in Runnemede, and Kaminski's Sports Bar & Restaurant in Cherry Hill. For more information, call 856-845-8200 or visit www.adelphiarestaurant.com to view their menu and events.

Voting ends at noon on March 4. The school with the most votes wins!

Students at non-public schools in South Jersey are gearing up to perform in musicals such as "Mary Poppins" and "Godspell" this spring season.

NJ Advance Media wants to know which of the musicals you would like us to photograph.

Simply pick your favorite school or musical in the poll, and we will shoot and post pictures from the winning performance on NJ.com.

Vote below and keep scrolling to see details about all the performances. Voting ends at noon on March 4.

Gloucester Catholic High School presents "You're a good man, Charlie Brown" on March 17-19, 7 p.m., and March 20 at 2 p.m. at Rowan College of Gloucester County Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $12.

Camden Catholic High School is presenting "Pippin" on March 11-12, March 18-19 at 7:30 p.m. and March 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12.

Bishop Eustace Prep presents "Mary Poppins" on March 3-5, 7:30 p.m., at Collingswood Scottish Rite Theater. Tickets are $16.75.

St. Joseph High School, Hammonton, presents "Godspell" on April 7-9, 7 p.m., and April 10, matinee. Tickets are $12.

Holy Spirit, Absecon, is presenting "Little Shop of Horrors" on March 18-19, 7:30 p.m., and March 20, 2 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Holy Cross, Delran, presents Pippin on April 28-30, 7 p.m., and May 1, 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors.

Wildwood Catholic will present "Snoopy" on March 12, 7 p.m., and March 13, 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students.

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

Deptford Township High School announces the names of students on the Principal's Honors List and Honor Roll for the second marking period. PRINCIPAL'S HONORS Grade 9. Elisheva Breau, John Cooper, Christopher Deeley, Jillian Dolan, Gabal Kaur, Shoa Moosavi, Katharine Morrison. Grade 10:  Valentina Blando, Amaris Marsh, Jamie Medina, Joshua Rosenzweig.  Grade 11:  Hind Abdul Jabbaar, Nayla Abney, Meredith Amato,...

Deptford Township High School announces the names of students on the Principal's Honors List and Honor Roll for the second marking period.

PRINCIPAL'S HONORS

Grade 9. Elisheva Breau, John Cooper, Christopher Deeley, Jillian Dolan, Gabal Kaur, Shoa Moosavi, Katharine Morrison.

Grade 10:  Valentina Blando, Amaris Marsh, Jamie Medina, Joshua Rosenzweig.

 Grade 11:  Hind Abdul Jabbaar, Nayla Abney, Meredith Amato, William Bleier, Tia Denby, Samantha Ferrara, Ryan Gray, Katie Huang, Sydney Johnson, Shubdeep Kaur, Brian Lastinec, Alexis Lehrbaum, Amanda Owens, Brandon Stiffler.

Grade 12:  Alexis Abson Magee, Gia Baratta, Arman Bhuiyan, Gabrielle Broomall, Marcus Carter, Jhaelin Castillo, Helena Franchi, Alicia Glenn, Taylor Hansen, Danielle Kaiser, Darshan Kalola, Gaggnjot Kaur, Gabrielle Keller, Caitlyn Kliniewski, Arjun Puri, Courtney Schaeffer, Manpreet Singh, Sara Todd, Eric Williamson,

HONORS

Grade 9:  Daniel Banh, Ashley Baresich, Sarah Beck, Cameron Bey, Frank Bonanno, Danielle Cabey, Leslie Canales, Jayden Cooper, Hunter Dickson, Jada Fontanez, Megan Grace, Lucille Grayson, Emily Hammett, Conor Harkins, Russell Hirschbein, Yousef Iftekhar, Courtney Jones, Nylayah Jones, Alexandra Jovanovic-Foka, Jacob Maiese, Eun Na, Kayla Nieves, Nathaniel Oquendo, Jacob Piersa, Ayush Puri, Tanairi Rodriguez, Ashley Scheld, Liam Scully, Ryan Shaw, Tyler Shisler, Sydney Shute, Layla Smith, Eion Angelo Tamayo, Minh Vu, Abygale Walker, Elizabeth Williams.

