Voting ends at noon on March 4. The school with the most votes wins!

Students at non-public schools in South Jersey are gearing up to perform in musicals such as "Mary Poppins" and "Godspell" this spring season.

NJ Advance Media wants to know which of the musicals you would like us to photograph.

Simply pick your favorite school or musical in the poll, and we will shoot and post pictures from the winning performance on NJ.com.

Vote below and keep scrolling to see details about all the performances. Voting ends at noon on March 4.

Gloucester Catholic High School presents "You're a good man, Charlie Brown" on March 17-19, 7 p.m., and March 20 at 2 p.m. at Rowan College of Gloucester County Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $12.

Camden Catholic High School is presenting "Pippin" on March 11-12, March 18-19 at 7:30 p.m. and March 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12.

Bishop Eustace Prep presents "Mary Poppins" on March 3-5, 7:30 p.m., at Collingswood Scottish Rite Theater. Tickets are $16.75.

St. Joseph High School, Hammonton, presents "Godspell" on April 7-9, 7 p.m., and April 10, matinee. Tickets are $12.

Holy Spirit, Absecon, is presenting "Little Shop of Horrors" on March 18-19, 7:30 p.m., and March 20, 2 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Holy Cross, Delran, presents Pippin on April 28-30, 7 p.m., and May 1, 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors.

Wildwood Catholic will present "Snoopy" on March 12, 7 p.m., and March 13, 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students.

Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellyroncace. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

Exhibit will feature the art work of Tucker Stouch of Pedricktown

Tucker StouchCourtesy Photo 

Tucker Stouch of Pedricktown will be the featured artist at Salem County Art League's new exhibit, "Rhythm of Spring." This creative artist uses mixed media and specializes in the exploration of painting techniques. She currently teaches and sells wall art in several locations and galleries.

The Mermaid by Tucker StouchCourtesy Photo 

After graduating from Moore College of Art & Design, she worked as a graphic designer and art director for several types of industries. She also helped establish and manage "The HeArt of Friendship Art Gallery" a program for developmentally disabled adults in Ephrata, Pennsylvania.

Her book, "Water-Based Texturing: Techniques & Inspirations for Artists, Teachers, and Craftsmen" through Schiffer Publishing Ltd., can be found on Amazon.com.

Stouch's art will be on display at the Graystone Cafe, 87 N. Broadway in Pennsville on March 9 through May 10. The public is welcome to attend the "Meet the Artists Reception" at the Graystone Cafe on Tuesday, March 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

The following students were named to the Superintendent's List and Honor Roll for the second marking period of 2015-16 at Penns Grove High School: SUPERINTENDENT'S LIST Grade 9: Angel Abernathy, Hunter Allison, Giovanni Bianchini, Sarenity Booker, Tyreese Brown, Jenna Burrow, Adriana Kratzer, Omar Michaca, Andrew Mistichelli, Brandon Ortiz Cordero, Alyson Pelura, Ronald Ragone, Azir Reves, Do Linda Scott, Kyle...

The following students were named to the Superintendent's List and Honor Roll for the second marking period of 2015-16 at Penns Grove High School:

SUPERINTENDENT'S LIST

Grade 9: Angel Abernathy, Hunter Allison, Giovanni Bianchini, Sarenity Booker, Tyreese Brown, Jenna Burrow, Adriana Kratzer, Omar Michaca, Andrew Mistichelli, Brandon Ortiz Cordero, Alyson Pelura, Ronald Ragone, Azir Reves, Do Linda Scott, Kyle Thompson, Yazmin Torres, Jonathan Torres Ramos, Cassidy VanNamee, Sabrina Vong, Jerrett Walker, Marissa Warner, Charles Weigle, Jaden Wilson.

Grade 10: Shady Acevedo Quinones, Derrek Dickerson, Jasmin Edge, Kayla Escobar, Allan Finlaw, Brooke Johnson, Delorian Lewis, Gary Matera Jr., Emily Medina, Sebastian Ramirez, Jakob Roy, Jacelyn Rudderow, Rachel Skwirut, Alyssa Smith, Cristhian Sontay, Christopher Tonden, Karen Urena, Handan Yardim, Emileigh Zane.

Grade 11: Anita Aaron, Dallas Allison, Regina Askew~Jones, Louis Banks, Zachary Baris, Aisha Brown, Jamison Burrow, Alyssa Carpio, Jennifer Carter, Jeremy Cline, Ta zjia Cooke, Keily Erney, Javar Garrett, Eilisse Green, Shaniqua Groce, Cassandra Halstead, Seleena Hamilton, Jason James, Kelly Jones, Sarah Krimson, Dylan LaPlace, Austin Lehr, Caleb Leon, Irializ Montes Diaz, Elena Moreno, Morgan Morris, TanTania Morris, Derekdiel Navarro Reyes, Jordan Osbourne, Nicholette Parente, Andrea Pelura, Avory Ransome, Isaiah Roberts, Alexis Robinson, Traniya Roots, Leonela Smith, Cristal Trejo Castro, Joanna Vichi, Steven Volpe Jr, Savannah Washington, Donald Williams.

Grade 12: Ahmead Armstead, Emma Ayers, Jordan Burkhardt, Le Asia Busch~Diaz, Taneshia Bush-Davis, Cassie Cagle, Amy Chen, Tija Cooke, Samantha Cox, Jessica Dominguez, Andrew Donnell, Jena Eckenroad, Joseph Fortenberry, Madison Gallo, Miguel Garcia, Nicholas Geiger, Robin Gladhill, Ashanti Hudson, William Krimson, Jordan Lacy, Caroline Lopez, Jonathan Ludwig, Rebecca Mann, Christopher Maxwell, Michele Menders, Richarrd Nichols, Maddison Ogburn, Tommi Oleson, Naisha Pacheco, Joshua Pagan, Brannon Perna, Justin Pharo, Maurice Reaves, Jaylen Sanchez, Randy Simmerman, Glennisse Smith, Marissa St John, Jason Stefanski, Kyleigh Stevenson, Peyton Szymborski, Haley VanNamee, Jenileysi Vichi, Daseana Waye, Rodney Wise.

HONOR ROLL 

Grade 9: Paris Atenogenes, Bre Ayre Avant, Kerrianne Awayes, Myricle Chappell, Alexander Clason, Zahriah Dean, Aryanna Deleon~Newmuis, Kameron Dixon, Mason Fenton, Angel Gamboa, Stephanie Garrido Cardona, Rebecca Green, Kevin Halpin, Asaria Hatch, Yecena Lopez~Cruz, Justin Pasternak, Robert Quigley, Esmeralda Santiago Ramirez, Jenuel Santiago~Conde, Kiaris Scurry, Jessica Sontay, Jose Torres.

