January 2010, The Gazette of Atlantic & Cumberland Counties by Louis Mascolo

October, 2009

January 2010

TOP 10 New Year RESOLUTIONS 1. Never look back 2. Compliment others 3. Celebrate without reasons 4. Lose weight 5. Connect with old friends 6. Dare to dream 7. Quit smoking 8. Drink more.....WATER 9. Get a check up 10. Detoxify your home Do You have your own New Year’s Resolution you would like to share? Email us at: Editor@TheGazetteNJ.com

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Chiarello Named to League of Municipal Mayors New Jersey’s mayors elected Chuck Chiarello of Buena Vista to the position of First Vice President of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. As First Vice President of the New Jersey League of Municipalities, Mayor Chiarello will help lead the Association of New Jersey’s 566 municipal governments. He will represent the interests and needs of New Jersey’s local elected officials to county, state, and federal governments. Mayor Chiarello is a 30-year resident of Buena Vista Township and is serving in his 6th term elected as a Township Committeeman (his 18th year) and is serving his 15th year as Mayor of Buena Vista Township. Mayor Chiarello serves on the Buena Vista Planning Board, Environmental Commission, Special Events Committee, Public Safety Committee and more. Mayor Chiarello is also Chairman of the Pinelands Municipal Council where he has served since 1996. Chuck has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business/Marketing (with honors) from Richard Stockton State College in Pomona, NJ and is certified by the Rutgers Government Studies Program. He also served as a Firefighter and Secretary of the Milmay Volunteer Fire Company for many years. Cont’d on p. 3, “Chiarello”

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January, 2010

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January, 2010

Pub Notes by Louis Mascolo

Happy New Year! (We hope)

appy New Year! (We hope). I feel like a fighter coming out in the first round when the bell rings and see the opponent is 150 pounds heavier than him, with biceps like logs and fists the size of boulders and a face that would scare Satan. Good luck to us! 2009 was a year the oligarchs revealed their naked power in America. If anyone was entertaining the illusion that America’s capitalistic democracy is benign with the greater good in mind, they got a real slap in the face this year. The rich and super powerful having befouled the economy and lost their cash, reached out and snatched our paltry share. It’s like a fat, sweaty glutton at a dinner table who overeats to the point that he vomits on his massive plate of food and then reaches out and grabs our little bread plate of crumbs. The super rich and powerful have always run the country and enriched themselves on the backs of we citizens, whether to make a profit on war, to manipulate the Congress with bribes and graft (read campaign contributions), or to steal our jobs and shop them overseas, but they’ve always worked behind the scenes. To see them emerge in all their ugly nakedness to bash us is a shock none of us expected. We of middle age and older have lived through a period of time that is unique in human history. Since the end of World War II, we’ve experienced the rise of the middle class. Never had that happened before. Be-

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fore that social structure was based on inherited wealth and social position. We have come to think that this “Middle Class” experience is the norm and an entitlement. But it has only happened over the last sixty or seventy years. Before that America was a pretty nasty place. Either you were a rural farmer on your own or an Immigrant living in ghettos with no social safety net, working for pennies, being exploited by the rich. Are we now going backwards toward that economic and social model? Never say never. Well…isn’t that cheery. Sorry! There are glimmers of hope, let’s make a human sacrifice to the gods that it will turn into a ray. I can think of a few people to use. On a positive note, I want to welcome “Big Rick” Cahall to the list of guest columnists. He’s a very funny and entertaining guy, and for the purposes of this paper will concentrate on entertainment in general. Movies, music, comedy, et. al. Welcome Rick.

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Library Director Bill Paulin describes contents of the free backpacks distributed to the Buena School distric by the Atlantic County Library Foundation.

Library Distributes Backpacks in Buena First graders in the Buena Regional School District received colorful trainthemed backpacks last week as part of the Atlantic County Library Foundation’s “First Grade...First steps begin at the library” program. Staff members from the library system visited each first grade in the district to hand out backpacks full of goodies, including the book “Trains” by Stephanie Turnbull, a conductor’s cap, a train whistle, and information about the Atlantic County Library System. The Atlantic County Library Foundation states the intention of the program is that by introducing first graders to the wonders that can be found at their local library they will begin a tradition of lifelong learning at the library. The program is in its sixth year. For more information on the Atlantic County Library Foundation visit www.atlanticlibrary.org/libraryfoundation/homepage.htm or ask for details at your local Atlantic County Library System branch. More events by the Atlantic County Library

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY SEMINAR Atlantic County Library System/Mays

Chiarello (cont’d from p. 1) CONTRIBUTORS: Gail Benson “Big Rick” Cahall Rosalie Hadulas Jimmie Lee Hollis Jean Hecker Emma Lopez Dr. John Mainiero Dr. Todd Kirchner Emily Mascolo David Petrovich Lynn Petrovich Nance Piazza Antoinette Ricci Cameron Wilson CIRCULATION MANAGER Greg Cavaliero

Mayor Chiarello is employed by the South Jersey Transportation Authority as Airport Facilities Planning Manager and previously served as Atlantic City Expressway Manager. He is a Notary Public and has been a member of various charitable, business, and trade organizations. Mayor Chuck Chiarello has been instrumental in many successful projects in Buena Vista Township. He completed a five-year dream to bring the New Jersey State Police Troop A Headquarters and Barracks to his community. The 10 million-dollar, 59,000 square foot building officially opened on November 8, 1996 on NJ Route 54. Chuck lives with his wife Cheryl in the Milmay section of Buena Vista Township. He came to the area when he was three years old after his parents moved to Atlantic City from New York City. His parents built a home in Absecon and operated Russ Miller Record Shops for 25 years. .