Grade 10:  Asad Ali, Jillian Angeles, Alessio Arce, Eric Bazurto, Casie Billmann, Devon Boesenhofer, Alyssa Bright, Makayla Buck, Hailey Cassidy, Priya Chary, Tanbir Chowdhury, Zabrina Clement, Francis Cummings, Brock Davis, Matthew Dugan, Nicholas Eliason, Lauren Fanz, Jennifer Ford, Allison Gardner, Gabriella Gonzalez, David Graham, Jessica Lee Grande, Trinity Greco, Jasmine Johnson, Aiyaz Kalam, Caitlyn Lemelledo, Taylor Lento, Gabrielle LoGrande, Justin Lynch, Victory Miranda, Richard Mobley, Tricia Onyango, Kateleen Pasion, London Raikes, Halle Redman, Krystalia Reillo, Zachary Rosenzweig, Eric Rueblinger, Jagdeep Singh, Samantha Stegemerten, Paige Stewart, Kathleen Stone Jordan, Briana Storey, Tori Thompson, Mackenzie Vukicevich, Maya Webb, Lindsay Wisner.

Grade 11:  Leah Ala, Anthony Angelino, Jacob Babnew, Nijhee Banks, Arianna Baptiste, Lynae Bayne, Christopher Beck, Kayleigh Bonner, Megan Bracken, Anna Clayton, Conor Clifford, Jacob Cuevas, Kyle Dailey, Domenico Diaz, Caitlin Douglas, Taylor Douglas, Chase Evans, Shane Fanning, Danielle Fifis, Gena Ford, Joseph Fornito, Ronald Grace, Dominick Guevara, Scarlyn Guzman, Kayla Hanna, Morgan Hilton, Jewel Irvin, Brianna Jankauskas, Kameron Johnson, Vincent Jones, Ty Kasper, Keri Lynn Keenehan, Shane Kelly, David Kryszczak, Malaika Lamour, Joel Larwa, Victoria Lee, Joshua Lemelledo, Joseph Lyons, Christian Martinez-Garcia, Shaighlyn McCalley, Nicole McConnell, Danielle Miller, Krysta Mills, Yara Mousa, Trung Nguyen, Kaleigh Nolan, Aliyah Parsons, Tyler Peatman, Gia Picknally, Clifford Pierce, Jordan Rivera, Kieriana Sadler, Katarina Schneider, Keith Taylor, Camryn Tirado, Juliette Tobin, Cheyenne Toomin, James Veasey, Rametrius Walker, Taylor Williams, Sophia Wren, Caelyn Zupko.

Grade 12:  Marissa Anselmo, Juliana Banks, Kara Barone, Aubrey Battee, Taylor Boesenhofer, Victoria Bombardt, Amber Braun, Autumn Brown, Nicholas Consilvio, Lance Dolan, Jahmir Ellis, Chelsea Germscheid, Ethan Gonzales, Danika Joseph, Aupnit Kaur, Micah Khan, Phillip Konrad, Katherine Larwa, Samantha Lorup, Victoria Magee, Megan Majkszak, Rebecca McCusker, Joseph Metz, Maranda Metz, Evanique Mullings, Patricia Murphy, Dakota Nickel, Marcus Panaro, Bailey Patton, Anthony Pavone, Cheynieh Pitts, Julia Quinones, Max Rafael, Kayanna Ray, Tranilya Robinson, Gio San Jose, Ashley Shisler, Zachary Stegemerten, Alex Su, Andrew Thomas, Madison Vukicevich, Dominic Wenig, Kohl Wileczek, Erik Winter, Mitchell Wolbert.

