Funeral planned today for rookie trooper killed in crash

TRENTON -- Eli McCarson was the kind of state trooper who kept an even keel on every call, one of his former squad mates recalled.

"Look, in certain circumstances, you have to do what's needed," said Trooper Anthony Parillo, who graduated from the State Police academy with McCarson. "But he'd make small talk with people he just arrested. He was charismatic. He had a gift. He just never got angry, ever."

McCarson was on patrol in tiny Quinton Township in Salem County last Thursday when his troop car struck a utility pole near Route 49. He was the second on-duty member of the State Police to die on the road in 2015 -- the worst year for division fatalities, officials said, in decades. 

McCarson's family will lay the trooper to rest on Wednesday after a funeral at Rowan University in Glassboro. Gov. Chris Christie, calling McCarson a "brave and loyal hero," ordered flags in New Jersey at half staff, and officials in McCarson's hometown of Mantua lowered the flag at their municipal building Tuesday evening in his honor. 

A viewing will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m., followed by a service at noon in the university's Pfleeger Concert Hall. 

Friends and family described McCarson, 30, as the selfless older brother in a family of five boys raised on a sprawling piece of property in Gloucester County.

Family of fallen N.J. state trooper lowers hometown flag

He loved God and his family, they said, and was his youngest brother's punk band's biggest fan. He also loved Spiderman, and "Star Wars" -- he had tickets to see the newest film the day of the crash, his brother said -- and he always wanted to be a trooper. 

"He was turned down from the State Police twice," his brother, Nate McCarson, said. "Then on his third try, he finished near the top of his class."

Eli McCarson, newly married, had just graduated the academy in February. Parillo sat right behind him in class.

"With everything going on in the academy, you don't have time to get close to anybody," Parillo said in an interview. "But we ended up in the same squad -- that's when we became close. It was literally me and him, learning together."

The two would ride midnight shifts out of the Port Norris barracks in Cumberland County, Parillo said, moving between medical assistance calls and domestic violence incidents, covering a hundred miles of road in a night.

They talked about family. They talked about life. They talked about football -- the greatest source of tension in the squad car.

"He loved the Eagles," Parillo said. "I'm a Giants fan. Probably the only thing me and him ever disagreed on."

Mostly, Parillo said, McCarson talked about his wife, Jordan, whom he married in September.

"He was always with her," Parillo said. "All his stories revolved around her."

Nate McCarson, two years younger than his brother, said Eli and Jordan met when the boys were working as life guards at Lake Hurff in Sewell. 

"Every time they'd walk into a room, you just saw how much they loved each other," Nate McCarson said. "Both total goofballs, but so loving and caring."

A look back: N.J. State Police killed in line of duty

A State Police spokesman said Tuesday evening that the cause of the crash, which occurred on Thursday around 10:45 a.m. after McCarson responded to a domestic dispute call, is still under investigation. Police say McCarson went off the right side of the road and struck an electric utility pole.

Rescuers worked to remove him from the car, where McCarson had been trapped when the doors jammed. He was taken to the Memorial Hospital of Salem County, where he died from his injuries around noon. His exact cause of death had not been determined.

Officials suggested the rain, which was heavy at times that day, may have contributed to the crash.

"Driving is our life," State Police Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes said in an interview this week. "I come to work (in a) nice office. Their office is the inside of that car."

In May, Trooper Anthony Raspa, 24, was killed when his patrol car struck a deer on Interstate 195 in Monmouth County. Three weeks later, Trooper Glenny Almonte, 28, was killed in an off-duty crash in Bergen County. 

Calling those deaths "the worst thing that can happen to an organization," the colonel said troopers receive "very robust training" in road safety. 

"Still, we realize the nature of the business that we're in," Fuentes said. "Sometimes things go wrong when you're trying to safeguard the public."

Parillo said that while McCarson -- who later transferred to the Woodstown station -- cared about the people he served, he also cared about his fellow troopers. He recalled being bitten by a dog on a call and requesting assistance. Not only was McCarson the first trooper to show up, Parillo said, he insisted on driving him to the hospital. 

"He sat in the emergency room three hours, four hours, until I got out, just hanging out with me," Parillo said.

"He's just rock solid," the trooper added, still referring to his friend in the present tense.

 

S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

MAYS LANDING — Through its Emergency Services Partnership Program, Atlantic City Electric recently donated 600 10-year long-life fire safety alarms to Cumberland and Salem counties. Atlantic City Electric donated a total of 2,400 smoke alarms to fire marshals in the eight counties the company serves to provide this much needed resource to New Jersey residents who need them. "Atlantic City...

MAYS LANDING -- Through its Emergency Services Partnership Program, Atlantic City Electric recently donated 600 10-year long-life fire safety alarms to Cumberland and Salem counties. Atlantic City Electric donated a total of 2,400 smoke alarms to fire marshals in the eight counties the company serves to provide this much needed resource to New Jersey residents who need them.

"Atlantic City Electric continues to support public safety entities such as fire service, law enforcement and emergency management through our Emergency Services Partnership Program through donations like this," said Vince Maione, Atlantic City Electric region president. "We're proud to partner with New Jersey's county fire marshals in our service territory to help keep residents safe."

Pictured, left to right, James Matlock, director of Cumberland County Office of Emergency Management; Bert Lopez, public affairs manager at Atlantic City Electric; Robert Strain, acting fire marshal for Cumberland County; and Joseph Derella, Cumberland County freeholder director. Through its Emergency Services Partnership Program, Atlantic City Electric recently donated 300 smoke alarms to Cumberland County.

Lowe's Home Improvement supplied the smoke alarms at a reduced cost to help support this effort. Since 2000, Atlantic City Electric has donated 28,020 smoke alarms to fire safety officials in southern New Jersey.

For more information about Atlantic City Electric, visit atlanticcityelectric.com. A mobile app is available at atlanticcityelectric.com/mobileapp.

jhummel@njadvancemedia.com Web: nj.com/ben Cellphone: 856-237-6645 U.S. Army: RA138159 The column that says long-time Millville coach Bob Hogan is a living, breathing miracle, and we're not surprised Jefferson Hospital is getting a lot of the credit. — Good afternoon! — Cooling centers in December? What's next after wearing T-shirts to Christmas dinner? — You did get your portable generator, didn't...

 

jhummel@njadvancemedia.com

Web: nj.com/ben

Cellphone: 856-237-6645

U.S. Army: RA138159

The column that says long-time Millville coach Bob Hogan is a living, breathing miracle, and we're not surprised Jefferson Hospital is getting a lot of the credit.

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Good afternoon!

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Cooling centers in December?

What's next after wearing T-shirts to Christmas dinner?

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You did get your portable generator, didn't you?

You used the money you saved from not buying snow tires, right?

Now that we'll never have roads snowed shut again thanks to brine, it's time to fortify the home.

