The suspect, Vonell Clayton, allegedly told the Salem City clerk he had a gun, police say.

SALEM -- A clerk slipped out of her sweater to escape a robber who was holding her against her will as he gathered up cell phones from the store where she worked, police said.

Vonell Clayton was charged with armed robbery, theft and criminal restraint after allegedly robbing a Salem store, police say. (Salem Police Department)  

The suspect, identified as Vonell Clayton, 25, of Salem, was later tracked down by police who followed a trail of clothing and footprints in the snow, according to Salem City Chief of Police John A. Pelura III.

The incident unfolded Monday around 12:20 p.m. at the Euro Communications store at 159 West Broadway in the city.

Pelura said Clayton entered the store, wearing a mask and a jumpsuit, jumped over the counter and began gathering up cell phones on display for sale there.

The unidentified female clerk tried to flee, but Clayton allegedly had a firm grip on her arm. He also told the clerk he had a gun and reached toward his waistband, Pelura said.

The clerk persisted in her attempt to get away and eventually slipped out of the sweater she was wearing which Clayton held onto her by.

She fled from the store and ran east where a crossing guard on the street called 911.

Police tracked footprints in the snow from the store to a rear yard on Chestnut Street where it appeared that clothing had been discarded over a fence, Pelura said.

Officers continued to follow the footprints to Oak Street to a parked car where they found Clatyon sitting in a car with a T-shirt on, despite the fact it was a snowy day.

Police arrested him on outstanding warrants.

Some of the items which had been reportedly been taken from the store were found in the car and the vehicle was towed and a search warrant secured and phones allegedly stolen by Clayton from the Euro Communications were found.

Pelura said evidence recovered linked Clayton to an almost identical robbery Jan. 16 at Euro Communications where the robber jumped over the counter, said he had a gun and took cell phones. 

Clayton was charged with armed robbery, theft and criminal restraint. His bail was set at $100,000 and he was taken to the Salem County Correctional Facility, Mannington Township. Clayton was also charged with armed robbery and theft in the Jan. 16 incident and bail was set at $50,000 cash, Pelura said.

Officers from the Lower Alloway's Creek Police Department and the Salem County Prosecutors' Office assisted in the investigation. 

"I believe the officers involved in the successful resolution of these two cases are a credit to my and their departments. I salute the actions of the store employee during what must have been a terrifying event for her. At no time did she surrender to this coward. She was in a situation from which she knew she must break free and she did everything in her power to escape," Pelura said.

"I also commend the actions of the crossing guard who called 911 and went above and beyond to console the victim. This is a prime example of the positive outcomes that happen with cooperation." 

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

Training offered for volunteers to provide support for victims of sexual assault

SALEM -- Salem County Women's Services (SCWS) is offering free training for volunteers to be part of the Salem County Sexual Assault Response Team. Volunteers will be trained to go out to local hospitals and police departments to provide support for victims of sexual assault. 

Requirements for volunteers:

• You must be 18 or older
• You must have your own transportation
• A volunteer application must be completed
• There will be a criminal background check
• Must be available for an on-call rotation schedule

SCWS will provide the 40-hour training free of charge. Training will take place one day a week and over three Saturdays beginning Saturday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Once volunteers have completed the training they will be able to provide support and information to victims of sexual assault Each new volunteer will also be provided with mentoring from a current volunteer or staff member. 

Contact Brenda or Michele at 856-935-6655 for more information and for an application. Applications must be received by March 14.

FRA has scholarships available for those affiliated with the Navy, Marines or Coast Guard.

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Education Foundation makes scholarship applications available through April 15 of each year. The foundation's board of directors encourages all eligible candidates to apply. Applicants are considered for all scholarships offered during that year, provided the applicant meets the eligibility requirements for the awards.

To be eligible for FRA Education Foundation awards:

• Applicants must be affiliated with the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, either through their own service or that of a spouse, parent or grandparent.
• Foundation scholarships of up to $5,000 are funded through private donations, established trusts and corporate sponsorships, and recipients are selected based on financial need, academic standing, character and leadership qualities.
• Members of the FRA and their family members qualify for a broader range of scholarships, several of which are funded through member legacy donations.

Each scholarship candidate must be sponsored by a parent, grandparent or spouse who has an affiliation with the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard. To learn more about FRA and FRA Education Foundation scholarship opportunities, locally, contact Mary Rauch at 856-468-6569 or mmrauch@comcast.net.

Visit www.fra.org/foundation or call 703-683-1400.

Cara McCollum, who works as a news anchor for SNJ Today, was hurt in an accident Monday evening in Pittsgrove Township.

Prayers.

That's what Cara McCollum, the former Miss New Jersey and news anchor critically injured in a South Jersey crash needs most, those closest to her are saying.

A Facebook page, Prayers for Cara, was created this week and already has more than 2,000 likes. It asks that people simply pray for the 24-year-old's recovery.

