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

 

ALLOWAY TWP.

-- 305 Garton Road, Michael A. and Janeen M. Hitchner to Sarah Lynn Hitchner and Dustin K. Wilson for $180,000.

-- 20 Cedar St. #22, Paul S. and Carol Ann Wentzell to Paul LaRoy for $120,000.

BRIDGETON

-- 8 S. West Ave., Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp to Elber B. Munyon for $68,000.

-- 170 Belmont Ave., Joseph Caporale to Melvin Williams for $90,000.

CARNEYS POINT TWP.

-- 421 Hickory Lane, Riccardo Savarese, executor, to Anthony J. and Kristen M. Venello for $120,000.

-- 25 E. Line Road, Deutsche Bank National Trust Company to David N. and Mary T. Reinherz for $30,333.

-- 119 Field St., Deutsche Bank National Trust Company to Infinity Real Estate Investments LLC for $54,000.

-- 119 Field St., Infinity Real Estate Investments LLC to Tracy Investment Holdings LLC for $58,500.

COMMERCIAL TWP.

-- 6112 Whittier Dr., Thomas O. and Virginia Louis Sr. to Jonathan E. Greuber for $145,000.

DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 402 Eryn Road, Gregory W. Kouba to Rosalie Clifton, Arlene Jenkins and Lois Salvador for $270,000.

-- 121 Flagstone Way, Thomas J. Fanuka, administrator, to Richard and Patricia DeFazio for $200,000.

-- 309 Colonial Dr., Carson C. and Vanessa C. Puriefoy to Betty L. and Paulette Gray for $184,000.

DOWNE TWP.

-- 6 Cornell Ave., John B. and Karen J. Cooksey to Joseph Pignatelli Jr. for $40,000.

EAST GREENWICH TWP.

-- 847 Kings Highway, John R. and Tara A. Gallagher to Matthew and Deborah C. Bowen for $252,500.

-- 252 Iannelli Road, NVR Inc. to Tina L. Leiby for $293,976.

ELSINBORO TWP.

-- Money Island Road, Jean G. Powell to Joseph P. Ayars for $100,000.

FAIRFIELD TWP.

-- Fairton-Cedarville Road, James A. and Sandra P. Wright to Ag-Mart Produce Inc. for $898,812.

GLASSBORO

-- 180 Field Loop, D.R. Horton Inc. to John C. and Doreen S. Seddon for $271,000.

LAWRENCE TWP.

-- 897 Lummistown Road, Joseph A. Arcidiacono to Marion Eastlack and Deborah A. Hall for $227,000.

MANTUA TWP.

-- 32 Crestmont Dr., DLR Group Properties LLC to Alexander Steven Pollander for $126,000.

-- 89 Monarch Court, Mark F. and Susan M. Massey to Leon and Anne Marie Pirillo for $336,000.

Woolwich property sells for $390K

MAURICE RIVER TWP.

-- 63 Main St., Anna M. Buchanan and James W. Garrison to Cox & Sons Farm LLC for $82,500.

-- 203 Gum Tree Corner Road, David E. Marx to Edward C. and Noreen D. O'Malley for $200,000.

MILLVILLE

-- 113 N. High St., Herbert F. and Lucille F. Roselle to Gallerynest.com LLC for $140,000.

MONROE TWP.

-- 48 Kerry Lynn Court, Lauren R. Canonica to Lisa Gregory for $128,000.

-- 347 Staggerbush Road, Carriage Glen LLC to Thomas C. Lewis and Brionna Mascuilli for $295,000.

NEWFIELD

-- 14 Arch Ave., Michael Curcio to McKeon C. McKeon-Fish for $102,500.

PILESGROVE TWP.

-- 112 Harrisonville Lake Road, David E. and Margaret M. Gindhart to James K. Lynam and Rita R. Cavalli for $280,000.

PITMAN

-- 34 E. Holly Ave., Elizabeth L. DeMaio, Richard J. Brown, William B. Brown III and Janice Sweeton to Albert L. Stein for $215,000.

PITTSGROVE TWP.

-- Muller Road, Joseph S. and Carol Anne Martino to Howard and Doris Roeder for $74,000.

-- 1103 Swans Way, Thomas D. and Tracy L. Bratton to Kevin P. and Erin K. Talarico for $230,000.

SALEM

-- 217 to 219 Church St., EDMI Salem LLC to Gul Khan LLC for $13,000.

-- 118 Seventh St., John W. Watterson to Eugene B. and Theresa M. Zieger for $35,000.

SHILOH

-- 31 West Ave., Russell T. Olbrich to Stephanie M. Powers for $150,000.

SWEDESBORO

-- 519 Lakeview Dr., Raymond D. Arzounian to Judith C. Paz for $276,500.

UPPER DEERFIELD TWP.

-- 22 Johns Way, Chris Artman and Wells Fargo Bank to Carolyn D. Sammons for $175,800.

VINELAND

-- 1823 - 1851 W. Landis Ave., Adamo and Jeanette Pipitone to MEGHA 3 LLC for $800,000.

-- 3400 Siena Way, Jennifer and Richard Panas to Bayview Loan Servicing LLC for $269,192.35.

-- 1558 Willis Place, John Schoch, executor, to Ryan M. Bauer for $120,000.

-- 2102 E. Oak Road, Landmark Development No. 2 LLC and Karl Senseman to Karen Hill for $169,900.

-- 7 N. Myrtle St., Lynda L. Gazzara to Angel and Josephine B. Sanchez for $159,900.

-- 1162 Roberts Blvd., Housing and Urban Development to Brenda A. Brown for $160,500.

-- 1762 Ferrari Dr., Giovanna and John Capizola to Brad and Megan Harris Sr. for $415,000.

WASHINGTON TWP.

-- 89 Cranford Road, Edward J. Wylot Jr. to Nancy S. Wylot for $40,000.