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The Cumberland County 4-H program will present 4-H Frozen -- A Wintertime Workshop for kindergarten through 3^rd grade youth on Saturday, Jan. 16.

Beginning at 9 a.m. sharp, and concluding at 11:30 a.m., the program will be held at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Center, 291 Morton Avenue, in Rosenhayn.

Registration is limited to 20 youth in kindergarten through 3^rd grade. The cost of participation is $10 per child.

Participants will enjoy breakfast and photos with two special guests -- (Hint: They are sisters -- and one of them is named Elsa!) -- create a craft, enjoy a hands-on science activity and enjoy a freeze-frame activity using clips from a popular film.  

Participants are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite attire. Advance registration is required.

4-H Frozen is designed to introduce new youngsters to the 4-H Cloverbud Program, which serves the youngest 4-H'ers in kindergarten through third grade.

Children will enjoy fun activities designed to teach life skills, express themselves creatively, explore scientific concepts and develop personal confidence and speaking skills. 

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Goodwill says check!

Goodwill encourages local donors to do their homework when it comes to their end-of-the-year giving. 

While unattended donation bins in shopping center parking lots offer tremendous convenience, they are not always represented correctly. Many are actually operated by for-profit entities that "rent" a charity's name and give it a mere 4 to 6 percent of the proceeds. 

Others feature fictitious charity names.  

To ensure your donations support a charitable cause:

*  Verify the charity is legitimate with the State Attorney General Office.

*  Check a charity's rating using online resources such as Guidestar or Charity Navigator.

*  Visit the charity's website to view their most recent annual report and to see how they spend funds.

*  Legitimate bins provide full disclosure in terms of explaining what happens to your donations.  Look for a mission statement and 800 phone number on the bin.  Follow up with a phone call to the charity to make sure your donations will help the local community. 

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MY KIND OF TOWN: Where Hamilton Square is the happiest place in New Jersey.

The suspect, Richard Iverson, was arrested on Dec. 18, in Pennsville, police say.

PENNSVILLE TWP. -- A Salem man was arrested after being found with crack cocaine destined for distribution, authorities said.

Richard Iverson of Salem was arrested in Pennsville on Dec. 18 on numerous drug charges. (Salem County Correctional Facility)  

Pennsville Chief of Police Allen J. Cummings said his department along with members of the Salem County Prosecutor's Office, Penns Grove Police Department and the Salem County Sheriff's Office were conducting a narcotics investigation and received information that Richard Iverson of Salem was in possession of crack cocaine.

Iverson, along with Jasmine L. Williams, also of Salem, were stopped by officers in Cranberry Plaza on South Broadway on Dec. 18 around 12:12 p.m. and arrested, Cummings said.

Iverson, 20, was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (crack cocaine), possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, failure to surrender a controlled dangerous substance and possession of false identification, Cummings said.

He was taken to the Salem County Correctional Facility, Mannington Township, and held on $25,000 bail.

Williams, 27, was charged with conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance and issued a summons for driving while her license was suspended, according to the chief.

Williams was released on a summons awaiting a court appearance.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @TheSJTimes. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Lou Perez agrees with Donald Trump that it's too dangerous to permit Muslims to enter the United States right now.

To the Editor:

Donald Trump is right in wanting to suspend Muslim immigration until a safe and secure method is put in place to question those immigrants here as refugees, and to track those coming in with visitors' visas.

Already, we have allowed some ISIS and rogue fighters to come into the United States, such as Tashfeen Malik, the woman involved in the recent San Bernardino killings.

Good Muslims have helped this country in many ways. Some have volunteered for our armed forces. If they speak Arabic, their language skills are needed there. Muslim businessmen have proven themselves very successful in America, and some have fully integrated into our society.

On the other hand, we cannot take chances. Those who volunteer to fight us and undermine our protections while abroad should have their passports confiscated if they are U.S. citizens. They should not be allowed to return here, as an anti- terrorism bill sponsored by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, proposes.

Luis M. Perez

Glassboro

Blame Gloucester freeholders for animal shelter woes

To the Editor:

I found interesting Jack Scheidell's recent letter concerning reports of improper killing of cats and dogs at the Gloucester County Animal Shelter.

The facility's employment is under the control of the county freeholder board, which also controls the county budget.

In the November election, Democrats swept three freeholder seats, keeping the board all-Democrat in 2016. Notable in this victory is the amount of campaign contributions they used to win. 

According to New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission filings, the Democrats spent more than $668,000 on the freeholder campaign. This makes one curious why three jobs that each pay less than $18,000 a year are worth so much money. 

These freeholders, in lockstep with the others on the board, will control your tax dollars for the next three years. These financial geniuses raised our county government property taxes another 5 percent in 2015.

Remember, New Jersey has the highest property tax rates in the nation. Assemblyman Paul Moriarty, D-4th Dist., who just won re-election, originally pledged to correct the property tax problem. 

In addition to the animal shelter issues, the county may have to pay fines and health costs related to the hazardous gas leak from the 2013 train wreck in Paulsboro, because our HAZMAT emergency squad was ill-prepared. This department is overseen by Freeholder Joe Chila, who was also among those re-elected.

Maybe state Senate President Stephen Sweeney can save us. 

Gerald Keer

Turnersville

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

Trooper Eli McCarson, 30, was killed in an on-duty crash in Salem County last Thursday when his troop car struck a utility pole near Route 49. Watch video

GLASSBORO -- Thousands of police officers from across New Jersey and surrounding states stood sentinel Wednesday afternoon as the hearse carrying Trooper Eli McCarson passed.

McCarson, 30, was killed in an on-duty crash in Salem County last Thursday when his troop car struck a utility pole near Route 49.

Friends and family described the trooper as a dedicated public servant and newlywed husband who cared deeply about God, his family and his colleagues on the force.

"He led us, he taught us, he protected us and he never put himself before someone else," his brother Nate said during a funeral service at Rowan University in Glassboro.

N.J. trooper killed in crash 'had a gift' for policing

Outside the university's Pfleeger Concert Hall, troopers assembled to march in formation through the rain, stretching the length of a football field from the entrance of the concert hall to pay their respects.

Capt. Stephen Jones said troopers throughout the state are affected anytime there is a loss, no matter the station.

"Everyone pulls together, and as a family, you feel the loss," Jones said.

 

McCarson was the second on-duty member of the State Police to die on the road in 2015 -- the worst year for division fatalities in decades. The last time the division saw more than a single death in a year was 1984, when three troopers were killed in separate incidents, according to data from the State Police and the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Officials said the cause of the crash, which occurred on Dec. 17 around 10:45 a.m., after McCarson responded to a domestic dispute call, is still under investigation.

His family said McCarson's life's goal was to become a trooper.

"He was turned down from the State Police twice," his brother said in an interview before the funeral. "Then on his third try, he finished near the top of his class."

