The Current of Somers Point, Linwood, Northfield

Atlantic County contracts for reverse 911

2007-12-21T17:37:31Z

By T.S. EVANS

Staff Writer

SOMERS POINT – Residents here may feel that they can rest a little easier now when it comes to hurricanes and natural disasters. Atlantic County has signed a contract with Global Connect to install what is called “reverse 911” as part of the countywide emergency management system.

Just as residents are able to contact emergency personnel when they need help by calling 911, now emergency personnel can contact residents to let them know when there is an impending disaster and to get out of harm’s way. It is 911 in reverse.

Rob Cozen, Somers Point emergency management director, said he has been trying to get the rapid alert system for the past two years. The town’s sirens have been non-operational for years.

With the new system he can send a message to residents’ home phones, send a text message to their cell phones, a messages to beepers, PDAs, work phones and email addresses alerting everyone in the entire town within minutes, he said.

All 12,000 people would be put on alert. With the new system, in a matter of minutes, people would know that a hurricane was on the way and when to expect it to hit. Shopping centers, schools, banks and the hospital would have more time to start an evacuation, he said. In the winter it would also give residence additional time to stock up on batteries, water, canned goods and nonperishables so they could remain self-sufficient for at least two days in the event there was a power loss.

“Most people are disoriented in the dark,” Cozen said. People should have a game plan on what to do in the event of an emergency and then prepare accordingly. Have extra staples on hand, medication, glasses and whatever is needed to survive.”

He recommended that families plan ahead on where to meet.

“Special-needs residents should notify us so that we can send help immediately. Anyone who is blind, deaf or requires a wheelchair should be on our list so that we can assist them in getting to safety,” he said.

He advised those who have special needs to contact the Office of Emergency Management.

“We need to be able to care for these people,” Cozen said.

“This new system will also help municipal employees who are part of the emergency response team,” he noted.

“This system is a multi-task system. I can even specify which numbers I want to contact.”

He said he plans to begin training Somers Point emergency personnel on the system in January.

“We’ll be testing the program in February, and I hope all the citizens will cooperate during the testing by responding,” Cozen said. “One thing I can guarantee is this system will be used cautiously.”

Club Play one of few places teens can socialize

2007-12-21T17:36:13Z

To the editor:

Club Play is special. This became clear to me as soon as I entered the doors on opening weekend. With the potential to become an extraordinary establishment, it instantaneously gained a five-star reputation among local teenagers.

The security is friendly and dedicated to providing a protected, upbeat, healthy environment for all patrons. Established rules are emphasized as teens enter the club each night and are enforced once inside of the building. Continuously monitoring the club’s activity, the security has a zero tolerance policy for misconduct. The management is informative and open regarding all of their policies and encourage parents, such as my father, to come in and check things out. It is mandatory for teens to follow the city of Somers Point’s curfew laws. The club is efficient, for it quickly empties out several minutes before curfew time in a calm fashion.

The club attracts a crowd of well-rounded teenagers who are involved in school, extracurricular activities, and the community. The club provides a needed and well-deserved break. Club Play gives teens the chance to share stories, food, music and dancing in a positive atmosphere. My parents have often told me that there were many places for them to dance on the weekends when they were young. They find it a shame that there are few chances for teens to experience this pure old-fashioned fun today. Somers Point is filled with businesses dedicated to providing socialization for adults. It seems as if teenagers are the forgotten age. It seems as if Somers Point City Council and some of its supporters are rejecting part of the human race. It seems as if they would like to forget we exist.

Some may ask, “Why Somers Point?” I answer, “Why not Somers Point?” With all of the entertainment venues along Bay Avenue and Shore Road, it seems to fit right into the mix. I cannot think of a better location or a better way to cap off Bay Avenue.

Thank you to the owners and management for working so diligently to provide the terrific atmosphere of Club Play. Local teenagers are appreciative and behind you 100 percent.

Council, where do we fit in? Why can’t we be part of the “small town charm by the bay?”

Pamela Fitzgibbons

Somers Point

In Your Town :: Linwood

2007-12-21T17:35:10Z

Linwood reorganization meeting Jan. 4

The Linwood reorganization meeting will be 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4 at Linwood City Hall. Mayor Richard DePamphilis, Councilwoman Donna Taylor and Councilwoman Elect Stacy DeDomenicis will be sworn into office.

Flower arranging workshop Jan. 10

The Friends of the Linwood Library will hold a hands-on flower arranging

workshop 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10 at the library presented by Ann Ciquina, a master gardener and member of the Northfield Garden Club. Participants may bring a container to fill; all arrangements can be taken home. Cost is $5 per person for supplies. Call the Linwood Library at (609) 926-7991, ext. 3 to register.

The regular board meeting of the Friends of the Library will be held at 11 a.m. prior to the workshop.

Story hour at Linwood Library

The Linwood Library has begun story hour. Children can join the library for music, story and crafts. Toddler time is 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, and story time for preschoolers is 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Call the library at (609) 926-7991, ext. 1.

Linwood Board of School Estimate meetings

The Linwood Board of Education has scheduled four meetings of the Board of School Estimate. There will be meetings at 6 p.m. Feb. 12, March 5 and March 18 and 7:30 p.m. March 10. All meetings will be held in the superintendent’s conference room at the Belhaven Middle School.

To submit an item for this column send it to Jackie.Hanusey@catamaranmedia.com, fax it to (609) 383-9072, mail it to Box 619, Northfield, NJ 08225, or drop it off at our office, 3129 Fire Road, Suite 2, Egg Harbor Township during regular business hours. Items in this section are run free on a space-available basis. Include the time, date and place of the event, any prices or fees, and a contact name, email address or phone number for information.

Council moving ahead on Shore Road pedestrian light

2007-12-21T17:34:43Z

By JACKIE HANUSEY

Staff Writer

LINWOOD – City Council’s plan to add a blinking yellow light to the crosswalk at Shore Road near All Wars Memorial Field is not an ideal solution for slowing motorists on Shore Road, according to a resident who lives on the busy roadway.

Council has been working on a plan to make the heavily traveled section of the road safer for pedestrians. The most recent proposal calls for adding flashing yellow lights in both directions that would be triggered by pedestrians who want to cross.

Doortje Fenwick, an architect, project designer and professional planner, said she came to the meeting Wednesday, Dec. 12 to hear more about the city’s plans for slowing down cars and making motorists more aware of people crossing Shore Road.

She said that some motorists might initially observe a flashing light, but since there are no consequences for driving through it, many would fail to comply.

She suggested that reducing the speed limit during the times foot traffic is heaviest might be more effective. She also recommended educating the public about the crosswalk and stricter enforcement – ticketing drivers who don’t stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk.

“I would like to propose a low-tech solution, with certain times the speed limit on Shore Road be slowed down,” Fenwick said. “You need to give people a chance to slow down.”

Throughout Linwood the speed limit on the county road is 35 mph.

