Inspira Health Network honors Arvind Pakanati of Elmer Pharmacy

WOODBURY -- Arvind Pakanati, R.Ph., the pharmacist at Elmer Pharmacy was recently honored by leaders of the Inspira Health Network for his extraordinary efforts to fill a prescription for a patient discharged from Inspira Medical Center Elmer.

Joseph Allessandrini, R.Ph. vice president for Clinical Services for Inspira Elmer and Inspira Vineland, presented a letter of commendation and Carol Thomas, vice president for Population Health, presented Pakanati with an Inspira polo shirt.

The discharged patient visited the pharmacy to fill a prescription. The pharmacy didn't have the medication so Pakanati contacted other pharmacies. He located a Philadelphia pharmacy, drove there to pick it up, and then delivered it to the grateful patient's home at 8 p.m. that evening.

At the presentation, Allessandrini, also a pharmacist, noted, "Thank you for doing what most people would not do. You take care of your patients."

Together with its medical staff of more than 1,100 physicians and other care providers, as well as more than 5,700 employees, Inspira Health Network provides evidence-based care to help each patient achieve the best possible outcome. For more information about Inspira Health Network, visit www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org or call 1-800-INSPIRA.

This item submitted by Inspira Health Network.

Salem County Rewind offers a look back at our area's rich history through photographs and news items from a century ago.

In this feature, which appears each week, we share a vintage photo from Salem County (along with a large number of other historic local photos in an earlier gallery) and Salem County history tidbits taken from newspapers from a century ago.

SALEM COUNTY PICTURE FROM THE PAST

This vintage photo from Salem County shows the John Jones Law Office, at right, being prepared for its move from behind Johnson Hall across Market Street in downtown Salem to the grounds of the Salem County Historical Society. This photo, from the 1960s, shows the rear additions to Johnson Hall that were removed when the mansion was moved closer to the First Presbyterian Church of Salem to make way for the new Salem County Courthouse. The law office, built circa 1736, is believed to be the oldest brick law office in the U.S. It was carefully restored after its move and is open to visitors in the historical society's garden. (Times File Photo)

SALEM COUNTY HISTORY

Looking back 100 years ago in Salem County for this week in 1916, these news items were included in theA Salem Sunbeam.

*

Thomas Wilbraham and family of Alloway went to Cape May last week to remain all summer as is their usual custom.

--

Those elected at the Elmer School for the next year and their salaries per month are as follows: William S. Watson, principal, $105.26; R.W. Losen, assistant principal and science teacher, $84.21.

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The electric and rain storms which passed over Salem last Sunday afternoon caused much damage with the hail that accompanied them in some sections of the county. In Daretown and Yorktown window lights were broken out.

Memories of Riverview Beach's heyday

George A. Elk of Quinton brought the first potatoes of the season to market this week.

--

Three Elmer area men, Samuel H. Wright, Henry S. Bell and Elmer Dare left on Sunday on an automobile trip down as far as Cape Charles, Virginia.

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Arrangements have been made by the Camp Meeting Association in Penns Grove to hold services in the tabernacle from July 26 to Aug. 5 under the auspices of the Penns Grove churches.

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Deputy Sheriff Banks and officers raided a gambling place in a cabin near Claysville last Saturday night and arrested five men.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached atA bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on TwitterA @bgallojr. FindA NJ.com on Facebook.

Stefanie Williams and James Vega will each receipt a $1,000 scholarship

The law firm of Hoffman DiMuzio has allocated close to a half a million dollars to its "Gift of the Heart" Community Service Scholarship Foundation. Forty-one graduating seniors from Gloucester and Salem County high schools have been selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship for embodying the service ideals of the program. This week, the 2016 "Gift of the Heart" Hoffman DiMuzio Community Service Foundation recipients are from Schalick High School, Stefanie Williams and James Vega.

Stefanie Williams

Stefanie enjoys mentoring younger students at Elmer Elementary School. In her junior year, she began working one-on-one with a student who was struggling socially as well as academically. Stefanie made a connection with her and looked forward to the end of the school day when she would meet with her student. Stefanie also assisted with the after-school program at Elmer Elementary School.

In addition to her mentoring, Stefanie also volunteered at Inspira Health Network and Twice Loved Treasure Thrift Store. The best part of volunteering at these two locations is the people Stefanie has met. She was given many different responsibilities and always left feeling good that she volunteered. Additionally, Stefanie is president of Schalick's National Honor Society Chapter as well as their Interact Club. She has been instrumental in helping to organize volunteer opportunities for her school.

James Vega

James was instrumental in designing a video that demonstrates how to be respectful and how the decisions you make can affect your life. The video was shown throughout Schalick High School as well as younger students in the area.  James made the video to motivate students how respect of others can positively impact their community.

James was a member of The Way Youth Group of Elmer Presbyterian Church, he volunteers at a home of adults with special needs. James also leads a Sunday church service at his church. He is also a member of Schalick's Interact Club that promotes student interaction with the community. James has helped with breakfast with the elderly along with a canned food drive. He has also participated in events such as Relay for Life to benefit cancer patients and Christmas caroling.

Congratulations are extended to Schalick High School students Stefanie Williams and James Vega as well as to their proud family and friends. Their community service to others exemplifies the true meaning of a Gift of the Heart.

Next week's featured recipients will be from Woodstown High School.                      

This item submitted by Hoffman DiMuzio Law Offices.

The number of homeless people in New Jersey declined by 12.4 percent this year compared to a year earlier

WASHINGTON -- The number of homeless people in New Jersey declined by 12.4 percent this year compared to 2015, according to the states's annual count.

The count, conducted on Jan. 26, found 8,941 homeless men, women and children, down from 10,211 in 2015, according to the count coordinated by Monarch Housing.

"This year's count shows a significant decrease of individuals experiencing homelessness in New Jersey," said Katelyn Cunningham, associate at Monarch Housing.

Essex County had the largest number of homeless people, 1,782, or 19.9 percent of the statewide homeless population. Next was Burlington County, with 928 people, or 10.4 percent of the count; and Hudson County, with 829 people or 9.3 percent.

N.J. homeless population declines

Monarch Housing said there still were barriers to ending homelessness, including a shortage of shelter beds, a lack of rental apartments, low-paying jobs and the failure of Congress to increase funding for vouchers that help cover the cost of housing.

One concern was the increase in the number of individuals living on the street, in cars, in train stations, in abandoned buildings. These "unsheltered" individuals are distinct from those who have temporary lodging in a shelter.

That number rose by 48 percent to 1,442 in 2016 from 974 persons in 2015.