He was accepted into the State Police academy in August of 2014 and graduated this February, said State Police Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes. First assigned to Port Norris, he recently transferred to the Woodstown station in Salem County.

"Eli loved the spit and polish of the uniforms," Fuentes said.

The colonel said beneath every trooper's cap is a plastic pocket used to keep their identification and other important documents close at hand. It's also a tradition among troopers, Fuentes said, to store remembrance and prayer cards for fallen police officers there.

"Every time we touch our hat in salute ... we will remember Trooper McCarson," Fuentes said.

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, who spoke to McCarson and his classmates in the academy's 155th class in February, said she had told the new troopers they would "make a difference in the lives of others," and that McCarson did just that.

"What he did will live on in each of you," Guadagno said.

With a huge American flag hanging nearby from the ladder of a fire engine, the State Police Pipes and Drums of the Blue and Gold played the traditional "Going Home" as pallbearers escorted the casket to the waiting hearse. McCarson was buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Washington Township.

While the ceremony had all the trappings of a somber police funeral, there was also live Christian music, and friends and family took turns telling stories about the trooper who was also "the guy who brought the party."

During his eulogy, Nate McCarson recalled the last text message exchange he had with his older brother. Eli, a "Star Wars" fanatic, was recounting a traffic stop where the driver he pulled over for speeding had a miniature X-wing, one of the star ships from the movies, on his dashboard.

The trooper, Nate McCarson told the crowd, was himself excited to see latest film, which was about to be released, and asked the driver if he planned on seeing it.

The man paused, recognizing a fellow fan. "You will not give me a ticket," he said, mimicking the series' famous "Jedi Mind Trick."

"I will not give you a ticket," the trooper deadpanned. He let him off with a warning.  

The girl, 9, suffered a cut to her forehead after apparently being struck by a bus mirror, police said.

SALEM -- A young girl headed home from school was injured when she was struck by bus early Wednesday afternoon on Walnut Street, officials said.

A girl, 9, was struck by a bus in Salem City Wednesday. (File Photo) 

Just after 1 p.m. the driver of a senior transit bus said they saw the child run out into the roadway near where Walnut Street intersects with Sinnickson Street, according to Salem City Chief of Police John A. Pelura III.

The unidentified driver told police they attempted to swerve to avoid hitting the 9-year-old child, but believe the mirror on the bus struck the girl in the forehead, the chief said.

After the accident, the driver pulled to the side of the street and called 9-1-1 as did several bystanders, Pelura said.

The girl who lives in the neighborhood where the accident took place is a student at the nearby John Fenwick Elementary School.

When police arrived on the scene, Pelura said, the girl was conscious and alert. She had a visible cut on her head, the chief added.

Police, bystanders and an EMT waiting in traffic at the accident scene helped to stabilize the child after she was first hit. 

Members of the American Legion Ambulance of Woodstown/Fenwick Ambulance co-op arrived with paramedics, according to Pelura who was also on the scene. The Liberty Fire Co. of Salem also responded.

The bus was headed south with two passengers aboard at the time of the accident, the chief said. No one on the bus was reported to be injured.

The senior transit bus is owned by Salem County, county officials confirmed, but is operated by Pennsville Township. The driver of the bus is employed by the township.

A medical helicopter had been requested to fly the girl to a hospital, but couldn't respond due to the weather, reports said.

The American Legion Ambulance took the child by ground to Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware. Both of her parents rode in the ambulance with her, Pelura said.

She was later transferred to Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children outside Wilmington, Delaware.

The girl's condition was not immediately available.

No charges are pending in the accident, Pelura said.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @TheSJTimes. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The latest prices from Cedar lane Feeds Auction for Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015.

UPPER PITTSGROVE TWP. -- Prices at Cedar Lane Feeds Auction Tuesday were as follows:

Hay, per square bale: High, $6.75; low, $5.50.

Hay, per round bale: High, $77; low, $30.

Chickens: High, $14.50; low, $1.

Ducks: High, $7.50; low, $ --- .

Rabbits: High, $10.50 low, $2.

Pigeons: High, $3; low, $2.

Chicken Eggs - Brown: High, $3.20; low, $2.

Chicken Eggs - Green: High, $3.10; low, $2.30.

Duck Eggs: High, $2.90; low, $2.70.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @TheSJTimes. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

jhummel@njadvancemedia.com Web: nj.com/ben Cellphone: 856-237-6645 U.S. Army: RA138159 The column that says the Clydesdales will not be needed this Christmas season, but don't lock the barn door. — Good afternoon! — Piped-in music in downtown Bridgeton used to be a hit, as well as caroling on the front steps of what is now Bank of America at Commerce and...

 

jhummel@njadvancemedia.com

Web: nj.com/ben

Cellphone: 856-237-6645

U.S. Army: RA138159

The column that says the Clydesdales will not be needed this Christmas season, but don't lock the barn door.

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Good afternoon!

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Jaylene taxi services and Bridgeton Councilwoman Gladys Lugardo-Hemple and granddaughter give away toys to the community.  

Piped-in music in downtown Bridgeton used to be a hit, as well as caroling on the front steps of what is now Bank of America at Commerce and Laurel streets.

City council considered bringing back the music last Christmas, but the price was too dear.

And there was a question of how many shops were Latino, and should there be Hispanic music, also.

What's missing is foot traffic, which is everything.

And that bank is closed.

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According to a 2010 report released by the Pew Charitable Trust, there are 1.1 million fathers in jail who have children under the age of 17. 

This same report found that, 2.7 million children in the U.S. have one or both parents behind bars. 

A 2015 study by Anna Haskins of Cornell University examines the impact of paternal incarceration on children's social and behavioral development by employing a somewhat rare method of analyzing self-reports by those children.

The study used data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, which, starting in 1998, randomly sampled children at birth from hospitals in 20 large U.S. cities, and surveyed them and their families at ages 1, 3, 5 and 9 years.

Te study's findings include:

* Nearly 46 percent of the fathers in the study were incarcerated by the time their child reached age 9.

* Paternal incarceration was associated with higher child-reported antisocial behaviors.

* Children's prosocial development did not appear to be negatively impacted by paternal incarceration. However, the author cautions against the assumption that parental incarceration has no impact on this type of behavior.

* When children were divided by gender, paternal incarceration had a negative impact on boys' social and behavioral functioning, but effects were not statistically significant for girls.

The researcher notes that "paternal incarceration is not a rare life event," and calls for more research.

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"Attention to residents of Harding Woods and Picnic Grove Mobile Home Communities!

The New Jersey State Police have informed us that there has been a marked increase of property crimes in your area.

Vehicles, sheds and homes have been entered and valuables stolen.

The state police request that if you see anything you feel is suspicious, call them.

The number to call if you see a crime being committed is 911. If you would like a trooper to stop by to speak to you, the number is 856-451-0100.