Landing offers a Digital Photography Seminar on Tuesday, February 2 from 7 pm until 8:30 pm. The free program is open to adults, and registration is required. Photographer Ted Marx helps you explore new software and creative digital techniques. For more information, call the library at 625-2776, extension 6304. Atlantic County Library System/Mays Landing is located at 40 Farragut Avenue. BILINGUAL STORYTIME AND CRAFT The Atlantic County Library System’s Outreach Services Section hosts a Bilingual Storytime and Craft program on Wednesday, February 3 from 6 pm until 8 pm at the Buena Community Reading Center. The program for preschoolers is presented un English and in Spanish. The Bilingual Storytime and Craft is free, but space is limited. Registration is required by calling 609-625-2776, extension 6325. The Buena Community Reading Center is located inside the library of Buena Regional High School on Weymouth-Malaga Road. WEE READ Atlantic County Library System/Ventnor presents Wee Read for young children on Thursdays, February 4-March 11 at 10 am. The programs are suggested for children ages 18-36 months, but older siblings are welcome. Registration is required. Wee Read features early literacy activities including songs, stories, fingerplays and bounces. Call the library at 823-4614. Atlantic County Library System/Ventnor is located at 6500 Atlantic Avenue. STORYTIME EN ESPANOL Atlantic County Library System/Egg Harbor City holds Storytime en Espanol on Saturdays, February 6-March 6 at 10:30 am. The programs are suggested for ages 3-5, and registration is required. Learn more by calling the library at 8041063. Atlantic County Library System/Egg Harbor City is located at 134 Philadelphia Avenue.

January, 2010

The Gazette of Atlantic & Cumberland Counties • www.TheGazetteNJ.com

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Food For Thought

Impressions

by Jean Hecker

by Nance Piazza Jean is a regular contributor to the Gazette.

Nance Piazza is a Mother; wife; sister; daughter; Aunt; and friend

Email your comments to her at RICHIE406@HOTMAIL.COM . Comment on her

Email your comments to Nance at piazzax@verizon.net. Comment on her column at at

column at at lousgazetteblog.blogspot.com

lousgazetteblog.blogspot.com

Macaroni & Cheese

Jean Hecker

Resolutions...

A Favorite Cold Weather Food

Sorry--not happening!

n icy cold winter days, especially on the weekends, my mom used to bring out her mother’s big “dutchoven” pot and we knew that it was time for one of her hearty winter meals. Her beef stew was great, full of potatoes, carrots, & peas. After playing outside all day, we scrambled in to a hot bowl and we were a couple of happy kids. Mom would also concoct a dish she called “chopped sooy” that had no real Chinese pedigree, but was really ground beef mixed with rice and peas. Then there was her pork roast with onion gravy, mashed potatoes and roasted carrots, a staple for Sunday dinner. She also made big pots of soup. We would watch her put the chicken in the pot with all of the vegetables and bouquetgarni and just couldn’t believe that it would turn out to be a soup! As we got older, though, pre-packaged foods came out in the markets and boxes of stuff like “Kraft Macaroni and Cheese”, “Mrs. Grasses Chicken Noodle Soup”, “Rice-a-Roni”, and “Hamburger Helper” started to appear once in a great while on the dinner table. Some of it was good, depending on how you doctored it up and my mom always added something extra. It was a novelty to us to eat these products. Now, I like nothing better on a gray winter’s day than pulling out that same old dutch-oven of my mom’s and making up my own soups and stews. I’ll put on a pot of sauce with meatballs and sausage in the morning, have it for dinner, and then freeze portions for future use. There is nothing like that smell on a freezing cold day! My chicken soup is a special treat too, and I simmer it slowly all afternoon and then serve it up sprinkled with parmesan cheese and eat it with crunchy, French bread. Sometimes, I convert it into a Chicken Stew simply by thickening up the broth with a roux after it’s done. One of my favourite cold-weather foods though, and the easiest to make, is Macaroni and Cheese. No “blue-boxed” stuff for me! I make it from

Buena Musician Launches “Spaceman”

scratch and make enough to freeze. The following recipe is a side dish for 4 people, but feel free to double it for a crowd! BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE Preheat oven to 350” - 1/2 lb elbow macaroni (I do not salt the pasta water) - 3 tbsps unsalted butter - 3 tbsps flour - 1 tbsps powdered dry mustard - 3 cups of milk - 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced - 1 bay leaf - 1/2 tsp paprika - 1 egg - 1/2 cup sour cream - 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese - 1 tsp salt - 1 tsp fresh black pepper- pinch of nutmeg Topping - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 cups panko bread crumbs Cook pasta as directed to al-dente stage. While it is cooking, melt 3 tbsps butter in a heavy-bottom pot, whisk in flour and mustard and stir constantly for about 3 minutes, making sure it is lump-free. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaves and paprika. Simmer for 10 minutes on low, stirring constantly, adding more milk if it gets too thick. Remove from heat, remove bay leaf, add pinch of nutmeg. Mix egg with remaining 12 ounces of cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper then add to milk sauce, stir, then... immediately fold in macaroni, (do not melt cheese in sauce before adding macaroni ) pour into a 2 quart casserole dish. Top with remaining 4 ounces cheese. Make topping by melting butter in a saute pan and toss panko bread crumbs to coat, then sprinkle this over the macaroni. Top with the 1/4 cup parmesan cheese Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until browned and bubbly, remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before service. Spoon a dollop of low-fat sour cream on top and its a tasty treat!

o you know who has time for New Years Resolutions? People with entirely too much time on their hands, and young unmarried single people that haven’t lived long enough to screw stuff up enough to need to resolute it. That’s it. Oh— I hear married people with kids, talk a lot of smack about how their going on a diet; cut spending and save money; exercise; get more rest and get organized, but I can guarantee it’s not happening. Couples with children that attempt to make resolutions for the new year are just plain— delusional. There is simply no time whatsoever to add those kinds of life changes into double busy lives and begin them in January after the entire family has been home wreaking havoc on the house for way to long over the holidays. Not happening. Nope, sorry.... Don’t get me wrong, people can make positive changes in their lives, just not January 1st. And would that be before or after the hang-over if there was a pathetic attempt? Through no fault of our own, just lack of awareness we had our fun earlier in life and then sometime when we weren’t paying close attention we all signed up for some vows and commitments then small-people carrying our DNA just kept getting born. They all have tremendous amounts of needs and require entirely too much maintenance and care, so how could we possibly expect to have time to do what all those ridiculous magazine articles say: Take care of ourselves and go to the spa and the gym and sleep more and save money and have stupid me time. What? huh? Do we need to remind these irritating self-help promoters where we as parents fall on the list and the scale, when it comes to our personal needs and care? Hello? Don’t give advice unless you have given birth more then once and had to care for a truck-load of people that utter your name over and over again just for kicks..