GLASSBORO – Glassboro Intermediate School Principal Kriston Matthews recently announced the school's Principal's List and Honor Roll recipients for the second marking period. Matthews honored the students and their parents at a breakfast, sponsored by the school's PTO, on Feb. 25. 8th Grade Principal's List Owen Thomas Anderson, MichaelAnne Briggs, Deja Cook, McKenna Fox, Jadyn Hammond, Aaron Harrison, Kevin Lee,  Aliya McCaffrey,...

 

GLASSBORO - Glassboro Intermediate School Principal Kriston Matthews recently announced the school's Principal's List and Honor Roll recipients for the second marking period. Matthews honored the students and their parents at a breakfast, sponsored by the school's PTO, on Feb. 25.

8th Grade Principal's List

Owen Thomas Anderson, MichaelAnne Briggs, Deja Cook, McKenna Fox, Jadyn Hammond, Aaron Harrison, Kevin Lee,  Aliya McCaffrey, Conor Milliken, Tyler Ortzman, Alicia Petrany, Isabella Polillo, Visha Puwar, Anahi Santiago, Kimberly Sorbello, Jodi Stetser, Virginia Tamburello, and Jennifer Volz-Price.

8th Grade Honor Roll

Bethel Bichay, Colin Bridges, Alessia Grace Callahan, Morgan DiPatri, Melissa Elias, Alyssa Fields, Corrine Franklin, Evan Gorman, Alyiscia J. Henry, Alexsandra Ibarra, Colleen Ann Keating, Philip Keel, Antonio Keifner, Stephen LaMar, Jake Lightcap, Justin Miles, Chrishauna Mitchell, Tiaja Money, Emma O'Brien, Yeseniah Ortiz, Gorkem Ozdemir, Matthew Pajak, Kali Pierson, Nickolas Putney, Kyle Rey, Kyra Rinehart, Katie Robinson, Gabby Scavetta, Haley Taylor, Shatira Taylor, and Jade Wesley.

7th Grade Principal's List

Mohamed Fowi Abdullrahma, Yousif Aboubih, Grace Briggs, Gioacchino Castorio, Meghan Holman, Emily Lynch, Carly McCone, , Julianna Menna, Mayooran Mohanakanthan, Allison Nop, Kyra Pinder, Amelia Polillo, Carter Profico, Devon Purnell, Andrew Ritter, Lorenzo Rodriguez Hines, Alani Screven, Anna Toy, and Hannah Whitaker.

7th Grade Honor Roll

Lisette Acevedo, Juliana Christasia Agron, Olivia Amrhein, Avonna Anderson, Dawson Baptiste, Hakan Cakir, Ty'onna Carney, Ahmad Jalil Clanton, Deyona Cook, Ted Cowgill, Jeffrey Cucchi, Ethan Cunningham, Navonna Dais, Santino DeAngelis, Jared Elwood, Gianna Fasulo, Ethan Flint, Trinitee Gadson, Nashanti Grace, Ray Hare, Terell Harris, Joseph Heggan, Skylar Hinkle, Caitlyn Hoyt,  Gabriella Joie, Ryan Kenish, Kyjah Knox, Marsae Guy Leadum, Melka McDonald, Indya McNeill, Sheila Morales Alor,  Laila Muhammad, Nicholas Newell, Miles Ragsdale, Sean Roberto, Tatyana Russell, Tanira Sanders, Brandon Stahl, Chase Taylor, Christopher Taylor, Ryann Troy, Kayla Waits, Jaden Wedderburn, and Mercedez Willis.

The Mullica Hill resident was recognized for her work ethic and outstanding job performance

Shelly TistanCOURTESY PHOTO 

WOODBURY - Inspira Medical Center Woodbury named Shelly Tistan Employee of the Month for November 2015. This Mullica Hill resident was recognized for her work ethic, positive attitude, and outstanding job performance. 

Tistan joined Inspira Woodbury three years ago after working for her father's jewelry and master watchmaking business.

Coordinator may be the official title for Tistan's job, but she has fittingly earned the reputation as the "go to person" for questions and needs far beyond what any job description could list. 