"Cara is a strong, determined young woman, but her life is in God's hands right now. We're praying for a miracle, because that's what it will take for Cara to come back to us. We're asking you to do the same," a post on the page reads.

"We feel your prayers -- please, please don't stop. Cara has already touched so many lives, and we believe she still has important work to do."

The accident took place on northbound Route 55 in Pittsgrove Township shortly before 7 p.m. Monday. It had been snowing lightly through most of the afternoon that day.

McCollum's 2014 Mustang slid off the road and struck trees, according to New Jersey State Police. They described the road as "icy, slushy, wet."

She was taken to Cooper University Hospital Camden where she was initially listed in critical condition.

"Cara needs your prayers NOW. She is in critical condition at a Level 1 Trauma Center in New Jersey, and the situation couldn't be more serious," a post on the Prayers for Cara page reads.

McCollum's boyfriend, Philadelphia NBC 10 news anchor Keith Jones also asked for prayers "for my sweet, beautiful girlfriend, Cara McCollum, my "Beshe". She is the light of my life, the greatest thing to ever walk into it, my everything. She brings warmth, comfort, and purpose to my life. She has given so much of herself and touched thousands of people through her selfless efforts and unending passion for charity. I'm asking that you think positively and pray for her."

McCollum was raised in the small town of Forrest City, Arkansas where she graduated as high school valedictorian.

On the Prayers for Cara page, one post noted that the Junior Auxiliary of Forrest City had planned a "Community Prayer Time in honor of Cara McCollum" on Friday evening.

She attended Princeton University and graduated in 2015 with a degree in English. It was during her time at Princeton that she won the title of Miss New Jersey 2013 and made promoting literacy a priority.

Last year McCollum joined the Millville-based SNJ Today news team as an anchorwoman.

New Jersey State Police said Friday there was nothing new to report on the investigation into the accident.

A spokeswoman at Cooper University Hospital said Friday that McCollum's family continues to request no information about her condition be released.

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

Austin Odenbrett | For NJ Advance Media WOODSTOWN -- For as tough as last week was for the Woodstown girls basketball team, the past four days have been quite a boost for the Wolverines. Playing th...

Austin Odenbrett | For NJ Advance Media WOODSTOWN -- For as tough as last week was for the Woodstown girls basketball team, the past four days have been quite a boost for the Wolverines. Playing th...

The fifth seed and sixth seed move on to Saturday's semifinal.

The fifth seed and sixth seed move on to Saturday's semifinal.

Elsinboro has seen the largest increase in state aid in the past five years.

Gov. Chris Christie has proposed spending more than $13 billion in funding, including $548 million in new spending in his 2017 budget proposal. The proposal increases school spending by about 4 percent and every district would get an increase in funding from the previous year.

Here is a look at how Salem County schools would be funded under the proposal:

The column that quotes Harper Lee in saying "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view."

The column that quotes Harper Lee in saying "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view."

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Good morning!

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Jaime E. Marine | South Jersey Times 

"Holy baloney! Just got word (before our 6 pm book signing at Bogart's) that they are sold out of our book, 'The Bloody Third.' No problem, reinforcements will be there in time for the festivities."

- Eileen Bennett

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Looks like the building on the cover of "The Bloody Third" isn't the only thing on fire! Be sure to find a copy of the book, which details a history of the Third Ward in Millville, before it's sold out everywhere.

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The author of this column apologizes for his lame joke in the above item. Seriously though be sure to check out "The Bloody Third" before everyone else buys their copy.

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"What you may not know about the Bridgeton City Park will be the topic on March 10, 2016 at the Bridgeton City Library at 7 p.m.

"Jim Bergmann will discuss many little known facts about the 1100 acre park.

"Audience participation will be encouraged and a quiz on the 'sometimes forgotten' will be included.

"The date 1786 has significant meaning to the park as we know it today, as does 1903. Where was the first raceway out of Tumbling Dam Pond? Atlantic City wasn't the only town to have a boardwalk. What is the significance of the Cumberland Country Club? On certain nights, why was a section of the park illuminated by powerful lights? When and where did naked bathing happen in the park? What location did the original city dump occupy and where was the Goldfish pond? These and many other facts will be discussed.

"There will be maps, photographs and diagrams to help understand how the park was many years ago.  Bring your questions, comments and memorabilia if you have any to share for a fun night discussing the park."

- Bridgeton Library

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Alan Shaw's induction into the All Sports Museum of Southern New Jersey's Hall of Fame is scheduled for Feb. 27 at Gia's Catering. The event begins at 11 a.m. and the public is invited.  For more information please contact Dave Hitchner at 609-364-9807 or 856-455-5168. 

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"The 6-foot-11-and-a-half-inch Alan Shaw had a legendary basketball career at Millville Senior High School, Duke University and the European Pro League.