"The increase in the unsheltered population shows us that there is still a great deal of work to be done to expand the resources needed," Cunningham said.

In March, Gov. Chris Christie proposed spending more than $5 million for 500 more vouchers for the state's Rental Assistance Program. They would go to chronically homeless or people that rely on public assistance.

The Obama administration in 2010 began an effort to eliminate homelessness, and a national count is conducted on one night in January.

The report issued Tuesday said that more than one-fifth of the homeless, 21.4 percent, were asked to leave a residence they were sharing with other people; 13.5 percent lost their jobs or had their hours reduced; and 13.4 percent either were evicted or were going to be.

Last year's count showed that the number of homeless people in New Jersey declined more than in 45 other states in the last year, according to the U.S. Housing and Urban Development's 2015 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress. The number of reported homeless in the state declined by 1,573, a 13.5 percent drop.

From 2007 to 2015, the state had 7,216 fewer homeless individuals, the fourth biggest drop in the country and a 41.7 percent decline. During that same five-year period, the national homeless rate dropped by 82,550, or 11 percent.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

American Friends Service Committee workers defend their investigatory letters concerning inmate treatment at the Cumberland County Jail.

To the Editor:

Regarding the recent article "Inmate advocates want investigation of county jail death, alleged abuse" in the South Jersey Times:

Our organization, the American Friends Service Committee Prison Watch Program,raised QUESTIONS about prisoner abuse claims at the Cumberland County Jail, and the most recent prisoner death at that jail. 

We sent letters asking for investigations to the jail's warden, to the Cumberland County prosecutor, and to the state Division of Criminal Justice's Corruption and Government Fraud Bureau. 

The allegations submitted to these officials were based on information provided by people in confinement, whose voices are often not heard or heeded.

Contrary to the response of Warden Bob Balicki as quoted in the article, the motivation for these letters did not arise from animus, but from sincere attempts to bolster the effectiveness of responsible authorities and improve conditions for jail prisoners and staff. 

We believe that individual justice will be served by bringing the voices of prisoners and their families to official and public attention. It is also our experience that identifying correctional problems from the community furthers the goals of increasing badly needed resources and more effective corrections and human service systems. 

Therefore, we see our colleagues and associated advocacy organizations as allies with wardens like Balicki, who understand the increased flow of people with mental illness to jails, and the need to divert them to treatment programs. But, until change is achieved, we must be particularly vigilant to ensure that the culture and conduct of correctional staff promote rehabilitation and prevent harm to those in confinement. 

We must have law and order in our jails and prisons, as well as containment and zero tolerance for abuse.

Bonnie Kerness

Director 

AFSC Prison Watch Program

Newark

Jean Ross

AFSC Volunteer

Princeton

'Jeers' to belated story about worker's plunge to death

To the Editor:

Concerning the June 25 "Cheers and Jeers" editorial item "(Jeers) to two weeks too late," regarding the resistance that njadvancemedia encountered in trying to confirm the June 5 on-the-job death of 25-year-old iron worker Walter Lenkowski III, who plunged from the Delair Bridge in Pennsauken: 

"Jeers" to you is more appropriate! This is like then pot calling the kettle black. You point the finger at others, but it took you 16 days to write something besides a routine obituary. (Our first story about the violent death appeared June 21.)

How about a little investigation by your staff prior to showing contempt? 

My thoughts are that this event most certainly should have been reported in detail by your paper right after it unfolded, as Lenkowski was a local young man.

Tom Hibbs

West Deptford Township

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

Michele Zucconi has more than 26 years of nursing experience

MULLICA HILL  Inspira Health Network's Michele Zucconi, has been appointed to the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) Leadership Board Nominating Committee. 

Michele Zucconi, R.N., M.S.N, C.C.R.N. CRTERRY@COMCAST.NET-CRAIG TERRY 

Zucconi has been a member of the AACN for more than 20 years and has served in a number of volunteer positions within the organization. She has twice presented at the AACN's prestigious National Teaching Institute (NTI) is a multiple-unit, multiple-time recipient of the AACN's Beacon Award for Excellence in Critical Care, as well as a recipient and lifetime member of the AACN's "Circle of Excellence."

Currently, Zucconi serves as the administrative director for Critical Care, Cardiac Catheterization and the Interventional Radiology Laboratory at Inspira Medical Centers Elmer and Vineland. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Stockton University and a Master of Science in Leadership and Management from Walden University.

Zucconi has more than 26 years of nursing experience and has been honored numerous times for her leadership abilities. In 2014, Inspira Vineland's Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory team was recognized by Advance for Nurses with the "Best Nursing Team Award" in the Mid-Atlantic Region. In 2012, Zucconi was honored as "Nurse of the Year" by the March of Dimes New Jersey Chapter and was also named "National Nurse of the Year" by Nurse.com for patient and staff management. 

The AACN is the professional organization for over 100,000 high acuity and critical care nurses across 49 states and three foreign countries. Less than one dozen individuals make up the Board of Directors and Nominating Committee which lead the multi-faceted organization. To be appointed a AACN board member, applicants must demonstrate excellency in the areas of global thinking, self-leadership, visioning, consensus building, delivering effective messages and knowing and committing to AACN. For information about AACN please visit, www.AACN.org.

For more information about Inspira Health Network, visit www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org or call 1-800-INSPIRA.

This item submitted by Inspira Health Network.

These schools will get polls this summer for fans to vote for the best-ever athlete alums.

These schools will get polls this summer for fans to vote for the best-ever athlete alums.

Students of the Month also listed for April and May 2016

Elsinboro Township Schools announces the names of students on the Honor Roll for the fourth marking period, 2015-16.

 

FIRST HONORS

2nd Grade -- Lillian Breslin, Aidan Carlson, Madison Chiampas, Kamryn Garron, Ava Rodgers, Bryce Harris, Enrique Matos, and Zachary Pankok.
3rd Grade -- Hannah DeWitt.
4th Grade -- Katarina DeWitt, Gianna Pelura, Jasmyne Prater, Michael Chollis, Reed Richey, and Marlaina Ortiz.
5th Grade -- Evan Biddle, Brian Deis.
6th Grade -- Alicia Garcia, Karley Hassler.
77th Grade -- Savanna Harvey.
8th Grade -- Toni Almond, Eddie Biddle, Kamryn Clark, Brooke Khairzada, and Jacklyne Prater.