-- 37 Bridle Lane, Alfred Schick and Cynthia McNee to Lou Grisoglio for $295,900.

-- 65 Fox Hollow Lane, Baudilio Escobar and Nora M. Ventura-De Escobar for $319,000.

WENONAH

-- 201 S. Jefferson Ave., Thomas R. and Wilma Stankard to Matthew J. Tohanczyn for $145,000.

WEST DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 127 Willet Way, Joseph Gattuso by attorney to John and Mary Lou Alexo for $225,000.

-- 918 Denston Road, Donnell B. and Sherrie Davis to Eric T. and Gianna Difebbo for $333,000.

WOODBURY

-- 182 Rugby Place, Sherry L. Williams to Tina M. Chiu and Susan L. Foss for $265,000.

WOODSTOWN

-- 24 Marlton Road, Michael S. Ridgway to Scioto Properties SP-16 LLC for $210,000.

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

Meeting is meant to increase communication and hear ideas from constituents

Salem County Freeholder Director Bob Vanderslice announced their second Town Hall Meeting with residents will be held in Carney's Point on Wednesday, May 10 at 6 p.m. at the Salem Community College Davidow Hall Performing Arts Theater, 460 Hollywood Ave. in Carneys Point. 

"We had a successful first Town Hall Meeting updating the residents on what we have done and are working to do in the county, as well as, heard ideas from our constituents, stated Vanderslice. These meetings are a casual way for us to gather together quarterly to increase communication, initiate conversation, and hear ideas from our constituents to improve our county. This is our county; I continue to challenge everyone to think differently and help be part of the solution." 

The public is encouraged to join Vanderslice and the Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders at the upcoming second quarter Town Hall Meeting. 

This item submitted by Brenda Banks for County of Salem.

Proceeds support Ranch Hope's mission to help troubled youth

ALLOWAY TWP. -- The 3rd annual Ranch Hope Wranglers Tennis Classic will be held on Friday, June 9 at Mannington Mills Inc. All tennis players are encouraged to register for this charity event that supports Ranch Hope's mission to help troubled youth.

"We are very excited this year to offer our third round-robin doubles tennis tournament, taking place at the Fitness Center at Mannington Mills," said Ranch Hope CEO Dave Bailey.  

Tennis court sponsorships are $250. The entry fee for individual tennis players is $75, which includes continental breakfast, prizes and lunch.

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, P.O. Box 92, Woodstown, NJ 08098.  Registration deadline is June 6. 

If you have questions or need additional information, contact Dave Bailey at 856-935-1555.

This item submitted by Linda Smith for Ranch Hope.

The alleged attack was the result of an ongoing dispute between neighbors, police said.

SALEM -- A Salem County man has been indicted for allegedly attacking an elderly neighbor with a shovel, according to court documents.

Stacey M. Marciano has been indicted on charges of allegedly attacking a neighbor with a shovel. (Salem County Correctional Facility) 

Stacey M. Marciano of Pittsgrove Township was arrested April 20, 2016, after using a shovel to hit a then 68-year-old neighbor on Jesse Bridge Road.

New Jersey State Police responded to the scene around 2:30 p.m. to investigate the report of an

A Salem County grand jury recently indicted Marciano, 47, on one count each of second-degree aggravated, third-degree aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (a shovel) and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, court records say.

The unidentified neighbor was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden for treatment.

3 indicted in home-invasion robbery

State police at the time said the altercation was the result of an ongoing dispute between the neighbors.

At the time of his arrest Marciano was sent to the Salem County Correctional Facility with $30,000 bail.

Jail records say he was released the next day after posting that bail.

The stunning decision forces New Jersey back to square one to solve on of the most complex issues plaguing the state.

Acting Commissioner of Education Kimberley Harrington has overturned the state’s new transfer rule, sending New Jersey high school sports back to square one as it seeks to solve a complex issue plaguing the state.

The new transfer rule had been resoundingly approved less than three months ago by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Executive Committee and was set to go into place July 1, in time for the 2017-18 school year.

Harrington’s reversal of the rule reverts New Jersey high school sports back to the old transfer rule, which requires athletes to sit out 30 days of competition unless they have a “bona fide change of residence.”

“While the NJSIAA Executive Committee was eager to have a more enforceable transfer rule, the association remains encouraged and looks forward to working with the Commissioner of Education to develop a solution that discourages transfers for athletic advantage,” NJSIAA Executive Director Steve Timko said in a statement. “Our hope is to meet with the Commissioner as soon as possible to address this important issue.”

The new rule was three-pronged: It required all athletes that transfer schools to sit out 30 days or half the games allowed for each sport in which they participated the previous year at the prior school; athletes who transfer on or after the first scrimmage or after the regular season start date to be barred from state tournament play, in addition to incurring the mandatory 30-day or half the season sitting out period; and all athletes who transfer more than once to be barred from state tournament play, while also incurring the mandatory 30-day or half the season sitting out period.

The intention of the new rule was to deter high profile athletes from hopscotching from team to team in search of the best fit — an issue that has plagued New Jersey for years and is only getting worse, according to coaches.

Harrington’s stunning reversal marks the second time in less than two years the state has stepped in and reversed changes put into place by the NJSIAA. In one of the most significant decisions ever in New Jersey high school sports, former State Commissioner of Education David Hespe ruled in December 2015 to reverse a pair of votes separating public and non-public schools in football and wrestling for the first time in state history. 

Matthew Stanmyre may be reached at mstanmyre@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattStanmyre. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Jamie Swain writes that her Cumberland County township needs a coordinated plan for its feral and free-roaming cats.

The topic of free-roaming and feral cats has been brought to Downe Township officials' attention in the recent past via a presentation by Carol Hickman of the Carolscatz organization. These cats are a big problem in our township and beyond. 