Buena, NJ native Dave Cirino releases his EP “Spaceman” on iTunes. SpaceMan the EP, consists of seven extraordinary tracks, showcasing Dave Cirino’s genius penmanship and vocals over 808 drums and synth’s. The EP was released last month in the US and Japan in digital format and noted by critics as Classic Neo-Soul with a Futuristic Swag. After high school and throughout college, Dave started producing, and writing songs eventually leading up to his independently owned record label Purple Fox Digital, in which the EP was released. According to Dave, the EP is special because of the way it was created. The sound of the records are very unique and futuristic. It’s evident in songs like “Breath of Fresh” and “Tokyo Love.” A video for “Tokyo Love” is being set for release in Japan and features japanese model Andrea Chen who also was a model for Kanye West’s new artist Kid Cudi in a “Pursuit of Happiness’’ SpaceMan was produced exclusively by H.I.T.S. and written and performed by Dave Cirino. The album was also exclusively mixed by Dave Cirino with assistant engineering by H.I.T.S. It was mastered by the award winning Dave Locke from North Carolina. For those who purchase SpaceMan you will be blessed with a breath of fresh air, a light to the dark tunnel of music. SpaceMan is available now on itunes and itunes Japan. More information about Dave Cirino and his music can be found on his website at davecirino.wordpress.com and the EP can be purchased on iTunes or Amazon.com

Nance Piazza

Cause we don’t wanna here it! Frankly, we just don’t care. Let’s see— the last week of December I had the entire family home for far too long— Had to kick the tree to the curb and reload four hundred boxes of dust collectors— oh... I mean decorations, toss them back in their hiding spot, shake my handbag upside down vigorously making sure the grocery store got the rest of the money on the twenty three hundred trips there, trying to keep up with the constant feeding cries of there is nothing good to eat from my people. Find new and creative spots for all the new things everyone got for Christmas. —And for Pete’s sake does the laundry ever come to any kind of end? What’s up with that? Please.... Resolutions! Note to self, smack people that talk about resolutions in January, despise the people that act upon them. So I say, don’t worry about it. If you want make changes in your life then just do it one at a time and on the day, anytime of the year, that you think it up, and be satisfied with that. More then likely you’ll be successful. I quit smoking about a year ago, but I don’t know what day, because one day I just put them down and that was that. I also took up jogging last year with my dog and I’ve stuck with it, but I couldn’t tell you when I started cause I just did it one day. The no pressure approach, I find, is a much better way of making subtle changes and keeping life interesting. Give it a whirl fellow parents and Happy New Year everyone!

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January, 2010

The Gazette of Atlantic & Cumberland Counties • www.TheGazetteNJ.com

Colonial Bank & Vineland Church Partner Holiday Food Drive

Christmas 1909 According to Page 1 of the Atlantic County Record By Gail Benson

Colonial Bank employees support the Vineland Ministerium Food Bank holiday food drive (L-R: William Whelan, Joe Stella, Martha Torres, Edward Geletka, Chrissy Marciano, Christine Baez-Otto, Cindy Jacquet)

Vineland - Colonial Bank, FSB, with decided to impact the community directly this holiday season by taking donations for the Vineland Ministerium food bank. The food drive ran through the end of the year. This is the first time that Colonial has served with the Vineland Ministerium Food Bank, which is a division of the First United Methodist Church of Vineland. In addition to raising supplies and funds, the drive also raises community awareness about the organization and their mission, which is to provide food to those in need. “It is a great pleasure to work with the First United Methodist Church of Vineland and their food bank” said Ed Geletka, President of Colonial Bank, FSB, “We are proud to donate whatever we can to their cause of helping the hungry in our community.” To help support the Church’s food bank, community members can also send monetary donations to: Vineland Ministerium Food Bank c/o First United Methodist Church, 700 E. Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360. To learn more about the Ministerium Food Bank, contact Richard Quay at 856.691.0940. For more information about Colonial Bank, visit them online at www.ColonialBankFSB.com or call 856.205.0058.

Flannery Joins Boys & Girls Club Board

Joe Flannery named to Board of Boys & GirlsClub of Vineland

Joe Flannery, owner of Tall Cedars Farm in Mlmay, recently joined the Boys & Girls Club of Vineland’s board of directors. Joe has been instrumental in helping to develop the Club’s “Project GROW” Community Garden and is an active member of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension-Master Gardeners. Even though a new board member, he already won the Club’s Executive Director’s Award for his strong support over the last several months. He also brings a wealth of business experience to the Club board. Joe states: “I want to teach and help kids be a part of the community and take pride in it...this will help them in a big way when they reach adulthood.”

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t is December 25, 1909. The Atlantic County Record was a weekly published in May’s Landing. Front page did a year in review. Highlights included new looms being installed in the cotton mill. The next week they reported that several hands were laid off due to installation of machinery. Lincoln’s centenary was celebrated in February. In November, deer season opened after being closed for ten years. Deaths and marriages were also listed as highlights of the year. Teachers were to meet in Atlantic City between Christmas and New Year’s for their annual convention. A study informs us that the cost of living has increased 37 percent over the past 13 years since 1896. There is fine skating on Lake Lenape where they have been harvesting five-inch blocks of ice. Trapper George Smith captured a large otter last Saturday. These animals are growing scarce in South Jersey and their fur sells for prices ranging from $15 to $25. As for the Christmas season itself, there was a Christmas Cantata at the M. E. Church, Santa Claus was holding a reception at the Opera House on New Year’s Eve, ice cream was on sale at Bartha’s, and the Post Office would only be open for shortened hours on Christmas. The schools would be closed and schedules for church services were listed. The employees of the Water Power Co. cotton mills would have a full holiday on Christmas, but only a halfholiday next week on New Year’s Day. The front page takes us back to “Christmas Thirty Years Ago,” so we are given a picture of 1879 when potatoes are selling for 75 cents; eggs, 25 cents; butter, 25 or 35 cents depending on quality; and the train fare to Philadelphia and back was one dollar. The Methodists are planning on calling their new camp at Peck’s Beach “Ocean City.” They have 2,600 acres. As soon as the new railroad is completed, May’s Landing will be in close relation with Newfield; May’s Landing will no longer be a foreign land. It will soon have two express trains each way in the morning and the afternoon, besides the locals on the West Jersey & At-