SECOND HONORS

2nd Grade -- Jared Bacon, Michael Goslin, Juliana Love,  Cameron Spicer, and Kaitlyn Khairzada.
3rd Grade -- Jacob Deis, Sienna Land, Melissa Washington, Lamar Slater, and Dylan Tuthill.
4th Grade -- Taylor Sheeley, Morgan Johnson, Jaxson Spicer, Anna Nicolosi, Dynasty Traini, Raymond Ridgway, and Olivia Woolman.
5th Grade -- Molly Vengenock, Ziaria Griffith, Adriana Shafer, Mallory Champias, Joey Grasso, James McAllister, Myles Rodgers, Chase Sieber, Kamryn Thiboutot, and Nicole Westberry.
6th Grade -- Alex Bailey,  John Ridgway.
7th Grade -- Makayla Hannah, Dominic Gambino, Destiny LeFlore, Philip Klein, and Logan Cocking.
8th Grade -- Cody Brenneis,  Madison Giovanetti, and Lauren Orton.

Elsinboro Students of the Month for April 2016

Kindergarten -- Brett Land, 1st Grade -- Jasmine Johnson, 2nd Grade -- Enrique Matos, 3rd Grade -- Melissa Washington, 4th Grade -- Morgan Johnson, 5th Grade -- Zayd Thomas, 6th Grade -- John Ridgway, 7th Grade -- Destiny Leflore, 8th Grade -- Michael McClain.

PE -- (K-4th)  Jeremiah Eckert, (5th-8th) Molly Vengenock; Art -- (K-4th)  Evan Malone, (5th-8th) Alex Bailey; Music -- (K-4th)  Madison Chiampas, (5th-8th) Nicholas Klein.

Elsinboro Student of the Month for May 2016

Kindergarten -- Markeia Carney-Smith, 1st Grade -- Jayden Shimp, 2nd Grade -- Madison Chiampas, 3rd Grade -- Jacob Deis, 4th Grade -- Raymond Ridgway and Gianna Pelura, 5th Grade -- Brian Deis, 6th Grade -- Keith Brown, 7th Grade -- Savanna Harvey, 8th Grade -- Madison Giovanetti.

PE -- (K-4th) Melissa Washington, (5th-8th) Alex Bailey; Art-(K-4th) Ava Cogdill, (5th-8th) Destiny LeFlore; Music-(K-4th) Marlaina Ortiz, (5th-8th) Jacklyne Prater.

This item submitted by Elsinboro Township School .

Officials are investigating a fire that ripped through an Upper Pittsgrove home Friday.

UPPER PITTSGROVE TWP. -- A blaze burned through a Salem County home Friday night.

The house, along with parked vehicles on the property located off Daretown Road were destroyed in the fire.

The cause of the fire is not known at this time.

Annuals are maturing and colorful perennials are coming into their own

By Lorraine Kiefer

What a beautiful time of the year! Long hours of daylight, rain showers and moderate temperature.

June has been a month full of blooming roses, ripening strawberries and now cherries. Annuals are maturing and quite colorful and perennials are coming into their own. For many years ago I loved to use the analogy of an ever-changing kaleidoscope of color for my garden. This happens when plants that are finished blooming are followed by others. I probably use this phrase at least eight or more times a year in my columns describing various landscapes. Sometimes I match trees, shrubs and perennials that bloom in succession so the home gardener can have something wonderful always in bloom. 

If you have plenty of trees and shrubs, but your yard lacks personality think about planting some annuals and perennials now. We have been filling all our flower beds with both with hopes that the gardens will look lush and colorful for a family event late in August.

People often come in the nursery to ask what plants will come up again next year when planted now. I tell them that these plants are called perennials and they are often the back bone of a cottage garden. Perennials are plants with roots that live on and often spread for years. Some will soon fill in a garden with color throughout the spring, summer and fall, while others may just remain a handsome large plant.  I am finding out now that some perennials that I planted several years ago need to be ripped out so other plants can have room to survive.

Colorful yarrow, traditionally grown in yellow or gold can be dried for floral arrangements and wreaths. They also come in a peachy color, red, orange and mixed colors. This plant will rebloom if you pick them.Lorraine Kiefer 

We planted lots of annuals in the few really sunny spots in our yard. Now we are filling in with a few new perennials. Our soil is sandy and dries out quickly when it is sunny. I usually water with a hose either in morning or after dinner. I love doing this, it is relaxing and I can really monitor the garden.

This year we added nice clumps of colorful yarrow. Traditionally I have grown the yellow or gold one so I could dry it for floral arrangements and wreaths. This year I added the peachy color, red, orange and mixed colors. This plant will rebloom if you pick them.

Another daisy like plant that I just added to my flower bed is Gaillardia with its brightly colored, daisy-like flowers. There are over two dozen species of Gaillardia and most are native to some area of North America. These are really drought tolerant once they are established. I love them and so do the butterflies. 

Coreopsis grows nicely near them and also adds a bright gold happy color to the garden. Lavender is another sun lover that does not need a lot of water once it is established, so it also makes a good companion.

The many kinds of salvia love a sunny well drained area too. Several of the red salvia or sage do well and really attract hummingbirds, but we find the 'black and blue' sage is even better. Most of these come up year after year in our sandy soil. Another great companion for these salvia is the bright orange butterfly weed (Asclepias).  

Since I love all types of daisies and they are so easy to grow I also planted lots of Shasta daisies for white, black eyed Susan for gold and Echinacea. These are also pretty carefree and drought resistant once they are established. 

In the part shade we have the beautiful wildflower red Spigelia another  hummingbird favorite. Native Monarda, with its large red humming bird magnet blooms needs a bit of moisture but will grow in sun or shade. It is fun to have in the garden as it blooms with its fireworks type of bloom for July 4. Astilbe and even phlox do well in some of my part-shade gardens. 

Many perennials are at their peek now, but need food to bloom throughout the summer. It is always a good idea to mix in some compost when planting. High organic content in soils is a key to building a great perennial garden. We also feed them with osmocote time release food as it feeds whenever they are watered. I do not mulch them heavily since I like most to reseed, but I allow the leaves to fall and cover and protect the bed all winter. My black-eyed Susan's, sweet Cecily, and even Christmas roses reseed.  

When the blooms fade and are finished it is a good idea to dead head. You may think, "what is dead heading?" It is simply cutting off the dead blooms. I usually do this early in the season to encourage more bloom. Let some go to seed later so that more plants will grow. Seeds drop once they are ripe and fall naturally from the pods. The new plants usually come up in late summer and grow until next season when they bloom.  

Now is a good time to prepare a perennial garden or to add a few to other plantings. Be sure that you find the right plant for each spot. Call first and bring in a photo of your yard and I will help you plan a colorful garden. 