Grade 10: Jennifer Barrios, Karlie Brayerton, Tyler Brayerton, Quinla Burise, Carlos Castro, Kiayre Chase, Alexis Cheeseman, Rosemarie Collazo Willitts, Dustin Concordia, Brittney Cox, Dustin Fellinger, Jessica Frankos, Alexander Harbula, Adrian Hernandez, Aniyah Marshall, Mayra Montserrat Vega Bedolla, Israel Morales, Tyler Morrison, James Pangle IV, Riley Piel, Kenneth Ramos Colon, Natrice Reed, Shalyn Roberts, Zaria Robinson, Fatima Rodriguez, Myeisha Roy, Quentin Santiago, Wallace Scott, Rasheem Shinn, Tamere Spence, Casey Stefanski, Britny Tirado, Christian Torres, Maria Torres Ramos, Asya Waye, Tanaya White, Preston Wilson.

Grade 11: Domeir Armstead, Marisa Baker, Tyrone Banks III, Emily Bautista, Chelsea Blackniak, Zion Carter, Ashley Cheeseman, Jose Collazo Jr, Brittany Cooper, Enedina Cruz Alavez, Asdrubal Cruz Jimenez, Christian Escobar, Anthony Finkel, Dashmere Hugley, Cody Johnson, Katy Lagunas, Sabrina Martin, Jacquan McPherson, Edrese Moore, John Parente, Joshua Pitts, Ian Reyes, Gregory Rivera, Anthony Scafiro, Jai Mani Sorrell, Giulianna Stratton, Brianna Varner.

Grade 12: Dahmere Anderson, Erica Barrow, Paitton Benitez, Michaela Bird, Tarron Blackston, Deishaney Broaddus, Kimere Brown, Reginald Brown, Yocelyn Castillo, Rion DeGraffenreid, Sienna Frye, Christian Galarza, Jasmere Golden, Shamira Green, Lamar Iverson, Stephen Labb, Richard Lindenmuth III, Jaron Maldonado, Amanda Newmuis, Craig Ransome, Tavon Roane, Dae'shawn Robinson, Terelee Santiago~Conde, Jahyrah Sharper, Elmer Sontay, Anthony Thompson, Anthony Verdecchio, Anaiah Walker, Jervona White, Elijah Whitehead, Mark Wilson. 

Woodstown High School announces the names of students on the Honor Roll for the second marking period of 2015-16. Grade 9: Ashley Adams, Lindsay Aloi, Austin Andrews, Molly Bell, Brian Berry, Devin Bice, Ashleigh Blake, MacKenzie Blithe, Cameron Boucher, Nadia Bouras, Isabella Briseno, Marshall Byrd, Alexis Campbell, Ny'Zha Carr, Natalie Chasten, Hayden Crouch, Madison Cummons, Tyler Danner, Sophia Delia,...

Woodstown High School announces the names of students on the Honor Roll for the second marking period of 2015-16.

Grade 9: Ashley Adams, Lindsay Aloi, Austin Andrews, Molly Bell, Brian Berry, Devin Bice, Ashleigh Blake, MacKenzie Blithe, Cameron Boucher, Nadia Bouras, Isabella Briseno, Marshall Byrd, Alexis Campbell, Ny'Zha Carr, Natalie Chasten, Hayden Crouch, Madison Cummons, Tyler Danner, Sophia Delia, Clare English, Julianna Evans, Allison Foote, Julia Fordyce, April Forti, Cara Franceschini, Katherine Gallatig, William Gantz, Richard Gaskill, Devon Gatanis, Celine Gauffeny, Blake Griscom, George Guerrero, Faith Hagerty, Benjamin Haines, Jay Harris, Colton Heilig, James Higgins, Benjamin Hitchner, Madison Jones, Scott Jones, Samantha Kopec, Eric Krassow and Julian LeFlore.

Also, Jasmine Loper, Patrick McDonald, Zachary McHarness, Kasie McLeod, Margaret McQueston, Samantha Midili, Lucas Milligan, Riley Moore, Juliana Morell, Nanciann Morgan, Kristina Norbury, Joseph Olson, Andrew Pappas, Robert Parkell, Jason Petrin, Paige Pierson, Sian Poteat, Jacob Pratt, Patrick Price, Eric Quinones, Steven Reed, Julia Rey, Nicholas Saia, Carmen Santiago, Sydney Savvas, Gavin Seserko, Dylan Smith, McKenzie Smith, Samuel Snyder, Sierra Spence, Matthew Sperry, Lindsay Spiece, Caylee Stead, Rebecca Strawderman, Alexander Strobel, Juliann Studioso, Corienne Swanson, Carli Urion, Isis Velasquez Palacios, Yohana Velasquez, Alexa Vergara, Ryan Walton, Richard Way, Dean Weiss, Jonah Wilson-Hill, Jordan Wilson-Hill, Robert Woodruff, Shawn Workman and Kyle Yanush.

Grade 10: Devyn Alloway-Shaw, Jacqueline Bates, Zane Berry, Courtney Blum, Emma Boeckle, Cheyenne Bray, Mackenna Brody, Romie Coleman, Melody Davis, Kiesa Dickson, Rebecca Donahue, Luca Donnini, Courtney Foster, Antonio Franceschini, Christian Giordano, Camryn Hackett-Slimm, Inga-Liese Hantho, Summer Henderson, Alyssa Hinkle, Colette Horwell, Emily Humphreys, Zane Huneycutt, Janiyah Jones, Kimberly Jones, Ruby Kaufmann, Jessica Landolfi, Hannah Lindstrom, Jacob Lodge, Olivia Mason, Bridget McGuigan, Lynnae Milbourne, Caroline Monefeldt, Lily Morris, Madalyn Padlo, Evan Petrin, Lindsay Prickett, Kayla Rabenold, Jake Rattigan, Faith Ricigliano, Sasha Rivera Perez, Caroline Russell, Rebecca Schaller, Anna Sickler, Kelsey Sigars, Paige Smith, Brooke Sparks, Megan Storto, Cole Stout, Sarah Telsey, Catherine Thomas, Lacey Thomas, Carleigh Toogood, Nora Turner, Gemma Vassallo, Jamie Waddington, William Walton, Sidney Waskosky, Evert Willard, Olivia Williams, Jesse Wilson-Hill, Cody Wolf, Ryan Workman, Jordan Wright and Chloe Yanush.