Personally, I am a cat lover who cares for many cats. The majority are rescues, having been dumped at Turkey Point in my own back yard, mostly by Downe residents who may be aware of my caring nature for the animals. This dumping is a disturbing practice and a great financial burden, since I spend money to have these cats vaccinated and spayed or neutered. 

Whether those who dump the cats cannot afford to care for them or, are uncaring and ill-informed, makes no difference. This is cruelty at its worst! These hapless creatures are at the mercy of nature through no fault of their own. While folks complain about the habits of free-roaming/ feral populations, some of their "solutions" -- dumping or, worse, killing -- do nothing to stave off the problem.

While there was some interest in Carolscatz's proposed trap, neuter, vaccinate, release (TNVR) program for Downe Township, she was never contacted to set up such a program here. I wholeheartedly support this program, having utilized Hickman's services myself. However, it was at much greater expense to me than if Downe Township had done this officially for residents and sought grant funding. Similar low-cost programs exist in neighboring townships and have been very successful. 

TNVR is a cost-effective way to deal with feral and free-roaming cat populations, far less expensive than the practices of shelters in Cumberland County that kill unwanted animals.

Another year has passed. It is spring -- kitten season, again -- when hundreds, if not thousands, of unwanted kittens will become reproducing cats that populate our township. It is sheer cruelty to ignore this situation. In the words of Eldridge Cleaver, "If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem."

Jamie A. Swain, Downe Township

GOP congressman: Don't gut EPA

As a child exploring Parvin State Park with my cousins, to walking on the beach today with my dogs, South Jersey's diverse environment is one I have long cherished. Countless residents and visitors have similar fond memories. Future generations should be allowed the same opportunity. That is why I am committed to protecting and promoting our natural treasures.

With South Jersey communities still showing the scars of Superstorm Sandy, we must not ignore our changing climate. I recently joined with 16 of my Republican colleagues to introduce a resolution reinforcing the "conservative principle to protect, conserve, and be good stewards of our environment." It further calls upon American innovation to improve environmental protection and sustainability.

To achieve these goals the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must continue its critical work. While fiscal restraints should be instituted across the federal government, drastic cuts proposed to the EPA are a non-starter with me, and will be met with bipartisan opposition. Similarly, clean air and clean water are not partisan issues.

As we celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting the environment and appreciate our unique natural treasures in South Jersey.  

U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd Dist., Ventnor

Youth movement will aid Vineland school board

Congratulations are in order to Vineland's newest school board member, Cedric Holmes, and the eight board members who unanimously voted for him to fill an unexpired term. 

Some may think the school board took a leap of faith in appointing the board's youngest-ever member. I don't. The board gave a 20-year-old graduate of Vineland Public Schools the opportunity to become one of nine people making decisions for the education of more than 10,000 students.

What the eight members set in motion is a rarity in public school boards across the country: If I am correct, the majority of school boards are comprised of people much older than Cedric Holmes.

These older board members have been out of the public school system as students for many years. But Holmes, having graduated only a few years ago, can bring a fresh and more up-to-date perspective on the current state of affairs in the Vineland system. 

Holmes will be a big plus going forward, when all nine board members have discussions concerning the education of so many children. 

David M. Levin, Vineland

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

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NJ.com looks at the statewide baseball statistical leaders for games played through April 19, 2017

The spot where the repairs will be made was originally worked on on April 6.

CARNEYS POINT TWP. -- A section of state Route 48 will be shut down beginning Friday to repair a water main leak, officials said.

Water is seen bubbling up from Route 48. (Bill Gallo Jr. | For NJ.com) 

A New Jersey Department of Transportation spokesman said a section of the highway will be closed at 7:30 a.m.

The leak is the same one that was worked on April 6.

It is located just east of where Game Creek Road intersects with Route 48.

This week water could be seen bubbling up out of the roadway near the center line.

New Jersey American Water will be handling the job, officials said. NJDOT had repaired the leak April 6 and continued to monitor the roadway.

The state had no estimate on how long the new repairs may take and how long the road may be closed.

Officials say the detour during this project will be the same as that used during the replacement of the Layton's Lake bridge and spillway.

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

After launching the balloon from his home, the student and his family tracked it for four hours to a field in Salem County.

PITTSGROVE TWP. -- Here's a class project that really deserves an A.

A Pennsylvania third-grader decided to make and launch a weather balloon, Dan Skeldon of the Press of Atlantic City reported.

Reese Gurwicz decided to record the balloon's amazing 150-mile journey after it was launched from the family's home in McClure, Pa., on April 2 so the payload attached to the balloon was outfitted with a GoPro.

When the balloon soared high into the earth's atmosphere, reaching a height of 89,405 feet after just 1 minute and 42 second, it burst. A parachute opened and the equipment attached began its descent back to earth.

Four hours later -- with the Gurwicz family following it thanks to a tracking device on board -- the balloon glided into a farm field in Pittsgrove Township, Salem County, in neighboring New Jersey

The images of the voyage that Skeldon put together in his report show an amazing view of our region from above.

Reese, in an interview, afterward was pleased with the results -- especially being able to track the balloon.

"We got it all back," Reese said in Skeldon's interview.

No word yet on the grade he received from his teacher.

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

Buena Regional High School is arming parents with information about what alcohol- and- drug abuse could mean for their youngsters at prom time.

From "Scared Straight" -- where inmates impress upon young people why it is no fun to be in prison -- to the badly wrecked car that police haul into a high school parking lot before prom weekend, there's a long tradition of trying to get teens who think they are invincible to understand the consequences of risky behavior.

After three or more generations of such programs, there's still no absolute answer to whether or not they change attitudes long-term. Parents and school officials who schedule these presentations may be willing to settle for a short-term effect, i.e., "Don't drive drunk after the graduation party."

A different wrinkle on this theme takes place at Atlantic County's Buena Regional High School each spring. Parents -- not  students -- must attend a mandatory meeting on their kids' possible use of illicit or harmful substances. If mom, dad, grandma or whoever is responsible for the student doesn't attend, no prom for the kid.

