The column that is looking for recommendations for next book club suggestions

The column that is looking for recommendations for next book club suggestions

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Good morning!

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Jaime E. Marine | South Jersey Times 

Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is continuing to keep watch over at Higbee's Bait and Tackle.

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"OK Spider-Man fans!

"Spiderman #3 was retired today after his three-year run in the meadow. This is the end of Spiderman's ninth year of roaming the Fortescue marsh keeping a close eye on you as you enter Fortescue. Don't worry, Spiderman #4 is now on patrol and has moved again for you to find. He will be out on patrol for year #Ten. Look for him on your way in town.

"You're Welcome."

- Friends of Spiderman.

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I think the BEN Book Club, where we looked at "Early Settlement and Progress of Cumberland County, New Jersey; and of the Currency of this and the Adjoining Colonies" by Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus Elmer was a success. I had a lot of fun reading it and hearing your thoughts about it. Here were some more interesting things people said about the book and the history of Cumberland County.

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"Just stumbled upon your series of articles. I'm familiar with the book and it has been very helpful in my genealogical research. I am a direct descendant of Reverend Timothy Brooks Jr., he is my 8th Great-Grandfather. Brooks and Brooks Sr. (my ninth great-grandfather), their families, along with three other families, the Bowens, Barretts, and Swinneys were Welsh Baptists and Sabbath-Keepers left Concord Massachusetts and headed to Greenwich in 1690. 

"The Bowens and the Brooks moved more inland up the Cohansey towards Roadstown and called their settlement Bowentown. The Barretts located on property that is still called Barretts Run.

"Rev. Daniel Elmer (page 97) was my eighth great-grandfather.

"Theophilus Elmer, (page 98) was my seventh great-grandfather. 

"My great-grandfather moved away from Cumberland County in 1900. In the last few years I have rediscovered it (and my own family history), and try to visit more and more (I live in Northern Virginia now). 

"I spent several hours at the Cumberland County Historical Society last year, scouring the 'Brooks' family folder.

"I also found an interesting collection of photos and civil war letters from my 8th-great-uncle Enoch Brooks at the Rutgers library.

"Lots of interesting stuff out there about Cumberland County and the families who settled there."

- Joe Bartling

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Bartling sent this too.

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"The settlers moved to the Fenwick Colony precisely BECAUSE the territory was open and tolerant regarding faith (although they all seem to get a bit perturbed with the Deists).

"The differences between the protestant faiths were profound in the early settlement days. The issue of Sabbath being observed on the Seventh Day and disagreement over the pre-destination doctrine of Calvinism/Presbyterianism were biggies."

- Joe Bartling

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MY KIND OF TOWN: Where there's a difference between hearing about the problems and listening to the problems

Flip through this digital scrapbook of community-submitted photos

Community photos for August 2016 include a photo of the Vacation Bible School students and teachers from the Church of the Resurrection Episcopal at Trinity Episcopal, Clearview Regional students preparing for a toga procession at the 2016 National Junior Classical league Convention, and Millville Soccer Association members, pictured with Ben Franklin, at Talen Energy Stadium.

Flip through our digital scrapbook of community-submitted photos. Have a photo you'd like to submit? Send it to sjtowns@njadvancemedia.com. Please include a caption with names of everyone in the photo (names not necessary for very large group shots), and tell us about the event.

Do you have an upcoming public event that you'd like included in our community calendar? Go to nj.com/myevent.

T. Krajewski wants to see a more postitve role from the movement.

To the Editor:

When are those in the Black Lives Matter movement going to actually do something other than protest and possibly incite riots? 

If black lives matter that much, why isn't the group in Chicago neighborhoods trying to stop the killing of African Americans by other African Americans? 

Why was there no official comment from this group's leaders about the Aug. 29 fatal shootout on the Atlantic City Expressway, also involving multiple injuries? 

My main question is: Why is this a "movement" if they aren't moving to do anything but demonstrate?  

Actions speak louder than words. Positive action would not only be louder, but probably more help in dealing with these kinds of situations. It can only get better if all of us work together, not against each other.

T. Krajewski

Williamstown 

Make Greens' Jill Stein your choice

To the Editor:

Labor Day, which we just observed, is traditionally the beginning of the fall campaign session, as well as a time remember the many benefits the labor movement has brought to working Americans. I'm very disappointed in the establishment parties' presidential choices this year, and I know I'm not alone.

It's distressing to hear that some people plan to vote for Hillary Clinton because they so dislike Donald Trump -- or vice versa. If the media gave more coverage to third-party candidates, voters could see an alternative very much worth considering: Green Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein and her running mate, Ajamu Baraka. 

Stein's platform is similar to that of Bernie Sanders: free public higher education, a $15 minimum wage now, single-payer health care, and ending the rigged economy and corporate control of politics. She is prepared to fully address major crises we face such as climate change, racism and police brutality, as well as trade agreements that take away our jobs. 

If elected, Stein plans to create millions of jobs by transitioning immediately to a 100 percent renewable energy economy. This is the only rational solution to global warming. 

Her progressive initiatives can be paid for by cutting the military budget in half. She opposes wars for oil, and would get us out of endless occupations overseas that inflame terrorists and kill our young men and women. 

Since the primaries ended, the Green Party has seen huge voter interest, especially from disappointed Sanders supporters. Stein has started getting coverage from media outlets. She has qualified for matching federal funds and has a real chance of making a significant impact on the race. 

Vote for the greater good, not the lesser evil. Stand up against a broken political system, because our lives depend on it. 

If you're interested in helping elect Jill Stein for president, visit her campaign website, jill2016.com, or the Green Party's New Jersey site, gpnj.org. 

Denise Brush

Glassboro  

Decline of religion not a partisan issue

To the Editor:

James A. Haught's  Sept. 6 opinion article in the South Jersey Times' print edition, "Religion's decline in the U.S. helping Democrats," is sad but true. 

However, there are many who are in church every week, and would never vote Republican. The sad part is that so many people no longer attend church. Many of those who profess to be Christians don't even have an interest in opening their Bible anymore: Get to that beach, get your kid to that precious ball game or swim meet, or to wrestling, or bowling or soccer.

Whatever, but how about when those twin towers went down? Jesus was sure important then! 

Right now, cell phones and finding Pokemon seem to be way more important than any time devoted to spiritual things or teaching yourself about God. 

Jesus once wondered that, when he returns, "Will I even find faith on the Earth?"  