Councilwoman Nancy Ridgway said the proposal for the light was made in conjunction with the county because many cars are not stopping at the marked crosswalk, which is also indicated with a sign.

The city has taken to manning the spot with crossing guards on Saturday mornings during fall sports seasons to help children cross safely.

“People will be entitled to cross where they want, but my children will be crossing at the light,” Ridgway said.

At the end of the meeting Councilman Gene Maier said that even though the light installation might cost more than simple enforcement, it is better than having a serious incident happen.

The flashing light project is currently in the engineering phase. The cost has not yet been determined, but the county has committed to paying half.

New assistant principal getting to know MRHS

2007-12-21T17:32:17Z

By JACKIE HANUSEY

Staff Writer

LINWOOD – There’s someone new walking the hallways of Mainland Regional High School, but the newest assistant principal hopes to soon become a familiar face.

Mark Marrone, 31, of Absecon started Monday, Dec. 3 after working as director at the Atlantic County Alternative High School.

“I’m going from a school with 100 students to one with 1,700 students,” Marrone said last week, and he said he is up to the challenge. It was earlier in the school year when the administration and the Board of Education decided to add a second assistant principal to split discipline responsibilities because of the size of the school.

He said that at the Alternative High School, he was able to have a close bond with a small population, and although there are more students at Mainland, he hopes to do the same.

“It was very, very rewarding to work with the small population of different students. I not only had direct communication with them but I was able to be a mentor to students and develop relationships,” he said.

That close connection helped the students receive the credits they needed to possibly go back to the traditional high school setting or go out into the community to find jobs.

In that position, he also acted as curriculum supervisor and had disciplinary duties, two responsibilities he also has at MRHS.

He is also overseeing the family and consumer science department, as well as social studies, an area familiar to Marrone.

A graduate of Holy Spirit High School, he taught social studies for 6½ years at Egg Harbor Township High School.

Marrone said that as a teacher and now an administrator, he hopes to empower students to have a voice.

“It’s an opportunity to change people’s lives,” he said.

The assistant principal said social studies it is not just learning about the past.

“History has real-life applications. There are life lessons and problem solving to learn through history.”

He said he decided to pursue education after he went on a mission with his church to teach mathematics to Haitian refugees.

“It was a life-changing experience,” he said. “I was a Sunday school aide, and it got me into education. It motivated me to work with young adults.”

After high school he pursued a degree in historical studies at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and received his teaching certificate in social studies. He has a master’s degree from Seton Hall University in education leadership policy management and is working toward a doctorate in the same discipline.

In his short time at the high school, Marrone said he is already impressed with how receptive the students are to learning.

He hopes to implement more service-learning projects at the school to develop students as global participants who are more prepared for the world in which they live.

Similar projects implanted at the Alternative High School include one this year in which students started building computers for disabled veterans in the county.

“I’m excited to be here,” he said. “I’m meeting lots of new people and building relationships.”

Marrone said he hopes that will continue. He said he welcomes input from parents and that the community will be seeing him not only in the halls but at sports games and plays.

BSRS parents get to know St. James

2007-12-21T17:30:21Z

By SUZANNE MARINO

Staff Writer

MARGATE – In the three weeks since word came from the Diocese of Camden that it would be closing Blessed Sacrament Regional School at the end of the school year and merging it with St. James School in Ventnor, parents’ emotions have run the gamut from anger to acceptance.

A Dec. 6 meeting in the Blessed Sacrament Church Hall was packed with parents affected by the move who came to discuss their options demonstrated how emotionally invested families are in their school.

But a week later, on Dec. 13, St. James invited parents of Blessed Sacrament students to tour St. James and talk. Parents, teachers, administrators and members of the PTAs of both schools attended. Rev. Joseph Ganiel, pastor of St. James, addressed the group.

So much of what lies down the road for families dedicated to Catholic education is tied to enrollment numbers, Ganiel said.

He discussed tuition and other factors affecting the families. Tuition for next year has not yet been established, making it difficult some families to commit, especially those who have multiple children in the school system.

Lisa McLaughlin, the parent of a sixth-grader at BSRS who is on the transition committee formed to help facilitate the change, said Ganiel told the group that he expected tuition to be closer to $3,200 per student and not the $4,000 to $4,500 figure that some had heard tossed about. Currently tuition at BSRS is $2,800 with raffle participation.

“We need for all of our families to register their children,” McLaughlin said after the meeting. “As a parent I left with a better feeling now that we are starting to get answers.”

Open enrollment begins Jan. 2 and runs through the end of February.

“There is a $100 nonrefundable registration fee, and though some families might be reluctant to register in case they decide not to send their kids, the PTA is making arrangements to aid those families so that everyone registers,” she said. “We need to keep the kids together.”

Ganiel said that the diocese recommendation for class size is that any class with more than 30 enrolled would be split in two. If the enrollment is there, the diocese has told him that bringing in modular classrooms is a possibility, he said.

McLaughlin said the pastor explained that each modular unit contains two full classrooms. If additional classroom space is necessary, the cost would be borne by the four sending parishes – Blessed Sacrament, St. Bernadette’s, Epiphany and St. James.

McLaughlin said she was pleasantly surprised when she toured St. James.

“It still had a homey feel,” she said.

“The building is old, but it has fresh paint. It was not as bad as many of us feared that it would be,” McLaughlin said.

But she said parents of BSRS students are still looking into ways to save their school. “We are setting up backup plans to make sure that we can keep the kids together and doing what is best for them,” she said.

Healthy Family meeting rescheduled

2007-12-21T17:29:23Z

Due to the holiday rush, the kickoff meeting of the healthy schools committee and the families participating in the Healthy Family Makeover contest and Healthy Family Scrapbook contest has been rescheduled to 6 p.m. Jan. 17 at Mainland Fitness Gym in Northfield. The deadline for the contest has been extended to Jan. 11. The contest is open to all Northfield families with school-age children regardless of the school they attend. For information on the contest go to http://hsc.northfield.groupfusion.net.

School board revises wheeled transit policy

2007-12-21T17:28:28Z

By SUZANNE MARINO

Staff Writer

NORTHFIELD – There is a new set of rules governing whatever type of wheels students choose for the journey to and from the Northfield Community School, and according to district officials, the rules will be enforced.

Whether it is a bicycle, a skateboard, or even a unicycle, the rules adopted Monday, Dec. 17 at the Board of Education meeting apply.

The school board found it had to revisit the district policy for students riding bicycles to school, even though it was updated several years ago to include skateboards. At that time, students were notified that riding a skateboard to school was permitted as long as the same rules that applied to riding a bicycle were followed.

That worked until this year, when a student chose a unicycle as his preferred mode of transportation. There was nothing in the policy manual addressing the use of a unicycle or dictating where the unicycle was or was not permitted.

The policy committee introduced a revised policy governing student use of wheeled transportation to the rest of the board at a meeting Nov. 19. It was passed unanimously on second reading at this week’s meeting.