Sign up now for my July butterfly-hummingbird class and garden flower arranging course. Visit www.tripleoaks.com.

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

Matthew D. Rolle attacked Christopher Hill and his mother, Rosemary Hill, in Penns Grove on March 16, 2015.

SALEM -- A man who used a machete-like weapon to viciously attack a man and his mother in Penns Grove has been sentenced to 26 years in state prison.

He "hacked, struck, chopped" the victims on the night in early 2015, Salem County Assistant Prosecutor Chris Goodwin told the court.

Matthew Rolle, 32, of Penns Grove, was sentenced for the assault on Christopher Hill and his mother, Rosemary Hill, by Superior Court Judge Benjamin Telsey Friday.

Rolle went to trial earlier this year and a jury found him guilty of aggravated assault and weapons charges.

However, the jury in April found him not guilty of the two most serious charges he faced -- attempted murder.

Telsey sentenced Rolle to 17 years for the attack on Christopher Hill, the most seriously injured, and nine years in prison for the wounding of Rosemary Hill.

Rolle most serve those sentences consecutively, despite his defense attorney, Joseph Neal, arguing against that.

At the sentencing it was described how there was some sort of confrontation between Christopher Hill and Rolle on Walnut Street in Penns Grove on March 16, 2015.

Christopher Hill turned around to leave was struck in the back of his skull by the weapon by Rolle and then when Hill turned around, he was hit twice in the face, the weapon cutting him and fracturing his notes and upper jaw, Goodwin recounted. Hill then fell to the ground.

At that time Rosemary Hill intervened and she was attacked by Rolle, the weapon was used with such force against her that it cut through her braided hair, fractured her skull and bruised her brain, Goodwin said.

Then Rolle struck Christopher Hill again on the ground until Hill somehow managed to get up and run.

The attacks also left both of the Hills with numerous other cuts.

Jury delivers verdict in vicious attack

The mother and son were taken to The Memorial Hospital of Salem County in Mannington Township and then transferred to Cooper Medical Center in Camden because of the severity of their wounds.

After reviewing Rolle's past criminal record Telsey agreed with prosecutors and sentenced Rolle under the state's persistent.

The judge said it "took hours" to write down all of Rolle's contacts with the justice system from his first offense as a juvenile in July 1998 through the present time.

Telsey read off Rolle's extensive criminal history to the courtroom.

It was noted that some of the longest periods when Rolle had no contact with local law enforcement was when he was in prison.

Victim Christopher Hill, who was present at the sentencing, declined an offer to speak before Rolle was sentenced.

A handcuffed and shackled Rolle, who said he once coached youth football, read a letter to the court.

"We are all familiar with the phrase 'all good things must come to the end' and it did when this case emerged," he said.

"I'm not the fall guy," he said.

Neal asked the court to not impose the maximum sentence on Rolle saying he was a "family man" with a wife and six children.

Telsey also rejected two motions from Neal for a new trial for Rolle. Neal claimed that the description of the weapon as being machete-like may have prejudiced the jury.

Goodwin questioned why, since that term had been used all through the trial, that Neal only objected to to after Rolle was convicted.

Neal had also claimed there was a rumor that Christopher Hill was forced to testify against Rolle or face a financial loss.

Telsey said the claim appears to be nothing put "a made up story."

Salem County First Assistant Prosecutor William Brennan joined Goodwin at the sentencing.

The weapon in the case was never recovered. But from the type of injuries sustained by the Hills and from eyewitness accounts the night of the attack.

Members of Rolle's family were also in the courtroom gallery.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Volunteers needed for general upkeep and fundraising events

PITTSGROVE -- The Parvin State Park Appreciation Committee is seeking volunteers of all ages and abilities. We have something for everyone to be productive at Parvin State Park!

Volunteers are needed to supplement the overall park maintenance that is not able to be covered by the few employees, due to equipment and time commitment needs. 

Volunteers are asked to participate once a month (third Saturday) in "general work days at the Park", when trails are cleaned or widened and other general upkeep is performed by the volunteers. There are various fundraising events held throughout the year, usually not more than once a month. The major fundraising event is the "Annual Halloween Event" held during the month of October. We need lots of volunteers to make this the continued success that we have been striving for during the park's more than 30-year history. 

We continually work to build our "future" museum of the history of Parvin State Park and its relationship with various historical events in the area. There is a strong connection between Parvin and the Civilian Conservation Corps, German Prisoners of War, Japanese Internment Camp, and recreational facilities for area industry.

Your help is needed to allow the park to grow and to keep Parvin State Park as the "gem" of Pittsgrove Township. Visit facebook or twitter to view activities and events.  Contact us by email at parvinvolunteers@gmail.com of your potential interest.

Create a new aspect of your life by collecting your friends, neighbors and family to each join this outstandingly rewarding officially recognized volunteer organization. 

This item submitted by Linda DuBois, Parvin State Park Appreciation Committee.

All four lanes will be open on both spans of the bridge from Friday through Wednesday, officials said

Construction on both spans of the Delaware Memorial Bridge will be suspended for the long Fourth of July weekend, but road work in Delaware could slow some interstate travel.

The left lane on the New Jersey-bound span of the Delaware Memorial Bridge is seen closed Monday for construction work. All lanes on both bridges will be open for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. (Bill Gallo Jr. | For NJ.com)

Beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, July 1, through 6 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, all four lanes on the northbound and southbound bridges will be open to traffic, according to the Delaware River and Bay Authority, operator of the spans.

Work has been ongoing to replace "suspender ropes" which connect the large suspension cables on the bridge to the roadway.

In April, three lanes of the four-lane southbound span had to be shut down and traffic shifted to the right lane in what was described as emergency work on the suspender ropes.

The lane closures caused massive backups.

Work on the suspender ropes has continued since.

Massive paint job spruces up the bridges

As in the past, traffic is expected to be heavy during this holiday weekend, officials say.

Based on historical data, motorists should expect the heaviest traffic during the following time periods:

* Friday: 12 noon to 7 p.m.

* Saturday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

* Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Once southbound motorists make it from New Jersey into Delaware, they still must maneuver through the massive Interstate 295 reconstruction project.

Through that construction area, only two lanes of traffic are open.

In 2015, 310,021 vehicles used the Delaware Memorial during the Fourth of July holiday period Thursday, July 2 through Monday, July 6, DRBA officials said.

Motorists can monitor the latest traffic information on the bridge on Twitter @demembridge or by viewing the live bridge traffic cameras at www.drba.net.

Paul Halley replies to a commentary that stated there are better ways to effect change after a national tragedy.