Frank Murphine 3rd

Millville

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

A fire ripped through a vacant house in the Deepwater section of Pennsville.

PENNSVILLE TWP. -- A four-hour blaze kept firefighters busy battling flames at a vacant house Wednesday morning.

Firefighters responded at 5:30 a.m. to the property on Harrison Street in the Deepwater section of Pennsville Township.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation but officials do not believe it was suspicious.

Fire officials met with code officials and the site was deemed unsafe.

The structure will be torn down within the next week.

Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Emergency call centers in all 21 counties are equipped with software to receive text messages to 911. Watch video

PISCATAWAY -- New Jersey is joining a growing number of states that allow people in emergency situations to send a text message to 911, officials announced on Wednesday.

The new technology is one way law enforcement officials are trying to keep pace with a growing number of emergency calls placed by cell phones. Seventy percent of 911 calls are placed from a cell phone, said Attorney General Christopher Porrino, citing data from the Federal Communications Commission.

But there are moments when people can't talk on the phone for various reasons, but can send a text message, Porrino said. For instance, if a person is deaf or hard of hearing, it could be more efficient for them to communicate via text message.

"This is an important advancement for the 911 system, for law enforcement, for anyone who lives, works and travels here in New Jersey," Porrino said.

More than 650 emergency call centers in nearly 40 states have the capability to field text messages, the FCC reports. Approximately 200 of those call centers made the text-to-911 upgrades in 2016.

Camden County was the first in New Jersey to unveil its text-to-911 system in March. By July, call centers in each of the state's 21 counties were equipped with software to field text messages, said Dave Weinstein, chief technology officer and head of the state's Office of Information Technology.

"There is perhaps no greater reason than public safety for government to keep pace with today's technology trends," Weinstein said.

He said the cost for the text-to-911 project is "virtually nothing" of the total operating expenses for the Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services, which is under $1 million. "We're talking about negligible expenses for the software," Weinstein said.

While the text-to-911 program advances the current 911 system's technology, it's still not equipped with the most up-to-date 911 software, known as Next Generation 911. Among other 911 enhancements, NextGen offers dispatchers the capability to not only receive text messages but photos and videos as well.

Weinstein said the state is hoping to start taking bids for NextGen either this year or next year.

Chris Rodriguez, director of New Jersey's Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, said text-to-911 could be especially beneficial in active-shooter situations where people are unable to speak on the phone. He cited the night club shooting in Orlando as an example.

"The text-to-911 capability will allow, in the event that the unthinkable happens in our backyard, the public to be able to, in a safe way, text to 911 and provide vital information to first responders arriving on the scene," Rodriguez said.

He said about 70 percent of active-shooter situations end in less than five minutes before first responders can get to the scene.

These cases, however, are rare and extraordinary. Emergency officials stress that a voice call is a preferred method of calling 911. A call to 911 allows the dispatcher to collect vital information faster than texting, which is crucial in emergency situations, Porrino said.

"We recognize there are circumstances in which people are witnessing suspicious activity, people in danger or people desperately in need of medical help simply cannot talk but are able to text," he said. 

Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The accident took place late Tuesday in Upper Deerfield Township, authorities say.

UPPER DEERFIELD TWP. -- A state trooper received minor injuries after his car was involved in a crash with another vehicle in Cumberland County late Tuesday night, police said.

The accident took pace at 10:37 p.m. when an unidentified trooper from the Bridgeton Station was headed to the scene of a hit-and-run, according to New Jersey State Police Spokesman Trooper Alejandro Goez.

The trooper, alone in his marked car, was traveling southbound on Woodruff Road when at the intersection of Lebanon Road his vehicle and a 2000 Ford Expedition collided, according to Goez.

The trooper was taken to Inspira Medical Center Vineland and treated for "bumps and bruises" before being released, Goez said.

There were two people in the Ford Expedition. The driver was not hurt, Goez said, but the passenger was taken to Inspira Medical Center Vineland to be treated for unspecified injuries.

Which vehicle struck the other first remains under investigation, Goez said.

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

Authorities are still investigating a blaze that tore through a vacant house Wednesday.

PENNSVILLE TWP. -- Fire officials are still investigating the blaze that ripped through a vacant house early Wednesday morning.

It was around 5:30 a.m. when Teddy Willis, a resident living behind the property woke up to the flames on the adjacent property.

"I saw it this morning -- it was up in flames for sure. I looked out the window through my back yard and there was a blaze," neighbor Teddy Willis said.

The house, located in the Deepwater section of Pennsville Township was completed destroyed in the blaze and the odor of burnt wood still filled the air Friday afternoon.

The property is owned by True Followers of Jesus Church, based in Ohio. The house was built in 1917 and has remained vacant for the past 10 years.

Fire officials have said the blaze does not appear suspicious but it is still unclear what caused the fire. 

Some of the people spotlighted are responsible for inventions that changed our lives.

Here is the third installment of our monthly gallery, "This month in N.J. History," which appears on nj.com near the start of each month.

This gallery supplements our Glimpse of History feature as well as our regular vintage photo galleries, offering a snapshot of significant events in Garden State history.

Courtesy of Distejon 

We will highlight N.J. politics, music, literature, sports, crime, entertainment and disasters - both natural and man-made. We will share N.J.-timestamped events, from earth-shaking to simply amusing.

For September, there are people who made their mark in education, sports and entertainment. Some we've spotlighted are responsible for inventions that changed our lives.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

If there are dates you don't see on our timeline but believe should be remembered, let us know in the comments section.

And, be sure to enable captions for the gallery so you can read all the information associated with each day in New Jersey history.

Click here for previous galleries on N.J. history in July and August.

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

Traffic headed north into New Jersey over the Delaware Memorial Bridge could be affected.

A HOT COPPER MESS Pennies all over 95NB near New Castle, total shutdown. What a headache! Breaking details at 6am pic.twitter.com/raKaj5FE3H

-- Tamala Edwards (@TamEdwards6abc) September 8, 2016

NEW CASTLE, DEL. -- A truck carrying blank pennies headed to the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia overturned on I-95 overnight Thursday, spilling the copper coins all over the highway, 6ABC reports. 

The northbound lanes of the highway are expected to be closed until 9 a.m. Thursday and traffic is being diverted. 

The portion of the highway leads to I-295 which carries traffic north into New Jersey over the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

The spill, which happened near the split with I-295, occurred around 2 a.m. when the truck struck a jersey barrier, flipped over and caught fire. 