The policy states that riding any type of wheeled personal transportation to school is a privilege, and students who do not follow school policy will lose that privilege. Riding any form of wheeled transportation, be it a bicycle, skateboard or unicycle, on school property is prohibited. Once on school property, students and staff are required to walk any wheeled mode of transportation.

“It is a safety issue for the students on bikes, etc., as it is for the other students who are walking,” board president Deborah Levitt said at the November meeting.

According to the policy, all forms of wheeled transportation must be secured on the bike racks provided on the school grounds. Students must wear helmets as required by state law. The policy also spells out that school property is not limited to just the area immediately surrounding the school and parking lot, but also the playing fields and the playground.

According to the policy, students found in violation of the rules will be prohibited from bringing their wheels on school property.

Somers Point man held in beating death of son, 4

2007-12-21T17:28:02Z

By T.S. EVANS

Staff Writer

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – In his first appearance in court Thursday, Dec. 13 to answer charges in the beating death of his 4-year-old son, Joseph Deneal II, 23, barely raised his head as he quietly addressed Superior Court Judge Albert Gandolfo.

Deneal, arrested Wednesday, Dec. 12, was led into the courtroom wearing orange prison garb with wrist and ankle chains by sheriff’s deputies.

Assistant prosecutor Murray Talasnik appeared for the state and read the charges. Deneal, of New Road in Somers Point, is charged with second-degree manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child.

Gandolfo asked Deneal if he understood why he was there and whether he needed an attorney.

Deneal mumbled that he didn’t know what went wrong, to which Gandolfo quickly responded, “Do not discuss this case. You have the right to an attorney.”

The judge advised Deneal of his rights and suggested that he fill out the necessary paperwork to have an attorney appointed. Bail remained at $250,000 full cash.

Talasnik said the case is pending while investigators gather evidence. Then prosecutors can determine whether the case will be presented to a grand jury. A date will be set for the accused to answer the charges after he has secured an attorney.

Several members of the victim’s family sat with a counselor and quickly left the courtroom at the end of the proceedings, refusing to speak to the media.

Deneal is accused in the Dec. 10 beating death of his son, who was referred to in court only as J.D. Police said the boy was rushed to Shore Memorial Hospital after Somers Point police responded to a call but were unable to resuscitate him. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

According to an autopsy performed by Atlantic County Medical Examiner Dr. Hydow Park, he died of multiple blunt-force trauma. The death was ruled a homicide.

Deneal, who had custody of the boy, was arrested after an investigation by Investigator Matthew Paley of the Crimes Against Children Unit and Detective Nelson Denan of the Somers Point Police Department.

J.D. was born July 25, 2003. His mother is Schvonne Eason of Egg Harbor Township.

Deneal is a resident of New Road in Somers Point. According to the New Jersey Department of Corrections website, he has two prior convictions for aggravated assault. He was sentenced to four years in prison in July 2004 and 80 days in prison in September 2006. He has also gone by the name Joseph Dunson.

Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes at (609) 909-7666. Information can be called in anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (609) 652-1234 or (800) 658-8477 (TIPS).

St. Joe’s students collect gifts for needy

2007-12-21T17:27:49Z

SOMERS POINT – Students at St. Joseph Regional School collected more than 750 gifts to be distributed to those less fortunate this holiday season. The presents were placed under a Christmas tree at a Mass held in St. Joseph’s Church Wednesday morning, Dec.12.

The presents were festively wrapped and trimmed with ribbons, bows and bells. Each child brought their donations to the altar and placed them under the tree.

The gifts will be picked up by the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, an organization dedicated to helping those in need.

Mickie Strack, the organizer from St. Vincent DePaul who attended the Mass, said the students do an awesome job of gathering presents. There are fewer than 500 students in the school, and each year they bring in about 750 gifts.

“We distribute them to 50 local families, adult day care centers and children’s day care centers,” said Strack. “This is something we do every year. The children here are very generous. I send information to the school so they know what is needed most prior to purchasing the gifts.”

The St. Vincent dePaul Society offers numerous services, such as food programs, emergency financial assistance and transportation, disaster relief, rent and mortgage assistance, low-cost housing, shelters for the homeless and abused, assistance to victims of AIDS, substance abuse and crime, job training, employment services, thrift stores and more. For information visit www.svdpusa.org.

-- T.S. Evans

Police Blotter :: Somers Point

2007-12-21T17:27:40Z

John Michael Mullen, 50, of Cape May was arrested Dec. 11 by Ptl. John Conover and charged with driving while intoxicated and careless driving.

Terrance Tamai Jones, 19, of Somers Point was arrested Dec. 12 by Ptl. Jack Sementa and charged with shoplifting at Circle Liquor Store.

Kristen Marie Capsel, 26, of Somers Point was arrested Dec. 12 by Ptl. L. Gandy and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a CDS in a motor vehicle, driving while suspended and on a warrant.

Justin Adam Jones, 23, of Pleasantville was arrested Dec. 14 by Detective Handson and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute in or near a school zone, and distribution in a public park.

Joseph Richard Falasco, 30, of Egg Harbor Township was arrested Dec. 14 by Ptl. R. Dill and charged with shoplifting at CVS in Somers Point.

Joanne Gabriel, 19, of Somers Point was arrested Dec. 14 by Sgt. R. Wood and charged with shoplifting at Kmart in Somers Point.

Patrick John Brennan, 34, of Absecon was arrested Dec. 16 by Ptl. Richard Heiler and charged on a failure to appear warrant out of Gloucester County and hindering apprehension.

Edward Albert Lang III, 37, of Somers Point was arrested Dec. 16 by Ptl. John Conover and charged with terroristic threats.

Deborah Jackie Hicks, 46, of Atlantic City was arrested Dec. 13 by Ptl. Jack Sementa and charged with credit card fraud and on a warrant.

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Rotary is fun – for those who like giving

2007-12-21T17:24:22Z

By T.S.EVANS

Staff Writer

SOMERS POINT – The Somers Point Rotary Club, part of an international organization, is a source of fun for its members.

Rotarians say they enjoy helping the community and socializing with people who are like-minded with a focus on doing good things for others.

Rotary International has groups in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the globe with members who are community leaders, professionals and business owners who provide humanitarian services.

Its stated goal is to build goodwill and peace throughout the world while being nonpolitical, nonreligious and open to all cultures.

The motto is “Service above self.”

The Somers Point Rotary Club was founded in 1972 and has 42 active members.

President Peter Garvey of Linwood said that each year the club raises funds for various causes including the Foundation for Education, Shore Memorial Hospital’s Service Above Self Award, the hospital volunteer awards dinner and Thanksgiving meals. It has donated to the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, contributed to Hurricane Katrina relief, purchased and delivered 1,500 medical kits with medical history, supported a dictionary program for all third-graders, sponsored two high school students active in the Interact Club in Egg Harbor Township, and donated exercise equipment to the Bacharach Rehabilitation Center in Somers Point.