Grade 11: Kole Ariza, Maya Barton, James Bates, Macy Berry, Madison Biro, Rebecca Boucher, Emily Bowman, Mariah Brown, James Cabo, Lydia Cahall, Paige Caldwell, Alease Carter, Matthew Counsellor, Noah Crouch, John Cuzzupe, Frederick Danner, Alexander deJong, Matthew deJong, Elizabeth DiPatri, Bridget Dodge, John Egan, Joshua Eller, Victoria Elwell, Elissa Emery, Isabel Gallatig, Kayla Gantz, Granville Garlic, Dylan Gauffeny, Krista Goslin, Jacob Gregory, Tori Hart, Gabrielle Hastings, Christa Hill, Hayden Hinkle, Andrew Horner, Jakob Horvath, Gabrielle Hunt, Zechariah Johnson, Devan Kadlec, Kelsey Kanauss, Christopher Kinney, Emilie Landry, Shane Lister, Averi Long, Kara McLeod, Thomas Monefeldt, Matthew Murphy, Julian Norman, Charlotte Petitdemange, Elizabeth Petitdemange, Blake Poole, Sara Read, Julian Reggente, John Ricciuti, Miranda Richmond, Steven Romano, Bernard Rufinus, Pia Saughelli, Gabrielle Scardino, Alexis Schaefer, Isadora Schneider Coelho, Amanda Shafer, Alyce Smith, Emily Suwala, Daniel Toogood, Mary Velahos, Zachary Wang, Coleman Weatherstone, Nicholas Weber, Kaliyah Wilson, Kendra Wilson, Brianna Wright, Allison Young and Victoria Zarin.

Grade 12: Nancy Barrios Velasquez, Georgeann Batten, McKensey Blair, Cody Bokash, Kendall Booth, Jasmine Braxton-Williams, Courtney Brownlow, Michael Bunch, Kaylae Chambers, McKenzie Champion, Zachery Christoff, Heidi Coleman, Paul Coleman, Carley Coles, Matthew Craig, Nicholas D'Alessandro, Jacalyn DeFeo, Tyler DeVault, Colleen Donahue, Harry Duffield, Jessica Dunner, Kiera Ferguson, Micaela Fiebig, Laura Frye, Nathan Gardner, Colton Garecht, Victoria Gatanis, Bailey Gibson, Charles Goslin, Joseph Gunther, Alexandra Haaf, Elena Harris, Hillary Hathaway, Nicholas Hill, Charles Hitchner, Robert Howell, Holly Huepfel, Erin Jenkins, Rebecca Johnson, Gregory Joyce, Madison Kelly, Paige Kressley, Ashley Krivda, Chelsea Krivda and Zachary Krusen.

Also, Michelle Lindenmuth, Cooper Maddocks, Lauren Major, Kristen Maltman, Benjamin Martin, Brianna McElroy, Madison McGuire, Jean Miller, Sydney Moore, Bradley Morgan, Megan Murphy, Nadiya Neushafer, David O'Kane, Jesse Oscar, Kristen Paolizzi, Lauren Parker, Lemuel Parker, Lucas Petrin, Katherine Podosek, Stephanie Pompper, Madeline Richie, Tah'Ja Robbins, Anna Ruane, Jennie Sabol, Brandon Saunders, Rachel Schmid, Bradley Sheridan, Samuel Sickler, Eilee Sierra, Rachel Sima, Sara Sims, Taylor Smith, Sera Snyder, Dylan Sowers, Mason Strawderman, Danielle Swilley, Jacob Thomas, Katelyn Tighe, Julia Vail, Chance VanDover, Sheyli Velasquez, Makaylea Vicari, Taylor Waters, Natalie Williams, Regan Wilson, Chad Wittmann, William Woolley, William Wooton and Rachel Zarin.

FFA students at the Salem County Career and Technical High School demonstrated their cooking skills using Jersey Fresh products.

MANNINGTON TWP. -- If it's Jersey Fresh, you know it's the best.

Students from the Salem County Career and Technical High School's FFA Chapter used local products this week in cook-off competition at the school.

The event was a mock version of the Food Network show, "Chopped."

The creations were varied at the event Wednesday with the main rule being that Jersey Fresh products had to be used.

Held during FFA week, the event was seen as a way to help promote New Jersey Agriculture.

A display of Jersey Fresh items assembled by students featured some unique Salem County items -- mozzarella cheese and ground venison, all made and harvested here.

There were also blueberries, cranberries and lots of other local items that were whipped up into delicious recipes.

Six groups participated in preparing a delicious dish and serving them to the judges.

The winners of this year's cook-off were Kate Chamberlin, Scott Ewan, Tiara Ritter, Lindsey Bradway, Dalton Stevens, and Ethan Tomasso. This event showcased many of the members' qualities in teamwork, talent, and competition

The judges of the competition included Tyler Kolhaas (New Jersey FFA State Sentinel), Brittany Dobrzynski and Jean Lynch (New Jersey Audubon), Annalise VanVranken and Jason Helder (principal of Salem County Vo-tech). 

The Career and Technical High School FFA Chapter was recognized at last week's meeting of the Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders along with other.

South Jersey Times may be reached at news@southjerseymedia.com. Follow us on Twitter @theSJTimes. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The following is a list of students made the Top Tiger (Citizen) of the Marking Period, Principal's List, and Honor Roll for the second marking period 2015-16. Top Tiger (Citizens) of the Marking Period: Grade PK - Mia Reardon, Kindergarten - Andrew Lane, Grade 1 - Luke Kroll, Grade 2 - Berra Akkaya, Grade 3 - Isabella Campo, Grade 4 -...

The following is a list of students made the Top Tiger (Citizen) of the Marking Period, Principal's List, and Honor Roll for the second marking period 2015-16.

Top Tiger (Citizens) of the Marking Period: Grade PK - Mia Reardon, Kindergarten - Andrew Lane, Grade 1 - Luke Kroll, Grade 2 - Berra Akkaya, Grade 3 - Isabella Campo, Grade 4 - Lewis Parker, Grade 5 - Alyssa Calabrese, Grade 6 - Teagan Rudderow, Grade 7 - Marvrick Vong and Grade 8 - Madison Richardson.

High Honors: Grade 3 - Zeren Akkaya, Isabella Campo, Annabella Cox, Gianna Medford, Sierra Sakaguchi, Grade 4 - Keily De la Rosa Juarez, Grade 5 - Alyssa Calabrese, Daryl Fernandez, Giuliana Guardascione, Mikaiya Humphreys, Grade 6 - James Baus, Teagan Rudderow, Savannah Sakaguchi, Grade 7 - John Cobin, Shannon Emmett, Olivia Mistichelli, Joelle Martins, Grade 8 - Lourdes De la Rosa Juarez, Michael Guerrero, Starr Hannum, Makiah Ransome, Madison Sanderlin, Maxine String and Molly Tyler.