"At Millville Senior High School his 68-69 team posted a 26-1 record and was ranked number 1 in New Jersey at the end of the regular season. Alan averaged 28 points per game, 15 rebounds per game and still holds the MSHS record in individual scoring, rebounding and most points in a game. He was an All American selection and first team All-State in New Jersey.

"From 1969 to 73, Alan Shaw was a standout player for the Duke Blue Devils. At Duke University, Alan Shaw was the leading rebounder on the only undefeated freshman basketball team in Duke Basketball history. He co-captained the Duke Varsity Basketball team in both his junior and senior years. In 1971 Shaw was named the Most Valuable Player and to the first Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference's first team.

"His professional European Pro League achievements led to many championships and leading the European league in scoring and rebounding. In both The Netherlands (Amsterdam) and Bruges (Belgium), Shaw led his team to league championships.

"In 1985 Alan toured all of Europe as a member of the Washington Generals who were the legendary opponents for the world famous Harlem Globetrotters.

"Alan Shaw has a BA from Duke University and a Master's Degree from California State University in Los Angeles.  Professionally, he has been a teacher, coach and professional actor."

- All Sports Museum

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MY KIND OF TOWN: Where you never bet against the Harlem Globetrotters.

The health care workers union argues that Inspira didn't give them notice about the hospice plan but Inspira promises to retain its hospice employees.

VINELAND -- Inspira Health Network failed to inform a health care worker's union about changes to the hospital that affect the employment of 105 employees, according to the union.

In response, Inspira promises to find new positions for the employees in the transition.

Jane Humes | For NJ.com 

Inspira Health Network and Bayada Home Care, a private company that provides home care for patients, are working out a joint venture where Bayada will handle the hospital's hospice services for Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties.

The changes are expected to go into effect by mid-April and the 105 employees involved in Inspira's hospice services will either work for Bayada or find new employment in the health network.

According to the Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) union, the organization was not informed of the transfer of the network's home license to Bayada or that the transfer would affect 105 employees.

According to Inspira, the health network and Bayda have already discussed the change with the nurse staff and hospice program members.

HPAE represents 1,300 nurses at Inspira, including 31 nurses involved in hospice care.

"We demand that nurses' jobs and union rights be protected in any change of ownership," said Michelle Silvio, president of the local union, in a statement. "Inspira home care nurses provide quality, continuity of care in this community, and requiring nurses to reapply for their job puts patient care at risk."

Inspira Health Network filed a notice with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development about the 105 employees, per the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act).

"Inspira is committed to assisting all of their home care and hospice employees to identify positions available within the new joint venture," reads a statement by Inspira. "The network believes that nearly all of its home care and hospice employees will be offered positions. If any employees are not offered positions within the new joint venture, Inspira will work with them to find employment in other departments within the network."

Bayada will manage the joint venture from its offices in Millville and Woodbury.

Wawa, rodeos, lower taxes, fresh produce from local farms... we could go on and on.

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 choosing a new leader. Cumberland County College's presidential search committee has narrowed its choice for a new president down to three candidates -- Dr. Jacqueline Galbiati, Dr. Stephen Nacco and Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernandez, officials announced this week. One of these people will step up to head the Vineland-based community college. Now that the search committee has made its choices, the public gets a unique chance to meet and questions the candidates in person at special forums next week.

JEERS: To using a tragedy for one's own gain. We hope it's not the case, but could someone have picked up the watch of a victim of a fatal accident in Cumberland County? The family of Larry W. Waller Jr. is offering a $100 reward for the recovery of the Citizen Eco Drive wristwatch Waller was wearing when he died in a tragic crash on East Commerce Street in Fairfield Township on Feb. 4. To think someone would lift the watch from the accident scene is disheartening. If anyone does know the watch's whereabouts, please email the family at trainman110@aol.com.

CHEERS to fighting the fair fight. Nobody can accuse of Donald Norcross of anything other than hitting the ground running. The freshman U.S. representative called on Congress Wednesday to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act and ramp up legislative efforts to close the wage gap between men and women. Just last month, Norcross led another charge to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 by 2023. To Norcross, this week's effort -- a bill that would amend the Equal Pay Act of 1963 -- isn't a matter of "if" it gets passed, it's a matter of when the playing field gets leveled.

JEERS to downright dumb behavior. When nine Camden County Correctional Facility workers were busted in late 2014 for exchanging racist text messages and videos, the county took no part in covering up the mess. A Camden County spokesman said the "belligerent" behavior of the "rouge officers" was at no time acceptable and they were fired soon after -- good call. This week's release of text messages and an Internal Affairs interview with one of those nine ex-officers, provided to NJ Advance Media by the local NAACP branch, revealed that this crew had a real problem with the inmates they dealt with daily, namely the African American ones. Don't let the jail cell door hit you on the way out, guys.