To speak directly to someone at the Bridgeton Station, the number is 856-451-0101.

They need our help in catching these low life creeps! Please lock your vehicles, outbuildings and homes.

We do feel bad that we have to make this announcement at what should be the Happiest time of the year. We at Pittsgrove Neighborhood Watch wish each of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!"

-- Pittsgrove Watch

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Pittsgrove Watch does it right.

Doing better in a country setting than those in-town neighborhoods.

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Code Blue update:

"ID badges are still being finalized. I have received some, but it is an ongoing process. There are close to 200 approved volunteers for Cumberland County.

"Right now, we are focusing on contacting those who had approval issues to get them fixed. I will check today to see if I got your badge yet.''

-- Jason Patterson III,

Cumberland County Code Blue

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MY KIND OF TOWN: Where donate clothes to a clothes closet and get credit on your income tax return.

jhummel@njadvancemedia.com Web: nj.com/ben Cellphone: 856-237-6645 U.S. Army: RA138159 The column that says if you find you have no patience, once a day try calling the state — any department for any reason — and you will learn patience. — Good evening! — "Are you aware that currently there is no legislation by HUD or the state that prevents smoking...

 

jhummel@njadvancemedia.com

Web: nj.com/ben

Cellphone: 856-237-6645

U.S. Army: RA138159

The column that says if you find you have no patience, once a day try calling the state -- any department for any reason -- and you will learn patience.

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Good evening!

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"Are you aware that currently there is no legislation by HUD or the state that prevents smoking in individual senior apartments? 

"The current laws state that it is illegal to smoke in the common areas of each complex, or within 25 feet of the building. However three words are missing, 'in individual apartments.'

"The state health department has no authority to enforce no smoking in individual apartments, even when the smoke migrates into other apartments and hallways. This decision is left up to the owner/management of each complex in New Jersey (even subsidized units).''

-- Edna Birch

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Bridgeton Police donate toys.
 

Officers from the Bridgeton Police Department delivered more than 100 toys collected at Mayor Albert Kelly's Christmas Breakfast to benefit the department's Police Athletic League to Lt. Sergo LaLanne at the Salvation Army.

The toys will be distributed to families in need this holiday season.

Pictured are: Chief Michael Gaimari Sr., Capt. James Battavio, Officers, Randy Martinez, Phillip Fox and Robert Hayes along with Juvenile Det. Joshua Thompson.

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Was Thompson a center on the Bridgeton High basketball team?

If so, small world. Gaimari was the center on the Hammonton High team the one year they beat Bridgeton.

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"Hey, Jack,

"With 2015 coming to a close, we at Apartment List wanted to highlight the top rental trends and stories for the year.

"You can read the full report and access additional data on our blog, but here are a some of the highlights you might be interested in.

* A 2-bedroom apartment in New Jersey has a median price of $1,400, which is up 6.2 percent over last year.

* 53 percent of renters in New Jersey are cost-burdened, spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent.New Jersey renters give their state an F overall.

* 54 percent of renters in New Jersey intend to purchase a home.''

-- Apartment List

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"Listen up, please.

"Everyone that rides our free bus service, please pay attention and wave at the driver as he/she does not know you're waiting for the bus.

"Even if you ride it often, they still need a sign you're waiting for them.

"Getting too many falls where you've missed our bus. The website to get the schedules is ccoel.org. Then hit 'Transportation' and you will see all our schedules.

"If you don't have access to a computer, call me and I will mail you a schedule.

"Be there at least five minutes before and , last but not least, don't call cussing me out. I sit at a desk and have no idea what is going on.

"I take the calls and direct you the best I can. Complaints go to the supervisor of transportation. Please be polite.

"Call 696-5660, ext. 3001.''

-- Gloria Cortez,

Cumberland County -- Office of Workforce Development: Home

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Let's get out there on the street with your cell phone and multi-task.

Follow one bus for a while and then another.

That way, if anybody is left at the curb you can pick them up and catch up with the bus.

What's wrong with an office on wheels?

You can also check for neighborhood deficiencies on HUD properties.

Does it say on the back of the bus, "How is my driving?'' It should.

MY KIND OF TOWN: Where the focus is put on family and friends at Christmas now that all the gift buying is done.

jhummel@njadvancemedia.com Web: nj.com/ben Cellphone: 856-237-6645 U.S. Army: RA138159 The column that slips and slides toward Christmas morning — NOT! — Good morning! — "A special thank you goes to Marcacci Meats in Vineland for taking the last several names from Project Santa's Angel Tree at the YMCA and purchasing gifts for the children. "Their thoughtfulness and generosity ensured that...

 

jhummel@njadvancemedia.com

Web: nj.com/ben

Cellphone: 856-237-6645

U.S. Army: RA138159

The column that slips and slides toward Christmas morning -- NOT!

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Good morning!

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Lizzy, Alex, Angelica, Rhonda -- with Lizzy Viruet Kennedy at YMCA of Vineland/Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA. 

"A special thank you goes to Marcacci Meats in Vineland for taking the last several names from Project Santa's Angel Tree at the YMCA and purchasing gifts for the children.

"Their thoughtfulness and generosity ensured that every child on the list will receive gifts in time for Christmas.

"Thank you, Marcacci Meats! Your kindness is deeply appreciated.''

-- Alex Kaganzev,

Santa's Angel Tree

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"No wonder the Walton family is so wealthy.

"While bargain hunters were stripping the shelves of Christmas merchandise here, workers were stocking empty shelves with stuff for Valentine's Day.

"Whatever happened to a time of the season?''

-- David Price,

Walmart Atlanta

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Indifference is a disease.

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The FBI will start with a new program targeting animal cruelty as a "crime against society" and Class A felony, on Jan. 1, 2016.

The new program is part of a decision made in 2014 that finally goes into effect at the beginning of the year with the FBI tracking animal cruelty cases.

The National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS), a catch-all where crimes against animals were lumped along with every other offense across the U.S. was used, but now the FBI can track where cruelty is occurring, how often and whether or not animal cruelty is on the rise. Having this specific targeted data will help in the fight against animal cruelty with the offenses falling into 4 categories:

(1) Neglect

(2) Intentional Abuse ( includes officers that shoot dogs unjustly, shelter workers that abused animals ) and Torture

(3) Organized Abuse (dog and cock fighting)

(4) Animal Sexual Abuse.

Police agencies must report incidences as well as arrests.

We the general public can also report abuse as well. If you see or know of anyone abusing animals in any of these 4 categories please report it to the FBI starting January 1st 2016 at link below.

The National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS)

https://m.fbi.gov/

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Cumberland County Family Promise is having a fundraiser Monday night at Texas Roadhouse, from 4 to 10 p.m.

Texas Roadhouse will donate 10 percent of your total food purchase to Family Promise.

Family Promise of Cumberland County is a network of churches that will provide housing accommodations, meals, transportation, case management, and compassionate support to Cumberland County families without homes. 