Honor Roll:

Grade 3 - James Avella, Nicholas Baker, Paul Banff, Justin Baus, Jack Bergmann,  Clinton Bobo, Julianna Cobin, Brady Ford, Taylor Hudson, Kennedi Huff, Cristofer Lopez Villatoro, Isabella McLean, Dante Mistichelli, Joseph Powell, Cody Richman, Emma Salcedo, Caiden Spinelli, MaryJane Stockwell, Rocco String, Maximus Vong and Constance Ware.

Grade 4 - Zachary Bevis, Gianna Chenault, Brigid Daly, Julia DiPaolo, Abigail Fredo, Gisele Gornetski, Justina Hill, Kira Kirsch, Kinsey Morris, Maddox Pace, Lewis Parker, Grace Perry, Veronica Priest, Thomas Reale, Kylee Sweeney, Olivia Thomas, Audrey Tyler and De'Joun White.

Grade 5 - Natalie Banff, Jordyn Baytops, Jesse Bray, Brayden Dougan, Jordana Fredo, Nathaniel Hitchner, Hailey Hollawell, Brynn Leighty, Sean Moore, Temel Ozdemir and Cheyenne Parker.

Grade 6 - Michael Brown, Adam Buckley, Mitchell DiRenzo, Sarah Gallo-Crelin, Gwendylan Gates and Jacob Hannum.

Grade 7c- Shrae Boone, Logan Boucher, Dalton Fernandez, Carlyn Gaskill, Kevin Kirsch, Abdias Leon Garcia, Kelly Macias, Makayla Richman, Arianna Robinson, Bradley Salyards, Audrey String and Marvrick Vong.

Grade 8 - Logan Cook, Ian Green, Sofia Guardascione, Ashlyn Mangiocco, Jenna Moran, Sean Pardoe, Madison Richardson, Anthony Sandone, Anaiya Smith and Robert Trauger.

UPPER PITTSGROVE — Elizabeth F. Moore School announces the names of students on the Principal's List and Honor Roll for the second marking period 2015-16. Principal's List (all A's): Carlos Barragan, Theresa Ingegneri, Kayleigh Smallwood, Cecilia Hauserman, Samuel Falk, Michael Genco, Faith Johnson, Warren Sprouse, Eva Vittorini, Diana Waterman, Angelina Willitts, Emily Bruce, Brooke Smith, Lukas Weist, Stephen Wilchensky,...

UPPER PITTSGROVE -- Elizabeth F. Moore School announces the names of students on the Principal's List and Honor Roll for the second marking period 2015-16.

Principal's List (all A's):

Carlos Barragan, Theresa Ingegneri, Kayleigh Smallwood, Cecilia Hauserman, Samuel Falk, Michael Genco, Faith Johnson, Warren Sprouse, Eva Vittorini, Diana Waterman, Angelina Willitts, Emily Bruce, Brooke Smith, Lukas Weist, Stephen Wilchensky, Brielle Harris, Caitlyn Lupton, Anna Nichols, Gabriel Walker, Caden Everingham, Emily Ford, Drew Nakai, Madison Wymbs, Marissa Manel, Collin Titus, Jovany Hernandez and Lillian Cruz Garcia. 

A/B Honor Roll:

Dwight Brown, Daryl Gould, Landon Wojciechowski, Jayden Shaffer, Brynn Syring, Anthony Katz, Aalaiyah Floyd, Isabella Franchetta, Giovanni Cruz Chavez, Hope Johnson, Dayja Klotz, Ariana Livingston, Miguel Martinez Flores, Mikayla Otero, Alexandra Rodriguez, Marissa Tuthill, Sarah Williams, Giana Arno Harkcom, Andrea Lewallen, Bryanna McRae, Chioma Obi, Kendall Richey, Katie Nichols, Daniel Pelaez, Ava Santos, Justin Pace, Gilbert Anderson, Megan Basile, Oliviah Carr, Melissa Cortazar Rodriguez, Gianna Guidoni, Harry Hernandez Lopez, Isabella Howard, Da'Marion Johnson, Breana Lloyd, Gabriel Nieves, Madison Priole, Cade Rose, Ryan Shafer, Leslie Solano, Ciara VanMeter, Alexis Esquival Lopez, Hunter Fleetwood, Dylan Stanker, Mathew Santana Camero,  Brad Clark, Darren Mattern, Yamilet Rodriguez, Abreion Branch, Connor Callahan, Glenn Hadley, Katherine Smith, Joshua Ascencio, David Bennett, Emiliano Garcia Rojas, Joseph Joyce, Cesar Martinez Flores, Ethan Rio, Luciano Sanchez, Abby Shafer and Trinity Williams.

The column that wants to know if a hot dog is as a sandwich.

The column that wants to know if a hot dog is as a sandwich.

--

Good morning!

--

Jaime E. Marine | South Jersey Times 

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish a fond farewell to reporter Alex Young, who is leaving the South Jersey Times.

Alex and I started around the same time in the Bridgeton office. He later went on to cover Salem County and most recently covered Camden County.

Best of luck to him, Erica and Buster.

--

"The first Town Watch meeting of Maurice River Township was on April 20, 2015. Concerned residents attended and agreed the town should work together as a group to form a town watch program to hopefully be able to cut down on thefts that were regularly taking place.

"At that meeting we had the help of the Cumberland County Sheriff's Dept, Officer Craig Johnson.  Nine residents attended. The topics included:

"- Geographic concerns because we are such a large township.

"- Having block captains that would represent individual areas throughout the township.  The block captains would act as a liaison for their neighborhoods, creating a 'chain' to pass relevant information to their neighbors.

"- Educating block captains on the importance of their safety and knowing protocol to follow to be successful. 

"The group met with regularity and each meeting more people attended to be part of the effort.  The township had the support of the New Jersey State Police, they too would attend meetings and guide the program in the right direction. 

"The Municipal Alliance, against drugs and alcohol, has also teamed up with the Town Watch program. They worked together to organize our township wide Family Night Out, our version of National Night Out. The four local fire companies and block captains played a huge role in organizing family night out. Block captains introduced friends and neighbors to the Town Watch Program. The New Jersey State Police were represented and the Sheriff's Office came out in full force with Officers on bike patrol and their heavy equipment on display. 

"As part of the Town Watch, Sheriff's Officers are doing regular bicycle patrols to cover areas such as East Point Lighthouse, Matt's Landing, and the ballfield area. Officers are reaching out to youth and creating the atmosphere that law enforcement are approachable.  A trading card program is now being developed with law enforcement. This will allow the kids to receive and collect cards from Officers, promoting further interaction with our youth and law enforcement. 