lantic. There is also a plan to incorporate May’s Landing and change the name to Maysville. Representing Buena Vista Township as petit jurors in January 1910 were Harry Brown, Jacob Haiger, Richard Benson, and Antonio Graziana. The final paragraph of the article “Holiday Thoughts” reads “Peace on Earth, good will toward men,” is the spirit prevailing to-day. Do you bear a grudge against your neighbor, are you at enmity with your brother? Make it up with him if it is possible and fulfill the spirit’s command. If you have any information for us, you can email BuenaHistorical@gmail.com or contact us by regular mail at P. O. Box 114, Buena, NJ 08310 Buena Historical Society meets on the third Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Buena Vista Township Municipal Building, Route 40, Buena. Please join us. January 20, 2010 meeting is our annual business meeting and election of Trustees.

YMCA Adds New Board Member The YMCA of Vineland of the Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA has added W. Mark Conley to its Board of Directors. Conley is the general manager of the new Wal-Mart store in Vineland, which employs over 600 associates. He has previously worked with Wal-Mart in Louisiana, Delaware, and Maryland. Conley said, “The YMCA has been part of my life since 2005. I was a member of the Baton Rouge, Louisiana YMCA, where I coached basketball.” Conley holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. He and his wife have been married for twentysix years and have one son.

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January, 2010

The Gazette of Atlantic & Cumberland Counties • www.TheGazetteNJ.com

At Riverfront Rennaisance Art Center This Month

Local Company Renovating the Levoy and Bringing Jobs

In front of the Levoy, L-R -Phil Van Embden (director), Bob Conner (director), Lauren Van Emdben, Levoy Chair, Kerry Ogren (Ogren Construction), Arthur J Ogren Jr (Ogren Construction), Dale Finch (Millville City Commissioner), Leon Riggins (director), Amanda Page, Vice Chair, (partially obscured) Kevin Reed (director), Douglas Grant (director)

The Levoy Theatre Board selected Ogren Construction to complet renovations on the theater. The selection was made because of the firm’s extensive experience with building projects similar to the Levoy, but also because of the Board’s commitment to hiring local businesses whenever possible. Ogren Construction estimates that 130 jobs will be created during the next 10 months, many of them employing local workers at the prevailing union wages stipulated by funding sources. Ogren also estimates that half of the total construction budget, approximating several million dollars of the theatre’s funding, will be dedicated to labor costs, which will continue to boost the Cumberland County and Southern New Jersey economy in local wages. The Levoy Theatre project received support at a recent Millville City Commission meeting from Southern New Jersey Steel, CertaPro Painters and other local contractors, who applauded the Board’s commitment to local suppliers. Founded in 1995, The Levoy Theatre Preservation Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of Millville’s 100-year-old Levoy Theatre. To learn more about the Levoy, visit its website at Levoy.org. More information will be forthcoming as The Levoy Theatre progresses toward its 2010 opening.

“The Joy of Sharing...Carrots Cookbook Benefits FoodBank This holiday season, Eye Associates has decided to help out the Community FoodBank of NJ’s Southern Branch. Each holiday season, Eye Associates enjoys giving back to the community. After research and this years tough economy it was decided that food was something everyone needs, gifts are nice and appreciated but food is a necessity that many families are having trouble providing. The FoodBanks mission is to fight hunger and poverty in NJ by assisting those in need and seeking long-term solutions. “The Joy of Sharing…Carrots Cookbook was created by the employees using their own recipes”, states Gina Biagi, Administrator of Eye Associates. “This project was a lot of work but we are very pleased with the finished product !” Eye Associates mission now is to sell these cookbooks and donate all proceeds to the CommuGina Biaggi, of Eye Associates, displays employees new cook book, now available. nity FoodBank of NJ’s Southern Branch. The Executive Director of the Southern Branch of the FoodBank is Margie Barham. Margie oversees the FoodBank’s Southern Branch who services Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and parts of Burlington counties with the warehouse in Egg Harbor. With the help of thousands of volunteers and a dedicated staff of 17 full time employees, they distribute an average of 95,000 pounds of groceries every week; giving us an annual distribution of more than 5.1 million pounds of food and grocery items reaching the needy in our community….serving those in need since 1987. The cookbooks can be purchased at any of the Eye Associates locations. The donation is $10….and your $10 donation will go directly to the FoodBank that will help to feed those families in need. Each $10 donation equals $80 to $100 worth of food donated !! Therefore, anyone purchasing the cookbook is actually donating much more than $10 !!! “ Please feel free to contact any of the Eye Associates offices with any questions. The cookbook is available at each location. Eye Associates has offices in Vineland 856-6918188, Cherry Hill 856-428-5797, Blackwood 856-227-6262, Hammonton 609-567-2355 and Mays Landing 609-909-0700 or 1-800-922-1766.

“Three Painters, Three Styles, Three Mediums” Three painters with three very different styles and techniques will exhibit at the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts January 15- February 13, 2010. The North Gallery will exhibit the works of African American painters Leonard Wilkinson and Clifford Maddox. The Witt Gallery will house the works of watercolorist, Marie Natale. Join the RRCA on January 15 from 6-9pm for an opening reception where you can meet the artists and enjoy a complimentary wine bar as well as butlered appetizers. Leonard Wilkinson and Clifford Maddox are good friends and admirers of one another’s work. Wilkinson and Maddox, both Atlantic County residents, have wanted to exhibit together for quite some time and their January exhibition will be the first. Wilkinson was born and raised in Orange, New Jersey where he served as a police officer there for seven years after returning home from the service. Leonard works in a realistic manner using a variety of mediums including pen and ink, pastels, acrylics and watercolor. Clifford Maddox has a very different background and style than his friend Leonard. Maddox was born in Newark, New Jersey and does not have the extensive art training that Leonard completed. Maddox works large and transforms his canvases into deep and emotional stories. Marie Natale is an elected member of the New Jersey Watercolor Society. She began painting at the age of twelve which blossomed into her achieving a Masters degree in Art Education from Rowan University. Natale taught in the public school system for ten years and earned the “Teacher of the Year” award. Marie takes things we all see on a daily basis and depicts them in a vibrant and exciting manner. Marie teaches a