Jessica Beym may be reached at jbeym@njadvancemedia. Follow her on Twitter @jessbeym. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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

South Jersey Times 

CARNEYS POINT TWP.

-- 255 I St., Kathleen E. Durham to Brian E. and Lindsay M. Harmon for $25,000.

-- 18 and 20 E. End Ave., John J. Lenig and David A. Lenig, co-trustees, to Victor J. Lopez for $140,000.

-- 12 Maplewood Ave., Barbara S. Pilling to Patricia Bedolla Devega and Adrian Vega Garcia for $102,000.

-- 299 Pine St., Pietro Sforza to Joseph R. Secreto and Amy R. Tighe for $124,000.

CLAYTON

-- 25 Garwood Blvd., Shane and Penelope Still to Pedro J. Rodriguez for $257,000.

EAST GREENWICH TWP.

-- Timberland Road, Andrew L. Braunfeld, administrator, to Advertir LLC for $22,500.

-- 564 Partridge Court, Stanley and Kathleen M. Thompson Jr. to Arie and Stephanie McBeth for $418,000.

ELK TWP.

-- 108 Millstone Way, Barbara E. and Barnell D. Flowers to Shane B. and Jennifer S. Miller for $405,000.

ELMER

-- 200 Salem St., Better Homes Building Products Corp to Thomas Garrison for $245,000.

-- 1017 Terns Landing Road, Nancy Furmento to Matthew and Sherri Pernice for $199,900.

FRANKLIN TWP.

-- 107 Lewis Court, Jason and Shayne E. Solano to Finisia A. Boskey, George W. Boskey III and Lori A. Boskey for $244,500.

-- 1548 Autumn Dr., Kevin and Dawn King to Lamar and Melanie Jackson for $307,000.

GREENWICH TWP. (GLOUCESTER COUNTY)

-- 145 S. School St., Philip and Amber Guinto to Lynn F. Chonski for $165,000.

GLASSBORO

-- 81 Pintail Dr., Thomas Gallagher to Kathryn Carpenter and John Jones for $247,000.

HARRISON TWP.

-- 207 Foxglove Trail, Joan L. Conway to Janet L and John J. Kenney for $235,000.

LOWER ALLOWAYS CREEK TWP.

-- 140 Hogate Blvd., Alfred J. and Cheryl A. DiFilippantonio to Brian Busche and Allyson Peplowski for $354,000.

MANTUA TWP.

-- 1392 Tristram Circle, Shirley P. Baker, by attorney, to Kaitlyn Pirolli for $100,000.

Mantua property sells for $535K | South Jersey real estate

MONROE TWP.

-- 2370 Sunnyhill Ave., Four Parcels Inc. to Thomas J. Wagner and Laura L. Martorano for $142,000.

PENNS GROVE

-- 119 Tyrone Ave., Ajoritsedebi O. M. Okorodudu and Virginia Wolf to Wilmington Savings Fund Society for $47,613.94.

PENNSVILLE TWP.

-- 6 South Dr., Christopher W. and Pamela S. Reed to Veronica L. Witt for $165,000.

-- 301 Enlow Place, Marie E. Fair to Thomas Richard Howard Jr. for $95,000.

-- 170 N. Broadway, Green Paradigm Realty LLC to RTDG LLC for $120,000.

PILESGROVE TWP.

-- 109 Grandview Dr., Charles W. and Joanne M. Grover to John D. and Linda A. Lutner for $270,000.

PITTSGROVE TWP.

-- 12 Ridge Road, Jason A. Flores and William E. Flores to Rochelle L. Gonzalez for $100,000.

SALEM

-- 318 Fenwick Ave., Franklin Bank to Hillary A. and Dean Cowley for $19,000.

-- 329 Morrison Ave., Christopher Whalen and Amy M. Yucis to David R. Minor for $121,000.

WASHINGTON TWP.

-- 28 Windsor Court, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation to Natural Real Estate Solutions LLC for $97,500.

-- 10 Dressage Dr., Paul A. Cappelle to Dean and Erica Hammel for $340,000.

-- 5 Spring Mill Court, Boom Properties LLC to Sean R. and Lindsay D. McCarron for $335,000.

-- 3 Harrogate Court, Jennifer Renshaw, Jack Renshaw Jr. and Julia Catrambone, executors, to Christopher R. Haxter for $120,000.

WEST DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 3 Randolph Road, The Estate of Elizabeth S. Bailey by executor, to Thomas F. Hanrahan for $94,400.

WESTVILLE

-- 308 Hazel Ave., Ahmad Alsheikhyousef to Anson T. Simmons for $151,750.

WOODBURY

-- 1804 Ivanhoe Ave., Michael J. and Catherine M. O'Neill to Thomas Campbell and Evelyn Van De Stouwe for $195,000.

-- 95 North American St., Sean and Aubrey Fitch to Mark and Debbie C. Albrecht for $170,000.

WOOLWICH TWP.

-- 140 Westbrook Dr., Shawn and Ann Marie Leary to Brenda Pagesy for $236,000.

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

A breakdown of every Top 20 game.

NJ.COM TOP 20 PICKS

WEEK 1

St. John’s (D.C.) (2-0) at No. 1 St. Joseph (Mont.) (1-0)
Saturday, 2 p.m.
A win will vault the Green Knights into the national Top 25, but New Jersey’s newly appointed top-ranked team will have its hands full. St. John’s boasts a bevy of Division 1-bound players including Texas A&M-bound DE Tyree Johnson, two players headed to Maryland and five-star OT Calvin Ashley, an Auburn commit. St. Joe’s needs its pass rush to be aggressive and its offense to play mistake free in a game that could come down to the last play. St. Joseph 21, St. John’s 20

Tampa Catholic (Fla.) (0-0) at No. 4 Bergen Catholic (1-0)
Saturday, 2:30 p.m.
BC’s season-opening win against Archbishop Wood was a great learning experience for a team that only returned six starters. While they’re young, they’re talented, and Bergen Catholic should have no problem moving to 2-0 against a team ranked 36th in Florida. Bergen Catholic 34, Tampa Catholic 10

No. 5 Middletown South (0-0) at Red Bank Catholic (0-0)
Friday, 7 p.m.
The assembly line continues at Middletown South where the Eagles will have new faces in key starting spots, but that same old dominating look. Kevin Higgins leads a solid defensive unit. RBC plays its first game under Frank Edgerly, who returns to his alma mater after a stint in the NFL. RBC is young but massive up front. Middletown South 21, Red Bank Catholic 7