We have to agree with Buena Regional High School Principal Moses White, who calls the prom-to-graduation period "the season of potentially stupid decisions" for young people.

This year, the Buena session for parents included the "Hidden in Plain Sight" program sponsored by the Monroe Township Municipal Alliance in neighboring Gloucester County. The on-stage presentation has officials of the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office assist parents search for illicit or controlled drugs in a mock-up of a teen's bedroom. It's an eye-opener, some parents said, to learn that looking in obvious places such as dresser drawers may not be thorough enough to turn up the hidden weed. Check spots like secret compartments in water bottles. Disassemble the bedroom's groovy Lava Lamp, a detective advises, and find those narcotic pain pills.

Is it necessary to turn every loving parent into "Mom, the Narc" so that her 17-year-old can go to prom? Each young person is different. In some cases, an all-out search with no reason for suspicion could create harmful mistrust. Some teens will react better to an honest discussion about alcohol, drugs and unprotected sex than to a parent who turns his or her room upside down.

The important takeaway, as Principal White and others at Buena would acknowledge, is that parents or guardians need to be engaged and involved before sending their kids on one of their first journeys into full freedom. Otherwise, Buena would not have held these mandatory meetings for more than two decades, according to July Venafro, the district's substance abuse coordinator.

Venafro notes that the sessions have varied topics each year. "Hidden in Plain Sight" is not always in the program. This presentation should be recognized as just one tool in an arsenal that parents and teens can use to spark conversations about responsible behavior. 

Opinion may be split on the mandatory aspect, but Buena is meeting its responsibility to arm parents and young people with much of what they require to make informed decisions about these exciting rites of passage. From there, it's up to the high-school seniors and juniors themselves. Proms and graduations are meant to be enjoyed. Let's increase awareness that nothing dampens enjoyment like a classmate's death from a fatal overdose or in a highway accident.

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

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The county is hoping that contracts for housing new inmates at the county jail will close the budget gap.

ELMER -- Still $1.5 million away from a balanced budget, Salem County freeholders have again extended the time to introduce the 2017 spending plan.

Bob Vanderslice, who became freeholder director in January, said the focus has been on finding new sources of revenue to balance the budget, not making deep cuts.

He said the county is hopeful that a deal for the Salem County Correctional Facility to house more federal inmates will bring in the funds the county needs.

Vanderslice said there are verbal commitments for such a deal that "could easily" cover the deficit. "It will close the budget gap," Vanderslice said Wednesday night.

Still, the county needs to get it all in writing.

Even if it realizes the new revenue, there will still be a tax hike needed -- possibly around 5 cents per $100 of assessed property value.

"That's what we believe is going to happen," Vanderslice said.

The current county tax is $1.06 per $100 of assessed property value.

The tax hike is being blamed on the loss of approximately $125 million in tax ratables in 2016, he said.

"We've minimized the amount of a tax increase considering the loss of ratables," Vanderslice said.

In March, freeholders approved a resolution asking the state to allow them to wait until this month to introduce a budget. The resolution approved by the board Wednesday night during their meeting in Elmer, asked for that date to be extended until May 17.

When freeholders began work on the 2017 budget late last year, initial projections were that even with a tax increase, the county would be $2.5 million in the hole. Since that time that deficit has been whittled down to the present $1.5 million.

Voters: Cut Salem freeholder board

County officials are also hoping to avoid the bitter battle that ensued last year as they attempted to craft a balanced budget.

A plan to privatize the county 911 center and jail's nursing staff created a firestorm of protest from county workers and first responders.

The county even toyed with the idea of not collecting the 2-cent tax dedicated to farmland preservation.

Literally at the last minute as they were about to adopt the $81.3 million 2016 budget in June, the privatization ideas were scrapped and budget numbers reworked. In the end, there was an 8.6-cent tax increase.

The outcry over the proposed layoffs resulted in a successful grassroots movement to reduce the number of freeholders from seven to five as a cost-saving move.

This year nearly all of the outstanding contracts with workers have been settled and layoffs or privatization schemes are not in the picture at this point.

"We have been fighting diligently, I have been, to not have any layoffs," Vanderslice said. "That's a goal right now and it looks promising. We're going to do everything we can to not let that happen."

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

She'll be completing her 50th in Alaska this June

Marianne Hommer says she was not particularly athletic in her younger days but now, at age 55, admits she feels "inspired" by what she has accomplished. Which is a monumental understatement.

Bob Shryocknj.com 

Two weeks ago the Mantua resident flew into tiny, obscure Olive Branch, Mississippi and recorded her 49th different state running half-marathons.

And on June 17 she'll head to Alaska to complete the 50-state cycle -- 51 if you include Washington, D.C.

"I'm thrilled," Hommer says. "It's a challenge, but I'm getting it done."

Hommer, employed by Philadelphia-based Sunguard for technical support, visited California in 2009 and was encouraged by a friend to make her debut in half-marathons the following year. And a year later, she added New Jersey to her list. So she heads to Alaska with the full compliment of conquests behind her.

She finds her workout regimen not too taxing -- 20 miles weekly on short runs with an additional 8-to-12 miles on weekends.

Her most damaging injury has been a tibia fracture sustained during her Connecticut run at mile six, but she managed to hobble to the finish line.

She has "no plan" of attack other than determining how close she can book reservations at an airport to keep her as close to the race as possible. "All i really need is a map," she says. "I'm basically in and out."

Marianne generally doesn't book vacations as a sidelight to her races, but plans an Alaskan cruise after reaching her milestone in June. Two friends will accompany her on this final leg of her epic journey. One of them, John Gable, will run with her for the 16th time.

Hommer isn't sure what to do for an encore but is toying with the idea of trying the six other continents this time after Alaska is secured.