"Recently, on Feb. 17, 2016 the Town Watch program sponsored a 'Coffee with Cops Event' at our township hall. Cumberland County Sheriff's Dept. Explorers attended with law enforcement and residents. We discussed the progress that has taken place since the formation of the program. Other topics that were discussed:

"The use of social media, like Facebook, has been an excellent source of creating awareness and keeping communities informed.  It was mentioned by Sgt. Horrissey that it is a good tool, but do not rely on it alone.

"Together with our block captains, residents, law enforcement, and other community organizations, the Town Watch program will expand on the efforts of the past year, continuing to move forward to make our community a safe, happy, thriving place to live."

- Deputy Mayor Patti Gross of Maurice River Township

--

MY KIND OF TOWN: Where, if you need help starting a town watch, try giving Mary Messeck a call.

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 an extraordinary life.  The tragic death of Cara McCollum as touched those who knew her and many more who did not. The former Miss New Jersey and South Jersey news anchorwoman died Monday, one week after being critically injured in an accident in Salem County.  An Arkansas native who captured a pageant title and the hearts of thousands after she moved to the Garden State, McCollum worked hard to promote literacy, especially among inner-city children. Her funeral is set for this weekend in her hometown of Forrest City, Arkansas.  As one friend put it, she impacted more people and did more good in her short 24 years than have many people who have lived to be 100.

JEERS: To marring a community asset. Volunteers who spend their Saturdays helping clean up Millville's Waltman Park found vandals struck last weekend. The graffiti was found on the western side of the park on a ramp leading to a footbridge over the Maurice River, authorities said. Let's hope this incident doesn't deter the volunteers who have helped make Waltman Park an attractive place to visit and let's hope police make quick arrests in this senseless act of vandalism.

JEERS: To the murky fire district election process in New Jersey. We've complained about this for years, but a situation in Harrison Township serves as another reminder that if fire elections are to continue, we need standardized processes of record keeping and clear understandings of policy. Harrison Township resident Larry Crane was found in violation for serving on the township fire commission while also serving as a paid EMT several years ago. The state Department of Community Affairs decided this was a conflict of interest, since the fire commission oversaw the township's paid EMTs at the time. The DCA indicated it was hard to determine if Crane actually voted on matters involving EMTs -- he said he didn't -- because record-keeping at the local level didn't include that information. Everything about how fire districts are organized and overseen -- from record-keeping to operation of annual fire district elections -- is flimsy. Even trying to find out who is running for office and how many votes candidates and budgets received can be a tricky process. As a result, turnout for these elections is pitifully low. Most voters don't know about them or simply don't care enough to hunt down information and actually vote. Standardize fire district operations across the state and require posting of all information online -- including clear policies for board service and information on election results. While we're at it, let's move these elections to the General Election in November. That could help with transparency, too.

CHEERS: To word that a woman whose drug overdose was captured on video and shared with the world is getting help. Kelmae Hemphill was recorded overdosing on heroin on the side of a West Deptfford road earlier this month, and as her brother and a stranger struggled to revive her, someone recorded the moment and shared it online. The posting drew a variety of comments, but the conversation thankfully shifted to the importance of addicts getting help. Hemphill's mother contacted the Times to report that her daughter is getting treatment at a Florida rehab facility. We wish her well in her battle against this powerful foe and hope others will follow her example.

CHEERS to forging a footprint. When the Philadelphia 76ers and INTECH Construction announced a job fair to help with construction of the basketball team's training complex, we had one though above all others: It's about time. The Sixers are spearheading redevelopment at the waterfront and the team's "state-of-the-art" practice facility-corporate offices are likely to leave a visually appealing footprint. Who's going to make that footprint though?  Carpenters, roofers, glaziers, masons, plumbers, painters and tile setters -- that's who. Hiring and placement opportunities going to local residents, too? It's about time.

JEERS to the missing peace pipe. Wednesday's statement from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society said it all. The "Coming out Green" cannabis booth at the Philadelphia Flower Show got the boot because of an "honest misunderstanding" during a "rapidly changing conversation." We agree that the flower show isn't a place for legalization talks and other stick subjects. However, if you'll forgive the pun, the flower show really should extend its peace pipe to Philly NORML and Green Rush Advisors or get started on an agreement for an appearance next year.

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

Millville celebrates its 150 years as a city on March 1.

The $19.1 million in bonds that Salem City has guaranteed for the Finlaw Building has caused Moody's Investor Service to express concern.

SALEM -- The city's backing of the downtown Finlaw Building project has caused one investor service to downgrade its outlook on the city's ability to meet its large bond debt.

But officials say Salem, which has experienced its share of financial setbacks, is committed to meet its obligations.

"The city has every intention to honor its debt," said Councilman Earl Gage. "We have been and we will continue to."

In a credit opinion issued by Moody's Investor Service on Wednesday, it lowered its outlook on Salem City's general obligation bonds from stable to negative.

Salem currently is in about $33 million in debt. Of those outstanding bonds, about $19.1 million is for the Finlaw Building project which the city guaranteed in 2007.

Moody's this week also reaffirmed the rating for Salem's general obligation bonds remains at Ba3.

Ratings in the Ba category means bonds "are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk," according to Moody's ratings.

Moody's describes those bonds as below investment grade. In some circles they are referred to as junk bonds.

One of the main worries pointed out in the Moody's opinion was that the Finlaw Building bonds mature over a 30-year period, but leases for the building's current tenants -- state offices -- expire in 20 years.

Gage said negotiations between the state and city to extend those leases are already under way.

Another concern cited was that the city's debt service on the bonds for the Finlaw Building --a downtown redevelopment project that houses state offices -- escalates as time goes on to a point where Moody's believes "this level of increase would be unmanageable given the city's limited tax base and means."

"The city has taken on a liability that is disproportionate to the city's size and ability to pay," Moody's said.

"It simply means we have borrowed too much money, in their opinion," said Gage who was the city's mayor during the Finlaw reconstruction.

Gage said the city, which has seen its loss of ratables over the years, will meet its obligations.

The city's chief financial officer agreed.

"We will always budget for that debt so we won't default on it," David Crescenzi said.

He noted the city has done much to help cut expenses associated with the Finlaw Building.

Offices of the local New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Third District legislators, Division of Children and Families and Public Defender's Office are among those housed in the multi-story structure on East Broadway.

The structure had remained empty for years before partially collapsing. As part of the effort led by Stand Up For Salem, a non-profit group pushing for downtown revitalization, the building was completely rebuilt with its historic facade saved.

Stand Up For Salem is a managing partner with the city in the building.

