Alexandra Starpoli of the Drug Policy Alliance writes that knee-jerk walk-backs of wide-ranging bail reforms would be unwise.

In response to the Times' article, "Murder suspect had been arrested earlier on gun charge, then released," about Jules Black, 30, of Vineland, who is alleged to have gunned down a man in the city on April 9, days after his release (The incidents occurred following New Jersey bail system reforms that took effect Jan. 1:

Bail reform was passed with overwhelming support because of its ability to improve public safety. The new system allows judges to make decisions based on risk rather than resources. In the old system, everyone was given a cash bail amount, and dangerous people were able to buy their way out of jail before their trials. Money bail does not keep anyone safe.

The new system improves community safety by utilizing an evidence-based, locally validated risk assessment tool, and by allowing for the pretrial detention of dangerous individuals -- which was not possible when a cash bail amount was set under the old system. 

It is impossible to eliminate all risk in any pretrial system, but under bail reform, New Jersey has significantly improved the state's ability to assess risk when making a decision about pretrial release.

With heightened media attention on individual cases since implementation, critics must also be transparent about the dangerous cash bail system in place prior to Jan. 1.

As the lead organization that advocated for the law, we recognize that such a massive system overhaul may need adjustments in the future. That's why we made sure that the law established a commission to monitor implementation. 

However, we caution against knee-jerk reactions to fix something that is not broken. New Jersey has created a model pretrial system -- one that many other jurisdictions are currently trying to replicate. 

The new system utilizes science, maintains judicial discretion and upholds the adversarial system of justice. It creates a fairer, safer and more cost-effective criminal justice system. 

Alexandra Staropoli, Policy Manager, Drug Policy Alliance, Trenton

Elect town council by neighborhood

Who represents the voters in Gloucester County's municipalities? 

A municipality's type of government -- not its population -- is what most determines the number of township council or township committee members it has. 

Gloucester County has 24 municipalities: townships, boroughs and one city (Woodbury). There are 10 boroughs, averaging 8,700 citizens, and each elects a mayor and six council members. Glassboro, for example,  has about 18,000 residents, or one council member for each 3,000 residents.

Of the 13 townships, most have five governing body members and some elect a mayor separately. Exceptions include Deptford, Franklin, and Monroe. Deptford elects seven council members, but not a separate mayor. Franklin Township elects three township committee members and  a mayor. Monroe Township has a mayor plus seven council members, four of whom are elected from wards and three of whom are at-large votes.  These townships population average is about 27,530, with a ratio of one council/committee member per 1,250 residents.   

Washington Township is the county's most populous municipality, with more than 48,000 residents and 39 voting districts, has a separately elected mayor and five at-large council members. That's one council member for each 9,600 residents. 

Where do the council members come from within the township? Are they from the Birches, Whitman Square, Bells Lake, Bunker Hill, Sewell, or other neighborhoods? 

Washington Township would be better represented if it were divided into five wards, with a council member elected by a majority in that ward. The mayor could continue to be elected by an at-large vote. 

Under a ward system, each section of the township would have its own council member. The current setup leaves voters with representation that is not related to their area's specific interests.

Gerald Keer, Turnersville

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The alleged contact came to light after police were called to investigate an unrelated assault.

LOWER ALLOWAYS CREEK TWP. -- A man has been jailed on charges of criminal sexual contact with a Salem County teenager, authorities say.

Francis A. Pratta has been charged with aggravated criminal sexual contact with a teenager, authorities say. (Salem County Correctional Facility) 

Francis A. Pratta, 35, of Elsinboro was arrested on April 10, according to Lower Alloways Creek Township Police Det. Michael DeParre.

He was charged with three counts of aggravated criminal sexual contact and three counts of impairing or debauching the morals of a child.

Authorities said police were called to an Elsinboro home around 6 a.m. on April 10 to investigate the report of an assault that had taken place there.