"It has been a great experience," Hommer says. "I've met a lot of nice people. There have been a few delayed flights. Running in Dover, Delaware where the temperature reached 100 on the tarmac, I nearly passed out. My daughter had to pull me uphill in San Francisco.

"It was costly -- airfrare to Hawaii and now Alaska alone. But it's been worth it."

-- -- -- 

A life-long Woodbury resident, Ralph N. Day, 88, who died April 12, was a first responder for 68 years after joining Friendship Fire Company in 1949. He cherished his affiliation with Friendship and worked as a paid fireman for 33 years until he retired in 1986. Then he volunteered for another 34 years -- until the day he died. Ralph was the oldest and longest active member of Friendship.

Ralph's passions included his wife of 49 years, Peggy, his family, and Faith Bible Church in Thorofare, where he was an active member and an elder and had a smile for everyone.

Ralph Day was a  true gentlemen and the most dedicated of public servants who spent his lifetime helping protect his town. You can't ask anymore than that.

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

The incident involved employees performing work related to the refueling and maintenance outage at the Salem 2 plant.

LOWER ALLOWAYS CREEK TWP. --  Seven workers were sickened by fumes inside of a nuclear reactor containment building Thursday evening, an official said.

The incident took place around 9 p.m. Thursday at the Salem 2 plant, according to Joe Delmar, a spokesman for PSEG Nuclear.

It prompted the company to declare an "unusual event," the lowest of four emergency classifications at a nuclear plant. That declaration was lifted by plant officials at 12:58 p.m. Friday.

Salem 2 is one of three nuclear reactors operated by PSEG at its Artificial Island generating complex in Lower Alloways Creek Township. The unit had been taken out of service on April 14 for scheduled refueling and maintenance.

The workers were inside the containment building at Salem 2, the dome-shaped structure where the nuclear reactor is located, Delmar said Friday.

Fumes from hydrazine, a colorless liquid with an ammonia-like smell used to clean and preserve equipment built up inside the containment building. The hydrazine easily evaporate when exposed to the air.

After some of the workers began feeling the effects of the hydrazine, the containment building was evacuated, Delmar said.

Air samples were taken, he said, and it was "determined that hydrazine was present inside containment at levels which posed a safety risk to plant personnel."

While the levels of hydrazine in the area were below Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exposure limit at all times, more conservative limits established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) were followed to protect plant personnel, Delmar said.

Short term exposure to hydrazine can possibly lead to irritated eyes, nose and throats as well as dizziness, headaches or nausea, Delmar said.

All seven of the workers who suffered symptoms from the hydrazine exposure were treated on scene by members of the PSEG Nuclear fire department who are also trained EMTs.

Study: Cancer deaths up around N-plants

In all, 17 workers were inside the containment building at the hime of the incident.

They were all outside contractors who were hired specifically to come to the Island to perform work related to the outage, Delmar said. They all returned to work after being treated.

Once the area was ventilated, it was determined that conditions inside the containment building were safe and work activities resumed inside, Delmar said.

There was no threat to the health and safety of the public outside the plant, Delmar said.

While outage work stopped inside the containment building, work in other areas continued during the incident.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission officials were also notified of the incident.

"Our resident inspectors assigned to Salem closely monitored the event and the response of plant personnel, including the fire brigade," said Neil Sheehan, spokesman for the NRC. "They did not identify any immediate safety concerns."

An "unusual event" has the potential to impact plant safety, but there is no release of radiation and no threat to public health and safety of those outside the plant, Delmar says.

The declaration also establishes a level of readiness among plant employees if further action needs to be taken.

Salem 2 is one of three reactors operated by PSEG Nuclear at Artificial Island site. The other two reactors there -- Salem 1 and Hope Creek -- remain operating at full power.

This event marks Ranch Hope's 53rd year of serving children, youth and families

ALLOWAY TWP.-- Ranch Hope will host its annual Founder's Day Banquet on Thursday, May 11. This event marks Ranch Hope's 53rd year of serving children, youth and families. The guest speaker for the evening is Bishop John Schol of the United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey. "We are delighted that Bishop John Schol has accepted our invitation to speak at our Founder's Day Banquet," said Ranch Hope founder Rev. David L. Bailey Sr. "We are so appreciative of the financial and volunteer support the United Methodist Churches have given to the Ranch over our 53 years."

The Founder's Day Banquet will be an awards ceremony to recognize the 2017 Silver Spurs Award winner along with the 2017 Christian Partner and 2017 Corporate Partner awardees. 

The Silver Spurs Award is given annually to individuals and/or organizations that demonstrate leadership in ministering to children, youth and families. Ranch Hope is pleased to present the award to Isabel "Boydie" Bracken, who along with her husband Rev. Jim Bracken, founded Mission Teens Inc. in 1969. Mission Teens Inc. is a non-denominational Christian Discipleship ministry dedicated to helping people who struggle with life-controlling problems, by ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them. "We are truly blessed by the ministry Boydie and her late husband, Jim, provided to our community," said Rev. Bailey.

The Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church is the recipient of the Christian Partner Award. "I am personally so grateful to the Methodist Church congregations for their continued enthusiastic support of our ministry," said Rev. Bailey. "They have been with us from the very early days and throughout the Ranch's history."

The Hibbard Group LLC is the 2017 Corporate Partner awardee. "The Hibbard Group is receiving this award based on their ongoing support to the Ranch Hope Radio ministry and our long-standing positive working relationship." said Ranch Hope CEO, Dave Bailey Jr. "Jack Hibbard and his team have always been there for Ranch Hope, providing great leadership and strategies to help the radio ministry grow and thrive."

"All of these award recipients have been tremendously supportive of the Ranch Hope ministry throughout our 53-year history, and we are so pleased to present them with their respective awards," said Bailey.