No. 14 DePaul (1-0) at No. 6 Paramus Catholic (1-0)
Friday, 7 p.m.
This here is a showdown for two North Jersey elites. Paramus Catholic cruised to a big win over St. Frances last week, while DePaul did not play. The Spartans kick off the season Friday night, but will do so at a tough venue. PC's offense looked sharp with QB Andrew Brito leading the way and it'll be tough for DePaul to contain the Paladins. Paramus Catholic 28, DePaul 17
 
Southern (0-1) at No. 7 Toms River North (0-0)
Friday, 7 p.m.
Toms River North has been a slow starter in recently seasons, but North’s speed and versatility on offense should be at warp speed early in this one. QB Mike Husni is a four-year starter, he has a 240-pound tailback and two big-time wide receivers. Toms River North 28, Southern 7

Atlantic City (0-1) at No. 8 St. Augustine (1-0)
Friday, 6 p.m.
The Hermits opened the season with a nice win over one of Southeastern Pa’s top teams in Malvern Prep. Kyle Dobbins and True Robinson combined for nearly 400 rushing yards against the Friars. St. Augustine should have too much firepower for the Vikings. St. Augustine 42, Atlantic City 13

No. 9 Phillipsburg (0-0) at Franklin (0-0)
Friday at 7 pm.
The Frank Duffy era begins for the Stateliners, with the first-year head coach taking the sidelines on the road. With running back JaQuan Jones and quarterback Danny Fisher back from last season, Phillipsburg is in position to start of the season right. Phillipsburg 35, Franklin 14

No. 16 Ramapo (0-0) at No. 10 Wayne Hills (1-0)
Friday, 7 p.m.
The 49th showdown between these two public school rivals should be a great one. Last year, Ramapo had one of the best offenses in the state with playmakers at every position. That sounds an awful lot like this year’s Wayne Hills team that has three Division 1-bound players at WR and a 1,200-yard back in Luca Gravé. The NJ.com/Star-Ledger Game of the Week will live up to the billing but give the edge to the home team. Wayne Hills 30, Ramapo 21

Raritan (0-0) at No. 11 Rumson-Fair Haven (0-0)
Friday, 7 p.m.
This game features the reigning Central Jersey Group 2 champ and the CJ 3 champion. Jerry Schulte makes his return to the head coaching ranks after being elevated from defensive coordinator. There will be few changes for the Purple Bulldogs, who will put the ball in the hands of three-year starting QB Mike O’Connor and let him make plays. Raritan made a memorable march to the sectional title last season, but Rumson-Fair Haven has a little too much in the season opener. Rumson-Fair Haven 28, Raritan 13

No. 12 Timber Creek (0-0) at Delsea (0-0)
Friday, 7 p.m.
A matchup between the defending South Jersey Group 3 and Group 4 champions highlights the opening night slate in New Jersey. Quarterback Devin Leary leads the Chargers’ potent passing attack, while the Crusaders will lean on fullback Rashaad Williams and a bruising running game. Last year, the Crusaders won, 35-31. Can this rematch live up to last year’s epic? Timber Creek 27, Delsea 24

Old Bridge (0-0) at No. 13 South Brunswick (0-0)
Friday at 7 p.m.
Two of the top teams in the Greater Middlesex Conference face off in a rematch of last season's Central Jersey, Group 5 final that South Brunswick won. Quarterback Josh Liao and wide receiver Justin Shorter give the Vikings a potent offensive attack, while Old Bridge quarterback Artur Sitkowski is explosive in his own right. South Brunswick 35, Old Bridge 21
 
No. 15 Cedar Creek (0-0) at Absegami (0-0)
Friday, 6 p.m.
The Pirates arrived as a program last year, knocking off Haddonfield and West Deptford on the way to its first sectional championship. Can they back it up? With state Player of the Year candidate Bo Melton, fourth-year starting quarterback Jesse Milza, Rutgers-bound lineman Owen Bowles and more we think so. Cedar Creek 38, Absegami 7
 
Shawnee (0-0) at No. 17 Cherokee (0-0)
Friday, 7 p.m.
It’s a battle between a pair of the top programs in South Jersey. Last year, QB Mike Welsh and the Renegades dominated the Chiefs. Welsh is gone and Shawnee could be rebuilding a bit, while the Chiefs seem primed for a run at the South Jersey Group 5 title behind Rutgers-bound running back John Lovett. Cherokee 24, Shawnee 14

Somerville (0-0) at No. 18 Cranford (0-0)
Friday at 7 p.m.
The Cougars begin their North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 title defense against a team it beat convincingly last season. The big question for Cranford this season is how they'll replace quarterback Jack Schetelich. But even without him, the Cougars have the edge in this one. Cranford 28, Somerville

Blair at No. 20 Pope John
Saturday, 3 p.m.
The Lions and its tenacious defense are ready to hit the turf. Pope John's strong D features national recruit Dalyn Wade-Perry. With the defense strong and the offense ready to roll, they'll be tough to bring down. Pope John 35, Blair 21

Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Schneider. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Check out NJ.com's complete guide to the 2016 cross-country season

With the opening weekend of the N.J. XC season fast approaching, NJ.com wanted to give you a place to go to find all the info you need for the 2016 season on the trails.

Lots of previews, predictions, key dates, early season news and more are just a click away. Just hit the link you want and check out all the info.   

PRESEASON RANKINGS

• Boys Top 20 teams
• Boys Top 20 runners
• Girls Top 20 teams
• Girls Top 20 runners

PREDICTIONS

• Boys picks to win Groups and M of C team titles
• Girls picks to win state Groups and M of C team titles

PRESEASON POLLS 

• Results from each Group and Meet of Champions poll

BIG CHANGE

• Wild cards have been added to Group meets and Meet of Champions

EARLY COVERAGE

• Super sophomore Acasio Pinheiro transfers
• Hope Tiboni returns to the Mendham girls team
• CBA ranked No. 4 in the nation in preseason poll 
• Rey Rivera announces some college visits 
• CBA legend Mike Mazzaccaro returns to alma mater as assistant coach

KEY LINKS

• Pubic and Non-Public classifications for the 2016 season 
• NJSIAA regulations, dates, sites, schedules for NJSIAA Championship meets

REWIND

• Boys 2015 XC Season in Review
• Girls 2015 XC Season in Review

Jim Lambert may be reached at jlambert@njadvancemedia.com . Follow him on Twitter @lambo2126 . Like NJ.com cross-country and track on Facebook

Salem County's Specialized Transportation averages 1,111 trips per month

SALEM -- The County Board of Chosen Freeholders officially cut the ribbon for the waived fees to the Pittsgrove Nutrition site. This is a follow up from the announcement on Aug. 8, where the Office on Aging and Disabilities would waive all rider fees for residents using the county's specialized transportation system to go to medical appointments, to the nutrition center in Pittsgrove Township, and expanded medical routes effective Sept. 1. 