“The object of the Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise,” Garvey said. “When you join the Rotary you join over 1.2 million men and women who are committed to these ideals and who are dedicated to their communities, volunteering their precious time, support and services.”

The group meets once a week for lunch at Doc’s Place on Bay Avenue, except in January when Doc’s is closed.

Chuck Donovan, an active member, said it gives members a chance to give something back to the community.

“Everyone should do something. If we all helped then there wouldn’t be so many government programs,” he said.

Members range in age from the mid-20s to seniors.

Club historian Bob DeCray has been a member since 1974.

“Rotary membership opens up opportunities for me to make a difference in the community, the workplace and throughout the world,” said DeCray, who has been a member for 33 years. “Our local club sparks the initiative for humanitarian aid, youth development, disaster relief and high ethical business and personal standards.”

“It is a fun club,” said Garvey, “youthful and energetic regardless of age. At least one quarter of the members are women who are professionals and do an incredible amount of work.”

Nancy Burton, former president, attested to that.

“It’s a great place to network with other individuals from the community, and I enjoy the entire group’s commitment to volunteerism.”

Garvey, whose tenure ends in June, said the winter is a good time to regroup and prepare. A lawyer who specializes in estate planning, this is his second time as president.

“It is an honor to serve,” he said, “but after one year you are ready to turn over the reins.”

Living in Somers Point is not a requirement for membership. If interested call Garvey at (609) 653-1500.

News Briefs

2007-12-19T20:52:46Z

Shaloma Hadassah wraps gifts at Shore Mall

Have gifts that need to be wrapped for the holidays? Volunteers of Shaloma Hadassah will be next to the information center at the Shore Mall during mall hours Dec. 14-24 to wrap gifts. Donations support hospitals, education and medical research.

Stockton offers Introduction to Modem Greek

The International Center of Hellenic Studies at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey is offering a noncredit course in Introduction to Modem Greek. Classes will meet once a week 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 27 through March 30 at the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Community Center at the corner of Ridge and Mill Roads in Egg Harbor Township.

The course is for adults with little or no knowledge of Greek. Students will learn basic conversational expressions and how to read and write basic phrases using the Greek alphabet.

Tuition of $100 does not include materials. To register call (609) 652-4505.

Womanless Beauty Pageant seeks contestants

The Farmington Volunteer Fire Company No. 4 Ladies Auxiliary is looking for male contestants for the second annual Womanless Beauty Pageant, in which area men dress as women and compete in several phases for the title of Miss Public Service. Contestants can come from neighboring communities and should serve the public in some fashion.

Part of the $20 entry fee benefits the Burn Foundation. Prizes will be given to the winner and court.

The pageant is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at the Farmington Volunteer Company Fire Hall, 301 Maple Ave.

For information call (609) 374-4460 or (609) 517-9216. Applications can be downloaded at www.farmingtonfire4.com. Registration deadline is March 15.

Adopt a family for the holidays

For over a decade, the Adopt-a-Family program, sponsored by the South Jersey AIDS Alliance, has provided families with gifts for the holidays. This year SJAA has received holiday wishes for gifts from more than 500 clients and their families in Cumberland and Atlantic counties. A child, a teenager or an entire family can be adopted through the Adopt-a-Family program.

“This program provides families with the essentials that help them get through the cold winter months,” said Cathy Fields, SJAA’s Cumberland County director who oversees the Vineland center’s Adopt-a-Family program.

Items like gloves, scarves, hats, hooded sweatshirts, sweaters, socks, slipper socks, flannel shirts and toiletries such as shampoo, lotion and toothpaste are needed, she said. To make a donation in Atlantic County,call Sari Calderon at (609) 347-1085 or send an email to saribertp@sjaids.org. Donations may also be mailed or dropped off to SJAA, 19 Gordons Alley, Atlantic City, NJ 08401.

In Cumberland County, contact Fields at (856) 696-8025 or cathyf@sjaids.org. Donations may also be mailed or dropped off to SJAA, 1173 E. Landis Ave., Vineland, NJ 08360.

ACCC adds new continuing ed classes

This spring, Atlantic Cape Community College will offer a variety of new continuing education classes, some online.

The newest computer and technology course is Microsoft Office 2007, exploring the new layout and functions of Word basics.

New online is AutoCAD, an essential tool in mechanical and civil engineering and architecture. Also new online in the professional development series are Project Management, which covers how to effectively plan, implement and control projects using Microsoft Project 2003; Project Management Fundamentals; Project Management Applications; and Certification Preparation 1. Another new offering is the Academy for Notaries, for which there is a growing need in various professions such a law, real estate and finances.

Back to Basics Real Estate Training will be offered for the first time at the Institute for Service Excellence at Hamilton Mall for those just starting careers in real estate who could use tips for getting ahead in today’s market. In addition, the Institute will offer Conducting Effective Performance Reviews for Retail Managers, covering basic strategies for managing employee performances.

For personal enrichment, ACCC will present a Memoir Writer’s Workshop and Writing the Novel Part I, both at the Cape May County campus. Also new is the online Certified Wedding Planner program.

The Mays Landing campus is at 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing; the Cape May County Campus is at 314 Court House-South Dennis Road, Cape May Court House; the Charles D. Worthington Atlantic City Campus is at 1535 Bacharach Blvd., Atlantic City. To register call (609) 343-4829 or log on to www.atlantic.edu/conted.

Still time to register for ACCC winter term

The last day to register in person for Atlantic Cape Community College’s 11-day winter term is Friday, Dec. 21. Students can register 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Mail, fax and online registrations will be accepted through Jan. 1. You must have a PIN to register online.

Winter term classes will be held weekdays Jan. 2-16. To register online or view an updated schedule of winter and spring courses, visit www.atlantic.edu/web4students.

ACCC’s campuses are in Mays Landing at 5100 Black Horse Pike; Atlantic City at the Charles D. Worthington Atlantic City Campus, 1535 Bacharach Blvd.; and Cape May Court House, 341 Court House-South Dennis Road.

Americans for UNFPA announces Student Award for the Health and Dignity of Women

Americans for UNFPA, the official U.S. support organization for the United Nations Population Fund, announced the second annual Student Award for the Health and Dignity of Women. The award winner will receive an expenses-paid week trip to Rwanda and Uganda Aug. 10-18 to travel with Americans for UNFPA staff and other activists to increase understanding of the global health and rights of women. The winner will guest-blog on both americansforunfpa.org and a leading publication website and will represent the group as a student advocate at campus, political and advocacy events.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and a nongraduating undergraduate student enrolled full time at a U.S. institution. Submit resume/activity sheet, reference contact information and respond to the following two short essays by March 10, 2008:

Discuss why the American people and our government should support UNFPA in its mission to improve the health and rights of women around the world (300-500 words) and how you personally hope to play a role in improving the rights and reproductive health of women worldwide and how experiencing UNFPA programs firsthand in Africa would make you a better advocate than you currently are (300-500 words).