number of watercolor classes throughout the east coast sharing her knowledge and love for this particular medium and art as a whole. In addition to the above exhibitions, the RRCA will also exhibit the work of three of the center’s Associate Artists: Dawn Kohansky, Jay Parks and Jim Penland. Our A t r i u m space will display the works of N o r m a C h a n k i n ’s students of the Fine Arts Studio in Marlton, New Jersey. T h e Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts is a nonprofit community arts center located at 22 N High Street in the heart of Millville’s Glasstown Arts District. The center offers four gallery spaces which change every month, an art reference library as well as gift shop. The RRCA also conducts several art classes year round for students aged seven through senior citizens. The center is open Sunday through Thursday 11-5pm, Friday 11-8pm and Saturday 11-7pm. For more information please visit www.rrcarts.com, or call 856-327-4500.

YMCA Seeks Volunteers for Camp Merrywood Projects The YMCA of Vineland is seeking groups and/or individuals to volunteer their time to help with maintenance and clean-up projects at Camp Merrywood. Camp Merrywood is the off-site summer camp of the YMCA. It is located at 1249 Jesse Bridge Road, in nearby Pittsgrove. She adds, “We have an extensive list of projects to be done at Camp Merrywood. We are looking for some individuals or groups to help with a variety of tasks.” Volunteers can perform the work according to their schedule, either a weeknight or a weekend, adds Booth. For more information, please call Booth at the YMCA at (856) 691-0030, extension 113.

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January, 2010

The Gazette of Atlantic & Cumberland Counties • www.TheGazetteNJ.com

Phillies/Eagles

report

By Cameron Wilson

Lee & Halladay would have been a dream...

o it seems that the Phillies have decided that in order to beat the Yankees, they must become the Yankees. We have become a prime destination for free agents, much like the Yankees and to a lesser extent the Red Sox. Roy Halladay played in the A.L. East, a division where he annually faced against the power houses from Beantown and the Bronx, but he chose to come here. He came here because he believes that the Phils will give him the best chance to win. It makes you feel good as a Philadelphia fan to know that people WANT to come here. There was a time, not too long ago, when no one wanted to play here. This city was actually on many a players’ “no trade clause list” and now we have become Club Med. The biggest debate is obviously...was it worth it? Was it worth losing Cliff Lee? I will be the first one to admit, I had a huge man-crush on Cliff. I can’t remember a player in any sport in this city that had that short of a stay and had such a huge impact. He took this town for a ride and showed us what a dominating pitcher can do. Cole Hamels, even at his peak was never that good for the simple fact that up until this point, Cole has never been that mentally tough. One bad pitch, one bad inning and he loses it. Cliff Lee was someone who would have been PERFECT for an unprecedented onetwo punch. So you can imagine how I and much of the Delaware Valley felt about the possibility of having them both when the trade rumors began. It was short lived though…because it became clear that in order to get Holladay we would have to lose Lee. And I hated it. To me, losing Lee would not have been worth Halladay. Statistically Roy is a much more solid, dominating, consistent pitcher. But we also knew what we had in Lee, so I was hesitant about losing him. Then the reports surfaced that Lee was adamant that he wanted to test the free agent market at the end of next year and if not, then he wanted a deal equivalent of a free agent contract: a 5 year deal worth up to 160 Mill. There was no way that the Phillies were going to make that deal on top of the Roy deal and then in my opinion that is when the deal went south. There was another option though, in keeping him for one season at just 9 Mill and seeing what could happen for one magical season. That could have been wonderful…it will always be a phenomenal “what if”. Our GM put a good spin on it, had me fooled, everyone fooled that it was not plausible for us to have both. During the press

conference, he said that it was a “baseball decision” to trade Lee. Then he said the one sentence that started my change of heart. “We could have kept Lee, but we made a decision to replenish our farm system”. For the record, I do NOT care about prospects that could or could not work out. I know that Lee is a beast and would have been great next to Halladay. Who knows what these kids could turn into? I know who Lee is and what he can do. THEN I heard Lee’s statements after he got traded…He WANTED to stay! He never made demands for outrageous money and he actually had an offer on the table for an extension! He figured he would end his career in Philly. A Cy young winner wanted to retire and win in our town and we were led to believe that he pushed his way out. What sense does that make? All of the experts say that Halladay is the better pitcher…but for one year at least, we were so very close to being one of the best teams ever. THE EAGLES The Eagles, on the other hand, should not be overlooked or ignored. These guys are easily one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL. That does not mean, however, that they are one of the best. They have problems tackling, the D gives up too many big plays and the offense sometimes looks anemic. They are now in the driver’s seat to win yet another division title and if they win at least one out of their last three games they will clinch a playoff spot. DeSean Jackson is absolutely amazing and my feelings towards him are absolutely conflicting. I love his raw talent and ability. In just one year he has learned so much about opposing team’s defensive schemes that he will inevitably find the weakness and exploit it for big gains. He has tied the NFL record for touchdowns over 60 yards with 8 and I am sure that he will have plenty of chances to break the record. Sheldon Brown, has really stepped up as a leader on D and has the D working as a solid unit…that just needs to work on tackling. In all likelyhood they will have to play the Saints, Vikings or both. Do I think we could beat them? Can we? Yes, yes I think we could. Do I think they will…I’ll get back to you in a month. Look for

South Jersey Sporting Life

on newpaper racks starting Spring 2010, for the best in local sports writing!

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Mayor’s Corner

By Mayor Chuck Chiarello

Buena Vista Township Re-organization Meeting The Buena Vista Township Reorganization Meeting will be held on Monday, January 4, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the Township Municipal Building. Everyone is welcome to attend.