"Today we held a ribbon cutting to signify 'officially' cutting the red tape for those who seniors and disabled residents who are in the need of transportation to medical appointments and to attend the Pittsgrove Nutrition Center by waiving the fare for these rides," stated Bob Vanderslice, chair of the Health and Human Services Department. 

Rider fees for Salem residents using the county's specialized transportation system (pictured here, one of the fleet of vehicles) to go to medical appointments, to the nutrition center in Pittsgrove Township.Submitted photos 

The Salem County Specialized Transportation averages 1,111 trips per month, with 681 of these trips for medical appointments. The fleet of vehicles average 16,385 miles and 610 hours dedicated to assisting our county seniors and disabled residents with their transportation needs. 

Freeholder Director Julie Acton stated, "This service is important for many of our residents who may need assistance with transportation for medical appointments, especially weekend dialysis appointments, and to the Pittsgrove nutrition site where they can have a nutritious lunch and socialize with new friends." 

Vanderslice said, "A realignment of funding sources in the Office on Aging and Disabilities and a grant from the Health and Wellness Foundation allowed the county to waive fees and expand services in this specialized, curb-side pick-up." 

Contact the Salem County Office on Aging and Disability Services at 856-339-8622 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to schedule transportation. A minimum of two-business days notice is required for all appointments.

This item submitted by Brenda Banks, Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Retired teacher Miriam Reichenbach finds good qualities in the Senate president .... but

To the Editor: 

This is in response to state Senate President Stephen Sweeney's guest column, "New Jersey must continue the fight for roads, pensions and bridges," in the Times' Sept. 5 print edition.

I truly want to like Sweeney, D-Gloucester. He works hard, looks after his family and believes in the things I find important. He graduated from the school system where I spent my career as a teacher. 

We live in the same township and I see him at the gym from time to time. I admire what he has accomplished and I wish him well. However, I just cannot bring myself to like the senator and what he has not done for public employees in New Jersey. 

Public workers are the backbone of the state. They police our communities, teach our children, staff our state institutions, etc. These employees are promised deferred compensation in the form of a pension when they retire. This pension is not a gift; it is earned and paid for by the employee and the government employer . 

I know that Sweeney understands that a pension is fair and equitable contract between and employee and the state. What I don't know is why he didn't keep the promise he made in February at the New Jersey Education Association Legislative Conference. 

I believed Sweeney when he told us, in person and on camera, that he would post a bill for a November ballot vote on a state constitutional amendment requiring a guaranteed schedule for the state to make its annual pension contribution. I was in the Senate chamber in August when he failed to post the promised bill.

I still want to support you, senator, because I know you believe you have taken the right actions. But I just can't. Promises of future actions are not good enough. You've already made promises you didn't keep. You can't pee on my shoes and tell me it's raining.

Miriam Reichenbach

West Deptford Township

Editor's note: The writer, a retired teacher from the Pennsauken public schools, is editor of the New Jersey Education Association Retirees Newsletter. 

Sweeney stood up for fiscal discipline

To the Editor:

By now, we all know that our roads and bridges need to be repaired. Not only that, we need new ones to handle increasing capacities. 

What we do not need, and can't allow, are irresponsible so-called "fixes" that would actually blow a multi-billion-dollar hole in the state budget. An example is Gov. Chris Christie's proposal to decrease the general sales tax from 7 percent to 6 percent as a condition of raising the state gasoline tax to provide money for the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF).

Christie's proposal is the kind of short-sighted, sleight-of-hand trick we've seen before. It's designed to make him look good now, but will actually create massive long-term issues that someone else will have to deal with (because of the large decline in overall sales tax revenue.) It's politics as usual in this state.

That's why I like that state Senate President Stephen Sweeney shot down  Christie's plan. Sweeney (who supports limited income tax cuts to offset a gasoline tax increase) knows that Christie's plan is irresponsible and will cost us much more in the long run.

As the TTF runs dry, and some road work is shut down, political pressure for a solution is getting intense. As a construction union official by trade, Sweeney is as interested as anyone in fixing this problem. But he actually wants to fix it, not pass a bogus, feel-good proposal that createa more problems. 

A middle-ground solution that that fixes roads and bridges, and offers some tax cuts -- but doesn't create huge budget deficits -- is the way to go. 

Gerald Michael Jr.

Gibbstown

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

Daretown Day Festival starts off with firing of the Pole Tavern Cannon

UPPER PITTSGROVE -- On Saturday, Sept. 10, everyone is invited to gather in Daretown and celebrate Upper Pittsgrove Township during the Daretown Day festival. Events are planned from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Daretown School, the Pittsgrove Baptist Church, and the Pittsgrove Presbyterian Church.

Be sure to arrive by 9 a.m. for the firing of the Pole Tavern Cannon. This historic cannon was made in 1763 and came to Upper Pittsgrove over 200 years ago after the War of 1812. As part of the Salem County Arsenal, it was regularly used by the local militia for practice drills. It was restored by Jay Williams several years ago, and is usually housed at the Upper Pittsgrove Township Hall in a building created by the Boy Scouts. To begin the Daretown Day festivities, it will be fired at the grounds of the Old Pittsgrove Presbyterian Church. The opening ceremony will then be held inside the historic 1767 brick church.

At 10 a.m., the parade will run through Daretown, from the New Pittsgrove Presbyterian Church to the Daretown School. Parking will be available beside the Daretown School, at the Pittsgrove Baptist Church, and in a few other areas around town. Once the road is closed, it will be time to set your lawn chairs along Daretown Road and enjoy the parade. The parade will include floats by local churches and non-profit organizations, tractors, antique vehicles, veterans, fire engines, cyclists, and others marching through Daretown. The parade will end at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Ariel picture of Daretown in 1990.Submitted photo 

The afternoon activities will center at the Daretown School, with a welcoming ceremony at noon by our local elected officials. There will be information booths by several local non-profits, games and activities for children, re-enactors, spinning demonstrations, pony rides, chickens on display, food and treats, antique cars, tractors, fire engines, historical displays, and more. There will be a kiddie tractor pull at 2 p.m.; registration is from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. At the Pittsgrove Baptist Church, there will be a hot air balloon on display for people to walk through.