While there are several factors which Moody's cites as threatening to the city's financial health, it also notes Salem has "demonstrated willingness to honor (general obligation bond) guarantee.

The negative outlook on Salem's bond's means that if the city tried to borrow more money via bonds, it would be difficult because of the high interest rates it would face, officials said.

Gage said the city council would have to turn to the state or county for help.

The Salem County Improvement Authority has bonding power and could help the city in a pinch, Gage said. He said council has already had discussions with the county about help in case of an emergency.

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

There are resources available to help those who are caregivers to veterans and for veterans who need the help of others.

By Joseph J. Hannagan Jr.

Family members and friends who care for veterans spend on average more than 20 hours a week taking care of their loved ones.  

Joseph J. Hannagan Jr. is Salem County's Veterans Affairs Officer. (File Photo) 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can help those caregivers learn about resources that may be available to them and the veteran they are aiding. The VA wants you to know it can help you with assistance especially designed for the caregiver.

The VA's Caregiver Support Program provides a wide range of services to those helping eligible veterans.

The program provides additional services including a monthly stipend to caregivers of veterans (or service members undergoing medical discharge) who incurred or aggravated a serious injury (including traumatic brain injury, psychological trauma or other mental disorders in the line of duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

Caregivers of eligible veterans are urged to apply for the program through the VA website www.caregiver.va.gov or directly through a local caregiver support coordinator, at the VA's Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 which is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.to 11p.m.

Here are some key points in determining eligibility: 

Who is a caregiver?

A caregiver is someone who provides personal care services for a veteran. These services could include assistance with activities of daily living like personal hygiene, or providing supervision to ensure the safety of the veteran. A caregiver could be a spouse, significant other, adult child, parent, family member, or a friend.

What veterans are eligible for this program?

Veterans of all eras may be eligible for this caregiving service if they are unable to perform dressing and undressing, bathing, grooming, or difficulty with mobility --needs supervision or protection based on other impairment or injury including neurological care. 

Post 9/11 veterans:

* The veteran suffered a serious injury in the line of duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001

* The serious injury requires the need of personal care services for a minimum of 6 months based on a clinical determination

* It is in the best interest of the veteran

* Personal care services that would not be provided through another individual or entity

* Veteran agrees to receive ongoing care at home   

Caregivers of eligible veterans of all eras may qualify for:

* Skilled nursing

* Home health aide

* Home based primary care

* Medical equipment

* Home modification

* Vehicle modification

* Aid and Attendance

* Support groups

* Education and training 

Caregivers of eligible veterans seriously injured on or after Sept. 11, 2001 may qualify for:

* All of the above

* Monthly caregiver stipend

* CHAMPVA healthcare coverage

* Mental health services

* Travel, lodging as required for training

* Travel, lodging for Veterans' medical appointments

This program is new so call 1-855-260-3274 to see if you qualify.

Who is the oldest Salem County vet? 

The Veterans Affairs Office is trying to determine the oldest living veterans --  both male and female -- in Salem County. If you know a veteran you think qualifies, call the Veterans Affairs Office at 856-339-8603 if you know of someone. 

Joseph Hannagan Jr. is Salem County Veterans Affairs Officer. Veterans can contact Hannagan at his office by calling 856-339-8603, via cell phone at 609-774-7450 or via email at Joseph.Hannagan@salemcountynj.gov

This was the 27th year for the Chambers Works Science Fair at Salem Community College. Some 300 students took part in the event.

CARNEYS POINT TWP. -- Salem County students -- 300 fifth through twelfth graders --participated in the 27th annual Chambers Works Salem County Science Fair. 

Held at Salem Community College on Friday, the fair allowed students to apply what they have learned in school.  Participants concentrate on an area of special interest, collecting and analyzing data while following the scientific method.  

Students also practiced public speaking and presentation skills during an interview with the judges.  Teachers and professionals from area businesses served as judges. 

"I was so impressed with the level of science and engineering projects this year," said Nancy Anderson, Chambers Works Partners in Science Coordinator.  "As always, the students of Salem County truly impressed the judges.

"I would like to thank Chemours and DuPont for their never-failing support of the Salem County schools and all the amazing volunteers who judged from around the county," said Anderson. 

Students from the following school districts participated: Alloway, Elsinboro, Lower Alloways Creek, Mannington, Oldmans, Penns Grove-Carneys Point, Pennsville, Pittsgrove, Quinton, Salem, Salem County Special Services, Salem County Vocational-Technical Schools, Upper Pittsgrove and Woodstown-Pilesgrove.

The Chambers Works Science Fair is made possible by Chemours, DuPont and Salem Community College.

Fisherman may be facing a cutback in 2016.

Jim Bolton 

I just found out the east coast fluke fishermen may be facing a cutback of almost 30 percent in 2016.  But it may not mean much in New Jersey because anglers were way under their harvest limit this year.

This is because we caught less fish in 2015 than we were allowed.  So in 2016 management measures don't need to change.

I also found out New Jersey was allocated 942-401 for fluke also know as summer flounder for 2015 but landed only 485-170  through October even with it's allocation reduced.

Even with all allocation reduced by almost one third, the same size limit, bag limit and seasons would at least on paper keep anglers under the new limit.

It's the same for most East Coast states as fluke catches tended to come in under the 2015 recreational harvest limit.

The proposed changes may include some good news for New Jersey fishermen about the Delaware Bay.

One option up for discussion would make New Jersey a separate region for summer management.  It has been lumped in with New York and Connecticut.

As a separate region it could institute a smaller minimum size fish in the Delaware Bay.  So now New Jersey could compete with Delaware.  New Jersey had an 18 inch minimum last year while Delaware had a 16 inch limit.

People are going to Delaware to fish because of this 16 inch limit.

Party and Charter Boats are going over to Delaware as we are losing business.

Haven't heard anything about the last Public Meeting.

The only fishing news I could find out was that Charter Boats at the shore are catching quite a few tautog on trips off shore when the weather allowed.

I wonder if anyone ever ice fishes anymore?

Jim Bolton is the outdoors columnist for the South Jersey Times. He can be reached at 856-313-9347 or 22 Arbutus Ave., Millville, NJ 08332.

Christopher Baptiste writes that ready-made "beer pong" displays of plastic cups and Ping-Pong balls should be banished from near-campus stores.

To the Editor:

Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll, R-Morris, recently proposed a bill to lower New Jersey's drinking age from 21 to 18 -- and he should be publicly shamed for his action. 

Young people consume more than 90 percent of their alcohol by binge drinking. Each year about 1,800 college students die from alcohol-related injuries, and 97,000 are the victims of alcohol-related sexual assault. If Carroll's proposed bill were to ever pass, those statistics would dramatically increase.