Will anybody be handing out fliers at the door?

Get the 32-ouncer in the back of the meat case.

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MY KIND OF TOWN: Where is anybody checking the wind chill factor?

Tradition is what makes the yuletide season "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," a song, FYI, written by Edward Pola and George Wyle in 1963 and released that year by Andy Williams.

According to information available from Billboard Magazine, there have been a total of 446 Christmas-themed songs that have cracked the top 100 on the Billboard charts since 1955.

Courtesy of Distejon 

I'm in no way ashamed to admit that my personal favorite has always been "Snoopy's Christmas" by the Royal Guardsmen, first released in 1967 as a follow-up to their hit "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron" the previous year. The problem is, I rarely - if ever -- hear it on the radio stations that play non-stop Christmas music from Halloween clear through New Year's Day.

Thankfully, I can drag out an old 45-rpm record player, drop the record on the turntable and listen to it. Playing that song is a Christmas tradition that I enjoy year after year.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

In my opinion, it's tradition that makes this "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (FYI: that song was written by Edward Pola and George Wyle in 1963 and was released that year by Andy Williams).

I'll leave you with what I must say was the most memorable Christmas, for me, of all time.

Courtesy of NASA 

It didn't involve the music, the presents or the decorations or even the annual homemade ravioli. It was 1968; we had attended midnight Mass, which I served as an altar boy, and returned home just in time to turn on the television for reports on the Apollo 8 astronauts, the first human beings to travel to orbit another celestial body. And we heard the three men (three wise men? Who'd traveled from afar? I'd say the symbolism was far too much for me to grasp at the time) read from the Book of Genesis.

At the time, it was the most-watched telecast in the history of television. And after they finished reading, Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William Anders finished with "and from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas - and God bless all of you, all of you on the good Earth."

I still get chills thinking about it. And I and writers all over the world could sit at a keyboard for decades and not come up with a better wish for Christmases past, present and future than that.

Here's a gallery of vintage photos of people celebrating Christmas in New Jersey. Be sure you've clicked on the caption button to read more about these classic photos.

Still in the holiday spirit? Here's a link to last year's gallery.

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

BRIDGETON — 29 Columbus Ave., Donna J. Coursey to Edrabel Gonzales-Brabo for $20,000. — 790 E. Commerce St., Cumberland County Improvement Authority to Education Capital Solutions LLC for $1,200,000. CARNEYS POINT TWP. — 321 Georgetown Road, Housing and Urban Development to Russell J. Dodge for $25,000. — 29 Maplewood Ave., Steven and Michele Caltabiano to Lauren Anderson for $145,000....

South Jersey Times 

BRIDGETON

-- 29 Columbus Ave., Donna J. Coursey to Edrabel Gonzales-Brabo for $20,000.

-- 790 E. Commerce St., Cumberland County Improvement Authority to Education Capital Solutions LLC for $1,200,000.

CARNEYS POINT TWP.

-- 321 Georgetown Road, Housing and Urban Development to Russell J. Dodge for $25,000.

-- 29 Maplewood Ave., Steven and Michele Caltabiano to Lauren Anderson for $145,000.

COMMERCIAL TWP.

-- 2309 Wock Road, Judson to Lemuel Robbins for $21,000.

DEERFIELD TWP.

-- 565 Morton Ave., Walter Wroniuk to Joseph B. Sparacio for $115,000.

-- 702 Landis Ave., George A. LoBiondo, executor, to Alvin Russell for $50,000.

DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 81 Moore Ave., Atlantic Investment Resources LLC to Charles Flack for $40,000.

-- 101 Creekview Trail, Susan Nichols to Robert J. and Megan Williams III for $295,000.

DOWNE TWP.

-- 887 Downe Ave., Charles L. Klein Jr., executor, to Alexander Morris for $40,000.

ELSINBORO TWP.

-- 9 Bender Dr., Elizabeth I. Maier, executrix, to Renny R. Maier for $75,000.

HOPEWELL TWP.

-- 169 Mary Elmer Dr., Laurie Henry to William F. Richmond III for $135,000.

FRANKLIN TWP.

-- 2435 N. Blue Bell Road, Michael C. Mahoney to James Weaver for $187,600.

-- 584 Lantern Way, Housing and Urban Development to Robert Merlino for $172,000.

-- 260 Harris Ave., Brandt Development LLC to Duncan J. and Robbie E. Bacon for $224,900.

-- 231 Trimmel Ave., Gilbert Christy to Gail and Jeffrey Meersand for $485,000.

-- 19 Fourth St., Housing and Urban Development to Mathew B. Worthmann for $83,000.

GLASSBORO

-- 8 Meghan Court, Sarah Scattergood DeJesse and Michael DeJesse to Antonino D. Polimeni and Taylor A. Pilla for $247,500.

-- 132 Earl Ave., Infinity Real Estate Investments LLC to Patricia L. Parisano for $65,000.

-- 132 Earl Ave., Housing and Urban Development to Infinity Real Estate Investments LLC for $39,150.

MANTUA TWP.

-- 1088 Tristram Circle, Michael M. and Michelle Ann Familiare to Raimondo S. Feudale for $116,000.

-- 1243 Tristram Circle, Susan Squillace to Francis and Karin McGarry for $120,000.

MILLVILLE

-- 925 Shar Lane Blvd., Landmark Development No. 4 LLC to Latoya M. Hunt for $164,900.

-- 44 Hogbin Road, Heaven McNamara to Jonathan E. Clifford for $170,000.

-- 301 Fernwood Road, Frederick W. Tiedemann to Timothy Bradway for $140,000.

MONROE TWP.

-- 1025 Sulffolk Dr., Chukwufumnanya C. and Bolanie Olukemi Ugbode to Jason E. Miller for $330,000.

-- 316 Laurel Ave., Alice M. Ogle to Anthony and Christine B. DeSantis for $124,500.

NATIONAL PARK

-- 501 Hessian Ave., Catherine Ann Reeve and Sherryl Reeve Sprock to Cody S. Mroz and Kelli A. Gillespie for $131,000.

PAULSBORO

-- 544 Mantua Ave., John J. and Susan Wurtenberger to Michael C. Sierocinski for $93,000.

PENNS GROVE

-- 115 Guest St., CCTS Tax Liens I LLC to Rafae Perez and Roxana Chicas for $20,000.

-- 114 E. Main St., Keith R. Campbell to PRAC Properties III LLC for $13,500.

PENNSVILLE TWP.

-- 55 Maryland Ave., Donald L. and Bernice A. Miller to Arde H. Johnson Jr. for $40,000.

-- 71 S. Washington Dr., Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. to Billy R. Cooper for $68,000.

-- 308 S. Broadway, Lorriane E. Brecht by attorney to Brian A. and Mandi L. Grimming for $55,000.