Live musical entertainment will be provided throughout the afternoon from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Performers include Sweet Mercy (a bluegrass/Southern rock group), Pittsgrove Presbyterian Church, Woodstown Presbyterian Church, Faith Orthodox Presbyterian Church Brass Band, Aldine Methodist Church, and Fellowship Bible Church.

Inside Daretown School will be several historical displays on Upper Pittsgrove history, including a historic powerpoint presentation, a slideshow on the barns of Upper Pittsgrove, a Greater Elmer Area Historical Society display, model one-room schoolhouses of Upper Pittsgrove, and local genealogy information. Histories of the area will be available for sale.

Every attending household will receive a free program booklet, which will include the program of the day and a tour guide of all the buildings of Daretown, as well as advertisements from those who have contributed to planning this day. There will also be commemorative T-shirts for sale with a specially designed drawing of Daretown landmarks.

The day will end at 4 p.m. with a closing ceremony and a final firing of the Pole Tavern Cannon at the Daretown School. Be sure to come to Daretown for this special celebration and community gathering.

For more information or to volunteer, check out the facebook page at www.facebook.com/daretownday2016 or contact the Daretown Day Committee by calling or emailing Bonny Beth Elwell at 609-670-0407 or bonnybonnybeth@gmail.com or Kristy Rosenbaum at 856-275-7814 or ludwig177@comcast.net.

This item submitted by bonny Beth Elwell, Daretown Day 2016.

Patriot Day, observed as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, occurs on Sept. 11 each year in memory of the 2,977 people killed in the 2001 Sept. 11 attacks. Immediately after the attacks, President George W. Bush, proclaimed Sept. 14, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of the terrorist attacks. A bill to make Sept. 11 a national day of mourning was introduced...

Patriot Day, observed as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, occurs on Sept. 11 each year in memory of the 2,977 people killed in the 2001 Sept. 11 attacks. Immediately after the attacks, President George W. Bush, proclaimed Sept. 14, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of the terrorist attacks. A bill to make Sept. 11 a national day of mourning was introduced in the U.S. House on Oct. 25, 2001. The bill designated Sept. 11 as Patriot Day. Joint Resolution 71 passed the House by unanimous vote. The bill passed the Senate unanimously on Nov. 30. President Bush signed the resolution into law on Dec. 18, 2001.

Gloucester County Patriot Day Ceremony

MANTUA -- The Annual Gloucester County Patriot Day Ceremony will take place on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. at the 9/11 Memorial at the Place of Reflection, inside Chestnut Branch Park on Main Street in Mantua. The ceremony is open to the public and is about an hour long. The Memorial is a tribute to Gloucester County residents John Rodak, Nicholas W. Brandemarti, Perry Thompson, and all of those who lost their lives during the attack on America on Sept. 11, 2001.

The brief ceremony includes bell ringing to coincide with the timing of the tragic events of that fateful morning, a wreath laying at the 9/11 Memorial, and participation from the Rodak and Brandemarti families, first responders, the Clearview Vocal Ensemble, area clergy and the Emerald Society.

This year is the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attack on America. An enhancement to the Place of Reflection that has been made this year is a memorial that represents those who were lost in the United Flight 93, Shanksville. Pennsylvania in 2001.

Other additions that have been made to the 9/11 Memorial over the years include a flagpole donated by the Rodak and Brandimarti families, and last year a professionally landscaped five-point area around the flagpoles was installed as a tribute to the Pentagon victims of the attack of Sept. 11.

Salem County Remembers 9-11 Committee

SALEM COUNTY -- This year's ceremony, marking the 15th anniversary of the tragic events, will be held back at the Park of Remembrance on Sunday, Sept. 11, beginning at 7 p.m. The Camden County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums will present some gathering music commencing around 6:45 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Park of Remembrance, on the grounds of the Salem County Department of Emergency Management, 135 Cemetery Road in Mannington Township.

Community Remembrance Worship Service

MANTUA -- The United Methodist Church of Mantua will hold a Community Remembrance Worship Service on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 9:45 a.m. The service is open to everyone in the community as we remember the events of Sept. 11. The church also offers a nursery and a children's service with background approved attendants for children in kindergarten and younger during service.

Pennsauken hosting Sept. 11 events 

PENNSAUKEN -- On the 15th anniversary of the terror attacks committed on Sept. 11, 2001, Pennsauken Township will be hosting several events to remember those who lost their lives and reflect on the sacrifices of those who continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

An annual tradition in Pennsauken is the placement of 2,997 American flags, one for each individual who lost their life during the attacks, throughout the town's 9/11 Memorial, located at the corner of Merchantville Avenue and Route 130. This will continue again this year. Volunteers are needed to help distribute the flags on Sept. 10 at 11:59 p.m. and remove them onSept. 11 at 11:59 p.m. Those wishing to participate on either day are asked to arrive by 11:45 p.m. at the latest.

In addition, Pennsauken Township and the Pennsauken-Merchantville Area Chamber of Commerce are holding a special ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial on Sunday, Sept. 11, beginning at 12:15 p.m. The ceremony will feature the performance of patriotic songs and a symbolic gesture to remember those who lost their lives during the attacks 15 years ago.

Pennsauken's 9/11 monument was first dedicated on Sept. 11, 2003, as a tribute to the heroes of 9/11, as well as direct responders such as police, fire and EMS, who serve every day to protect American citizens in the communities where they live. In remembrance of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a steel beam from the World Trade Center North Tower was dedicated as a permanent part of the memorial.

Margate City Fire Department ceremony

MARGATE -- On Sunday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m., the Margate City Fire Department will be conducting a ceremony in remembrance of the events that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001. The event will be in front of Margate City Fire Department Station 1 on Ventnor Avenue near Washington Avenue.