To the Editor:

Regarding Kansas City Star writer Yael Abouhalkah's commentary after the Orlando massacre, "Instead of praying, try taking action to stop murders and discrimination," in the June 15 Times' print edition:

Abouhalkah is completely wrong.

America, from the beginning, was built on prayer and has been sustained by prayer. In the American Revolution, the tiny American militias faced the most powerful army and navy in the world. George Washington was in constant prayer. He relied so much on the providence of God that "Providence" was his favorite name for God. One can immediately see special acts of providence in answer to prayer at Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Long Island, Saratoga, Yorktown, Boston, Valley Forge, etc.

I grew up in a community with a Christian heritage of prayer. We had no key to our front door. In the 1960s we removed God, prayer and the Bible from our public schools. In a very short time, trust turned to distrust and violence in our communities.

God has designed a universe in which He is totally free to act within it. We, as human beings made in the image of God, have limited freedom to act within this universe. But where we are free, we are also responsible for our actions.

Perhaps Abouhalkah believes that God cannot act in history. Then, why is the writer concerned? If the universe is just a mechanical machine, everything is destined to happen the way it will happen -- and nothing you can do can change it.

Paul Halley
Bridgeton

Honor immigrants who waited their turn

To the Editor:

Ah, the angst over the U.S. Supreme Court. Just think of the opportunity that has been lost now that the justices split evenly in deciding the fate of certain under-the-border immigrants based on President Barack Obama's executive order suspending some deportations. (The tie vote upheld a lower-court decision that held Obama's action was unconstitutional).

We hear a drumbeat that it is not fair or is "un-American" to grant these immigrants anything less than citizenship. Of course, they are called "undocumented' or by some other term meeting politically correct criteria. But hundreds of thousands of other foreign residents wishing to come here are going through the process of applying through the State Department and having a sponsor, as well as desiring to assimilate into U.S. society.

I understand this process is more difficult than just walking into America, or overstaying a visa. If those desiring to come here have sufficient ambition to find a method to avoid the required legal steps, why can't they use the proper procedures? 

Of course, our fumbling government is tied up in knots trying to assist those without legal permission to be here, as well their children, some of whom were born here. The hierarchy seems to be generous with our tax dollars in support of a nomadic horde.

Skip paying your taxes as a citizen or legal resident and find out how your governments -- local, state, and federal -- will deal with you. What is fair? 

Maybe Hillary Clinton can sponsor a dozen or so from among those in our country illegally and guide them through naturalization, until they become taxpaying citizens. Our hats should be tipped, and praises should be given, to the law-abiding, soon-to-be citizens.

Gerald Keer

Turnersville

Is no news good news at DRPA?

To the Editor:

In 2012, the Delaware River Port Authority hired its first inspector general. Former FBI agent Thomas Raftery III was supposed to root out fraud, waste and corruption. He resigned in 2014 after clashing with longtime board commissioners who saw nothing wrong with the status quo.

In 2015, Davis Gentile, also a former FBI agent with a perfect resume for the inspector general's job, came on board at the DRPA. He had supervised investigations into public corruption, organized crime and labor racketeering. 

We haven't heard anything from him since for the $130,000 salary he's being paid. So, either all the fraud, waste and corruption has disappeared, or Gentile has learned from his predecessor that if he wants to keep his six-figure job, he'd better not rock the boat.

There's been no public update in a long time on a reported ongoing federal investigation into the DRPA's past spending habits. The public has been fed the line that the DRPA is in wonderful financial shape.

The DRPA has an $89 million operating budget, with approximately $302 million in annual revenue. Of course, there is that matter of $1.6 billion of debt, but that's never been a concern to anyone at the authority.

I guess the old adage, "The more things change, the more they stay the same," is true -- at least for the good old DRPA.

Carol Rhodes

Barnsboro

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

With the Salem Salem 2 reactor now off-line, that leaves only one nuclear reactor in operation at the Artificial Island complex.

LOWER ALLOWAYS CREEK TWP. -- A problem with the generator forced the shutdown of the Salem 2 nuclear reactor early Wednesday, an official said.

The plant automatically shut down at 4:23 a.m. Tuesday, according to Joe Delmar, spokesman for the plant's operator.

A warning signal indicating some sort of malfunction with the electric generator located on the non-nuclear side of the plant caused the shutdown.

Early Wednesday afternoon Delmar said employees were still searching for the cause of the problem.

He could not estimate when Salem 2 would return to service.

The shutdown leaves only one of three reactors operated by PSEG Nuclear at its Artificial Island generating complex operating.

Salem 1 shut down in April for what was expected to be a routine refueling outage until degradation was found that some of the baffle bolts which secure a metal liner inside the core of the nuclear reactor.

First step toward a new nuclear reactor?

The process to inspect and replace any damaged bolts continues. There is no estimate when that reactor would be back in service.

With Salem 1 and 2 down, only the Hope Creek plant is producing electricity. That reactor was operating at full power, Delmar said.

Earlier this month PSEG Nuclear was granted a five-year permit which allows the company to continue to draw water from the Delaware River for cooling at its Salem 1 and Salem 2 reactors.

The company this year also received an Early Site Permit from the federal government which is the first step in a long process for the company to build a new reactor at the Artificial Island site.

When operating at full power, the plants produce enough electricity to power three million homes.

They comprise the second-largest nuclear complex in the U.S.

Summer competitions already heating up among area swim teams

Area swim clubs offer fun and team spirit. Many swimmers start at the early age and continue on to successful careers in high school and college. The Tri-County Swimming Pool Association is composed of 36 summer swim clubs in the Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties, serving 4,000 young swimmers. The Suburban Swim Association of South Jersey is composed of 14 summer swim clubs.

ELMER SWIM TEAM -- Suburban Swim Association of SJ (Week 2) 

Elmer-393, Lake Kandle-164

Elmer topped Lake Kandle on June 25 for their second win of the season. Both teams came into the meet with 1-0 records and swam great. To date, Elmer has set eight team records within the first two meets of the season. For the 8 and under girls, Abby Kern was a double winner placing first in 25 freestyle 25 breaststroke.  She was joined in the medley relay with Story D'agostino, Ben Stanker and Caylen Taylor for the win. For the 9-10 age group, Matt Stanker was a double winner in the 25 breaststroke and 25 butterfly. He teamed up with Lance Creighton, Ryan Johnson and Hadyn Mulherin to win the freestyle relay. Kaia Prohowich, Gabby Simonini, Julia Hynes, and Ella Price took the win the both relays as well. In the 11-12 age group, there was two triple winners -- Sean Simms (100 IM, 50 Free, 50 Fly) and Sarah Kern (100 IM, 50 Free, 50 breast). Simms teamed up with Liam Mulherin, Tyler Kulig, and David Mercoli to win both relays. Kern joined by Chloe Gerstenbacher, Reagan Honeycutt and Faith Foote to win the freestyle relay. The 13-14 age group, also had two triple winners -- Kylee Hynes (100 IM, 100 free, 50 breast) and Ethan Kern (100 IM, 100 Free, 50 Fly). Ethan was joined by Matt Trani, Nick Dagostino, and Colin Thomas to win the medley relay and then with Jason LeCates  to win the 200 free relay. In the 15-18 age group, Jake Kayati triple winner (100 IM, 50 Back, 50 Fly) Megan Hawkes double winner (100 IM, 50 Fly).