To learn more or to download an application visit www.americansforunpfa.org/studentaward or visit Americans for UNFPA on Facebook.

ACCC approves new health sciences degree

Responding to the growing demand for nurses and other allied and auxiliary health professionals, the Atlantic Cape Community College board of trustees approved a new associate’s degree in health sciences at its Dec. 11 meeting.

The degree will provide students interested in the nursing program and others with an alternate opportunity to study for a health care career. The college developed the program based on studies conducted for its master plan and Health Professions Institute that showed the nursing and allied health fields are expanding dramatically. More than 800 ACCC students have expressed an interest in entering the nursing program, but many will not meet its requirements.

Those who pursue the health sciences degree will have several options. They can enter the nursing program upon meeting that program’s prerequisites, take an entrance exam and be accepted; transfer their credits to a baccalaureate program for further study; or obtain additional education that leads to certification or licensure and change their major to the health professions option of the technical studies degree, an ACCC associate in applied science degree.

Contingent on state approval, the new degree is scheduled to be offered in the fall 2008 semester.

Keep Absecon Lighthouse shining for another 150 years

Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey's tallest and the country's third tallest, invites residents of Atlantic County to send $1.50 in honor of the Lighthouse's 150th anniversary year – a penny for each year the lighthouse has been in existence. Donations may be rounded up to $2 for ease of mailing and sent to Absecon Lighthouse, 31 S. Rhode Island Ave., Atlantic City, NJ, 08401. For information call (609) 449-1360 or visit www.abseconlighthouse.org.

Atlantic Christian School holds registration

Atlantic Christian School in Egg Harbor Township is still accepting students for the 2007-2008 school year. The school is nondenominational and has prekindergarten for 3- and 4-year olds, full-day kindergarten, and schooling for up to 12th grade. For information call (609) 653-1199.

There’s still time to register for ACCC’s winter and spring terms

There is still time to register for a variety of winter and spring classes at Atlantic Cape Community College.

ACCC will offer several new classes this spring in communication, computers and math, including Special Topic: Broadcast Journalism taught by visiting professor Dick Sheeran, veteran news reporter and anchor for KYW-TV (CBS) Philadelphia; Computer Applications for Small Business; Applications of Mathematics; and many others.

Winter classes will be held weekdays Jan. 2-16. Spring classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 22. Students can register in person 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays Friday, Dec. 21, or by fax, mail or online through Tuesday, Jan. 1. Students must have a PIN to register online. New students must apply for admission prior to registering for classes.

Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted. To register online or view an updated schedule of winter and spring courses, visit www.atlantic.edu/web4students. For a schedule call (609) 343-5000, (609) 625-1111 or (609) 463-3958 in Cape May County.

ACCC’s campuses are in Mays Landing at 5100 Black Horse Pike; Atlantic City at the Charles D. Worthington Campus, 1535 Bacharach Blvd.; and Cape May Court House, 341 Court House-South Dennis Road.

Boaters urged to exercise caution during heavy weather

The Coast Guard urges boaters to stay off the water or exercise extreme caution when operating on the water during heavy winter weather and gale force winds.

The public can stay informed by monitoring the progress and strength of heavy weather through local television, radio and Internet. Boaters can monitor weather progress on VHF channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF channel 16.

Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to assist those in danger during heavy weather.

The Coast Guard recommends mariners secure all belongings. Owners of larger boats can move their boats to inland marinas, where they will be less vulnerable to damage or breaking free of their moorings. Boats that can be trailered should be pulled from the water and stored in a place not prone to flooding. If leaving a boat in the water, secure life rings, life jackets and small boats.

Be cautious of hazardous materials and secure them prior to foul weather. Those who have hazardous materials on or near the water are responsible for any spills that may occur..

During inclement weather, exercise caution around beaches. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents.

Drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures during heavy storms. They are generally authorized to remain closed up to eight hours prior to the approach of gale force winds of 34 knots or greater. When in doubt, check with the local Coast Guard marine safety office.
For information on current weather visit the NOAA National Weather Service Web site at www.nws.noaa.gov/.

50/50 raffle benefits ACCC scholarships

The Press of Atlantic City Restaurant Gala 50/50 raffle offers the opportunity to win up to $15,000. The raffle is sponsored by the Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation, and proceeds benefit student scholarships at ACCC. Five winners will share up to $25,000.

Only 500 tickets will be sold at $100 each. Three cash prizes will be awarded, including a $15,000 first prize, $7,500 second prize, and $2,500 third prize. Dollar amounts are based on all 500 tickets being sold. The winning tickets will be drawn at the gala April 3 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Now in its 25th year, the Restaurant Gala has raised more than $1.7 million for student scholarships. Winners do not need to be present to win.

For raffle tickets call (609) 343-5674 or purchase online at www.atlantic.edu/gala.

Gift drive for women at Rescue Mission

Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union is collecting gifts for women staying at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission over the holidays. Suggested gift items include writing paper, fragrance sets, costume jewelry, gloves, hats and scarves. Drop off a gift to the credit union office, 1434 New Road in Northfield by Thursday, Dec. 20. Call (609) 646-3339 for information.

Broadcaster Dick Sheeran is visiting professor at ACCC

Under a new visiting professor program, Philadelphia TV news reporter and anchor Dick Sheeran will teach two courses at Atlantic Cape Community College during the spring 2008 semester: Introduction to Mass Media and Special Topics in News Writing— Broadcast Journalism.

While Sheeran has served as a reporter and editor for a variety of media, including newspapers and radio, he is best known for his 30-year stint as a reporter and anchor for KYW-TV (CBS) Philadelphia.

During his career, he covered stories such as the approval of Atlantic City casino gaming, the Pope John Paul II visit to Philadelphia in 1979, the funeral of Princess Grace of Monaco and 36 consecutive Miss America pageants.

The visiting professor program is funded by the ACCC Foundation and Beacons by the Sea.

To register visit www.atlantic.edu/web4students or call (609) 343-5000.

Women’s Club collecting coats

The Atlantic Shore Junior Women’s Club is collecting new and gently used coats, gloves, hats and scarves for needy adults and children. Drop-off locations are KB Toys at the Shore Mall in Egg Harbor Township; the Optical Room, 788 White Horse Pike; and the Atlantic County Library in Galloway Township on Jimmie Leeds Road.

Call Mary at (609) 748-5010.

Entertainment Savings Books for sale

Entertainment Savings Books are being offered by the Fernwood Avenue Middle School Parents Club to raise funds for student activities and academic award programs. The price is $30.

The books contain 50 percent off and two-for-one offers at local establishments.

To order send check or money order to Fernwood Avenue Middle School Parents Club, 4034 Fernwood Ave., Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234. For information contact Dottie Auer at (609) 927-4331.