CHEERS: To Deptford and Gloucester County officials who collaborated last week to help a township resident who was facing last weekend's icy temperatures with no heat. Deptford police officer Shawn Wentz responded to the home Nov. 10 for a well-being check and found the resident was using his oven to heat his condo because the heater had failed. Wentz contacted the local Lowe's about the situation and the store donated a space heater to the resident. Two days later, Officer Daniel Volpe followed up with the resident and learned that the home's heater still hadn't been fixed. That was the day before temperatures were expected to plummet to single digits. Volpe made temporary repairs to the heater at the resident's request until permanent repairs could be made by the property owner. Last weekend's temperatures fell into the deadly range. No one should have to face that with no heat. Kudos to these officers, county and local officials and Lowe's for stepping up to help a resident in need. "This is a prime example of one of the many ways that the men and women of the department go above and beyond just crime fighting efforts," Deptford Police Chief Bill Hanstein said. "I could not be more proud of the many acts of kindness and caring for the community that have been displayed  by the officers of this department."

JEERS: To the organized bunch of thieves targeting meat distributors in Logan Township. For the second time since November, crooks have made off with huge hauls of frozen meat from businesses at Pureland Industrial Park. In both cases, drivers presented phony documents in order to load large shipments valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Police say they switch license plates and driver documents in order to elude capture once they leave these warehouses and are likely transporting the stolen goods to Florida. Neither crime produced security camera footage that could identify the driver. This is just one more reason why every business -- be it a bank or a meat merchant -- needs the highest quality surveillance equipment in order to identify thieves and help police do their jobs.

If you know of someone or something you would like to nominate for a cheer or a jeer, please send the information to sjletters@njadvancemedia.com

Anthony Johnson, 32, was hit by gunfire on Wesley Street between Oak and Chestnut streets early Saturday morning.

SALEM -- A man was shot multiple times as he rode his bicycle along a city street early Saturday, authorities said.

Anthony Johnson, 32, of Salem was hit by gunfire  on Wesley Street between Oak and Chestnut streets shortly after 1 a.m., according to the Salem County Prosecutor's Office. 

After being shot, Johnson rode to a home on Chestnut Street where Salem City police officers and emergency medical crews responded..

Johnson was truck by bullets in his leg, arm and torso, authorities said. He was taken to Christiana Hospital, Newark, Delaware. 

His  wounds are not considered life-threatening, according to officials.

Right now, authorities say they have no motive for the shooting.

Both the prosecutor's office and the Salem City Police Department are investigating.

Anyone with information abut the shooting is asked to call Detective Sergeant Carlos DeLaPaz of the Salem City Police Department at 856-935-8119 or Senior Investigator Jim Gillespe at the Salem County Prosecutor's Office at 856-769-3508.

Tips can also be anonymously texted to the prosecutor's office or Salem police using the tip411 app on any smart phone. 

A man was shot in Penns Grove earlier this year near a bar during the early-morning hours. In that case, authorities are still searching for a suspect or suspect.

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

It's becoming standard for towns to loosen regulations that have kept chickens out of non-agricultural backyards. But a "Chicken Advisory Board"? Really?

Chickens. They're not just for barnyards anymore.

This spin on the old orange juice slogan was validated once coops started popping up on roofs of Manhattan high-rise apartments more than a decade ago. The chicken-as-pets, urban-egg-provider movement has spread to the suburbs, where it has gained new fans rooted in the sustainable farming and local-food movements.

As such, New Jersey towns have had to rethink ordinances that bar chickens from being kept at non-rural residences, along with a number of other animals classified as wild or livestock. Usually, the call for an exemption starts with one family that is shocked to learn that its chicken shed runs afoul of current laws.

At this point, nobody has to convince city or township councils of the benefits of raising a few individual chickens. They can make fine pets, provide learning experiences for non-farm children, offer nutritional and tasty eggs, are a source of organic fertilizer and, upon the ultimate sacrifice, can become the basis for a pot of flavorful soup.

What local officials have tried to do is keep things from getting out of hand. Laws that allow chickens at home but limit the size of a residential flock, as well as attempt to control noise and odors, have been enacted in several places. So it is in Woodbury, where a long-awaited chicken ordinance is up for a vote Tuesday night. 

The Woodbury Council ordinance has a "sunset" provision for these birds that wake us up at sunrise; it's a pilot program that will expire two years from now. Regarding those noisy roosters, they won't be allowed at all. Families will need residential lots of at least 4,000 square feet, and the coops will be limited to single and twin homes. Up to 20 licenses will be available to chicken fanciers.

As long as things stay in moderation, it's all good.

However, we came to one provision that we almost thought was an early April Fools joke upon reading about it:

Woodbury wants to create a "Chicken Advisory Board." Five appointed members  would hear any complaint from neighbors, or that might arise from the way the chickens are kept. Assuming that five willing individuals with no conflict of poultry interest could be found, the ordinance is silent about whether the appointees would be supplied with "Chicken Inspector" badges.