This item submitted by Head Coach Stephen Tucker, Elmer Sharks Swim Team.

LAKE KANDLE -- Suburban Swim Association of SJ (Week 2)

Elmer-393, Lake Kandle-164

After a dominating start to their season, beating the BC Aqua Barons 402-155, Lake Kandle came back down to earth, losing to Elmer 393-164. Despite the one-sided loss, many swimmers continue to improve under the guidance of Clearview Head Coach Steve Skinner and Washington Township High School's Boy's Coach Bill Albertson. The Harris family lead the charge for the Lake Sharks winning four individual events. Alexa, age 10, won the 100m individual medley, 50m freestyle, and 25M backstroke. Younger brother Cole, age 7, placed in all individual events and took home a first place finish in the 25m backstroke. Honorable mention for Lake Kandle also includes Patrick Rauch, winner of the 13-14 50m backstroke, Kevin Lyons, winner of 13-14 50m breaststroke, and the 15-18 boys for sweeping their relay events, led by Augie Giardinelli and Ryan McKeeby, winners of 50m breaststroke and 100m freestyle respectively. Next up for the Lake Sharks is an exhibition match with the Ramblewood Tiger Sharks on Friday, July 1, at Lake Kandle.

This item submitted by West "Jace" Kandle, Lake Kandle Swim Team.

Wenonah Swim Club (Wave Runners) Tri-County Swimming Pool Association (Week 1)

Wenonah-326.33  Pheasant Run-227.66

Wenonah took the win over Pheasant Run on the first meet of the season, 227.66 to 326.33. Both teams had some great races. Wenonah started off the season with 57 qualifying times. Eight-year-old Gabe Clay was a double winner June 25 in the freestyle and butterfly events. Nine and 10 girls Zoe DeAngelis was a double winner in freestyle and backstroke, while Erica Sprigman won both breaststroke and butterfly. Erica and Zoe teamed up with MaryKate Finnan, Madeline Hohl, Emily Schwarzwalder and Reese Hestzer to win both the Medley and freestyle relay. Eleven-year-old Cole Jennings swam the victories in butterfly and breastroke, he was joined by Hayden Clay, Tanner Jones, PJ Chestnut and Henry Daniluk to win both the Medley and Freestyle Relays. Fourteen-year-old Mary Kopchick swept her two events IM and Breastroke. Mary was joined by Emma Boggs, Audry Moore, Fiona Porter, Lydia Eisenhart to win both the Medley and Freestyle relays. Dan Porter came away with the "W" in both IM and Backstroke, while Richie Jaramillo took first in the Freestyle and Butterfly. Richie and Dan teamed up with Roman Henry and Zach Solem to win the Medley and Freestyle relays. Seventeen-year-old Sydney Jaramillo won both the IM and Butterfly events today. Sydney teamed up with Emily Jones, Olivia Cann, Kelsey MacNamara and Emily Kopchick to win the the Medley and Freestyle Relays. The 15/18 boys Mitchell LaBenski, Owen MacNamara, Matt Grubb and David Rucci won both the Medley and Freestyle relays. Wenonah is looking forward to another great meet against arch rival Greenfields on July 1.

This item submitted by Chris Dalsey, Wenonah Swim Club.

Pheasant Run Flyers Tri-County Swimming Pool Association (Week 1)

Pheasant Run-277.67 Wenonah-326.33

As the Pheasant Run Flyers dropped a 326.33 to 277.67 season-opener loss to Wenonah, Julianna Wahl broke a seven-year-old team record in the 11-12 fly, swimming a 30.96. Thirty-one Flyers qualified for the Tri-County championship meet in 45 events, including 8 and under swimmers: Eva Barbich, Eileen Doyle, Olivia Lavallee, Caden Cacurro, Jackson Lavallee, Ian Polaneczky, Matthew Tang, Connor Wilkinson. Also 9-10 swimmers: Alexandria Faino, Emma Greer, Jane Mansukani, Andy Chang, Eamon Coffey, Luke Mumma, Thomas Wilkinson. And 11-12 swimmers: Jade Eldred, Emma Frith, Teagan Powell, Julianna Wahl, Tyler Mininno, Kevin Storti. Also 13-14 swimmers: Evan Greer, Brendan McDevitt.  And 15-18 swimmers: Isabella Begley, Lily Black, Alyssa Cherubino, Eliza Pluckhorn, Reid Greer, Ben Kern, Brad Pendino, Tommy Schurer. In addition to Julianna Wahl's record-setting swim in the fly, she opened the meet with a victory in the individual medley. Eva Barbich was a double winner in free and breast, as was Luke Mumma in free and fly, and Jade Eldred in free and back. Other event winners included Lily Black in the 15-18 free, Eileen Doyle and Jackson Lavallee in the 8 and under back, Eamon Coffey in the 9-10 back, Tommy Schurer in the 15-18 back, Andrew Chang in the 9-10 breast, Teagan Powell in the 11-12 breast, Olivia Lavallee in the 8 and under fly, Alexandria Faino in the 9-10 fly, Reid Greer in the 15-18 fly. Eight-and-under swimmers Eileen Doyle, Eva Barbich, Olivia Lavallee, Gianna Faino, Grace Mansukani, and Madelyn Wilkinson won both the medley and free relays as did 9-10 swimmers Eamon Coffey, William Begley, Thomas Wilkinson, and Luke Mumma, and 11-12 swimmers Jade Eldred, Teagan Powell, Julianna Wahl, Emma Frith, and Laura Sickler.

This item submitted by Barbara Ann Milch, Pheasant Run Flyers.

Seven alumni attended the reunion

Penns Grove High School Class of 1943 held its 73rd class reunion at the Talk of the Town Restaurant in Penns Grove on June 18.