During the investigation, allegations against Pratta came to light, DeParre said. Pratta was not involved in the assault that police had been summoned about, he said.

DeParre was asked to come to the Lower Alloways Creek Township Police headquarters in Hancocks Bridge where he was questioned. He was subsequently arrested and charged and taken to the Salem County Correctional Facility in Mannington Township, DeParre said.

Ex-teacher goes to prison for sexual assault

The incident involved a 15-year-old

According to the complaint signed against Pratta, among other things, he is accused of touching a 15-year-old's breasts and having her use her feet to sexually gratify himself. Authorities did not say when or where the alleged contact between them took place.

No other details were released because of the sensitivity of the case.

Lower Alloways Township Creek police patrol Elsinboro Township so they handled the investigation.

Pratta remained in the county jail on Monday without bail, according to jail records.

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

Law enforcement says it's seeing some disturbing trends after the old cash bail system was discarded. Pay attention to glitches.

It's too simple to dismiss some blowback against the New Jersey bail changes that took effect Jan. 1 as a "Willie Horton" moment.

Willie Horton is the Massachusetts convict that associates of Republican George H.W. Bush so effectively used to derail Democrat Michael Dukakis' 1988 presidential bid. During a weekend furlough under a program that Dukakis backed as governor, Horton -- a convicted murderer -- committed a rape and other crimes. Misleading, negative ads did the trick.

Willie Horton was a distinct exception. Some in New Jersey, though, are noticing a pattern where accused weapons offenders are being let loose, when, prior to reforms, they'd likely be sitting in jail.

One such example just happened in Cumberland County. Authorities say Jules Black, 30, of Vineland, was released April 5 after arrest on unlawful possession of a weapon and related charges. On April 9, police say, Black was involved in a fatal drive-by shooting in Vineland.

A Superior Court judge released Black on the initial gun charges without any cash bail being set, a key feature of the new law. Non-monetary scoring factors are used to determine if it's OK to spring a suspect. For some violent crimes, judges now have some discretion to keep a suspect locked up, regardless of ability to afford bail.

We endorsed the reforms because the old money-bail system turned county jails into "debtors prisons," denying freedom to thousands who had not been convicted, and needlessly swelling counties' jail populations and costs. 

But after four months, some see a big loophole. Here's what Victor Bermudez, president of Police Benevolent Association Local 231, had to say in the wake of the Jules Black case:

"Since the inception of the Bail Reform and Speedy Trial Act we are noticing trends of recurring offenders returning at a faster pace. As promised, jail populations are decreasing, but we speculate that crime on the streets is increasing." 

Bermudez's unsupported generalities need substantiation. Others in New Jersey have raised similar concerns, though.

Here's Steve Fulop, Jersey City's progressive mayor, speaking March 30 about the apparent revenge murder of a 19-year old resident days earlier:

"In this situation, the young man who died should be alive, and likely should be in prison. "The (local police) had arrested this individual just last month with an illegal gun. However, due to the new bail reform from Trenton, possession of an illegal weapon has been classified as a non-violent crime."

Want more? The New Jersey Attorney General's Office last week asked the head of the state Administrative Office of the Courts to modify the bail-scoring system in regard to eluding-police and weapons cases, now classified as non-violent.

Reform defenders fear that such criticism might bring back the bad old debtors' prison days. That would be bad. Nor should bail be denied to everyone found with an illegal weapon. Every year, some people absent-mindedly bring into New Jersey guns that are legal to carry in neighboring states. Just imagine the gun-enthusiast community's reaction to that kind of mandatory incarceration.

But, the bail law has growing pains. It's not smart to ignore them all until a long-term study is wrapped up. Now that we've largely substituted "Moneyball" statistical metrics for money bail, tweaks may needed, sooner rather than later.