-- 7 Sanford Road, GH Homes Inc. to Timothy Oscar for $142,500.

-- 83 Dartmouth Road, Lawrence D. and Deanna L. Chard to Minta A. and Anthony R. Berry for $213,000.

-- 22 Pennsylvania Ave., Fannie Mae to David and Mary Reinherz for $18,500.

-- 146 Churchtown Road, Department of Veterans Affairs to Curry & Sons Construction LLC for $42,000.

PILESGROVE TWP.

-- 837 Route 40, Fulton Bank of New Jersey to 3451 Route 9 LLC for $245,000.

PITTSGROVE TWP.

-- 159 Lawrence Corner Road, Laurence F. Timberman Jr., executor, to Christopher A. Walker for $160,000.

SALEM

-- 246 Sinnickson St., William T. Crist Jr. to Terry Ann Griffiths for $3,500.

-- 66 to 68 8^th St., Stephen Flood to Ralph and Susan Caione for $63,000.

UPPER DEERFIELD TWP.

-- 116 Friesburg Road, Donald J. McCracken to Jonathan D. Settrella Jr. for $77,000.

VINELAND

-- 1609 Wallace St., David Pepitone to Johnattan Rios for $140,000.

-- 1519 E. Chestnut Ave., Dorothy A. Robinson by executor, to Eileen B. Gordy for $159,000.

-- 312 W. Summit St., Carol P. Brooks to Marsha N. Ridley for $100,000.

-- 259 Carpy Ave., Judy Goldman, executrix, to Maritza Arbelo for $142,000.

-- 543 Bradford Dr., Justine Roque to Michelle L. McKoy for $130,000.

-- 1963 E. Chestnut Ave., Adam B. Sosnoff, executor, to Michael M. Rossi III for $120,000.

-- 284 Amanda Court, Folkstone Properties LLC to Danielle M. Bennett for $211,350.

-- 2126 Frederick Court, Gary Yeager to Justin Myerson for $207,900.

1830 W. Garden Road, Adrianne Franklin to Robert Galbiati for $97,000.

WASHINGTON TWP.

-- 120 Covered Bridge Court, Camy and Robert J. Kobylinski to Michael DiSandro for $170,000.

WENONAH

-- 18 Lenape Trail, Gary L. Reddig to Ivy Grace Durrant and Robert B. Gerds III for $238,000.

WEST DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 294 Night Hawk Circle, Alan J. and Arlene L. Blocher to Robert E. and Barbara A. Pritchard for $301,113.

WOODBURY

-- 544 Prince St., John H. and Patricia M. McNaul to Sabrina C. Gittinger for $148,000.

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

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, dream on. Keep those hot summer days coming on Christmas weekend, global warming fans.

Bob ShryockTimes file photo 

Unless Philadelphia's growing army of meterologists is way off base on this call, we're going to either tie or obliterate a longstanding mark today for the highest temperature recorded on Christmas Eve.

And I say, bring it on. Ho, ho, ho. Figure on dressing down tonight, Santa.

Consensus prediction is 74 degrees, or one degree higher than the standing record of 73. Just 74?

Let's go for 80 and invite the neighbors over for a cook-out and dip in the pool. It'll be a great day to head to the Jersey shore and work on those sun tans.

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, dream on. Keep those hot summer days coming on Christmas weekend, global warming fans.

I'm thrilled by this because I'm always cold. Always. Since I've applied for residency in Florida but discovered there's no room for more transplants in the Sunshine state, I must learn to deal with somewhat harsher New Jersey winters. But I absolutely despise being cold.

My wife is the opposite. She thrives on cold weather, and loathes the heat. On Monday, the outside temp was a tidy 50-something. Inside the Shryock cottage, it must have been 40. How can that be? She groused about being saddled with the low 50s in late December, calling it a heat wave. I'm pretty sure I saw her lowering the thermostat a few notches. She's going to be thrilled with today's temps.

Conversely, I don't know what the hot flashes mean, but I can't get warm enough. When we took the kids and grandkids out for a pre-holiday dinner Monday, I wore four layers of clothing, hardly conducive to the week's upsurge in temps. I wrap myself in blankets, fighting the dog for possession, and take the space heater to bed with me.

The good news is, if we can figure out how to minimize the cold it's likely we're going to escape snow this winter, too. The only thing I hate more than cold is snow and the only thing I hate more than snow is lots of it.

Now we're concerned about it being too warm for Christmas. Go figure.

Because I'm an old dude, I can tell you without hesitation it was not always like this. It seems to me that, as a kid growing up, it almost always snowed on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Trust me, it's the truth.

I know this, too: We didn't worry about the heat.