Seriously, this board sounds like serious bureaucratic overreach. Can't a town with barely 10,000 residents and fewer than 2,500 single-family homes police a few chicken coops without a cumbersome new board? How often would it have to meet? Are all 20 licenses even spoken for?

Approve the ordinance, but drop that advisory board like a flaming plate of hot wings. Chicken patrol shouldn't overwhelm existing city personnel. If it does, set up the board later.

Rarely have I seen an individual who used such great power and authority to uphold laws that deny minority individuals their civil and human rights.

A week ago, U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia died while on a quail hunting trip at Cibolo Creek Ranch in Shafter, Texas. 

No one's death brings me joy, yet I find it difficult to mourn this man's transition into the next realm. I am certain his family and friends loved and respected him, yet I, and many others, detested his opinions as a jurist. Rarely have I seen an individual who used such great power and authority to uphold laws that deny minority individuals their civil and human rights. 

Many who describe Justice Scalia as a brilliant legal scholar and intellectual are attempting to get a head start on rewriting the history of his tenure on the Supreme Court. The historical record will show, years after most of us have closed our eyes for the last time, that Scalia acted as if he believed that people of color, women and members of the gay community were inherently inferior. But, unlike many others who share such beliefs, he unabashedly entered them into the written record.

"There are those who contend that it does not benefit African Americans to get into the University of Texas where they do not do well, as opposed to having them go to a less advanced school, a slower-track school where they do well," he stated during oral arguments before the court on a race-based admission case. Most of the black scientists "come from lesser schools where they do not feel that they're being pushed ahead in classes that are too advanced for them," he continued. This was just two months ago. 

I would have liked to ask the justice to name the less-advanced and slower schools to which he was referring. A chemistry degree is a chemistry degree. It's the same for biology, dentistry or medicine. I have never seen or heard of a bachelor's degree being divided into "beginning" "intermediate" or "advanced" categories. 

Who is he to speak to how those of color studying the sciences feel? Scalia spoke the words of an individual who viewed African-Americans as inherently inferior in an academic environment.

Here is how he felt about women in the workplace desiring equal pay: "Certainly the Constitution does not require discrimination on the basis of gender. The only issue is whether it prohibits it. It doesn't."

In essence, he was saying was that it is OK to discriminate against working women just because the Constitution does not specifically prohibit it. That is ludicrous. 

Scalia subscribed to the theory of "originalism," which attempts to interpret and apply the Constitution as the Founding Founders intended. This theory appears to be nothing more than a last-gasp attempt by a certain segment of the population to maintain power and control. 

As A. Leon Higginbotham Jr., the late federal judge, so aptly pointed out, the Constitution is a flawed document -- something that is evident from its 27 ratified amendments and many others that have been proposed. Scalia refused to accept that the Constitution is a living document, and that the Founders could not have envisioned society in the year 2016. Since the Constitution was written, our country has expanded to 50 states, legal slavery was ended, and women are no longer viewed as property. They've entered the work force in great numbers, they can can vote, and they hold a significant number of elected offices. Things have changed and will continue to do so.

Many are aware of the high number of convicts who have been sentenced to death, only to be exonerated later by DNA evidence. One of the most frightening things Justice Scalia said regards the death penalty and how it is applied. Following his strict embrace of originalism, he commented about one case, "Mere factual innocence is no reason not to carry out a death sentence properly reached." 

The quote above is one of the most elitist, most callous statements regarding innocent people facing the death penalty I have ever heard. It places the law above the innocence of a human life, above an innocent human being. How could a member of the highest court in the land, sworn to act in the best interest of the people in this nation, say that it is justifiable to execute a person who might be innocent as long as the process followed the law?

Antonin Scalia, a great jurist and renowned constitutional scholar? Not in any shape or form.

Milton W. Hinton Jr. is director of equal opportunity for the Gloucester County government. He is past president of the Gloucester County Branch NAACP. His column states his personal views, not those of any organization or agency. Email: mwhjr678@gmail.com.

To the Editor: In regard to the death of Justice Antonin Scalia and replacing of him on the U.S. Supreme Court, the Republicans are once again taking partisanship to the brink of lunacy.  They have vowed to block any effort made by President Barack Obama to seat a new justice on the court because, well, because Obama is a...

To the Editor:

In regard to the death of Justice Antonin Scalia and replacing of him on the U.S. Supreme Court, the Republicans are once again taking partisanship to the brink of lunacy. 

They have vowed to block any effort made by President Barack Obama to seat a new justice on the court because, well, because Obama is a Democrat. They're not fooling anyone. The Republicans are hoping they can capture the White House and replace one conservative justice with another. 

There are approximately 11 months before the next president takes office, and Obama has a right and a constitutional duty to appoint a new candidate to replace Scalia. 