Tistan maintains the nursing dashboards and other unit databases, serves as the primary payroll liaison, and keeps the records for all paperwork submissions.

Tistan will graduate from Wilmington University with a degree in organizational management on May 22. After earning her associate's degree from Gloucester County College, Tistan studied public health at Temple University. Her decision to transfer to Wilmington enabled her to keep her public health credits and to complete her studies with a mix of online and classroom courses closer to home.

Tistan, her husband Jeff, and their 16-year-old daughter Catherine live on a 10-acre horse boarding farm in Mullica Hill.

Delsea Regional Middle School announces the names of students on the Superintendet's List, Principal's List and Perfect Attendance List for the second marking period 2015-16. SUPERINTENDENT'S LIST   Grade 7: Amanda Castillo, Paige Cervini, Morgan Rossi, Chloe Widmer. Grade 8: Tressa Biener, Tyler Burger, Gaven Cannon, Erin Collins, Thomas Dalfonso, Charles Dalisay, Kevin Hickman, Colin McCoy, Elizabeth Nicell, Sarah Nicell, Justin Reber, Brianna...

Delsea Regional Middle School announces the names of students on the Superintendet's List, Principal's List and Perfect Attendance List for the second marking period 2015-16.

SUPERINTENDENT'S LIST  

Grade 7: Amanda Castillo, Paige Cervini, Morgan Rossi, Chloe Widmer.

Grade 8: Tressa Biener, Tyler Burger, Gaven Cannon, Erin Collins, Thomas Dalfonso, Charles Dalisay, Kevin Hickman, Colin McCoy, Elizabeth Nicell, Sarah Nicell, Justin Reber, Brianna Russo, Kati Tanguay, John Yonkauske.

PRINCIPAL'S LIST

Grade 7: Madison Armstrong, Madison Ayers, Olivia Barr, Delaney Bowman, Michael Carr, Jonathan Cerino, Dylan Cervini, Julia Cipollone, Avery Clark, Janina Costello, Noah Croce, Michael Deveney, Benjamin Eggink, Lucas Franco, Leah Fulton, Anna Gaglianone, Sebastian Georgescu, Peyton Gilmore, Salvatore Giuliano, Alley Harris, Olivia Hawk, Ciara Hayden, Joseph Hepler, Madison Jacobs, Nicholas King, Matthew Kratzer, Kayla Lawson, Isabella Lynch, Matthew McCaffrey, Maya McIntire, Emma McKeever, Riley Miller, Karlee Morschauser, Megan Mullin, Carly Nicholson, Stephanie Panikowski, Sean Phillips, Candice Rauchfuss, Kyle Reed, Emily Scavelli, Juliana Sharrow, John Shirley, Hayley Smith, Katelyn Smith, Jackson Spickenreuther, Emma Sweiderk, Mia Szostek, Austin Trovillo, Francheska Vera, Gracianne Wagner, Leah Wagner, Celina Williams, Jack Wolf, Zachary Woshnak.

Grade 8: Coulter Afflerbach, Nathaniel Bialecki, Nicolette Biscardi, Kaleygh Boeckle, Aidan Burns, Taylor Carino, Joanna Caruso, Aleena Clark, Shane Delowery, Vincent D'Ottavio, Justin Dougherty, Stephanie Eastlack, Adam Eggink, Seth Foresman, Allison Franklin, Austin Gebhart, Travis Griffith, Victoria Hassett, Jillian Hiles, Haley Hoffman, Ryleigh Huntsinger, Julia Iaccarino, Eleanor Keenan, Daniel Kennedy, Rebecca Kobik, Jaliyah Kutu-Akoi, Cole Lachowicz, Aaron Latimer, Joshua Lewbart, Dasia Liberati, Grayson Link, Michael Markert, Shauna Marsh, Madison Maxwell, Julian Mazzarelli, Michael Mellor, Amber Murphy, Alayna Norville, Jake Nwosu, Skyler Patterson, Kelsey Pio, Zackery Quieti, Adrianna Rappleye, Brianna Russo, Kimberlee Stockdill, Vincenzo Taormina, Allie Tenenberg, Dominic Terregino, Argia Unfreed, Skyla Vitullo, Seth Williams, Dorothy Zelenka. 