Those in attendance included: Evelyn (Nipe) Lindle, Dorothy (Hampton) Horn, Sarah (Garton) Hyson, Steve Lopes, Sam DiGreggorio, Emo Garbini and Clarence Johnson.

Back in 1943, when the Penns Grove High School senior class graduated:

• The Pentagon, considered to be the world's largest office building, was completed.
• In the United States, shoes, canned food, meat, cheese, butter and cooking oil rationing go into effect
• The Allied Forces invade Italy.
• Future President Lt. John F. Kennedy is commander of the PT-109. His ship is sunk by a Japanese destroyer
• U.S. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower becomes the Supreme Allied Commander
• Due to shortages in copper the U.S. 1-cent coin is struck in steel
• The Pentagon in Washington D.C. is completed

Prices in 1943:

Cars cost $1,100, gasoline was 19 cents a gallon, homes cost $8,000, bread was 9 cents, milk was 62 cents, the stock market was at 136, the average annual salary was $2,500 and the minimum wage was 30 cents an hour.

This item submitted by Thomas Romansky.

Fireworks -- one of the few things that people from the past 200+ years have all shared the same way.

I could try to open with a joke, but I don't think I could do better than Stephen Colbert:

"It's Fourth of July weekend, or, as I call it, Exploding Christmas."

The holidays are as different as July is to December, of course, but they are the same in that they're both chock full of tradition. They are celebrated with family, food and festivities. And, in the case of Independence Day - fireworks.

With these vintage galleries, we look back on a variety of topics. And, we can see differences from one decade to the next in just about all of them. With Fourth of July photos that feature fireworks, however, there is a certain sameness.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

Fireworks have been magnificent for centuries. Invented by the Chinese millennia ago, people were launching fireworks in the late-18^th century to celebrate America's independence, and not only did they look and sound pretty much the same way they do today ... they were technologically similar as well.

That grown-up feeling when you were finally allowed to handle a sparkler on the Fourth!Courtesy of fireworks.com 

There is a company named Pyrotecnico on Garden Road in Franklin Township, Gloucester County. It used to be the Vineland Fireworks Co. when I was a lad, and for decades they've crafted aerial bombs and exploding shells the way it was done ages ago.

Certainly, the launch methods have gotten fancier in some places; many of the huge fireworks shows employ computer-controlled launch circuits wired to thousands of mortars. But in most local shows, trained professionals fire off shells from mortar tubes by lighting fuses with magnesium flares.

There's something genuinely satisfying about watching fireworks light up the night sky, hearing the ooohs and aaaahs of the crowd, and knowing that it's one of the few things that people from the past 200+ years have all shared the same way.

Here's a gallery of vintage photos of people celebrating America in New Jersey on the Fourth of July. Be sure captions are enabled to learn more about each photo.

Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.

Here's a roundup of recent home sales in Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester counties.

South Jersey Times 

ALLOWAY TWP.

-- 135 Yorketown Road, Joshua T. Licciardello to Susan J. Benner for $41,506.42.

-- 163 Alloway Friesburg Road, PPJ Properties LLC to Better Homes Building Products Corp for $30,000.

BRIDGETON

-- 219 E. Commerce St., Mortgage Access Corp to Lan Pro LLC for $42,000.

-- 25 Thompson Ave., Saundra L. Cole to Ernest L. Summer for $129,500.

CARNEYS POINT TWP.

-- 247 H St., PCIREO-1 LLC to Brian E. and Lindsay M. Harmon for $20,000.

COMMERCIAL TWP.

-- 5200 Battle Lane, Wells Fargo Bank to Joseph Orlando for $76,500.

-- 533 Dandelion Road, James Daniel Raymond to Kimberly A. Nocon for $4,000.

EAST GREENWICH TWP.

-- 803 Heritage Road, Frances M. Stewart, executrix, to Melissa L. McCurry for $286,900.

ELMER

-- 111 Front St., Stephen Lewis Slavoff, executor, to John and Deborah Pacitti for $63,000.

ELSINBORO TWP.

-- 610 Ft. Elfsborg-Salem Road, James R. Buechler and William C. Buechler to Gregory Edwards for $60,000.

FAIRFIELD TWP.

-- Faison Lane, Manuel Guerrero to Edwin D. Sanchez-Alcvarez for $10,000.

-- 44 Waldens Dr., Fannie Mae by attorney to Israel Reyes for $90,000.

GLASSBORO

-- 16 Hardwood Court, Troy and Kristin Ferri to Carl D. Anderson Jr. for $205,000.

-- 259 Heritage Loop, D.R. Horton Inc. to Linda L. Weisberg for $273,465.

HARRISON TWP.

-- 114 Allens Lane, Mitchell and Carole Brodkin to Frederick and Kelly Gajewski for $120,000.

HOPEWELL TWP.

-- 462 Barretts Run Road, Federal National Mortgage by attorney to Robert J. Baner for $19,500.

LAWRENCE TWP.

-- 36 Paris Road, Dennis L. Freeman to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for $132,000.

MANUTA TWP.

-- 193 Carriage Hill Circle, Susan M. Shisler, trustee, to Anthony D. and Rosalie Mirenda for $270,000.

Mannington Twp. home sells for $600K

MAURICE RIVER TWP.

-- 9 Cannon Range Road, Federal Home Loan Mortgage by attorney to Michael C. Saul for $175,000.

MILLVILLE

-- 208 Oak St., U.S. Bank Trust by attorney to 320 Smith LLC for $42,000.

-- 50 Cornwell Ave., Frank Swydersky III to Jessica Maldonado for $140,000.

-- 1815 Wheaton Ave., Lillian B. Taylor by attorney to Kevin Quay for $90,000.

-- 1820 E. Main St., K&L Real Estate LLC to Theresa M. Smedley for $93,750.

MONROE TWP.

-- 420 Brandywine Dr., New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to Clara Kids Homes LLC for $139,500.

-- 109 Easton Court, Cheryl L. Stevenson to Wendi A. Brown for $150,000.

PAULSBORO

-- 18 E. Jefferson St., Community Capital LLC to Robert Motley for $8,750.

PENNSVILLE TWP.

-- 56 Fort Mott Road, Sharon K. Flickingger and Melvin E. Friant, executors, to Elizabeth Azcona for $22,000.

-- 180 S. Broadway, TD Bank to HRES Pennsville LLC for $250,000.

-- 58 Penn Beach Dr., Samuel F. and Helen A. Hilditch Jr. to Douglas A. Sanders for $106,000.

-- 121 Quaker Road, Fannie Mae to Charles Allocco for $55,100.