Essay contest celebrates the American Christmas

Bridge Biography American History Company is sponsoring an essay contest that asks, “If you could invite any figure from American history to your family’s holiday dinner, who would you invite and why?”

The contest is being held to commemorate the release of the American Christmas line of vintage greeting cards from the 1930s through the 1950s that evoke holiday seasons past.

Bridge Biography American History Company was founded by Matthew Litt, 29, after he resigned from his job at a Manhattan law firm to pursue a more meaningful calling.

The inspiration for the card collection came as Litt was writing a book, “The First Christmas; a Historical Account of the Holiday Season of 1945.” The book, scheduled for release next year, takes readers on a trip through the first holiday season after the conclusion of the Second World War.

The winner of the contest will receive a $250 gift certificate to the food store or restaurant of their choice. The short essay contest is intended to serve as a catalyst for reflection on the topic of American heroes. Children are encouraged to participate with the permission of a parent or guardian. All entries are due by Dec. 18. To enter or for information log on to TheAmericanChristmas.com or call (908) 770-7533.

Boys and Girls Club Car Campaign

People wishing to donate a car to the Boys and Girls Club Car Campaign can call (800) 246-0493 to get the process started. Funds derived from the program will be used to help the many programs run by the clubs. The funds will help to maintain a safe place for children.

Coats for Kids drive

Gitto Chiropractic is holding its 17th annual Coats for Kids drive through Dec. 13. Coats are being collected for needy local children. All sizes are needed for adults and children. Anyone who donates one or more coats can receive a complimentary exam and X-rays. Gitto Chiropractic is in the Tilton Shopping Center, 331 Tilton Road in Northfield. For information call (609) 484-9300.

Life at home presents new challenges, with Dad back from Iraq

2007-12-19T20:51:02Z

By JACKIE HANUSEY
Staff Writer

Last Christmas Ed Lopez of Absecon was away serving his country in Sinjar, Iraq as an Army quartermaster. While he wasn’t home for the holidays, his three sons were able to find Daddy in a box Christmas morning.

Through “Daddy Dolls” the boys’ favorite military hero, their father, was able to be in their arms in a huggable form.

Although his sons, Jared, now 11; Benjamin, 8, and Spencer, 2, could play with Daddy, Ed said it was hard to be away for the holidays.

“It started with our anniversary on Veterans Day and she (his wife, Lynnea) didn’t get the roses I sent for two weeks,” he said. “They sat in the UPS truck. And then the backpacks I bought for the boys didn’t arrive until January. It was a bit disheartening.”

Lopez returned home to his wife and boys at the end of August.

He said he had a lot of time off in the beginning to help with the boys’ sports practices and Boy Scout meetings, but now the sergeant works longer hours at Fort Dix as part of the 445th Quartermaster Company where he works on vehicles and trains other soldiers. Still, he makes it home every night.

While Lynnea said her husband was welcomed home with open arms, receiving much appreciated gift certificates and other presents, the adjustment to home life continues.

“It’s been a challenge to adjust,” Ed Lopez agreed.

“We’ve both changed in different ways. We had been separated and going through different experiences.”

Lynnea Lopez said no matter how thorough the debriefing or helpful the documents they receive upon their return, there is no way to know what things will be like down the road.

Lopez has at least another six years in the Army and questions of war still continue.

“Benny still asks if Dad is going back to war,” Lynnea Lopez said. “It is still in their minds.”

She said her boys have grown because their dad served in war from March 2006 to August 2007. Oldest son Jared took on a role as mom’s helping hand and head of the household.

“Jared’s friends probably don’t fold laundry or take the trash out,” she said. “He would watch Spencer and help Benny out with his homework.”

Swankoskis together for Christmas

At the Swankoski household in Egg Harbor Township, Alex Swankoski, now 9, took on a similar role. As the sole male in the house, he was strong and seemed to take the holidays well as his father, Steve Swankoski, served in Iraq.

“We continued to think that until last week, when we went to his school and read his Christmas story,” said his mother, Karen Swankoski. “It was all about how hard last Christmas was. It was so sad we couldn’t finish it.”

“He doesn’t express his emotions much about me,” said Steve Swankoski, who has been home since April.

“He thought, ‘I’m the man of the house.’ But I never want to put that pressure on him. I’m glad and he’s glad I’m back.”

The Swift School in Egg Harbor Township embraced Swankoski, an active member of the Parents Club, sending cards and gifts to his unit last Christmastime.

“It was like there was a little part of home with you,” he said.

While he was serving in Iraq, his wife, Karen, videotaped their son Alex and daughter Amanda, now 7, opening their presents under the tree.

Swankoski was promoted to the rank of Marine sergeant major in May and now travels to his new unit, Mass-6, in Chicopee, Mass., once a month. The trips require the family to sit down and explain that Daddy is not leaving for war.

After coming back home he returned to his job as patrolman for the Egg Harbor Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit, which required getting used to changes in the department and dealing with civilians after being in the prominently male Marine Corps.

“It is not as easy as Daddy’s home,” Karen Swankoski said when it came to readjusting to his return.

“It was very difficult. I don’t want to sugar-coat it.

“The first week or so he was home, everyone was stopping by, but then that dies down,” she said. “We realized we had new friends he didn’t know and the kids had new friends. We kept going and his life here had stopped. I had become used to doing things on my own and he was used to running a unit where he was in charge of 170 guys.”

Swankoski, who has come to accept that he missed out Scouting trips with Alex and cheerleading with Amanda, is just happy to be home.

Alex agrees.

“Last Christmas I was the only boy,” Alex said. “Now Daddy is home for me to give him presents.”

“This year I have everything I want,” Steve Swankoski said. “I’m home.”

Back for a second time

Army Sgt. Alfredo “Pepe” Mercado, now of Mays Landing, returned in August from his second tour in Iraq that started in January, 2006. This holiday season he’ll be spending time with his two sons and new fiancée Jessica Brooks whom he met while she served in the Alabama National Guard.

For Mercado, it was easier the second time around to part from his sons for the holidays because they were older. But both times were tough and he looks forward to making it up this year.

“They are huge Christmas fans so it wasn’t easy without Daddy being here,” he said.

“This year we are taking my oldest son to the concert at the Wachovia Center of ‘High School Musical’ because he watches it every day,” he said.

Mercado will have his sons A.J., 8; and Ian, 3, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Night this year as he shares custody with their mother.

Mercado is back to work for the Department of Environmental Protection and should be headed off to the police academy for training to be a state trooper in 2008 after having passed the written test this year.

“Since being home I haven’t turned on the news,” he said. “I’m not ready to look at that. Right now I’m focused on family.”

Making the most of it when you have to work the holiday

2007-12-19T20:48:05Z

By JACKIE HANUSEY

Staff Writer

For most people, the holiday season is a time to spend with family at home. But for many others, it’s also time to spend with their other family – their coworkers.