PERFECT ATTENDANCE

Grade 7: Madison Armstrong, Octavia Baker, Mya Barr, Kylie Butterworth, Kaitlyn Cavanaugh, Connor Cooke,  Benjamin Eggink, Ashley Ensman, Brandon Falls, Felicia Fonseca, Robert Forrest, Anna Gaglianone, Abigail Gaglianone, Sebastian Georgescu, Peyton Gilmore, Robert Haines, Alley Harris, Vienna Mastroddi, Jaelyn McGruder, Maya McIntire, Emma McKeever, Karlee Morschauser, Isiah Oquendo, Candice Rauchfuss, Xochil Ruiz, Lucas Snyder, Angelo Teti, John Thurston, Stephen Tumminia, Dominique Valerio, Arielle Weeast, Jack Wolf.

Grade 8: Coulter Afflerbach, Jordan Barr, Tressa Biener, Tyler Burger, Anthony Capriotti, Leah Clemenson, De'yana Coley, Charles Dalisay, Justin Dougherty, Darius Goldsborough, Kayla Hayden, Jillian Hiles, Gianna Horvath, Rebecca Kobik, Richard Kurczeski, Christiana Kutu-Akoi, Jaliyah Kutu-Akoi, Branden Langley, Joshua Lewbart, Dasia Liberati, Grayson Link, Patrick McNamara, Marco Morales, Nico Morales, Alexander Murcavage, Jake Nwosu, Matthew Owens, Rishi Patel, Hailey Pino, Regan Powers, Trevor Rogers, Trent Rose, Zarah Snyder, Kimberlee Stockdill, Shawn Stoms, Dominic Terregino, Aaron Wilkins, Seth Williams.

Charles Sawyer was convicted of shooting his ex-wife in Glassboro during the summer of 2012.

WOODBURY -- A Glassboro man was convicted on Friday in the 2012 murder of his ex-wife, the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office has announced.

The Glassboro home where Rita Sawyer was killed in July 2012 (file photo).
 

Charles F. Sawyer, 62, was found guilty of shooting his former wife, Rita Sawyer, at point-blank range in the living room of her Sherwood Lane home. It took a jury less than three hours of deliberation to convict him of first-degree murder and related weapons charges, the GCPO said.

Rita Sawyer was found dead in her home just after 11 p.m. on July 2, 2012. She had complained to Glassboro police a few days earlier that her ex-husband was stalking and harassing her, but never filed a retraining order. The couple had been divorced since 2004.

The defendant, formerly of Swarthmore Road, was arrested near the Pole Tavern Circle in Pittsgrove Township just hours after the shooting. He has been held in default of $750,000 bail since his arrest.

Judge Kevin T. Smith has scheduled sentencing for April 22.

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

Police released video and still images of the suspect.

MONROE TWP. -- Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect in a burglary at a local business.

Monroe Township Police released security camera video and still images of a man they believe committed a burglary on Feb. 11 at the Black Horse Pike business.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Anthony Canonica at 856-728-9800, ext 235.

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

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

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

CHEERS: To an extraordinary life.  The tragic death of Cara McCollum as touched those who knew her and many more who did not. The former Miss New Jersey and South Jersey news anchorwoman died Monday, one week after being critically injured in an accident in Salem County.  An Arkansas native who captured a pageant title and the hearts of thousands after she moved to the Garden State, McCollum worked hard to promote literacy, especially among inner-city children. Her funeral is set for this weekend in her hometown of Forrest City, Arkansas.  As one friend put it, she impacted more people and did more good in her short 24 years than have many people who have lived to be 100.