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NJ.com's second installment of group hitters and pitchers of the week

George Atanasiu will lead the Pennsylvania Young Performers Orchestra

Internationally acclaimed Romanian-born cellist, Geroge Atanasiu will lead the Pennsylvania Young Performers Orchestra (PYPO) in a Music Around the County concert on Sunday, April 23 at 3 p.m. in the Davidow Auditorium at Salem Community College. Atanasiu also serves as the PYPO's artistic director and is a member of the Rowan University faculty. 

The program will feature the versatility of the group and will include a solo by Atanasiu on cello in Bach's Arioso in G Major for Cello and String Orchestra. Other selections will include Dvorak's Quartet in F Major, Vivaldi's Concerto for 2 Celli and String Orchestra in G minor, five movements of Handel's Concerto Grosso Number 5 Opus 6 in D Major, Folk Tune and Fiddle Dance by Percy Fletcher, and Sinfonie in G Major by Christoph Willibald Gluck.

Atanasiu founded Pennsylvania Young Performers Orchestra (PYPO) in 1996. He has taken the PYPO Orchestra on concert tours throughout the Eastern United States and Europe. The orchestra has appeared at renowned music festivals including Sant Ander and Palencia Festivals in Spain, Millenio in Musica Festival in Rome, Preggio Festival in Italy.

The Pennsylvania Young Performers Orchestra appearances at the European International Festivals were recorded and broadcasted by Radio Espana and the Italian National Broadcasting System. The Orchestra has also performed in Florence, Assisi, Terni, Capo di Monte, Madrid among other notable venues and cities.  In 2001, the San Martin de la Vega Medal was conferred to conductor Atanasiu and PYPO Orchestra for their Spain performance activity. The orchestra is scheduled for a tour of Germany in 2018 and China in 2019.

The orchestra performs regular concerts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. It has served the Greater Philadelphia area community appearing in public performances at the Ledger Building in Philadelphia, local Libraries, and universities as well as in adult care centers, soup kitchens, and schools.

The orchestra performs a wide variety of traditional and novelty masterworks from Baroque to jazz to modern composers. 

 A complete and versatile musician, Atanasiu, currently sustains a brilliant performing career as a conductor, cellist and professor of international acclaim. He has received numerous prizes and medals, appearing in broadcasted performances on national TV stations throughout Europe, Asia, South America and the U.S. 

Anatasiu  has been principal cellist for Garden State Philharmonic, South Jersey Symphony, Sibiu Philharmonic (Romania) and Associate Principal Cellist of Romanian National Radio-Television Symphony Orchestra. He regularly performs with the PhillyPops, Opera Company of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra.

Wrapping up the Music Around the County season will be Dueling Organs at the Pittsgrove Presbyterian Church in Daretown on Sunday, May 7, at 3 p.m. featuring organists Michael Stairs, formerly of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Gordon Turk, Music Director at Ocean Grove, The program will present 'colorful' music from the past and the present.

The Music Around the County series is a program of the Salem County Arts Alliance and is supported through donations from individuals, grants from Arts organizations and the Salem County Cultural and Heritage Commission. Attendance at the performances is free although donations are appreciated. Salem Community College is located at 460 Hollywood Ave. in Carneys Point.  There is ample parking and the facility is handicapped accessible.

For more information go to www.VisitSalemCountyNJ.com or call Joanne Owen at 856-769-3212.

This item submitted by Barbara Dawson for Music Around the County.

The Penn Relays are April 27-29 at Franklin Field in Philadelphia

A special shuttle has been arranged to pick up seniors

Woodstown School District's GRO (Generations Reaching Out) will hold a special showing of "Peter Panic" by the Woodstown Middle School Drama Club on Wednesday, April 19, beginning at 12:15 p.m. at the Woodstown High School.

This show is free for senior citizens; but is open to anyone who might want to attend. Tickets will be available at the door, and are $7 each.

Due to the show taking place during the school day, BR Williams is providing a free bus shuttle to the high school, to save everyone from trying to find parking.

Please see pick up times below. They will also shuttle you back to your vehicles after the show.