Marcia Moser of Northfield is a radiographer at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Division, in Galloway Township.

“The holidays are definitely about family for me, seeing the younger ones getting what they wish for and seeing some people you only visit once a year,” Moser said.

On most Christmases she finds herself taking X-rays at the hospital with a different type of family.

“There is usually a meal for the holiday before Christmas, but not for those working the holiday, so we usually come together and put a pot luck meal together,” she said.

Her coworkers seemed to grow closer by working on Christmas.

As her four children were growing up, she liked spending Christmas Day at the hospital with this extended family, after the presents at home were unwrapped.

She would make it up to her family by taking a trip or treating them to something special like a movie.

Working the holidays, she said, is a special opportunity.

“Patients are also away from their families,” she said. “I try to talk to somebody for even just a couple of minutes interacting with them.”

“I’ve worked lots of holidays,” said AtlantiCare paramedic T.J. Baldt of Dennis Township.

When he was single he often worked Christmas and took off New Year’s Eve. Now married with three grown stepchildren and 18 years in the field, he knows what it’s like to adapt to the time he has off.

“It is the price you pay,” he said, adding that, while there are a lot of other professions that he could have pursued, they would not give him as much satisfaction.

“Just this year on Thanksgiving I was scheduled to work and one of my fellow coworkers asked, ‘Does anyone want to go home at 1?’ So I said ‘OK’.”

In return the paramedics were able to be a part of his family feast as well. Without missing a call the paramedic crew made it by Baldt’s step-daughter Kelly Adams’ house for a Thanksgiving spread.

Of course it’s not just emergency personnel who answer the call to work on Christmas and the holidays. While families enjoy dinner at a restaurant, waiters, hostesses and bartenders who serve them are separated from their loved ones.

As a bartender at Providence, located in the Quarter at Tropicana, Nicole Cherichella, 24, of Brigantine is usually serving on Christmas Eve and you can almost guarantee she’ll be working New Year’s Eve.

“I have to celebrate Christmas with family,” she said.

It doesn’t matter if it means a long trip home on Christmas Eve with loads of traffic delays to get to Warren County. She does what it takes to get home for the traditional Italian feast.

“In the service industry you are expected to work the holidays,” Cherichella said, adding that there are advantages. “Usually things are better in the tipping department. Up to the holiday, people are in a good mood.”

And when the ball drops to ring in 2008, she’ll be behind the counter, and that suits her just fine.

“It is a nightclub so there is music. I still get to enjoy the holiday. I spend it in a good place with a lot of good people.”

Holiday toy drive latest event for AtlantiCare workers

2007-12-19T20:44:14Z

By STEVE PRISAMENT

Staff Writer

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – It shouldn’t be a surprise that a healthcare outfit would show concern for the people in its communities.

But the employees at AtlantiCare take care and caring to an even higher level.

The Rewards and Recreation Committee at its Airport Commerce Center facility, which houses mostly finance workers, is an example.

The committee’s main function is planning rewards and recreation for employees at the center. Christmas, of course, is a biggie.

“We plan events,” said team leader Sandra DeJesus of Galloway Township. “We selected the building decorations, chose the colors, the chairs, the artwork. But basically we plan events.”

Thursday, Dec. 13 was the office party.

“It was the best Christmas party in the history of AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center,” DeJesus said. “And next year, we’ll top that. We rock.”

The party was fantastic, according to committee member Carly Melchert of Ventnor.

“All day long, people who didn’t go were saying they were sorry they missed it,” Melchert said on Friday, Dec. 14.

She and another member of the committee, Pam Nichols of Pleasantville, organized a different type of Christmas event – one that focuses on giving.

“Pam and I organized the toy drive,” Melchert said. “We kicked it off with a day where for $5 you were allowed to wear jeans. We’re not allowed to wear jeans to work.”

“We collected about 30 toys in about a week – including a bike,” Nichols said. “We’re donating them to DYFS (the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services). The United Way is helping with that. They’re very excited ... looking forward to dropping off the toys. We’re very excited also.”

The committee was established more than two years ago by then CFO Walter Greiner. It has seven members representing the departments in the building: finance, access center, marketing and patient accounting.

“This committee has a lot of ideas,” DeJesus said. “We each have our own creativity. That’s what makes the group so special.”

Committee member Marva Constantine-White of Egg Harbor Township said the group will help celebrate Black History Month in February.

“We’ll do something for Valentine’s Day, too,” said another member, Cathy Dickerson of Egg Harbor City. “We’ll have a breakfast or something.”

Helen Foreman of Galloway Township is also on the busy committee.

And while they think up events for next year, they’re hoping the toy collection will continue to mount.

“They’re picking the toys up the 19th,” Dickerson said. “There’ll be even more by then.”

Other employee efforts to spread joy in the community include AtlantiCare’s Mainland Campus in Galloway Township, where people in 13 departments are chipping in to “adopt” 14 families for Christmas through Galloway Township’s Reeds Road School.

Employees at the campus in Atlantic City are hosting a Christmas luncheon for hospital volunteers. The psychiatric intervention program in Atlantic City is contributing toiletries to the Covenant House, which provides shelter for homeless on runaway youths.

AtlantiCare Behavioral Health, with the students in the School Based Youth Services Program at Oakcrest High School in Hamilton Township and Buena Regional High School, are volunteering at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Southern Branch, located in Egg Harbor Township. Behavioral Health’s Atlantic City Family Center held a toy drive. And the Behavioral Health staff will deliver gifts and sing carols at Eastern Pines Convalescent Center in Atlantic City.

AtlantiCare Health Plans held a canned food drive to benefit the food bank. Employees at AtlantiCare Mission HealthCare are collecting toys and clothing for residents of the Atlantic City Rescue Mission.

Three families were also adopted by the AtlantiCare Marketing Department who worked with Sister Mary Frances Kyle, AtlantiCare’s hospital chaplain to Hispanic patients.

Technorati Tags: Atlanticare,Toy Drive,Donations,Holiday

Northfield Police Department procures DWI traffic trailer

2007-12-19T20:42:33Z

NORTHFIELD – The Northfield Police Department will receive a traffic trailer from the Atlantic County Office of Highway Safety to use in the enforcement of DUI laws.The trailer contains road signs and traffic control equipment to facilitate checkpoints for the Over the Limit Under Arrest DWI campaign and to ensure the safety of officers and the public.The equipment may be used to assist in traffic control during storm evacuations.Michael Schurman, director of the Atlantic County Office of Highway Safety, and Captain Randy Clark of the Northfield Police Department worked together and used $5,000 in grant money to purchase the trailer and equipment.The trailer was used recently in a commercial with Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson that will air on TV40 through year’s end.

Technorati Tags: Police,DWI,Northfield

All school districts to receive more state aid under new funding formula

2007-12-19T20:27:22Z

Gov. Jon S. Corzine unveiled a new public school funding formula Wednesday, Dec. 19 that increases state aid to all districts, some by as much as 20 percent.