Vineland holds Firefighters Memorial/Remembrance Ceremony

VINELAND -- On Friday, Sept. 9 at  6 p.m. the Vineland Company No. 4, 1500 E. Oak Road will hold a Sept. 11 Firefighters Memorial Re-dedication Ceremony followed by a free dinner in tribute to police, fire, and EMS first responders. The dinner was organized by a resident, Sharon Stone, who had approached public safety director and retired Marine Corp Sgt. Edwin Alicia with the idea. She was able to get the food donated by various sources. The dinner is being prepared at the Semper Marine Detachment Hall and served at Fire Company No. 4 following the ceremony. The public is invited to attend.

On Sunday, Sept. 11 at 5 p.m. at Vineland City Hall, 640 Wood St. a Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony will be held followed by a march to Fire Company No. 6. The Remembrance Ceremony will feature Master of Ceremonies Senior Police Chaplain Gary Holden, a Moment of Silence, Invocation by Police Chaplain Gary Steigler, flag raising and Salute to the Flag, National Anthem featuring Andrew Gouse, proclamations and introduction of officials by Mayor Ruben Bermudez, followed by remarks by Police Chief Timothy Codispoti, a poem by Dottie Cullen, special guest speaker Chaplain Gary Holden, Chaplain at Ground Zero in NYC; "God Bless the USA" featuring Andrew Gouse, the Benediction by Police Chaplain Gwendolyn Cook and a march to Fire Station No. 6 at 4th and Wood streets for a Fire Department Service. The public is invited to attend.

Millville will hold Candlelight Vigil

MILLVILLE -- Everyone is invited to join the City of Millville for a Candlelight Vigil to remember the victims of Sept. 11, 2001 and to honor our everyday heroes -- firefighters, police and rescue personnel. The event will be held Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Millville's Riverfront Park, Buck and Main streets. In the event of rain the ceremony will be held at the Millville Fire Department at 420 Buck St. For information call 856-825-7000, Ext. 7394.

Gloucester Township Police honor 9/11 victims

BLACKWOOD -- On Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. at the Chews Landing Fire Company World Trade Center artifact, there will be a ceremony to honor and remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks. At 09:00 hours, there will be a short (15 minute) ceremony where we will honor the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Chews Landing Fire Company is at 221 Somerdale Road.

Burlington County 200 Club holds annual 9/11 Memorial Prayer Service

MOORESTOWN -- The Burlington County 200 Club will hold its 15th annual Sept. 11, 2001 Memorial Prayer Service on Friday, Sept. 9 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 207 W. Main Street in Moorestown. The service will begin at 7:30 a.m. and will commemorate the 15th anniversary of this tragedy and honor all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on that horrific day. This year's guest speaker will be Steve King, the coordinator of Burlington County's Office of Emergency Management.

Will you get a perfect seven this week? Probably not, but it's worth a try.

The dawn of a new school year brings with it the promise of a clean slate. Time to start fresh, right? Your prior failures in NJ.com's weekly local news quiz are the stuff of the past. Start afresh with the seven questions below. I'll even give you the stories that the quiz is based on. You're going to do better than pass this test ... you're going to ace this test. It's the start of a great year ahead for you, I can feel it. Share your score proudly as if the comments section below is your refrigerator door. It's gold-star time.

Quiz questions based on these stories:

• Online retailer's return policy singles out 2 N.J. towns
• N.J.'s least and most expensive 4-year colleges
• Improper passing puts driver in really tight spot
• N.J. man's precious stolen item returned
• Christie declares N.J. state of emergency
• N.J. driving tests just got a little easier
• Drive-through chain coming to N.J.

John Shabe can be reached via jshabe@njadvancemdia.com. Follow him on Twitter and find NJ.com on Facebook.

The 40th Annual Septemberfest celebration in Pennsville will be held Saturday. The parade begins at 11 a.m. followed by activities all day in Riverview Beach Park.

PENNSVILLE TWP. -- From humble beginnings, Pennsville's Septemberfest celebration has grown into one of the must-attend events of the year. 

This year Septemberfest -- slated for Saturday -- marks its 40^th anniversary and is expected to be bigger and better than ever, organizers say.

The beginnings of what is known as Septemberfest today were humble. The town held a bicentennial celebration in Riverview Beach Park and folks enjoyed it so much it was decided to hold an annual gathering there. Septemberfest was born.

"To me it's incredible that it has lasted for 40 years," said 2016 Septemberfest Chairman Jeff Smith. "Can't imagine those who started this believed it would last so long."

For the past two years the event has been postponed a day because of rain. This year it's expected to be unseasonably warm, but the park's many mature trees will provide a canopy of shade for visitors

Thousands are expected to attend.

Nostalgia is a big draw

Riverview Beach Park today is a beautiful wide open space used by the public each day. There are picnic areas and walking trails.

There are unrivaled views of the Delaware River from the the path which runs along the park's bulkhead.

The local connection to the park runs deep. Back in the early 1900s it opened as an amusement park, growing in popularity over the decades and attracting visitors from far and wide.  From the thrilling roller coaster to the Olympic-size pool and carousel and roller skating rink, there was plenty to do.

Many made summer day trips on ferry boats, the Wilson Line, from cities to the north. 

Large picnic gatherings, from the Grange to the DuPont Co. where held on the park grounds. There were live orchestras for dancing in the evenings.

The park fell into disrepair and closed in the late 1960s. Threatened with the prospect of seeing the park bought for development, Pennsville Township purchased the land and in the last four decades has worked continuously to improve the space for public use. 

Smith says he remembers as a young child seeing the park in disrepair.

"To see it transformed into the park as it is now today is truly amazing," Smith said. 

And while Riverview Beach Park is no longer filled with permanent amusement rides, the memories linger.

"We still have people who worked there as a kid (during the amusement park's heyday), come back and that is great," Smith said.

Now, adults who grew up enjoying the park as children bring their children to enjoy Septemberfest, carrying on their own family tradition.

Beginning with a parade

The Septemberfest celebration kicks off with the annual parade at 11 a.m. Saturday. It will run from the Pennsville Shopping Center south along Broadway to Ferry Road, organizers say.

Featured will be numerous bands, dance groups, first responders and other attractions. Included in the line of march will be Miss Septemberfest 2016 Kelsey Brady and her court.

Altogether, Smith says, there are 52 entries in the parade.

Many memories at Riverview Beach Park

This year's parade marshals are Terry and Chris Ostrander. Residents of Salem County for nearly 24 years, the Ostranders have two daughters, Alexandra and Victoria. 

Chris Ostrander works for GEICO Insurance and Terry Ostrander recently accepted a position with Welcome Wagon.