Pick up times for the special April 19 show:

• Pick up at 11:35 a.m. at Woodstown Acme
• Pick up at 11:42 a.m. at Snelbaker Home 
• Pick up at 11:50 a.m. at Friends Home
• Pick up at 11:55 a.m. at Wood Lanes Bowling Alley

Drop off at noon at the Woodstown High School.

Return to the above stops beginning at 2:15 p.m.

Regular performances of "Peter Panic" are on April 20 and 21 at 7 p.m., and April 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7.

This item submitted b Kelly Whitling for Woodstown School District.

The driver and his passenger claimed that someone was chasing them, police said. Watch video

PENNSVILLE TWP. -- A man who police say drove 95 mph in a downtown 35 mph zone, is facing numerous charges, police say.

Erick M. Montalvo, 36, of Bridgeton has been charged two counts of reckless driving, failing to maintain a lane, leaving the scene of an accident and failure to report an accident, according to Pennsville Chief of Police Allen J. Cummings.

It was April 9 that police received numerous calls about an erratic driver on South Broadway in Pennsville, according to the chief.

Eventually Montalvo, driving a red Mustang, was stopped near Riverview Beach Park. According to Cummings, both Montalvo and a female passenger, also of Bridgeton, appeared to be "disoriented and possibly under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance."

Pennsville Town Watch stays true to mission

A video from a business across from Pennsville Memorial High School in the area of South Broadway and William Penn Avenue, captured Montalvo's car traveling at an extremely high rate of speed, police say

Montalvo allegedly sideswiped another vehicle during his high-speed travels, Cummings said.

Both Montalvo and his passenger told police that they were being chased by someone, but were able to provide any details on who they believed it was.

Thy were taken to The Memorial Hospital of Salem County for evaluation, Cummings said.

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

The blaze broke out late on Monday night at the Friendship Road home.

UPPER PITTSGROVE TWP. --A family of three safely escaped a fire which heavily damaged their home late Monday night.

The blaze began around 11:45 p.m. in their house on Friendship Road home, according to homeowner Martin Brunswick.

He said the sound of smoke detectors alerted the family to the fire which Brunswick said started in a rear addition to the home.

Brunswick said the fire was too well advanced for him to attempt to put out.

He, his wife Aileen and daughter Alexis, just shy of a year old, and their dog all got out of the burning home safely.

Brunswick ran to a neighbor's home to call 911 and was able to move the family's vehicles away from the burning home.

Lower Alloways Creek fire damages home

The fire heavily damaged the structure with the family losing everything inside except for a few items in the garage, Brunswick said Tuesday.

The cause remains undetermined, Brunswick said. The family has lived in the home about four years.

Responding from Salem County were the Monroeville Fire Co., Reliance Fire Co., Daretown Fire Co. Willow Grove Fire Co., Canteen 6 and the Elmer Ambulance. From neighboring Gloucester County, the Franklinville and Ferrell Fire companies aided at the scene.

Fire investigators were still on the scene late Tuesday morning.

Howell Wentzell honored for his service to the community

Howell Wentzell was honored as the Elmer Grange Community Citizen of the Year on April 12. The community citizen award is presented to someone in the greater community area who is not a Grange member and depicts one of the principals of the Grange, "service to the community." Wentzell's service to the community has been far reaching since he founded RedOak Disposal Services of Elmer in 1985. Beyond building up a prominent and professional trash pickup service business along with demolition of structures, he has constantly been very giving to the community and community organizations.

Wentzell is a quiet, unassuming individual who reaches out into the community in a time of need as well serving other organizations. He is a strong supporter of Elmer Grange as well as Daretown Fire Company, the Salem County Fair, and Boy Scout Troop 60 through his trash removal service. When the Grange Hall had to be rebuilt in early 2016 due to structural issues, Wentzell quickly realized the magnitude of the tear down process as the entire roof and front wall had to be removed. He sent many large dumpsters and an excavator to the hall to handle this need, all at no cost to the Grange. When there are major fires or disasters resulting in structural losses, one can often see RedOak there assisting in the cleanup. 