January, 2010 15th. The choir has had an active year of musical presentations including a Phillies game, a Holiday Mini-concert at Atlantic City International Airport, and a Holiday performance on Channel 40 TV (Comcast Channel 247) which will be shown numerous times. We wish these bright young stars much success in the future. Christmas Tree Pickup The ACUA will pick-up Christmas Trees on January 8th in selected areas of the Township and on January 22nd in all areas of the Township.

Laugh Your Troubles Away-Comedy Night in Pedestrian Warning Lights to BVT be Installed on Route 40 in Saturday, February 20, 2010 is your chance to Richland Village Children learn about HO Trains in this “Hands On” exhibit in the lobby of forget all your troubles. For one night don’t Mayor Chiarello Becomes League Executive The New Jersey State Depart- the Patcong Valley Model Railroad in Richland Village. There will be open worry about the family, the job, or anything else Officer ment of Transportation ap- houses the first three Saturdays and Sundays of January from 10 am to 4 that is bugging you — just come out for a night Mayor Chuck Chiarello has been involved with proved several flashing warning pm to see their wonderful displays of laughs, great food and a little socializing. the New Jersey State League of Municipalities signals to be installed on Route Buena Vista Township Special Events is hosting (NJLM) for as long as he has been in office for 40 in Richland Village. The our 9th Comedy Review. The evening will feavided by the Bud Dennis Holiday Band. the past 18 years. About ten years ago he was lights are being placed in an effort to get moSanta arrived on a fire truck along with a Parade ture three great comedy talents. MC and Comeselected to be on their Executive Board. On Fri- torists to slow down as they come through this of fire trucks provided by the Richland, East dian Joey Novick along with comedians Craig day, November 20th Mayor Chiarello was se- section of our community. The warning lights Vineland, Collings Lakes, Milmay and New- Carmean and Chris Rich will have you rolling lected to become the First Vice President of the were received as a grant with a value of more tonville Volunteer Fire Companies. Also in the in the isles. The event will be held at the Buena NJLM for 2010. The organization helps every then $150,000 from NJDOT. parade was BVT EMS, AtlantiCare NJ EMS Tavern and will feature food and a cash bar. All municipality in the State of New Jersey deal The lights can be activated by pedestrians on eiTask Force and the Bacigalupo Family’s Special this for only $25 per person! It is as good an with important issues and look for common ther side of Route 40 or can be turned on and reevening as driving all the way to Atlantic CityChristmas Train. ground in finding solutions. Chiarello moder- main flashing during events or when the train is Special thanks to our local school children for right here in Buena Vista! Help support our Spein town or when the Patcong making decorations for our MuValley Model Railroad is open. nicipal Building and our tree. These improvements are exStudents participating were pected to be completed by early from the Collings Lakes, and 2010. Milanesi Elementary Schools. Special thanks to our Public Patcong Valley Model RailWorks Department and Emroad Open for 4th Season ployees for helping & decoratLocals and visitors alike will get ing our Municipal Building. to see this year’s improvements Santa and Mrs. Claus along to the Patcong Valley Model with the a group of elves visited Railroad display. During the with each child. The children past year the thirty members of each received a stocking with this group of craftsmen have goodies in it. Refreshments been further developing their were also on hand for everyone. HO train layout. Their open Stop and see the beautiful lights house for the public will take on the Municipal Building on place from 10 am to 4 pm on the The children gather around to hear Kim Albert of the Abundant Living Route 40 as you travel around Church read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at Buena Vista Township Mayor Chuck Chiarello is shown being sworn in as First Vice President of following Saturdays and Sunfor the Holidays. Also see all the New Jersey State League of Municipalities on Friday, November 20th. Hall on December 11th at the tree lighting.. days: January 2nd and 3rd, 9th the lights in Richland Village Chiarello will become President next November.. and 10th, 16th and 17th 2010. on Route 40. ates seminars, heads various committees, and The exhibit is free, though donations are accial Events Committee-they do great things all has fought for legislation through the League. cepted. Young and old will love this beautiful Buena Regional High School Choir Performs year round for our community. For more details In 2011, Mayor Chiarello will become the Pres- display. For more information you can visit call Joan in the Mayor’s Office at 856-697-2100 Holiday Magic ident of the NJLM the highest honor that can be Township residents can be very proud of the or 609-561-5650 then press 8. Reserve a table achieved by a local elected official. “The chalBuena Regional High School Choir under the di- today. lenges that lie ahead for the State of New Jersey Frank Giglio rection of Mr. Michael McCausland. The choir American Red Cross Blood Drive (who is celeare becoming more difficult every day” said performed a mini-concert at the Township’s No- The Knights of Columbus, Council 8718 & brating his Chiarello. vember 23rd televised meeting. That meeting Catholic Daughters, Court 2262 will be holding 90th Birthday) joins elf will be shown several times each Wednesday an American Red Cross Blood Drive. It will be Buena Regional Middle School to Open in Kristi evening on Comcast Channel 9 during the held on Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 9:00 Fulginitti at January 2010 month of December. Saw Mill am to 3:00 pm at Our Lady of the Lakes Parish The long awaited new Buena Regional Middle Park in RichThe choir performs a delightful medley of both Hall, 19 Malaga Road, Collings Lakes, NJ School is set to open on January 6, 2010. The land Village Christmas and Holiday tunes. Their annual Hol- 08094. For an appointment contact Amy or on Novembeautiful new facility is located on Weymouth iday Concert was held at the Buena Regional Vince Moschella at 609-567-0143 or 609-230st ber 21 for Road next to the Buena Regional High School. High School Auditorium on Tuesday, December 9680. the Holiday Local elected officials received an advanced preTree Lightview tour of the facility on Saturday, December ing. 19th. When students leave the Cleary Middle School for their holiday break in 2009 they will return with their books and supplies to the new Middle www. patcongvalley.com. They are located at We carry Primitive Signs, School in 2010 to launch a new era in local ed- Fir Avenue and Route 40 (Harding Highway) in Lighted Country Houses, Kitchen ucation. Richland Village. Towels, Pot Holders, Iron Gifts, Santa Arrives in Township for 10th Annual Tree Candles, Knick-knacks & More Lighting Ceremony On Friday, December 11th Try our delicious home made the Buena Vista Township Jams, Jellies, Syrups, & Special Events Committee Dressings from Lancaster, PA’s held their 10th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The “Kitchen Kettle Village” evening began with a Welcome by Mayor Chuck Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday Chiarello and an Invocation 10 am to 4 pm by Pastor Ken Albert. Kim Albert led the Abundant Living Church Children’s Choir The Buena Regional High School Choir performs at a televised Buena Vista in Holiday Songs. There rd 907 Main Ave., Richland, NJ 08350 • 856-697-1482 Township meeting on November 23 . The holiday sounds were great. were about 200 people in atMichael McCausland is the choir director. tendance and music was proHAPPY NEW YEAR – LET’S MAKE THE BEST OF IT….