PILESGROVE TWP.

-- 29 Buttonwood Dr., Peter S. and Danna Calatozzo to Robert Froio and Kelly Higgins for $325,000.

PITMAN

-- 116 Cyrus Ave., Peter N. Slack to William J and Jillian Ayoub Antinore Jr. for $280,000.

SALEM

-- 175 W Broadway, FC RC 1 LLC to Hyuntae Jo for $99,000.

-- 225 E. Broadway, Anne Harkins to Stand Up For Salem Inc. for $20,000.

SHILOH

-- 31 West Ave., Veterans Affairs to Russell T. Olbrich for $32,000.

UPPER DEERFIELD TWP.

-- 11 Holly Ave., William Schmitt to Brooke A. Nessen for $159,900.

VINELAND

-- 941 Morning Glory Dr., Kenneth R. Dickinson to Jarrod M. Headley for $174,000.

-- 2139 E. Chestnut Ave., Steven Wisneski to Kristen Wisneski for $105,000.

-- 591 N. West Ave., Fannie Mae to Carlos A. Archo for $139,000.

-- 1085 Mercury Way, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp by attorney to Manuel Gordillo for $61,500.

-- 577 Overbrook Road, Jessica Plaza to William Rivera Jr. for $110,000.

-- 1086 Woodcrest Ave., Judy A. Testa to Willie L. Little for $174,000.

-- 290 E. Sherman Ave., Federal Home Loan Mortgage by attorney to Kathleen Gluszak for $85,000.

-- 248 W. Wheat Road, Mario J. Ruiz-Mesa to Melissa A. Fanelli for $152,820.

-- 518 S. 3^rd St., Whonder Investment Group LLC to Andrew L. Acevedo for $143,000.

-- 2448 Dante Ave., Trumark Financial Credit Union to Camillo Conte for $155,000.

WASHINGTON TWP.

-- 15 Fox Hollow Lane, William and Lisa Adams to Christopher Seykot for $352,000.

-- 572 Cambridge Road, Elizabeth L. Hall to 572 Cambridge LLC for $110,000.

-- 1075 Paladin Place, NVR Inc. to Anthony Nordo for $246,733.

WENONAH

-- 7 S. Garfield Ave., Sandra A. Hudson to John T. and Jonetta H. Woodward for $174,000.

WEST DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 243 Crown Point Road, Doris Ara DeHart to Stephen Paul Husarik for $150,000.

-- 123 Brent Court, Housing and Urban Development to Richard Rosenberg for $75,740.

-- 1100 Harker Ave., Francis J. and Jean M. Wonsetler Jr. to 102 Repauno LLC for $65,000.

WOODBURY

-- 221 High St., Joyce A. Morley by attorney to Jose Interiano for $105,000.

-- 209 Ivy Dr., Paula Horlacher, administrator, to Michael Horlacher for $125,000.

WOODSTOWN

-- 328 S. Main St., Linda Jane Armstrong to David J. and Denise Zane Layton for $35,000.

-- 3 Heather Dr., John H. and Nancy J. Harrington Jr. to S. Lewis and Elanie Kelty for $247,500.

-- 48 W. Millbrooke Ave., Francis and Dawn Rapa to Janice T. Adamek, Tara A. Powell and Matthew D. Powell for $159,900.

WOOLWICH TWP.

-- 115 Windsor Dr., Steven G. and Margaret A. Turley to Ryan L. Golembiewski and Julie B. Rotwitt for $317,500.

-- 148 Bantry St., Woolwich Courts-Reserve LLC to Scott K. and Georgeann L. Littleton for $255,000.

South Jersey Times may be reached at sjnews@njadvancemedia.com. Follow us on Twitter @theSJTimes. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

The column that forgets what date the 4th of July is

The column that forgets what date the 4th of July is

--

Good morning!

--

Jaime E. Marine | South Jersey Times 

"Can we get an ordinance and signage banning jet skis beyond the 49 street bridge. People fish in the park and the jet skis come through at high rates of speed. Today I saw them speed past a group of young men fishing behind the water works and ensnared the young boys line and pulled his rod into the water. The guy on the jet ski knew what he did and turned his head around and smiled. When they came back through, they all raced by with reckless abandon and big smiles. The Cohansey past the 49 street bridge is not a safe place for 10 jet skis to race. This is a public safety and common sense issue that needs to be addressed."

- Down with jet skis

--

"South Jersey artist Stephen Steinmetz will be exhibiting artwork created from 1970 through 2012 in this mini-retrospective, opening at the Bayshore Gallery. The artist's reception will be held in the gallery at the Bayshore Center in Bivalve, Friday, July 8th beginning at 5:30 p.m. -- the public is invited.

"Steinmetz, a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, originally studied print- making. In the early 70s he was invited to teach at the renowned Academy but decide to relocate to South Jersey to continue exploring and mastering various mediums. A relief carving, made by the artist in the mid-80s, was purchased by the Barnes Foundation.

"Exhibit runs through Aug. 6 at Bayshore Gallery, Bayshore Center at Bivalve, 2800 High Street, Port Norris, NJ 08349.  Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Call 856-785-2060 for more information."

- Bayshore Center

--

"Holly City Development Corporation in collaboration with the Millville Development Corporation are hosting a Public Meeting on the evening of Monday, July 11, 2016, at the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts, 22 N. High St., Millville, from 6 until 7 p.m.

"A grant has been received allowing the organization to seek qualified mural artists to submit bids to paint a gateway mural at 530 N. High St. Qualified muralists will be attending a variety of focus groups to learn what members of the community of Millville wish to be incorporated into the overall design of this future large mural. 

"After the series of meetings, the artists will submit their designs to the organization and a panel of judges will choose the mural and artist to receive the bid. 

"Your suggestions of what is important to you will be an important part of the design elements to include in the mural."

- Marianne Lods

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Cumberland County Library announced its July yoga schedule.

Classes are scheduled for Mondays (except for July 4) at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays (except for July 6) at 6:30 p.m.

Donations are accepted by the instructor and, if it's your first class, it is suggested to arrive 15 minutes early to register.

--

"Yoga etiquette:

"Please arrive 10 minutes before classes to give you time to get settled.
"Do not eat a meal within at least 2 hours of class start time.
"Avoid chewing gum during class.
"Prepare to practice yoga in bare feet or with sticky socks.
"Wear comfortable clothes.
"Avoid wearing perfume or scents when dressing for class.
"Turn off cell phones."

- Cumberland County Library

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MY KIND OF TOWN: Where etiquette is important -- inside and outside of yoga classes