Wentzell is a member of the Salem County Fair Board and is secretary/treasurer of the South Jersey Antique Tractor Pullers Association. As part of that association, he maintains the tractor pull sled and the track and coordinates many of their activities.  He has also been a part of the Pole Tavern Ruritan Club. Wentzell's goal in life is to continue the success of his business through hard work, strong customer relations, building a team of employees with his same enthusiasm for others, and a strong community involvement. He believes in giving back to others.

Howell received his award at the regular meeting of Elmer Grange. He and his family and a key employee, were in attendance when Howell Wentzell was honored and received an engraved clock and certificate from the Grange. 

This item submitted by Jack Robinson for Elmer Grange.

David S. Taylor will portray Whitman -- who changed the voice of poetry

The SCC Bookmobile's next living-history program features "Walt Whitman: The good grey poet" on Friday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in partnership with American Historical Theatre.

David S. Taylor will portray Walt Whitman at the next SCC Bookmobile living-history event. Photo provided 

Sponsored by the Friends of the SCC Bookmobile Library, this family-friendly, free event will be held in Donaghay Hall, Room 106, on Salem Community College's campus at 460 Hollywood Ave. Guests should park in Lot D and enter through the double doors facing the parking lot. 

David S. Taylor will portray Whitman, who changed the voice of poetry, according to American Historical Theatre: "He sought to create 'a new gospel of beauty:' an American voice. He escaped the classic structures demanded of verse, and gave us the free form voice that has become standard today."

Taylor grew up in Southern New Jersey. He earned a BA in Speech and Theater from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) and a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Maine.

Taylor has enjoyed decades of performance experience, including theater in Maine and local and regional theater in New York, California and New Jersey. He has been a first-person interpreter for over 10 years.

Funding for the program is provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts through Salem County Board of Freeholders and Salem County Cultural and Heritage Commission. 

For more information, contact Bookmobile Library Coordinator Margaret Masserini at 856-351-2830 or mmasserini@salemcc.edu.

This item submitted by Bill Clark for Salem Community college.

One firefighter was treated at the scene of heat exhaustion, officials said.

SALEM -- A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a barn in a Salem City neighborhood Tuesday afternoon, officials said.

Firefighters were called to the blaze at 1:12 p.m., according to Washington Fire Co. Battalion Chief Ken Gralley.

The barn was located behind a house on Walnut Street.

According to Gralley, the barn was fully involved when firefighters arrived on the scene and the flames were threatening two nearby structures.

Firefighters stopped any significant damage to the adjoining structures, a two-story wood frame house and a garage with a living area above it, Gralley said.

Cause of fire in vacant Salem house probed

One firefighter was treated at the scene for heat exhaustion.

Officials from the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety are investigating the cause, Gralley said.

Along with the Salem Fire Department, Pennsville Fire and Rescue Co., Reliance Fire Co., Canteen 6 and the Fenwick and American Legion ambulances responded to the scene.

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

A gala is planned for April 29 at Auletto's Caterers

The Arc Gloucester, celebrating 60 years of offering programs and services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosts its Anniversary Gala Saturday, April 29 at Auletto's Caterers in Almonesson with Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) keynote speaker.

Bob Shryocknj.com 

Festivities for the 60th begin at 5 p.m. with a VIP reception followed by cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner and the program at 7 p.m. Cost of the gala is $125 per person, $200 for the combined gala and VIP reception. Included is open bar, wine cellar, sit down dinner, live entertainment, silent auction, and dancing. Formal attire is required. For ticket or other information, call 856-848-8648. Mail to The Arc Gloucester, attention Lisa Conley, 1555 Gateway Boulevard, West Deptford, 08096.