JEERS: To marring a community asset. Volunteers who spend their Saturdays helping clean up Millville's Waltman Park found vandals struck last weekend. The graffiti was found on the western side of the park on a ramp leading to a footbridge over the Maurice River, authorities said. Let's hope this incident doesn't deter the volunteers who have helped make Waltman Park an attractive place to visit and let's hope police make quick arrests in this senseless act of vandalism.

JEERS: To the murky fire district election process in New Jersey. We've complained about this for years, but a situation in Harrison Township serves as another reminder that if fire elections are to continue, we need standardized processes of record keeping and clear understandings of policy. Harrison Township resident Larry Crane was found in violation for serving on the township fire commission while also serving as a paid EMT several years ago. The state Department of Community Affairs decided this was a conflict of interest, since the fire commission oversaw the township's paid EMTs at the time. The DCA indicated it was hard to determine if Crane actually voted on matters involving EMTs -- he said he didn't -- because record-keeping at the local level didn't include that information. Everything about how fire districts are organized and overseen -- from record-keeping to operation of annual fire district elections -- is flimsy. Even trying to find out who is running for office and how many votes candidates and budgets received can be a tricky process. As a result, turnout for these elections is pitifully low. Most voters don't know about them or simply don't care enough to hunt down information and actually vote. Standardize fire district operations across the state and require posting of all information online -- including clear policies for board service and information on election results. While we're at it, let's move these elections to the General Election in November. That could help with transparency, too.

CHEERS: To word that a woman whose drug overdose was captured on video and shared with the world is getting help. Kelmae Hemphill was recorded overdosing on heroin on the side of a West Deptfford road earlier this month, and as her brother and a stranger struggled to revive her, someone recorded the moment and shared it online. The posting drew a variety of comments, but the conversation thankfully shifted to the importance of addicts getting help. Hemphill's mother contacted the Times to report that her daughter is getting treatment at a Florida rehab facility. We wish her well in her battle against this powerful foe and hope others will follow her example.

CHEERS to forging a footprint. When the Philadelphia 76ers and INTECH Construction announced a job fair to help with construction of the basketball team's training complex, we had one though above all others: It's about time. The Sixers are spearheading redevelopment at the waterfront and the team's "state-of-the-art" practice facility-corporate offices are likely to leave a visually appealing footprint. Who's going to make that footprint though?  Carpenters, roofers, glaziers, masons, plumbers, painters and tile setters -- that's who. Hiring and placement opportunities going to local residents, too? It's about time.

JEERS to the missing peace pipe. Wednesday's statement from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society said it all. The "Coming out Green" cannabis booth at the Philadelphia Flower Show got the boot because of an "honest misunderstanding" during a "rapidly changing conversation." We agree that the flower show isn't a place for legalization talks and other stick subjects. However, if you'll forgive the pun, the flower show really should extend its peace pipe to Philly NORML and Green Rush Advisors or get started on an agreement for an appearance next year.

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

The N.J. man was supposed to appear in court regarding a charge of failing to register an address change with police.

WOODBURY -- Authorities are looking for a sex offender they say skipped a court appearance, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

Arthur Heintz, 58, of Turnersville, is sought after authorities say he failed to show up for a court appearance. (Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office) 

Arthur Heintz, 58, of Turnersville, is a convicted sex offender and Megan's Law registrant who failed to register his residence with the Washington Township Police Department on Aug. 27, 2015, as he was required to do, officials said.

Police determined that he had left his last known address and provided no forwarding address.

A complaint was signed and Heintz was indicted in December on a charge of third-degree sex offender failing to notify police of an address change.

He did not appear in court on Dec. 16 for a pre-arraignment interview, according to the prosecutor's office.

Heintz is described as 6 feet 2 inches tall, 240 pounds with hazel eyes and brown hair. He has tattoos on his back, chest and arms.

Anyone who knows his whereabouts should not attempt to apprehend him. Instead, contact the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office at 856-384-5643, GCPO Sgt. Ron Koller at 609-929-6348 or email tips@co.gloucester.nj.us.

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

In the wake of the national foreclosure crisis, abandoned homes have become a problem in many communities.