The Republican-controlled U.S. Senate has a right to reject Obama's choice, of course, but for the Republicans to suggest to the president that he shouldn't even bother to begin the process because of non-existing "precedents" and "tradition" is the height of collective arrogance. It is also an attempt to circumvent the constitutional process that should take place. 

John McBride

Mullica Hill

Back Dems' House challenger in 1st Dist.

To the Editor:

As I write this, it's Thursday night, Feb. 18, and my fingers are just beginning to thaw. I have spent the last two hours knocking on doors in my hometown of Glassboro for, and with, Alex Law. 

Law is a progressive Democrat who is running against incumbent U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross June 7 for the party's nomination in New Jersey's First Congressional District.

Funny thing is, despite my toes being numb, I feel great. The reason is because I am helping to elect a congressman who is going to put the people of South Jersey first. Law believes in campaign finance reform, student loan reform, investing in sustainable energy and Internet neutrality. 

He is not beholden to large donors, and when he gets to Washington, he will truly be representing the people who sent him there. You can find out more at about him at alexlawforcongress.com. Mark your calendar to vote in the Democratic Primary on June 7.

Liz O'Keefe

Glassboro

Cara McCollum crashed her 2014 Mustang convertible last week and had been hospitalized in critical condition Watch video

A former Miss New Jersey winner critically injured in a crash last week died this morning at Cooper University Hospital in Camden. 

Cara McCollum, 24, of Margate, died at 4:31 a.m. Monday, according to a Facebook group, "Prayers for Cara," which has provided periodic updates about her condition.

McCollum was driving a 2014 Ford Mustang convertible northbound on Route 55 in Pittsgrove Township on Feb. 15 when the vehicle veered off the road and struck several trees. She was not wearing a seatbelt.

McCollum grew up in Arkansas but graduated from Princeton University. She won the Miss New Jersey pageant in 2013 and went on to compete for Miss America in 2014.

McCollum worked for SNJ Today, a program seen on Cumberland County's Comcast channel 22, WACP channel 4 and channel 26 in Cape May and Atlantic counties.

During her 2013 reign as Miss New Jersey, she worked with high school students attending former Assemblywoman Carolin Casagrande's Women's Leadership Institute. McCollum also volunteered time with to help promote literacy among inner-city children.

"I think the world should know she is more than a beautiful Ivy League pageant queen," Casagrande said last week.  "She is an incredible humanitarian that cares about the world."

Casagrande said McCollum called her office out of the blue after reading about the Institute, which showed high school junior girls the career possibilities open to them.

McCollum's platform while representing New Jersey was literacy. She arranged to have books donated and she and members of the Leadership Institute wrapped them and attached birthday cards which were given to first- and second-grade students in the Asbury Park School District.

Her organs will be donated, according to the Facebook post.

Bill Gallo and Amy Kuperinsky contributed to this report.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Bridgeton Mayor Albert Kelly waxes nostalgic for Bridgeton 1955.

MAYOR ALBERT B. KELLY 

By Albert B. Kelly 

I don't know about anyone else, but I love nostalgia. It doesn't cost much of anything and it always makes us feel good inside. Sometimes it might be hearing a song that takes you back years to another time and place.

For me recently, it came courtesy of one Paul Helmes and the 1955 Cumberland County Business Guide distributed by the then Bridgeton Evening News which he was kind enough to share. Having been born in 1955 and raised at 21 Willow St (now occupied by the ALMS Center), these names and photos take me back to my beginnings. 

For the record, Thomas A. Dailey was mayor and Fred Bates was the city clerk. Earl McCormick was the comptroller and Kenneth Wilson was the tax collector. The director of welfare was Wilbert Davis and the commissioner of streets was Colin Irving. The council president was Arthur Carman and while meetings were on Tuesdays, they began at 8 p.m. Go figure. 

Bridgeton telephone numbers had the old letter exchanges as in BR9-0278, which was the number for Smasheys shoe store. Unlike today's disposable mindset, Bridgetonians needed television repair and they could choose between Stanley Clark, George Custer, DeSantis Television Service, Henry's Radio & TV Service, and Paul Sheppard. 

If you had a little too much to drink at the Victory Bar, or perhaps Motta's Bar on Mulberry, you could always get home using Veale's Taxi-Bridgeton first taxi cab company. There was also the ABC Taxi Service at 48 S. Laurel Street -- perhaps Bridgeton's second taxi service. Who knows?

For those looking to grab a quick bite to eat downtown, we had the Copper Kettle Gleissner's Bar-B-Q, the Markette Dinett, and Skinny's Restaurant.

I was surprised to see a night phone number for the Bridgeton Live Poultry Market run by Tom, Steve, and Lou at 11 Jefferson Street. I guess the day starts early when you're doing live poultry, though apparently not for Quaker Brand Baby Chicks (no night number) at 103 Cohansey Street.