Sponsorships remain available.

Honorees include Ana Rivera, executive director of The Arc Gloucester, whose long career has been highlighted by her dedication to empowering people to live to their full potential.

Ana started as assistant executive director at The Arc and was promoted five years later to executive director. Over the years she saw The Arc's residential services doubled.

Her efforts led to the development of programs such as The After School, Saturday Drop Off, Life Long Learning, and the addition of Camp Sun 'N Fun.

Her belief in civic involvement, consumer choice and self-empowerment resulted in development of The Arc Social Club and Self-Advocacy groups.

Ana was also instrumental in the start of "The Arc Report," a TV and radio program geared to better inform consumers and families about issues that impact the quality of their lives.

Displaying her willingness to try anything, Ana raised over $53,000 as a featured dancer in "Dancing With the Gloucester County Stars" and, more recently, helped incorporate ballroom dancing into the Life Long Learning program.

She helped spearhead the ribbon-cutting at Camp Sun 'N Fun for the opening of Sunshine Inn.

Ana maintains an open-door policy for an exchange of ideas and is a strong advocate of fairness.

The program will feature inspirational comments by Gloucester County freeholder Jim Jefferson, Sweeney's speech, and the official welcome by Ana Rivera and Jim Storti. Board president David Contino, along with escorts Larry Allen, Chris Corrigan, and Monica Tennant will handle the recognition of all honorees.

Bob and Lee Allen will receive posthumous awards.

Winner of the Dave Ravel Memorial Award is Happy Benjamin Elliott, who is active with The Arc Gloucester's Franklinville adult training site. According to the program, Benji for nearly 20 years  has been "an enthusiastic, hard worker and an excellent role model for his peers."

"Benji often reminds me of Dave Ravel, who was a leader among his peers, kind to others, enjoyed a good time, and encouraged everyone," his supervisor says.

The Arc Gloucester was organized in 1957 when a group of parents refused to believe institutionalization was the only option available to their children.

More than 30 programs now operate in Gloucester County. But the need remains. The Arc Gloucester's employees, volunteers, and community partners continue their advocacy and remain true to the vision of those parents 60 years ago.

In 1957, few  thought that a person with developmental  disabilities could live in their own home, have a job, or become an active, contributing community member. Obviously those affiliated with The Arc Gloucester felt differently.

Bob Shryock may be reached at bshryock@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Camp Edge's Bike to the Edge will be held on May 6

ALLOWAY TWP. -- Camp Edge's Bike to the Edge will be held on May 6.

Ranch Hope invites everyone to come out and pedal to help kids attend summer camp. The annual Bike to the Edge begins at Camp Edge, 26 Camp Edge Road in Alloway Township, and winds through the scenic roads of Salem and Cumberland counties.

Riders can choose a 5-mile Fun Ride, or the Group Ride which includes 20, 31, 40 and 62-mile options. The 62-mile group ride is a round trip to Fortescue. All proceeds from the Bike to the Edge event will support scholarships for youth to attend summer camp at Camp Edge.

The entrance fee for Bike to the Edge is $25 per rider for the 5-mile Fun Ride and $60 per rider for the Group Ride. The rider's package includes a T-shirt, giveaways, rest stops and food.

For more information about Bike to the Edge or Camp Edge's summer camp programs, visit www.campedge.org, call 856-935-1555, ext. 172 or email campedge@ranchhope.org. 

This item submitted by Lnda Smith for Ranch Hope.

Shotgun start at 9 a.m. at the Town and Country Golf Links in Woodstown on June 2

The 34th Annual Ranch Hope Wranglers Golf Classic will tee off at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 2, with a shotgun start at Town and Country Golf Links in Woodstown. Everyone is encouraged to register for this charity event that supports Ranch Hope's mission to help troubled youth.