The Perfect Gift Store!

Cowboy Cupboard Country Store

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Shoot From the Hip

Be Gentle With Me by “Big Rick” Cahall Big Rick Cahall

Big Rick is a local Radio Talk Show Host 92.1FM ( Friday Nites 11pm - 1am 856-696-0092 ), a former Marine , a Drummer for local bands for almost 3 decades , a Stand Up Comic for the past 5 years and smattering of Acting Stage / Film since high school …

Revisiting The Dark Knight...and with good reason!

ello South Jersey , hello World …I could have been deflowered in this endeavor with a choice of dozens of films or DVD Releases or Concert reviews , etc …The Dark Knight was the first film I watched after coming aboard here at The Gazette. My columns will travel the world of Media & Pop Culture from all sides. But , I will always SHOOT FROM THE HIP people … “ … Because he is not a hero … He’s a silent guardian … a watchful protector …

the Dark Knight . “ ( The Dark Knight 2008 PG-13 ) After going back to reinvestigate this film, I came to realize AGAIN that it is as close to perfection in cinema that can be achieved. Bold statement? Yes, but where would we be without them? What do you like in a movie? Action ? Drama? Romance ? Sprinkle of satire & sarcasm? Great acting? Great writing? Other than being a flat out lover of JUST COMEDIES, The Dark Knight has it all. It’s not a cinematic anomaly like The Godfather or Citizen Kane. It is though an answer to every movie lover’s dream : suck me in, blow me away, leave me drained.

Big Rick’s Gig / Performance Updates : Big Rick’s BAND, “ Triple X”. will be at The Cuckoo’s Nest Lounge, 6032 BHP, Rt. 322, Mays Landing on Saturday Nite January 16th at 9pm til ? Come see South Jersey’s BEST LIVE band & No Cover !!! Also, come See Big Rick starring in the World Premier of SORROW HILL ( Grind House Pictures ) on Feb. 4th 2010 at 7:30pm at the Broadway Theatre , Pitman NJ. Tickets going FAST at only $6.00 !! Get INFO at www.GrindHouse-Pictures.com

Living History for the DAR The annual Christmas Celebration of the Greenwich Tea Burning Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was held at the First Presby(l to r) Melinda Harris, Registrar, Rhoda Turner, Regent, Matin Shipe, member of terian Church in Sons of American Revolution, Christian Johnson, actor, historian and time traveler who presented Patrick Henry, “Voice of the American Revolution,” 1775. Bridgeton. Eighty enthusiastic members and guests assembled in the church sanctuary to enjoy music played by Carolyn Fitsgerald and old fashioned caroling under the direction of Nancy Steelman. Members of the Research Club of Bridgeton, Seven Oaks, Questers, Daughers of 1812, Colonial Dames of America and Sons of the American Revolution were treated to refreshments and entertained by actor, historian and time traveler, Christian Johnson. His portrayals of important historical figures, such as Patrick Henry, inform and educate his audiences about the personal and political lives of American patriots. Johnson’s interactive presentations utilize documented facts, wisdom and wit to create a colorful vision of American history. The event was sponsored by the DAR to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism.

Tree Decoration Winner Announced The winners were announced for the Vineland Downtown Holiday Tree Decoration Project. This project was a cooperative effort of the Vineland School District and private schools and the Vineland Downtown Improvement District (VDID)/Main Street Vineland. This is for immediate release. (Right) Sweet Life Bakery owners Stephen Wilson and Jill McClennen stand next to Holiday tree which was decorated by Wallace Middle School and won “Best Overall” award.

I took many months in between viewings of The Dark Knight, to be sure of its place in Silver Screen Folklore Not only did Heath Ledger deserve his awards ( Best Supporting Actor: Oscar & Golden Globe), he captivated you from beginning to end. He gave us one of the greatest twisted villains on film. I’d much rather he still be here with us, but he went out on top. Rest in peace brother, and thank you. Christian Bale delivers once again in this current incarnation of Batman. They could have backed down the altered robotic voice in post production a little. His character’s dual persona is done well. Aaron Elkhart , Gary Oldman , Morgan Freeman & Michael Caine did their roles unbelievable justice . Then there is Maggie Gyllenhaal as the torn love interest of our two handsome suitors. I mention her because she spent a lot of time making this film and got paid for it…besides, what a challenge to spell that last name!! Yikes …she is to Jake as Eric Roberts is to Julia … The screenplay by Jonathan Nolan & Christopher Nolan (DIRECTOR) was simplistic and deep at the same time. Good vs. evil with a lot of grey area is everything we engage in everyday. In saying that; they did it masterfully (twice in a row Christopher Nolan has directed this modern incarnation of OUR BATMAN ). Yes, “our Batman “ people . You don’t need to be a comic book fan. Or log in to geek.com or Nerd Central or even be a teenager delving into their literary milieu . He’s just Batman . ( P.S. He would have gotten Bin Laden already … )

CC Library Entertainment Carol Titus and Ken Galipeau entertained children and their parents last month at the Cumberland County Library with stories and songs about crafty animals like coyote and the Garden State Song. Dinora Angel and her brother, Amaury, 10 and 9 from the Bridgeton area join the storytellers in their performance.