We can protect our youth from this epidemic by publicly shaming Carroll and others whenever we hear or see them do something that may contribute to this epidemic. I recently attempted to do my part when I found out that there is an end-cap display that implicitly promotes binge drinking in a retail store near student housing at my alma mater, Rowan University in Glasssboro. 

The display consists of red plastic cups, coupled together with Ping-Pong balls. Both are used in "beer pong," a drinking game that is associated with excessive drinking. Because I know many Rowan students may see this display as a validation of binge drinking, I asked the store manger to take it down. He refused to do so.

I believe he refused because I was most likely the only person who ever asked him to take it down. However, I am sure many others saw this display and were just as concerned by it, but didn't speak up.

So, please speak up and shame Carroll. Shame stores that have this kind of display. Shame anyone who may contribute to youth binge drinking. 

If we all do this, well have a much better chance of protecting our young people from this epidemic.

Christopher J. Baptiste

Camp Hill, Pa.

No wonder Trump likes the 'poorly educated'

To the Editor:

Are the people supporting Donald Trump for president paying any attention or are they, as Trump cited after his Nevada primary win, the "poorly educated" voters he likes so much? 

The Feb. 25 GOP debate illustrated what many people already knew. Mr. tough-on illegal-immigration may have made a fortune off of workers who were in the country illegally. As Marco Rubio noted, Trump, in a lawsuit judgment, had to have paid Polish workers under the table to raze buildings for Trump Tower -- many of whom were never paid all of what they were owed. Also, a Washington Post report last summer stated that a Trump company may have hired Latin Americans without proper documentation to help construct a yet-to-open hotel in Washington.

Trump is all about the buck.

For nearly four decades, he claimed he avoided military service in Vietnam only due to a high draft number that was never called. But ABC News reported in 2011 that Trump had received several deferments. Apparently, he only likes soldiers who "don't get captured."

Two divorces and multiple corporate bankruptcies don't seem to register with his supporters, either.

Maybe Trump summed it up last month when he claimed he could start shooting people on any New York City corner and still wouldn't lose any votes. Wake up, people!

Ed Dobzanski

National Park 

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

"It's all over but the healing," says former Times columnist Jim Six.

Bob ShryockTimes file photo 

"It's all over but the healing," says former Times columnist Jim Six, who survived his second major surgery in two months, both at Cooper Medical Center in Camden, and has been proclaimed cancer-free.

Six, resting at his Mantua home, underwent robotic surgery performed by Dr. Jeff Tomaszewski using a Da Vinci robot on Feb. 15. Says Six, "The doc is a genius with the robot."

Prior to the eight-hour surgery, Six told Karen, his wife, to ask the doctor when he came to see her whether he'd gotten it all and whether he was cancer-free.

"He said 'yes' to both questions," Six says. "In the space of eight months, I went from being diagnosed with cancer to becoming cancer-free. While this may seem to be a long time, it's just a blip in my life when you think about cancer patients who are in pain, who go through painful treatments, and, of course, those who die from their cancer.

"This may have scared us beyond description, but it was nothing compared to what many cancer patients go through.

"I came home after five days in the hospital and am moving around pretty well. There are changes in my life I will have to get used to. But all I need to do now is heal and recoup my strength."

Six also had recent quadruple bypass heart surgery.

His positive attitude throughout his physical ordeals has been amazing.

___

Berlin resident Claudio "Ed" Arrington, one of South Jersey's leading educators through the second half of the 20th Century, died recently at the age of 87.

He taught in the Washington Township,  Berlin, Westville, Voorhees and Woodbury systems, the latter from 1975-88 during which time he served several terms as president of the Touchdown Club of Southern New Jersey. His allegiance to Woodbury sports was particularly noteworthy.

Arrington accomplished much, but  his legacy was the "Moment of Silence Rule"  he won in 1983 after a long battle with the State Department of Education.

___

John Borrell was a Pitman High School and Glassboro State College star golfer who made his mark as the first professional-manager at county-owned Pitman Golf Course and later as a top.teaching pro in Florida and the Caribbean. When John died last year, PGC hosted a fund-raising tournament  for junior golf in his memory, co-chaired by his widow, Nancy, and his son, John.

Now John has been recognized as co-recipient of an award that first honored his grandfather in the City of Sunny Isles Beach.

For seven years, the Joe Borrell Award, honoring the former International Boxing Champion, was presented to a local police officer who demonstrated compassion, leadership, professionalism and kindness. The award was started by Frank Borrell, Joe's son and John's father.

The award transitioned into the Joe and John Borrell Award last year honoring the boxer and the golfer.

It was won by  Officer Mike Hayton of the Aventura Police Marine Patrol Unit.

Frank and John's twin brother Joey were on hand at an early January luncheon to make the presentation.

"We miss John terribly," says Frank of his son. "The award stands as homage to his legacy."

If I don't act like the stereotypes, I am considered "too white" or told that I think I am better than everyone else.

By NaSiya Taylor

I am black. A black girl, more specifically. I go to a predominantly white high school. I live with the pressures of rising above the stereotype of the typical black woman. 

NaSiya Taylor| 

The definition of a stereotype is any commonly known public belief about a certain social group or a type of individual. Stereotypes are often confused with prejudices because, like prejudices, a stereotype is based on a prior assumption. 

Stereotypes are often created about people of specific cultures or races. Some stereotypes applied to black females include include: "angry black woman," "undereducated," "having daddy issues," "welfare queens," "always cursing" and many more. There are so many, I could go on for days.

I don't want to be that stereotypical black woman. No black girl should want to. We should want to rise above that and make other people see that we are not defined by those stereotypes. If I don't act like those stereotypes, I am considered "too white" or told that I think I am better than everyone else. 

Clearview Middle School students use smartphones for a virtual reality experience as part of the Google Expeditions Pioneer Program, Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016.Stephanie Maksin | For NJ.com 

I have a question: How are black girls supposed to act? You tell me. In my high school, I take all honors classes. I am the only black student in all of those classes. Why? I do not know. 

The black girls in my school are some of the smartest people I know. I can understand why people would think of black women the way they do. Some of us are those stereotypes, but some of us aren't. Some of us are loud and wild, we do curse a little too much --  but who doesn't?

Some of us are undereducated, but that is because many of us don't believe we can be anything more. Some of us are "welfare queens," but that is because some of us have never had anyone care enough to help us get off public assistance. 

A lot of us do have "daddy issues." I do myself, but that is because some of us have never had a strong male figure in our lives. The things we have experienced make us the people we are today. The things we see in our everyday lives do, too. 