Bridgetonians could get fine photos at Connelly-Moy or a good house painting from Charles Emery, president of Modern Paint Co. For those who enjoyed learning the Fox Trot, Waltz, Polka, Peabody, or Jive, there was the Carnegie Dance Studio in the Feinstein Building

While generations of doctors come and go, Bridgeton in 1955 boasted quite a few including Mary Bacon, Ben Berkowitz, William Fithian, Edwin Greene, Alex Palladino, Ralph Phillips, Anthony Pino, Leonard Scott, and Herbert Wilson.

How many youngsters back in the day visited the Walnut Street Hobby Shop at 31 Walnut Street? Their ad says they stayed open until 10 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays. How many remember Elwell's Food Market at the corner of Hampton and Giles Streets?  

Bridgeton has always been filled with people of faith. In 1955, those who led their respective flocks included J.H. Wilson from Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, Paul Braisted from Pilgrim Holiness Church, and Thomas Gooley from Immaculate Conception.

Laurel Hill Methodist Church was led by Kenneth Stevens, while Pastor R. W. Davis was in the pulpit at Union Baptist Temple. George Moody led Pearl Street Baptist Church, and Robert DeRemer was at Berean Baptist.

Time and space won't let me list all there was to see and reflect on in this directory, but it was enough to look back and remember. It may be that the past was never quite as rosy and bright as we'd like to make it out to be, but whatever it may have lacked, it offers its own special form of comfort to us now.

Many of the names in that directory still make up part of the backbone of our community today -- names such as Woodruff, Russell, Sheppard, Hankins, Pearson, and Catalano to name but a few examples. This current generation building and expanding on the success of their forefathers.

Today there are new names to consider such as Arellano, Sosa, Garcia, Rivera, Gomez, or Lopez and while these can't find much to be nostalgic about in a 1955 snapshot of our community, they're building lines forward so that a snapshot of now might allow their children to wax nostalgic in say 2055 and that's no small thing.

Albert B. Kelly is mayor of Bridgeton. Contact him by phone at 856-455-3230 Ext. 200.

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

Navigating our health care system can be complicated, scary, stressful and yes expensive.

 

Let's face it. No one likes to be sick.  Whether one is dealing with "flu like" symptoms or facing a chronic illness, being sick can dramatically impact our quality of life and how we view life in general.

Each day, the media or advertisers bombard us with information on the latest health scare like the Zika virus or a new medicine that will cure us of every possible malady with only 12 or 15 life-threatening side effects.  But don't worry; there is another medication that will address the side effects from the first medication!

Navigating our health care system can be complicated, scary, stressful and yes, expensive.   While doctors and hospitals generally try to do a good job in addressing our health problems, it is hard not to feel ignored when there is only so much time and so many sick people to be cared for.

This is why it is extremely important to take an active role in your medical treatment and make informed decisions regarding your care. This week, Your Legal Corner will discuss the "Patient Bill of Rights" and tips to consider to receive the best medical treatment possible. 

Patient Bill of Rights

In New Jersey, individuals receiving medical treatment in a hospital setting have legal rights governing their care.  These rights provide that all patients should be treated with courtesy, consideration and respect.  Additionally, each patient must receive an understandable explanation of his or her medical condition, recommended treatment, expected results, risks and reasonable alternatives.

Further, written consent is required by the patient or the patient's legal representative, before any non-emergency treatment can be given.  Also, in most circumstances the patient has the right to refuse medication, and treatment and to be informed of the medical consequences of refusal.

A patient can request a transfer to another facility and have prompt access to medical records.  The right to a copy of hospital charges, an itemized bill as well as an explanation must also be provided. 

Medical Care Advocate

The old adage two heads are better than one is especially true in health care.  Engage a medical care advocate to assist in managing daily care.  An advocate can be a close friend, family member or retained from an agency. Legal authority must be given by the patient to an advocate to attend health appointments with the patient, keep records and discuss care alternatives.     

A medical care advocate can help resolve issues regarding health care, medical bills, and challenges that are related to a patient's care.  A medical advocate should be someone you trust who can work well with other members of your health care team.

Internet as a Health Care Tool

According to a Pew Research Center study, approximately 80% of American adults use the Internet to research medical conditions or care.  As with most topics, the Internet can be an invaluable research tool as long as one considers the source of the information. 

If previously diagnosed with a disease, the Internet can be utilized to learn more about your condition and your treatment options.  It can also be utilized to learn more about doctors as well as hospitals and their specialties. Most importantly, it can help you refine your questions to your doctor to get more specific, helpful information regarding your treatment.

Knowing your rights, enlisting the help of another, carefully researching the Internet and taking an active role in your medical treatment can make a world of difference in your medical care!