Because there wasn't any.

~~~

Merry Christmas, dear readers.

Have a hot one.

Bob Shryock may be reached at bshryock@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @TheSJTimes. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

The incident took place Wednesday around 9:15 p.m. on Clark Street in the Deepwater section of the township, according to Pennsville Chief of Police Allen J. Cummings.

PENNSVILLE TWP. -- Police are seeking a suspect who allegedly beat a man with a baseball bat, punched him in the face and then robbed him.

Evan J. Windsor is being sought for allegedly beating a man in Deepwater, police say. (Pennsville Police Department) 

The incident took place Wednesday around 9:15 p.m. on Clark Street in the Deepwater section of the township, according to Pennsville Chief of Police Allen J. Cummings.

The chief said the victim is a 19-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware.

The unidentified victim was looking for a friend when Evan Windsor, 21, of Manahawkin approached him and attacked him, Cummings said.

Windsor allegedly hit the victim in the leg and back with the bat, bunched him in the face and then took a cell phone, valued at $100, and fled the area.

Windsor remained on the lam on Christmas Eve morning, the chief said.

A warrant was issued for Windsor Thursday on charges of robbery, theft, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of a weapon. 

His bail has been set at $25,000, Cummings said.

The victim refused treatment.

Anyone who knows where Windsor can be found should call 856-678-3089 Ext. 524 or utilize tip411.

Tipsters will remain anonymous.

Both the victim and Windsor are former Pennsville Township residents.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @TheSJTimes. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

CARNEYS POINT -- Newly created student-art space in the Michael S. Cettei Memorial Library at Salem Community College is being celebrated with an exhibit titled "It's All Different." Coordinated by Assistant Professor of Visual and Performing Arts Jenna Lucente, the exhibit gave students in the Portfolio and Professional Practices course the opportunity to showcase their work as well as...

CARNEYS POINT -- Newly created student-art space in the Michael S. Cettei Memorial Library at Salem Community College is being celebrated with an exhibit titled "It's All Different."

Coordinated by Assistant Professor of Visual and Performing Arts Jenna Lucente, the exhibit gave students in the Portfolio and Professional Practices course the opportunity to showcase their work as well as provide a hands-on learning experience in exhibition preparation. 

The exhibit features the works of Mike Belfiore, Paul Castiglione, Tina Davis, Kelsey Steinhauser, Thaddeus Wascheck, Quinton Williams and Dennis Woolley. 

Having the works on display adds a level of professionalism that is otherwise unavailable at the student level, according to Lucente. "The students are also able to realize the power that artwork can communicate while hung in a public space," she added. 

"I am extremely proud of these students for the integrity and dedication put forth in making this exhibit come to life," she said, "and I am thrilled they are able to witness the success of their own collective efforts."

Paul Castiglione (center) and Mike Belfiore (second from right) were recognized for their artwork by Salem Community College Distinguished Alumnus and World-Renowned Glass Artist Paul J. Stankard (left). Castiglione and Belfiore each received the Paul Stankard Award for Artistic Expression during a reception celebrating the "It's All Different" student exhibit in the Michael S. Cettei Memorial Library in December. Joining them were Assistant Professor of Visual and Performing Arts Jenna Lucente and President Michael R. Gorman. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Lucente and the students were pleased with the response from the College community. "I believe this will only and always encourage this fantastic group of students to pursue their careers with great enthusiasm," she said. 

At the exhibit reception, Castiglione and Belfiore received the Paul Stankard Award for Artistic Expression, presented by the SCC Distinguished Alumnus and world-renowned glass artist himself. Castiglione earned first place for his "The Graffiti Wall" project. "This was an example of Photoshop's selection tool and the use of stylized text, in order to make a picture of a wall appear to have graffiti on it," said Castiglione, a Pennsville resident.  

Belfiore's 2013 photo shows a railroad track disappearing behind a bend on the edge of a cliff lining the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz Calif. "The railroad tracks represent a road less traveled; leaving home traveling with no destination but adventure," said Belfiore, a Mullica Hill resident, whose photo received honorable mention. 

The public is invited to visit the exhibit when the college reopens from holiday break on Jan. 4. The show runs until Jan. 21.

SOUTHPORT, N.C. — The American Cancer Society is recognizing more than six years of dedicated service to cancer patients by Southport, North Carolina, esthetician Barbara Acton. Acton was presented with the Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) Sunrise Award for outstanding service in 2015 last month. Look Good Feel Better is a free program of the American Cancer Society in...

SOUTHPORT, N.C. -- The American Cancer Society is recognizing more than six years of dedicated service to cancer patients by Southport, North Carolina, esthetician Barbara Acton. Acton was presented with the Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) Sunrise Award for outstanding service in 2015 last month.

Look Good Feel Better is a free program of the American Cancer Society in collaboration with the Personal Care Products Council that addresses the appearance-related effects of cancer treatment for women and helps them use cosmetics, wigs, scarves, etc. to enhance their appearance and raise their spirits. 

All Look Good Feel Better cosmetology volunteers attend a four-hour certification class. Look Good Feel Better is free, non-medical, and salon and product neutral. Volunteers and program participants do not promote any cosmetic product line or manufacturer. All cosmetics used in the group program are donated.

Acton is the wife of Fred Acton, a former resident of Salem County, N.J.

Web: nj.com/ben Phone: 856-451-1000, ext. 556 Cellphone: 856-237-6645 FAX: 856-455-3098 U.S. Army: RA13815980 The column that hopes you're about to roast chestnuts on an open fire with the entire family gathered around telling stories about how many people they've helped this Christmas. — Good afternoon! — Turn on the air conditioning. Would you admit it if you did? —...

 

Web: nj.com/ben

Phone: 856-451-1000, ext. 556

Cellphone: 856-237-6645

FAX: 856-455-3098

U.S. Army: RA13815980

The column that hopes you're about to roast chestnuts on an open fire with the entire family gathered around telling stories about how many people they've helped this Christmas.

--

Good afternoon!

--

Turn on the air conditioning.

Would you admit it if you did?

--

How does this sound for a co-host for Saturday's show from noon to 2 p.m. on 92.1 FM?

KRISTINA OGLIVIE 

Kristina Ogilvie, 42, is a Master's Level Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LCADC).

She earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from CACREP accredited Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado in 2011.

Kristina is passionate about counseling and utilizes her various life experiences to genuinely connect with her clients.

She operates Doors of Growth.

It sounds like we're all going to learn something about ourselves.

--

Bridgeton Holiday Trash Schedule 

Effective now through Saturday, Jan. 2, any "excess HOLIDAY trash" will not require a $3 yellow sticker. 

Trash can lids must still be completely closed. 

During the weeks of Dec. 21 and Dec. 28, Monday through Thursday trash collection will be on a normal schedule. Friday trash collection will be delayed one day. 

The Florida Avenue Convenience Center will be operating on a regular schedule Saturday, Dec. 26,  and Saturday, Jan. 2, for City of Bridgeton residents. 

If you have any questions, call the Department of Public Works at 856-455-3230, ext. 279, where Dean Dellaquila always takes care of you.

--

If the Phillies thought more like the Eagles, Ryan Howard would not be playing first base because of his huge salary.

--

Sooner of later in the NFL, everybody will be hurt and they'll have to cancel the schedule.

It's getting ridiculous.

--

It's going to be a happy holiday for 15 cats and kittens who are being transferred to our shelter partner, the Delaware County SPCA, where we know they will quickly find forever homes.

In order for this transfer to go through, we must combo test our furry friends at the cost of $250!

If anyone would like to make a donation ($25 covers one test, but any sized donation is so greatly appreciated!) toward making their holiday wishes come true, please visit our Go Fund Me page.

And thank you from everyone at CCSPCA and our furry feline friends! 

The site is https://www.gofundme.com/hun2is.

--

The only good thing about a 1,200-calorie, fast-food sandwich is you only have to eat one meal a day.

By the way, the glazed doughnut that has become elusive in Bridgeton and Pennsville has 260 calories.

--

Bridgeton Library's revised schedule:

Thursday, Dec. 24
The library will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, Dec. 25 and 26
The library will be closed.

Wednesday, Dec. 30