How is it fair to judge an individual black woman by the stereotypes you have of other black women? It's simple. It isn't fair.

So, if you don't like the stereotypical black woman, do something to help us change those stereotypes. Don't say we're "ghetto" behind our backs. Help us get to the level you know we deserve to be on.

Whether you want to believe it or not, our race has changed the world. You may know that we have changed the music industry, but we have changed so much more. 

Just last month in Houston, Texas, an educated black woman, opened her own stand-alone, full-service emergency room. Dr. Foyekemi Ikyaator is 31 years old.

So, before you think to classify us with stereotypes, think of who we are becoming, who we will become, and remember who you thought we were, just that "stereotypical black girl" -- changing the world one curl at a time.

NaSiya Taylor is a freshman student at Clearview Regional High School who resides in Mullica Hill. This article was originally written as a school essay.

N.J. hospital patients may have been exposed to hepatitis and HIV due to a rogue pharmacist.

For all this nation spends on health care, it ought to be better able to prevent the  scare that just frightened more than 200 patients of Shore Medical Center in Somers Point.

Imagine opening a surprise letter that says you must be tested for the HIV virus and hepatitis, because an in-hospital pharmacist allegedly went rogue, stole morphine doses intended for patients, and replaced the painkiller with saline solution.

The hospital said it had suspended Frederick P. McLeish of Egg Harbor Township -- now facing criminal charges -- in September 2014 after discovering "inconsistencies" in his work.

To the affected 213 patients, an inconsistency just as large is why they were not notified about this until about a week ago. It's unknown if McLeish's activities contaminated any containers used to administer patient medication. But it's been more than a year since McLeish was fired and surrendered his pharmacy license. Considering the ways that hepatitis and HIV can be spread by people with no reason to think they've been infected, the delay itself is a significant breach of public health policy.

In a particularly bold statement, the hospital indicated  "... the authorities have commended us on our self-initiated internal investigation and swift action in this matter." Which authorities, exactly? If they work for the state Department of Health or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they probably should be terminated -- just like McLeish.

It's also scary that two other New Jersey cases involving risks from intravenous health procedures occurred within the past year. Last summer, it was revealed that at least five youngsters who were supposed to get childhood immunizations at a Salem County-run clinic received cervical cancer vaccine for older patients instead. In October, state health officials confirmed that a nurse had used the same syringe to give flu shots to 67 workers at an employer-sponsored clinic in Mercer County.

On Friday, an NJ Advance Media story disclosed that ex-pharmacist McLeish had license trouble twice before in New Jersey. The second time, in 2002, he had to surrender his license for stealing opioid pain medication for personal use from his then-employer, CVS. Sound familiar? 

McLeish's license was reinstated in 2004, but one wonders whether Shore Medical knew of his past substance abuse (or his multiple disciplinary actions in Pennsylvania) before the Somers Point hospital let him access the hard stuff. As with teachers who sexually abuse children, surrender their state license in a settlement -- and then prey on students in another state -- we need a national database to check on medical professionals who have been disciplined.

Such a system is only as good as health providers' commitment to use it. There should be penalties for those that won't. 

And, we still need know to what caused that time lag on the part of Shore Medical.

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

The Miss New Jersey Education Foundation will hold a memorial service for former Miss New Jersey Cara McCollum next month in Ocean City.

The Miss New Jersey Education Foundation will hold a memorial service for former Miss New Jersey Cara McCollum next month in Ocean City, according to newyork.cbslocal.com.

McCollum, 24, died on Feb. 22 — a week after she was injured in a one-car accident on Route 55 in Pittsgrove.

The Foundation will host the memorial on March 12 at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 55 Wesley Avenue in Ocean City, reports said.

McCollum's funeral is being held today at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Forrest City, Arkansas — her hometown — where the SNJ Today news broadcaster was an active member growing up.

As a Princeton University student, McCollum was crowned Miss New Jersey in 2013 and represented the Garden State at the Miss America pageant.

She graduated from Princeton in 2015 and was currently a weeknight anchor at SJN.

The Scoop offers tidbits of news from around Salem County and a few surprises, too.

Are we out of the woods yet? These spring-like temperatures might make you think so, but we all know that March can bring some treacherous weather. And we've even seen some snow in April, so guess we can't think winter is behind us yet.

--

Only two weeks before daylight saving time begins and we "spring forward."

--

Salem County TRIAD will hold its quarterly meeting Wednesday, March 16, at noon at the Salem County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, 693 S. Broadway, Pennsville. If you haven't already, you must call to RSVP at 856-935-7510 Ext. 8396 or 8595.  Salem County seniors, age 55 or older, who are not members can call the numbers above to join and RSVP to attend the upcoming meeting. The event is free. TRIAD brings county law enforcement and seniors together.

--

Time to start some of those early seeds indoors.

--

If you really want a spring treat, the Philadelphia Flower Show opens in less than a week at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Expect to see some local faces there.

--

The life of John S. Rock, who was born in Salem County and became a man of many firsts, will be celebrated Monday, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., in a special program at the Old Courthouse in Salem. The event has been organized by the Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Vicinage of New Jersey Superior Court. Along with highlighting Rock's extraordinary life, several prominent African-Americans who have made history on their own will be on hand to discuss their life stories.

Who is the oldest veteran in Salem County? The Veterans Affairs Office is trying to determine the oldest living made and female veterans in the county. If you know a veteran you think qualifies, call the Veterans Affairs Office at 856-339-8603.

--

Work on the reconstruction of the Elmer Grange Hall at Pole Tavern is progressing quickly. The building looks beautiful from the outside.  The good news is it won't be soon before some of the traditional dinners held there will soon return.

--

The Parvin State Park Appreciation Committee is getting ready for spring. It has announced its March Work Day has been set for Saturday, March 19. Want to help? Meet at the Danna Farm Trail Head, 789 Parvin Mill Rd., Pittsgrove, at 9 a.m. sharp that day. The plan is to begin, weather permitting, to clear the park of winter clutter and debris. For more information, contact the committee by email parvinvolunteers@gmail.com, on Facebook or via Twitter.

--

This seems puzzling. Went to a Salem County post office and asked for a book of stamps. The only kind -- repeat, only kind -- they had in books were religious Christmas stamps. Clerk said they were told the holy days (as in the Easter season) were coming and since the stamps were religious-themed they should sell. No flags, no famous folks, just  stamps marked "Christmas."

--

Here's a treat.  The women of the Lutheran Church of St. Ambrose, 443 S. Broadway, Pennsville, will hold their annual Soup and Bread Sale on Saturday, March 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sold out). A variety of soups, breads, and muffins will be available. Also a selection of homemade canned items will be for sale.

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