Till next time, God bless, keep smiling, when Your Legal Corner will discuss  "Reporting child sexual abuse." Victoria M. Dalton is a dedicated Family/Elder Law Attorney with the Law Offices of Hoffman DiMuzio. Email correspondence to vdalton@hoffmandimuzio.com or call 856-845-8243.

Please note that Your Legal Corner was created to provide educational material about the law and is not legal advice.

Cara McCollum, former Miss New Jersey and SNJ Today news anchor, died early Monday of injuries sustained in a Salem County crash a week earlier.

Cara McCollum was a selfless young woman who gave so much in her brief life, friends said Monday.

McCollum, the former Miss Jersey and South Jersey news anchorwoman, died early Monday at a Camden hospital, one week after being critically injured in a crash on a slick Salem County road.

"She accomplished more good in 24 years than most people can pack into 100 years," former New Jersey Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande said.

As Miss New Jersey, McCollum put her pageant platform into action by taking part in a program that provided books to inner-city children in Asbury Park.

"It's unbelievably tragic to have someone so wonderful to be taken from this world."

McCollum was critically injured the evening of Feb. 15 when her 2014 Mustang slid off the right side of state Route 55 in Pittsgrove Township and struck several trees.

McCollum was taken to Cooper University Hospital, Camden, where she died early Monday.

News of her death was announced via social media.

McCollum grew up in the small Arkansas town of Forrest City. She was her high school 's valedictorian.

On Monday, Abbie Robinson, a retired principal at Forrest City High School, recalled McCollum fondly.

"She was brilliant, intelligent, talented, unique, charismatic. Cara was the total package," Robinson said Monday.

"She brought so much to our school and not only our school, but our city. Our city is grieving now because of what she gave while she was here."

Prayer vigils have been held in Forrest City since the news of McCollum's accident.

"Very rarely do you have a 24-year-old that had the impact she had on our city. Once you've met Cara, you will never forget her. She's very memorable and she has a heart. She's compassionate."

"We are dealing with a great loss."

McCollum's boyfriend, Philadelphia NBC 10 news anchor Keith Jones, on his Facebook page, thanked supporters for "this tremendous outpouring of love and support for my sweet, beautiful everything, Cara. "

After graduating from high school in Arkansas she headed east, enrolling in Princeton University where she graduated in June 2015 with a degree in English. During her time at the Ivy League school McCollum became involved in pageants and won the title of Miss New Jersey 2013.

Her platform was literacy and she promoted reading at every chance she got. McCollum visited libraries and classrooms throughout the state.

She represented the Garden State in the 2014 Miss America Pageant.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of Cara's passing," said Josh Randle, Chief Operating Officer of the Miss America Organization. "She was an extraordinary young woman, and we extend our deepest condolences and continued prayers to her family and friends."

Following her graduation she began work at Millville-based SNJ Today as a news anchor.

She had just completed taping the Feb. 15 evening newscast before her accident.

"The entire SNJ Today family extends its condolences to the many loyal viewers, colleagues, friends and family of Cara McCollum," said Ken Pustizzi, president of the media company said Monday. "Whether you had the privilege of knowing her or if you enjoyed her newscasts during her all too brief time with us, you know that her smile, determination and sincerity made her a beloved individual."

Messages of condolences have flooded social media sites.

Gov. Chris Christie said this on Twitter: "Very sad to learn of the passing of Miss NJ 2013 Cara McCollum. Thoughts & prayers to her family, friends & the @MissAmericaOrg community."

"This is a terribly tragic and sad loss for New Jersey," said state Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-3^rd Dist. in a statement released Monday. "Cara McCollum was an accomplished woman who succeeded in so many ways in her young life. She set an admirable example for others and was selfless in the way she lived, gaining the respect and admiration of all who knew her.

"She will be sadly missed. I send my condolences to her loved ones, her family, her friends and her coworkers in this time of grief."

Funeral arrangements for McCollum are pending.

Reporter Don E. Woods contributed to this story. 

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

Pennsville Police are also investigating a residential burglary in the area.

PENNSVILLE TWP. -- A 41-year-old man is facing a string of charges after he broke into a South Jersey laundromat Friday, authorities said.

Joseph C. Cameron, 41, of Pennsville
 

Joseph C. Cameron Sr., of Pennsville, was charged with burglary, theft, and criminal mischief after breaking into Central Park Laundromat at roughly 1 p.m., according to police.

Cameron allegedly forced his way into the business' office and took an undisclosed amount of money. 

The 41-year-old was also charged with disorderly conduct in a separate incident at Towne Cleaners, according to authorities.

Cameron was processed and released pending further court action.

Pennsville Police are also investigating a separate residential burglary that occurred in the township on Eaton Road.

Woman slips out of sweater, escapes thief who is tracked by footprints in snow

Someone broke into the home at 10:26 a.m. early Friday and took miscellaneous items valued at roughly $220.

Police are currently investigating the burglary.