The May 11 Founder's Day Banquet will be held at Sharptown United Methodist Church in Pilesgrove. The event begins with a social hour at 5 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner and the program. The cost is $25 per person and you may reserve your space by calling Ranch Hope's Development Office at 856-935-1555, ext. 125, or by emailing lindas@ranchhope.org. The reservation deadline is April 28. 

For more information about Ranch Hope and other upcoming events, visit www.ranchhope.org.

This item submitted by Linda Smith for Ranch Hope.

The most fun garden to plan is a moon garden

By Lorraine Kiefer

Every spring when I teach a landscape course through Rowan/Gloucester County Community college, I am motivated to really think about and read about many different plants. This year I am teaching Theme Gardens, Kaleidoscope of Color class, so I have a great variety of plants to consider. I have been increasingly interested in butterfly and bird native plants that will do well in southern New Jersey and the surrounding area. I was happy to discover that many of these also fit into a fragrant garden as well as a native plant garden. We discuss the kitchen garden, fragrant garden and herb garden as well. Surprisingly there are so many plants that overlap. 

The most fun garden to plan is the moon garden. Believe it or not natives such as fluffy white Fothergilla, Itea Virginica, Clethra anifolia and Cephalanthus occidentalis or buttonball are great shrubs in a moon garden as their textured white blooms reflect moonlight or spotlight. But they are also butterfly plants that are fragrant. These can also be in part shade if need be. When in full sun a mulch to cool soil and maybe a soaker hose under the mulch.

Pictured, from left, Clethra Anifolia; and the beautiful fragrant night blooming moon flower vine. Lorraine Kiefer 

The beautiful fragrant night blooming moon flower vine is fun to grow on a porch or pool railing. Snowy white Knock Out or drift roses are awesome for a moon garden site that is sunny in daytime. White zinnia, nicotiana alata, sweet alyssum, begonia and white petunia will bloom all summer around shrubs such as white hydrangea or reblooming encore azalea. The nicotiana and the petunia will also add a delightful perfume to the evening. White magnolia are good in a moon garden and the swamp magnolia is also a fragrant one. White butterfly bush, white crape myrtle and even white berried nandina are all great moon reflecting plants. For a spring show plant white crocus, sow drops, hyacinths and narcissus in fall for a awesome spring full moon show. Silver and gray foliate plants like artemesia, lamb's ears, dusty miller and rose campion summer blooming astilbe and phlox also make a statement. 

Remember is is good to have this garden where the moon shines early as it rises and especially near a porch, window or doorway. Some good lighting is awesome too since the moon is not always full or even visible.

Pictured from left, a white Hydrangea; and a button ball bush.Lorraine Kiefer 

The fluffy white, fragrant spring blooms of Fothergilla make it really great for a residential landscape. Although they do real well in semi-shaded spot, sunlight is good for lots of blooms when the soil has a lot of humus and is watered. Light mulch will ensure a cool, moist root and thus a healthier plant. To keep the shrub small, prune or remove branches when it stops flowering. If this is pruned too late, next year's blooms will be cut off, so always prune as the old blooms fade.

The other white natives that also blooms with a fluffy or loose white flower are the  Virginia Sweetspire and then Clethra. Both come out later than fothergilla, but with a similar but much longer, almost bottlebrush type of bloom. Tough plants they are loved for fragrant blooms and showy fall colors. They are also is very easy to grow and like fothergilla prefers moist, fertile soils, but will adapt to most soils. It will grow in part shade to sun. Mulch is essential to simulate a woodland environment, especially when the shrub is planted in the sun.

There are hundreds more white plants that you may want to try, many of these plants can provide beauty throughout the year. 

A more common theme garden is the kitchen garden. This can be a large pot or a plot depending on your space, your needs and your time. A kitchen garden always has vegetables, herbs, flowers and even fruit when space allows. Many folks like to fence this one in and like us often hide the fence with blueberry, beach plum, current, raspberry and blackberry plants. This a good way to hide the fence. We even had a few cherry trees along the fence on the north side of the garden.

A row of pole beans is also good on the north side so it doesn't shade. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and zucchini are favorites that need sun. A row of herbs is needed as are flowers. I love to cut zinnia and cosmos for bouquets and nasturtium to add to salads and other foods,

Depending on needs and space an herb garden can also be a pot or a plot. It can be formal or rustic and it will be artistic and beautiful. Herbs all have a personality of their own. This is often dictated by their fragrance and look. I love variegated herbs. I love the many kinds of salvia or sage and rosemary with lavender are so necessary in an herb garden.

Pursue a few themes this year and give your gardens some personality, beauty and a sense of humor. I promise you a moon garden. (and an herb garden and a butterfly garden etc.)

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

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

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

CHEERS: To budding local meteorologist Ryland Mishura following his TV debut on The Weather Channel last week. Ryland, 11, of Mullica Hill, is fighting a rare genetic disorder and Make-a-Wish America granted him this opportunity to appear on TV presenting a weather forecast. Ryland is a big fan off all things meteorological and he wowed viewers with his confidence and professional delivery. He clearly knows his stuff when it comes to the weather and we hope to see him delivering our forecast again soon.

JEERS: To another report of an alleged theft of funds from a fire company. We hear far too often in New Jersey of fire commissioners and treasurers entrusted with large sums who make off with money intended to keep our communities safe. The latest report comes from Woodbury Heights, where the former treasurer of the fire association is accused of stealing more than $170,000 over a six-year period. Where is the oversight that should prevent this kind of activity? We value the protection our fire companies provide, but expect them to maintain control over their finances. Local governments and the state should play an active role in ensuring theft is prevented or at least detected quickly.

CHEERS: To sharing the love of reading. The Cumberland County Library has named Susanne Sacchetti as its new director.  Sacchetti has extensive experience in the education and library fields. The library in Bridgeton is a wonderful resource for the entire community serving both children and adults with wonderful programs that help to enrich their lives.  The library helps to open up new worlds to the young and sparks the love of reading and learning in a nurturing environment.