This year's event is being held in memory of Fred "Fritz" Harz. Harz was a member of Ranch Hope's original board of managers, having served for more than 52 years until his passing in 2016. "Fritz was a faithful member of the Wranglers Auxiliary and enthusiastically supported the golf classic year after year," said Golf Classic Chairman William "Gus" Gosweiler.

There are four sponsorship levels, and the entry fee for individual golfers is $150. This fee includes continental breakfast, green fees, cart, lunch, hole-in-one prizes, putting contest and a seat at the banquet following the tournament. 

Registration for players and sponsors can be done online by visiting www.ranchhope.org or by sending a check made payable to Ranch Hope Wranglers to: Ranch Hope Wranglers Auxiliary, P.O. Box 92, Woodstown, NJ 08098.  Sponsorship deadline is May 26 and golfer registration deadline is May 30.  If you have questions or need additional information contact 856-935-1555, ext. 125 or lindas@ranchhope.org.

This item submitted by Linda Smith for Ranch Hope.

The event attracted more than 140 ladies last year

The popular Salem County Silver Fox Tea, an annual luncheon for ladies 60 years or older, will be held on Wednesday, May 17, sponsored by the County Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with PSE&G and Mid Atlantic States Career & Education Center. 

The event attracted more than 140 ladies last year and will again be held at the Queen of Apostle's Church on South Broadway in Pennsville, which has plentiful parking and easy access. The musical group 'Heaven Bound' -- back by popular request -- will provide entertainment during the luncheon. 

"This is an exciting afternoon and we invite ladies 60 years and older to RSVP quickly. Tickets are free, and we were at near capacity last year," said Freeholder Director Bob Vanderslice, who chairs the Health and Human Services Committee. "The Silver Fox Tea is an example of what happens in Salem County through the kindness of our two partners and the efforts of our staff in the Office on Aging and Disabilities." 

The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Specialized transportation is available for those who are eligible. For reservations, contact the Salem County Office on Aging at 856-339-8622 by Friday, May 12. 

This item submitted by Brenda Banks for County of Salem.

When one South Jersey woman emptied her washer, there was a black snake waiting at the bottom. Watch video

UPPER PITTSGROVE TWP. -- After you do a load of laundry it's not unusual to find a loose coin or a button in the washer.

But when Carol Jess was about to remove the last item from a just-finished load of wash on Friday, a snake poked its head out from under the piece of clothing.

In the rural Salem County farm country where Jess lives it's not unusual to see snakes outdoors, but this experience was different.

"This time it was just too close," she said.

She used a stick to remove the last piece of clothing from the washer, leaving the black snake.

The reptile -- estimated to be about three feet long -- wanted to get out of the washer, too.

In a video Jess took, it can be seen wrapping itself around the center agitator and attempting to scale the side of inside wall of the washer tub.

Jess shut the washer lid and waited for her husband to take over.

When he looked, however, the snake was gone and a search of the entire laundry room turned up nothing of the freshly-washed snake.

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

The president of New Jersey's hospital association writes that residents are well served by the congressman's opposition to an Obamacare replacement.

The communities of New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District are fortunate to have U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo representing their interests in Washington. 

LoBiondo, a Republican, put his constituents over partisan politics when he declared his opposition to the American Health Care Act (the Republican House leadership's replacement bill for "Obamacare," which was withdrawn from a vote last month).

This version of the AHCA would have jeopardized health insurance coverage for 800,000 New Jersey residents, as well as Medicaid funding that provides care for 1.8 million state residents. These programs serve a cross section of our state including senior citizens, children, the working poor and the disabled. 

In a time of extreme partisanship, LoBiondo's loyalties were to his constituents and communities in South Jersey. We thank him for that, on behalf of our organization and the millions of people we serve. 

Elizabeth Ryan, President and CEO, New Jersey Hospital Association, Princeton

Fix school aid problem

I agree with everyone who has voiced support for Senate President Stephen Sweeney's plan to fix the serious problems of state school aid imbalances. 