Benefiting the most from the new formula are the Egg Harbor Township, Greater Egg Harbor Regional, Hamilton Township, Mainland Regional, Northfield and Somers Point school districts, which would see an increase of 20 percent, and Galloway Township, which is set to receive 18 percent more aid.

The formula still has to be approved by the state legislature, which could be done by the end of the week, according to Spokesperson for the State Department of Education Richard Vespucci. He said changes might also be implemented to the current proposal before adoption.

The formula replaces a state aid system described as “outdated” and “ad-hoc,” according to a press release issued last week.

Under the proposed formula, approximately $7.8 billion will be distributed for k-12 education for the 2009 fiscal year, an increase of approximately $530 million.

All districts will receive a state aid increase of at least 2 percent the first year, and no districts will see a decrease in state aid during the first three years of the program. In later years, decreases in aid would occur if districts experience declines in enrollment or in enrollment categories, according to a press release issued by the governor.

“Over the last year, parents and educators have been telling me they want more for students, and they are passionate,” Corzine said. “Today we unveil a new school funding formula that gives all of our children in all of our communities the opportunity to succeed.

“It is balanced, unified and equitable, and it provides significant relief to local property taxpayers, who for decades have shouldered the important yet growing cost of education.”

Education Commissioner Lucille E. Davy said the formula is the culmination of more than a year of work by Department of Education and administration officials, legislators and stakeholders.

“This is a formula that follows the basic principle that children with greater needs deserve greater resources,” Davy said. “With this new formula we are expanding the definition of ‘needy’ students, making sure those children who face multiple obstacles are fully funded and ensuring aid is distributed to middle-income districts accordingly.”

The governor has also proposed the expansion of high-quality preschool to at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds in districts throughout the state.

Calculations to determine aid distribution are based on a per-pupil adequacy budget, which represents what each district should be spending to allow each student to attain the state’s educational standards. The base amount is set for elementary school students and is increased for middle school students, high school students and vocational school students because it grows more expensive to meet students’ needs as they progress through school.

Additional weights are added to the basic formula for at-risk students (those eligible for free or reduced-price lunch), students with limited English proficiency and special education students. A combination weight is calculated for students who are both at-risk and LEP.

The formula recognizes that there are additional challenges in meeting student needs when there is a high concentration of poverty in a district.

The proposal encourages districts to provide full-day kindergarten by accounting for a full-day program and funding it as part of each district’s adequacy budget.

Because there are cost differentials throughout the state, the adequacy budget is adjusted by a geographic cost index.

The formula also changes the way special education is funded. Funding allocated for special education will increase significantly by approximately $470 million in the 2008-2009 school year.

The adequacy budget for special education is calculated by multiplying the statewide average 14.87 percent classification rate by the per pupil special education excess cost of $10,897. For each district, one-third of this special education component will be funded on a categorical basis and two-thirds will be funded on a wealth-equalized basis.

An increase in categorical extraordinary special education aid will complement the formula. The state will now fund 75 percent of per-pupil special education costs that exceed $40,000 per student for in-district placements and $55,000 per pupil for out-of-district placements.

For information on the new formula visit www.state.nj.us/education/sff/ .

The chart below shows the proposed percentage aid increase for local districts for the 2008-2009 school year.

District Percentage increase

Absecon 2

Atlantic City 2

Atlantic County Vocational 2

Egg Harbor City 11

Egg Harbor Township 20

Galloway Township 18

Greater Egg Harbor Regional 20

Hamilton Township 20

Linwood 2

Longport 2

Mainland Regional 20

Margate 2

Northfield 20

Pleasantville 2

Port Republic 2

Somers Point 20

Ventnor 2

Technorati Tags: NJ,education,funding,districts,Corzine

Foundation remembers Baby Blue

2007-12-19T20:25:31Z

On Dec. 4 the Baby Blue Foundation remembered the short life of Baby Blue, the newborn who washed up on a Ventnor beach in January 2004. The date marks three years since Baby Blue was laid to rest with dignity before a caring community.

As it has in past years, the foundation honored the infant by laying a grave blanket donated by the Rain Florist of Ventnor at her gravesite in the Seaside Cemetery in Marmora.

The foundation’s annual appeal campaign is under way and coincides with the anniversary of the original memorial service. It was the outpouring of support from the community during that time that gave root to the Baby Blue Foundation.

The foundation asks the community to remember the infants who will never celebrate a first holiday season. These angels are the victims of neonaticide – newborns who die of neglect or violence within the first 24 hours of life.

All donations support the nonprofit foundation and its efforts to raise awareness about the frequency, causes and alternatives to neonaticide and newborn abandonment. Giving helps provide dignified burials for these tiny victims in the event that the family is unavailable or unable to do so.

Donations can be made to the Baby Blue Foundation at PO Box 2408, Ventnor, NJ 08406 or online at http://www.babybluefoundation.org/.

LoBiondo urges Corzine to reopen Warren Grove Gunnery Range

2007-12-19T20:24:31Z

U.S. Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo sent a letter to New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine Tuesday, Dec. 11 urging him to reopen the Warren Grove Gunnery Range, which has remained closed since a May fire that was started by dropped flares.

The facility, which is the primary training range for the National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing out of Egg Harbor Township, was scheduled to recommence limited flyovers on Dec. 6 after a comprehensive safety plan was submitted to the governor for review. However, despite reviewing the safety recommendations, the governor halted the reopening of the facility.

In a letter sent to the governor, LoBiondo, who sits on the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, said delaying the reopening would negatively impact the readiness of the United States Armed Forces.

“It is my understanding the 177th Air National Guard Fighter Wing has developed a comprehensive plan to address the problems which caused an accidental fire this spring and help prevent future potential accidents,” LoBiondo said. The plan included allowing limited flyovers without the dropping or even carrying of any weapons or flares, he said.

“Warren Grove Gunnery Range is a vital training facility not only for the 177th, but also for other Air Force, Army, Marine, and National Guard units in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. It is my understanding the prolonged closure may be causing decreased readiness in troops and units being deployed overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan, as WGGR provides unique joint training opportunities,” the letter said.

He said the proximity to the 177th’s home base makes the gunnery range ideal for easy access to training options and saves time and fuel associated with traveling hundreds of miles to train, he said.

“As you know, the men and women of the 177th are not just soldiers, but are also citizen soldiers who live and work in the communities affected by operations at the 177th and surrounding the range,” he said. “They are the most familiar and the most invested in the safe operation of the range. In the event the 177th loses operational control of WGGR, the United States Air Force could assign command and control operations over the range to another entity not accountable to New Jersey and its citizens.

He urged Corzine to reconsider his decision to keep the range closed.

Technorati Tags: Warren Grove,NJ,Gunnery,Range,Corzine,LoBiondo