They have been longtime community volunteers. The Ostranders are very active in their church, Trinity United Methodist Church. They have served on both the county and local Republican Committees. The Ostranders chaired the annual Septemberfest Parade for 15 years and Chris Ostrander is a past Septemberfest chairman.

They have also volunteered with area soccer and Scouting groups and other charitable organizations such as Family Promise, according to their biography provided by the Septemberfest Committee.

A day filled with music

Once the parade concludes, all of the focus shifts to Riverview Beach Park where activities will be centered for the reset of the day.

The gazebo will be the center for entertainment. Several musical acts have been lined up for the afternoon.

They include:

1 to 3 p.m.: Tropical Nasty, a band stopping in from California for a hometown performance.

4 to 6:30 p.m.: Billie Creek Junction performing country hits.

7 to 9:30 p.m.: The Juveniles performing top hits from the 1950s to today.

Plenty to see and do

Besides enjoying some great music and company of friends and family, there will be plenty of other things for Septemberfest visitors to enjoy in Riverview Beach Park.

There will be rides by Lynam's Amusements as well as numerous exhibits and craft booths.

Entries in the annual Septemberfest Photo Contest will be on display from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the contest booth.

The Pennsville Township Historical Society's booth will feature an exhibit, "PMHS Girls Sports - The Early Years."  Photos of early Pennsville Memorial High School female athletes will be on display. The society's collectible postcard this year is the "The Wilson Line."  This new card, along with cards from past years are available at $1 each.

Food? Of course. What is a day outdoors without something great to eat? There will be various food vendors throughout the park including Acton's Pig Roastin' and Catering selling chicken and barbecue pork dinners with all the fixings from noon to 6 p.m.

At 5 p.m. there will be the Women's Skillet Toss (registration is next to the gazebo from 12:30 to 4:45 p.m.)

Since Septemberfest falls one day before the 15^th anniversary of 9/11, Smith said there will be a minute of silence as a remembrance of those lost that day.

Ending the day with a bang

Smith says that there could not be a Septemberfest without the dedicated community members who work throughout the year to make it happen.

"From me, I want to say 'thank you' to all of the volunteers, the Pennsville Police Department, and the Pennsville Fire Department for all they do to make this day safe and fun," said Smith.

The 40^th annual Septembefest is expected to end as its predecessors have -- with a bang.

The finale of Septemberfest celebration is the fireworks display over the Delaware River.

Scheduled to begin at dusk, the fireworks show is considered among the best in the Delaware Valley.

Think you missed any of the football previews and coverage this week? NJ.com's mega coverage guide will catch you up in and instant

Here is our mega-coverage guide for Week 1 to help get you ready for the first exciting weekend of gridiron action. Make sure to check back as we'll be adding more stories, previews, polls, live update posts and our predictions for every game this weekend as we get ready for games Friday and Saturday.

WEEK 1 CONFERENCE SCHEDULES/SCOREBOARDS
(Pages automatically update with links as scores come in)
• Greater Middlesex Conference
• Mid-State 38 Conference
• North Jersey Interscholastic Conference
• North Jersey Super Football Conference
• Shore Conference
• West Jersey Football League

RELATED: Who has the best student section? Nominate your school now

WEEK 1 PICKS, RANKINGS, STANDINGS 
• Top 20 for Sept. 4
• Our Week 1 Top 20 picks
• Our Week 1 picks by conference
• Our predictions for every Week 1 game
• 15 Can't miss games in Week 1
• What you should know heading into Week 1
• NJ.com's regional Game of the Week winners
• NJSIAA Power points through Sept. 4

SEASON PREVIEW
• NJ.com's first Player of the Year watch
• Top 10 players by position
• 12 key changes to N.J. high school football in 2016
• Previews of all 54 conference divisions
• FULL NJ.com season preview

OTHER MUST-READS

• Delbarton blasts opponents’ ‘recruiting’ in email agreeing to play powerhouse
• Disgruntled Delbarton agrees to play super-conference powerhouse 'under duress'
• Ramapo vs. Wayne Hills is always 'must see' football
• Preview: Lawrence at Hamilton West in Times of Trenton GOW
• Gun fire ends football practice early in Paterson
• Former Kingsway, Navy RB Sean Samuels to visit RU
• Former Rowan players making mark as HS coaches
• South Jersey teams ready to compete under WJFL umbrella
• Struggles in the classroom have former N.J. star Kareen Walker sidelined at UM
• Where was Jabrill Peppers playing vs. Hawaii? MLive examines his role
• Chris Ash on Michigan transfer Ahmir Mitchell: Rutgers did its "homework" on suspension
• NJ alums who made an impact on college football opening weekend
• Labor Day special: NJSFC players who worked hard to earn their spot

Joe Zedalis may be reached at jzedalis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @josephzedalis. Like NJ.com HS sports on Facebook.

Without fail, one of the best things HS football is the throng of cheering students pulling for their classmates: The student section. They're loud. They can get wild. Sometimes, they're superorgan...

Without fail, one of the best things HS football is the throng of cheering students pulling for their classmates: The student section.

They're loud. They can get wild. Sometimes, they're super organized, with leaders, coordinated themes and a playbook of chants. The costumes can be elaborate. The rituals can be passed down for decades. Some fan sections even travel well on road games.

So we want to know - which N.J. school has the best student section? Here's how you can tell us. NJ.com is opening up nominations for the best student section. 

Nominating your school is a piece of cake. Just snap a photo of your school's student section, preferably in an excited state. Then upload your photo and answer a few questions using the form below. We'll add your photo to the gallery above and count your school as nominated - but after that, things get interesting.

Nominations will be open through Tuesday, Sept. 27. We will split the nominations into three N.J. regions - North, Central and South - and launch a poll for each region. Your voting in the regional polls will determine the schools that move on to an elimination bracket, with week-long head-to-head voting matchups to determine regional champs.  Champs from each region will compete in a three-way poll to determine THE best student section in New Jersey football. The whole thing will wrap up right around the beginning of November.

Additional notes:
• The form below will work with your cell phone - you can nominate your school at halftime!
• NJ.com staff will also make nominations with our own photography.
• Only upload photos you have shot or that you personally received permission to use. We can't use photos from other media outlets. Please don't grab and submit photos from other websites.
• Multiple nominations for a school are OK, but we may not use every photo.

So start talking and sharing - rally the troops to nominate, vote and make your student section officially the best in N.J.