The library will close at 5 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 31
The library will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 1.

The library will be closed.

--

"Here's a story with a Biblical parallel.

"In the Book of Genesis, it says God created the Earth in six days and, on the seventh day, he rested.

"Well, we got our furniture delivered to Atlanta six days ago, and completed setting up our apartment today. Which means tomorrow we can rest.

"Although my wife contends that I did a lot of resting on the previous six days already. Anyway, it means Price Place Atlanta is now open for visitors.

"C'mon on down (or up or over) and see us some time.''

-- David Price,

Bridgeton native

MY KIND OF TOWN: Where it won't be long now.

Web: nj.com/ben Phone: 856-451-1000, ext. 556 Cellphone: 856-237-6645 FAX: 856-455-3098 U.S. Army: RA13815980 The column that says rain in December is good, better than the alternative for those who can't afford to go to Florida, too old to shovel and the land is to flat to ski. — Good evening! — "Thank you for the mention about the rescue...

 

Web: nj.com/ben

Phone: 856-451-1000, ext. 556

Cellphone: 856-237-6645

FAX: 856-455-3098

U.S. Army: RA13815980

The column that says rain in December is good, better than the alternative for those who can't afford to go to Florida, too old to shovel and the land is to flat to ski.

--

Good evening!

--

"Thank you for the mention about the rescue I volunteer for. I love doing it and the dogs all go to exceptional homes. That's the best part!''

-- Linda Eisenberg

--

An elderly woman in Sussex County who recently lost her husband and whose house is in foreclosure is unable to care for the 25 cats and dogs under her care.

They are all in need of immediate veterinary care and we are reaching out to you for help.

All donations will go toward the care of these animals. Please help with a donation so they can get the care they need. Follow this link to our GoFundMe page.  gofundme.com/vet care.

Thank you.

-- New Jersey SPCA,

njspca.org

--

If the two poorest counties in the state are Cumberland are Salem, why are new gaming laws in North Jersey being explored to produce jobs and revenue up there?

--

The Delaware Children's Theatre has discovered the formula for pure entertainment with its upcoming production of "One Magic Kiss: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," running Jan. 16 through 31. 

The Delaware Children's Theatre is located at 1014 Delaware Ave. in Wilmington, in a historic 19^th-century theatre house.

Showtime for "One Magic Kiss" is 2 p.m. on Jan. 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31.

Tickets are $13. Parking is available in the Bellevue Parking Lot, directly opposite the theatre. Additional parking is available behind the theatre.

Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are available online at www.dechildrenstheatre.org. Call 302-655-1014 for more information.

                  --

While HUD mandates an annual count of sheltered homeless population and a biennial count of un-sheltered homeless populations, New Jersey employs an annual count to not only obtain consistent data about the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness, but also to understand the causes of homelessness and the service needs of those experiencing homelessness.

Please save the fate for #NJCounts 2016. which will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 27.

Each New Jersey county will conduct its own point in time count of the homeless.

--

The Cumberland County Children's Club hosted an Ugly Sweater Day at the Library.

Ugly Sweater Day at Cumberland County Library.  

"We had fun wearing our sweaters and making holiday cards at the library. We even had a contest winner for the ugliest sweater in which our winner Jeremiah Brown, 6, of Bridgeton, won a certificate and the classic tale 'The Wind in the Willows' by Kenneth Grahame.

"Pictured are contestants as they had fun at their library!

"Jeremiah Brown 6, and grandmother Karen Brown of Bridgeton. The Hussla family, Elizabeth, Billy, and Brenden,  12, of Upper Pittsgrove Township. Zoe, 5, and her mother Christine Fallon of Millville, and Liliana Nieves, 2, and mother Adericka (not pictured) of Bridgeton.''

-- Christina L. Campbell,

Children's Programs Coordinator

--

Bethany Grace Community Church, located in the poorest neighborhood south of Camden, will be opening up their doors for their Third Annual Christmas Morning Brunch from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Dec. 25.

This free brunch is expected to serve approximately 200 men, women, and children in the City of Bridgeton.

Attendees of the brunch will receive a Christmas greeting from Santa Claus ,who will be delivering last minute presents to those in attendance. Volunteers from the brunch are from the local community.

Bethany Grace Community Church is located at 31 N. Pearl St., Bridgeton. For more information or learn how to volunteer/donate, visit www.faithinactioncentral.com.

--

MY KIND OF TOWN: Where Santa is now on his way.

Officials say that there is no doubt police body cameras will pose certain unforeseen obstacles in the future as more and more law enforcement agencies throughout the state and country adopt the technology.

Some municipalities still remain opposed to adopting police body cameras for its officers despite a continued effort by the state to assist in the cost of the devices.

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office announced a $2.5 million grant program earlier this month aimed at supplying 5,000 police body cameras to 176 law enforcement agencies throughout the state, including 10 in Gloucester County.

But Deptford Township officials say the money falls significantly short of what is actually needed to operate the systems.

"It's not sufficient," said Mayor Paul Medany, citing the added cost of storage and retrieval of the data used in recording the footage.

Deptford Township has been overtly resistant to adopting police body cameras, and earlier this year it challenged a state mandate that had required police departments to equip all newly purchased police vehicles with a form of mobile camera system.

That challenge -- focused mostly in the cost of the devices and the belief that the state had not provided an adequate funding source -- ultimately led to the halting of the mandate, which for now makes mobile camera systems optional for police departments while the matter remains in litigation.

But even with the state's newly rolled out grant, Medany said municipalities would still have to foot a portion of the bill.

"We would still have to pay out of pocket," he said.

Three municipalities in Cumberland County also applied for funding under the program, including the City of Bridgeton, which will receive $20,000 for 40 devices.

The average cost per device runs between $500 and $1000. But Bridgeton Police Chief Michael Gaimari said the $500 cameras are very cheap and are often defective. Therefore, he said, it is likely that his force will opt for slightly higher-end cameras at about $700 to $800 a peice.

"The funding only covers about 75 percent," Gaimari said, adding that the remaining 25 percent would have to be covered by his city.

But in addition to the cost of the devices, officials remain concerned with certain unforeseen issues they believe are likely to arise as more and more law enforcement agencies in the state and country adopt the technology.

Medany in past months has repeatedly said that he is not yet comfortable with the technology and believes issues -- particularly with regard to privacy -- still need to be worked out.

"This is a way unproven technology (and) not enough people are using it," Medany said. "What happens when a cop goes in that house with a camera rolling?"

The Attorney General's office reiterated its support for the program, saying in an email that the cameras "promote transparency and accountability" and "encourage public confidence in law enforcement and ... provide a video and audio record of what actually took place."

But Gaimari is also concerned with the technology acting like "big brother" on his officers as well as privacy issues on the general public, saying that the cameras will be recording in private spaces, like residential homes. He also wonders at what point officers would have to turn the devices on and off during the course of a shift -- whether they would need to have them on all the time, while driving in their vehicles, or just during an encounter with a member of the public. These types of issues he said still need to be worked out.

So while mobile camera systems remain optional for law enforcement agencies in the state, Medany said he plans to see how other police departments handle these unforeseen issues before adopting the technology in his own town.

"Right now, there's nobody knocking the door down for us to get body cameras, so I think (we) have at the luxury to wait and see how the other municipalities deal with all of the issues and then we'll take a look," Medany said.

But Gaimari said: "There's going to be problems (and) it's going to be an educational process."

Nevertheless, like any major initiative that brings about significant change within an agency, Gaimari said there's going to be stumbling blocks that require adjustment and adaptation. But overall, he believes the devices offer more benefits than drawbacks.

"It's an asset to us," Gaimari said, explaining that it helps the department be transparent as well as helping to substantiate officers' actions.

Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.