If Sweeney's bill were to become law, the state would ultimately fund all districts to a 2008 formula level, mainly by taking aid from districts now receiving excess state aid under the formula. Many of these districts are wealthy and do not need excess aid. This money would then be used to bring "underfunded" districts, like the fast-growing Kingsway Regional district, to full aid levels under the formula.

This is not only necessary to provide fairness and greater opportunity to students, but also to reduce the tax burden in those districts that are underfunded. School taxes account for the majority of our property taxes. When school districts receive too little state aid, local property taxpayers are forced to make up the difference.

For perspective, there are homeowners in overfunded Jersey City paying less than $8,000 a year on properties that are worth nearly $1 million. Every year, their school taxes are offset by excess state aid.  Homeowners some in underfunded districts pay $8,000 or more in taxes on properties that are worth a fraction of that Jersey City example. 

Kingsway even had to resort to filing a lawsuit to try to get its fair share from the state. This should not be the case. The state established a fair formula years ago. The state just needs to fund it the way it is supposed to. 

Lisa Cerny, West Deptford Township

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Police have released a video which shows a "person of interest" in the armed robbery of the Dollar General store Sunday.

PENNS GROVE -- Police are seeking the public's help in finding the person who held up the local Dollar General store Easter night.

The Penns Grove Police Department released a video on Wednesday afternoon taken from store surveillance cameras.

It shows "a person of interest" that authorities would like to find and question in the case, according to Penns Grove Chief of Police John T. Stranahan Sr.

The armed robbery occurred at around 9:30 p.m. Sunday at the store on South Virginia Avenue.

The chief said the person in the video "was seen acting in a suspicious manner" just minutes before the store was robbed by a knife-wielding man.

Photos, videos sought from fatal shooting

After the robbery -- an undetermined amount of cash was taken -- the suspect fled on foot, Stranahan said.

No one was injured in the robbery.

The suspect is described as a black male in his 20s, about 5 feet 11 inches tall with a thin build.

Anyone with information on the identity of the person seen in the video is asked to call Penns Grove Police Det. Jason Spera at 856-299-0304.

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

Many a magical night in the Garden State.

Not only did I attend my senior prom at Sacred Heart High School in Vineland in 1977, I also worked on the prom committee.

Sorting through some old papers, I came across the prom committee members for that year: chairman Piera Infranco -- use of the "person" form of that title still lay in the future; vice chairmen Colleen Corcoran and me; decorations managers Tom Holden and Pete Van Noord; entertainment managers Sheila Pino and Pier Masciarella and correspondence manager Carleen DiPaola.

Those out there who served on prom committees know it is not an easy task to pull off such an event; it's a lot of work! We were charged with finding a place to hold it, hiring entertainment, working out meals, coming up with decorations and selling tickets. For me, of all the time that was spent readying for the prom, one memory stands out from the rest.

One of my all-time favorite photo finds; here's how you remember everyone else from your prom save one.Courtesy of Karen Wood 

Our prom theme was "Harbor Lights" (a direct grab from the Boz Skaggs song). So, it was decided by the committee members that the prom would have a nautical theme. Construction was begun on name boards for tables, a lighthouse and the centerpiece, a bridge for promgoers to cross on entry.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

The thing is, we forgot that girls wear heels when they attend proms and we made the bridge way too steep.

Now, Tom, Pete and I can't accept full blame for this; the others saw it in its progressive stages of construction and voiced no concerns. But come prom night, we worried if the young ladies -- and some of the guys; remember, we wore those platform shoes in those days -- would make it from one side of the bridge to the other without a mishap.

Thankfully, while some teetering and tottering took place, there were no falls and Harbor Lights went off without a hitch.

Here's a gallery of proms and promgoers from days gone by in New Jersey. Be sure you have captions enabled for all the information about each photo.

Like to see more? Here are links to previous prom galleries

More vintage photos of proms in N.J.

And even more vintage photos of proms in N.J.

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