JEERS: To some risky driving. Pennsville police report that  a Bridgeton man was arrested after allegedly driving as high as 95 mph through a 35 mph speed zone in the town. A video that police acquired shows a red "blur" as the driver passes other traffic near Pennsville Memorial High School. Luckily the incident took place on a Sunday when no children were around. At least one car was sideswiped in the event, police say. The driver was charged and is facing a date in court.

The Wenonah Swim Club was the first pool of its kind in Gloucester County

Most of the names of the founders of the Wenonah Swimming Club have been long forgotten, but hold a special place in the rich history of one of Gloucester County's most quaint and iconic towns.

Bob Shryocknj.com 

They're all gone now: Jim Savin, who originated the idea for the club; Jack Sheppard, Wenonah's mayor for 25 years and the borough's  No. 1 booster; Ted Worthington, Norm Sanger, Andy Wesh, Tony Sacca, Carl Gottschling, John McQuade, Josiah Park, and Jim Butzner, whose name curiously is missing from the founders' plaque.

The club's history (the name subsequently was changed to the Wenonah Swim Club) is chronicled in a new book by attorney Jeff Sprigman entitled "The Fruit of an Idea," which details its birth and the countless talented youth swimmers, plus pool managers, coaches, and, foremost, the families that have made it special.

Jeff's labor of love could have included a chapter about C.J. and Carrie Sprigman, his own kids who became two of the pool's most decorated Tri-County swimmers and county hall of famers, but he's much too modest for that.

And Jeff made certain he did include as many star swimmers' names from the early years, such as Shafer Henry, Julie Cross, Geoff Schulz, Jack Brangan, Natalie Holland, Jane Cale, Holly Lufkin, Tom DeHart, Bobby McQuaide, Jo Chamberlain, Diane Eberly, Bob Bodkin, Gerry Hutchinson, and others too numerous to mention. But Sprigman updates his list of swimmers and makes the litany of names current,  too.

Sprigman writes that  the impetus for the undertaking in 1956 came from the fact that the local waterways were "in bad shape," in that time period, according to Jack Sheppard.

Sprigman: "Upstream septic systems existing in the time had overflows, which drained into the local lakes, including the Wenonah Lake. Wenonah Lake and others in the area had to be shut down frequently because of the health hazards created by these overflows."

At the northern end of Wenonah, land existed that was available as a site for the project.

The initial goal was to sign up 350 families as bond holders. The target was cut to 300 families because of concerns about how the pool would impact Wenonah Lake. Construction started in late 1956 with a projected opening day set for May 30, 1957. It was the first pool of its kind in Gloucester County.

Construction was supervised by Viking Paddock Pools Inc. of Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, to include a diving well and wading pool. Total construction cost was about $90,000 to be financed by the membership of the non-profit club via refundable bonds.

"The pool will be in an ideal location," said Andy Wesh, a founder who lived on Stockton Avenue a block and a half from the pool, "with no busy streets to cross for members' children."

Then Mayor William I. Conway presided over the pool's gala official opening on Saturday, June 8 with these words.

"Today another asset is added to the attributes of Wenonah in the form of this magnificent pool ... an asset that is in conflict with neither the social nor religious life of the borough. Like so many milestones along the road of progress, this occasion consummates the fruit of an idea. An idea conceived in the minds of a relatively small group of our citizens whose enthusiasm knew no bounds."

The fruit of an idea indeed.

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

It happens too often. Now, the treasurer of Woodbury Heights' firefighting organization has been charged with stealing $170,000.

What is it about volunteer firefighting organizations that attracts the sticky-fingered as treasurers?

The question is prompted by the recent report that the former treasurer of the Woodbury Heights Improvement, Protective and Fire Association is alleged to have systematically helped himself to more than $170,000. Local police have charged Richard Conway, 51, with theft.

According to scant official information that has been released, the suspect put the money into his personal bank account between 2010 and 2016. The case has been referred to a grand jury.

Our April 20 story raised the most salient question about this, but it wasn't answered: "Authorities have not revealed how the alleged crime went on so long undetected. Efforts to reach borough and association officials were unsuccessful on Thursday(April 20) morning."

For the record, $170,000 is a lot of money, and six years is a lot of time.

Without making any assumptions about Conway's guilt or innocence, alleged crimes like this go on for so long because too few other people are watching. The same likely answer applies to the question in the first paragraph: A lack of effective oversight attracts thieves to community-group posts that demand financial integrity. Or, people who started as honest volunteers discover that it's so easy to steal and escape detection ... so, why not? 

In Woodbury Heights, it's likely that investigators will find violations of by-laws that require multiple signatures to disburse money, or a lack of such requirements. They also may find that outside audits were not performed as often or as diligently as they should have been.

We don't want to give a punch in the gut here to the majority who truly improve public safety as volunteers. Woodbury Heights' fire house was ravaged in a 2012 blaze, subsequently demolished, then replaced. Insurance settlements sometimes figure into embezzlement cases, although that may not be relevant here. But, it's a shame that the alleged theft spanned a time when most volunteers worked tirelessly to put the department it back on its feet. 

More broadly, one must ask why this fill-in-the-blanks story appears so often. Only the name of the association varies. In 2015, the treasurer of the Seaville (Cape May County) Fire Co. went to jail in a case in which two additional officers also embezzled funds. That same year, the treasurer of North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Co. No. 3 admitted to stealing $89,000.

It's not just a New Jersey thing. Towns that suddenly have no fire protection (not to mention 12-year-old center fielders who learn there is no money for uniforms, since youth sports organizations also fall victim to scams) pop up across the river in suburban Philadelphia, too. In one of the largest fire company cases, the Mahopac (N.Y.) Volunteer Fire Department's treasurer pleaded guilty last month to stealing $5.6 million.

New Jersey's firefighting services might soon undergo some reorganization and consolidation, as the number of volunteers dwindles. These changes might also lessen the ability to convert small fire companies into personal piggy banks.

Until then, volunteer organizations of any type need clear rules about how funds are to be handled, with fail-safe procedures to keep just one or two people from absconding with the money. Review the controls often. Read audit recommendations religiously, and react promptly if anything is found to be lax.

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

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Luis Perez writes that legislators' fail to make changes because they themselves benefit from the public retirement system.

Regarding state Sen. Jennifer Beck's guest column about payouts to retiring public employees for unused sick and vacation time, "Our property taxes depend on reforming sick-leave policies," which appeared April 14 in the South Jersey Times' print edition:

Beck (R-Monmouth) is correct in telling readers about the blockage by legislators against reforming the public employees' pension system. Such proposals do not even get fair hearings, simply because lawmakers in the Democrat majority get donations from teachers' and other public-employee unions.

Some of these same legislators are collecting state pensions or poised to do so. They do not want related policies changed, even though this hurts the pension system and the taxpayers. 

We have a large group of corrupt legislators in Trenton. Neither major political party should support the re-election of these individuals. Extra expenses for taxpayers discourage businesses from coming to New Jersey, and they encourage businesses and homeowners to move themselves and their capital to other states. 

Any potential 2017 candidate for governor who is backed by the unions will continue the same policies that now govern the Legislature , so we'd better watch out. 

Luis M. Perez, Glassboro 

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

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The Star-Ledger took home 32 journalism awards at the annual New Jersey Press Association awards ceremony.

HAMILTON -- The Star-Ledger was presented with 32 journalism awards Thursday in the New Jersey Press Association's Better Newspaper Contest.

In all, journalists representing NJ Advance Media, which other titles also includes The South Jersey Times, The Times of Trenton and The Express-Times of Easton (Pa.), won 39 awards in the annual contest.

The contest recognizes the best work in the state. The awards were presented at a dinner at the Hamilton Manor.

Journalists whose work appeared in The Star-Ledger, which competes in the larger of two circulation categories in the contest, won 10 first-place awards. Journalists whose work appeared in The South Jersey Times won four awards, three for second place and on for third place. The Express-Times of Easton (Pa.) won two awards, including one for first place, and the Times of Trenton added one more first-place award.

In the association's advertising contest, work that appeared in The Star-Ledger, The South Jersey Times, The Times of Trenton and NJ.com won 32 awards, including 15 for first place.

NJ Advance Media formed in 2014 and provides sales, marketing and content for The Star-Ledger, NJ.com and other daily and weekly newspapers in the state.

Here are the first-place winners:

Editorial

Responsible Journalism First Amendment, Art Weissman Memorial Award: Bait & Switch, the failed 911 update, Alex Napoliello and Stephen Stirling, The Star-Ledger

Innovation Award: Census comparison tool, Carla Austudillo, The Star-Ledger

News Picture Story: RNC and DNC Conventions, Aristide Economopoulos, The Star-Ledger

Portrait Photo: Shakoor, Aristide Economopoulos, The Star-Ledger

Graphics/Illustration Portfolio: James Green, The Star-Ledger

Opinion Column Portfolio: Tom Moran, The Star-Ledger

Sports Feature, Photo: Drenching Loss, John Munson, The Star-Ledger

Best Use of Social Media: N.J.'s Olympians, Alyssa Passeggio, Marisa Iati and Megan Merrigan, The Star-Ledger

Special Issue, Print: The 100-Yard Deception, Staff, The Star-Ledger

Online Breaking News: The Bridgegate Verdict, Staff, The Star-Ledger

News/Business Page Design Portfolio: Tiffany Schmidt, The Times of Trenton

Illustration: Phillies Top Prospect JP Crawford, Matt Smith, The Express-Times

Advertising

Best Restaurant/Entertainment Ad, color: Stress Factory VIP Experience, David Peterson, Tom Bohen, The Star-Ledger

Best Newspaper Promotion or House Ad: Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Robert Morgia, Marketing Strategy Team, The Times of Trenton    

Best Special Section: First Night Morris 2017, Melissa Chin, Isabella Mest, The Star-Ledger

Best Special Section Cover: Jersey Fresh, David Petersen, Advertising Content Team, South Jersey Times   

Best Special Topic Page(s): Greater Newark Holiday Fund, Melissa Chin, Lauren Feldman, Advertising Content Team, The Star-Ledger     

Best Community Service or Shared Ad: Times-Kiwanis Camp Fund, Robert Morgia, Marketing Strategy Team, The Times of Trenton    

Best Large Space Ad - Color: See-More TV & Appliance Center: Save Big with Sedona, David Petersen, Ron Ostroff, The Star-Ledger 

Best Niche Publication / Magazine: Dining Guide 2016, David Petersen, Advertising Content Team, Carmela Giardina   

Best Classified Pages: Circle of Excellence, Melissa Chin, Patty Anistranski, The Star-Ledger     

Best New Project for 2016: RWJBarnabas Sample Pages, Alaa Selim, Jeff Ruderman, Healthcare Marketing Solutions, Lily Kirov, The Star-Ledger 

Best Digital Standard Unit Ad: Iberia Peninsula: Festa Dos Campeos, Dan Cruz, Carmela Giardina, NJ.com  

Best Digital Impact Ad: Roosterspin: Sing! Sing! Sing! David Petersen, Ron Ostroff, The Star-Ledger    

Best Rich Media Creative: Park Bayonne, Alaa Selim, Stan Lemond, NJ.com

Best Multi-Media Online & Print Campaign: NJ's Best Italian Restaurant, Alaa Selim, Marketing Strategy Team, NJ.com

Best Digital Ad Campaign: Six Flags Recruitment: Frightfest, Melissa Chin, Rodney Johnson, Shelley Jordan, NJ.com 

Complete results from the 2016 NJPA contest may be found here.