January, 2010

Habitat & Capital Fund Homes for Families Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity (CCHFH) and Capital Bank of New Jersey are kicking off this year’s “Capital Challenge” fundraising drive and continuing their partnership raising funds to give three very special families a place to call home. Now through January 31, CCHFH is collecting donations to complete three homes for three families in need of a place to call home. What makes the “Capital Challenge” so special is that Capital Bank of New Jersey has agreed to match all donations made to CCHFH over the holiday season up to $15,000! This unique partnership allows local donors to double their money this holiday season and give three families a very hopeful opportunity. “Times are tough this year. There aren’t many ways to DOUBLE your money ever, let alone around the holidays. This gives folks a chance to make the money go further and remember what the true reason for the season is – giving,” says Victoria Lods, Director for CCHFH.” Donations can be mailed to CCHFH at P.O. Box 906, Millville NJ. 08332 or dropped off to Capital Bank of New Jersey at 175 S. Main Road, Vineland, NJ or 1234 W. Landis Ave., Vineland. For more information please contact 856-563-0292 or visit www.habitat-cumberlandnj.org. CCHFH is a non-profit, local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International building affordable homes for ownership in the Cumberland County area. Habitat works through locally run affiliates throughout the US and the world building or restoring simple, decent housing with the help of donations and volunteers. Local affiliates select qualified families to become homeowners; homeowners pay off their house through sweat equity and no-interest mortgages, which go towards building future homes.

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January, 2010

The Gazette of Atlantic & Cumberland Counties • www.TheGazetteNJ.com

Allen Brothers Donate 10K to Project Graduation Allen Brothers Big Sponsors of Project Graduation B r o t h e r s Richard and Robert of Allen Associates were recently presented a plaque for donating $10,000 in each of the past three years in support of Vineland High School’s Project Graduation, a free, all-night drug and alcohol-free party From left, Elliott DeShields, Stacey Musey, Robert Allen, accepting his for seniors to cele- plaque and Meredith Fiori brate their high school commencement. With the help from Allen Associates, as well as many other school, district, and community groups, the $50,000 plus necessary to hold the event was successfully raised. For the past three years, the event has been threatened by state funding cuts. With further cuts in the district budget, this year’s struggle to meet the rising costs of Project Graduation will be even more difficult, said the project’s organizers. The recognition to the Allen Brothers was presented by Elliott DeShields, Stacey Musey, and Meredith Fiori, co-advisors for Project Graduation. The staff and students of the class of 2009 are sincerely grateful for their continued support of this on-going project

Buena’s Think Tank

Team members (left to right:) Nicole Curcio, Molly Nichols, Emily Hawk, Quintin Koreck, Taylor Souder and Allison Denelsbeck.

The Buena Regional High School Academic Team sent two separate squads to the annual Think Tank competition held at Absegami High School on December 9th. One of the squads, consisting of all sophomores, finished in 6th place out of 17 area high school teams.

Students Cheer Up the Avenue

Students from all Vineland Public Schools, private schools and members of area youth groups provided some additional holiday cheer by placing a holiday tree in the store front windows of local downtown businesses. In a project sponsored by the Vineland Downtown Improvement District (VDID)/Main Street Vineland, 19 groups of students from public and parochial schools participated. Each school allowed 8 to 10 students to create decorations for their individual school tree. Trees were donated through a joint effort between Wal-Mart and the South Jersey Youth Alliance, which helps area students with tutoring and mentoring programs. The purpose of the project, according to John and Denise Procopio, is to bring students and the community closer together through the establishment of youth programs that will, in turn, build a stronger relationship between our school district, local downtown business, and the community.

New Super Gets Rowdy Greeting “Rowdy Rooster”, the Vineland High School mascot, was a surprise visitor today to Dr. Maryann Banks, starting her term as the new Superintendent of Vineland Public Schools. “Rowdy”, decked out in his new uniform, presented Dr. Banks with a card welcoming her to the district on behalf of students and staff at the high school.

Showing Her Form 9 year old of Richland, Eden Balesteri, shows her form at Airborne Gymnastics’ Winterfest Invitational in Vineland last month. Eden trains at Perfect Balance Gymnastics in Mays Landing, 9 hours a week, year round. N.J. is one of the top gymnastics states in the country.

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God Bless the Child That Has His Own! The sad fact is youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to learn to take care of yourself by Louis Mascolo

child that has his own.â&#x20AC;? So true. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to get your own. You see people whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve worked for 10, 20, 30 years for the same company get dumped and hung out to dry. They didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have their own. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in trouble, and right now there are a lot of people in trouble. There is no loyalty in business. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only the bottom line. What I really like about this business is you succeed by helping others succeed. What a great conceptâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;promoting health and wellness and helping others get ahead. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a company with a positive philosophy.

January, 2010 And I have to admit, being around energetic, motivated, young people has kept me on my toes. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not allowed to get old when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the thick of it. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in finding out about it for yourself, give me a callâ&#x20AC;Ś609-364-7014. Set aside an hour, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll personally run it down for you. I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it for you, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be happy to get you started and help you succeed. Get the details and judge for yourself. Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hurt, and it could definitely help you â&#x20AC;&#x153;get your own.â&#x20AC;? Plus, it would be nice to personally meet you.

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been self employed since 1982. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve started half a dozen businesses. A few were moderately successful, the others were not. It was never my intention to be a businessman, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how it turned out. It is, and always has been, very difficult to start a successful new business. Time consuming, drainingâ&#x20AC;Śa major effort. Even this little paper takes up enormous time and effort, and there is no business you can start without investing tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars. Then of course, you risk everything. Unless you come from a well-to-do family, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re toast. They call it the American dream. For most people, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exactly what it is, just a dream. Like everyone else (except financiers and bankers) things have gotten a little tough in our household. Merchants and business people are running scared and cutting back on expenses... like advertising. So it was very fortunate that I ran into two brothers from Buena that turned me onto a business that cost $29 to get started. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a joke, right? No joke. I ran an article about the Crescenzo brothers last year and their enormous success with an international health and wellness company. It was with great skepticism that I signed on. After all, I had done about half dozen of these so-called â&#x20AC;&#x153;home-basedâ&#x20AC;? business opportunities, and none of them panned out except for the people at the top. Most of them went out of business after I put in a lot of effort trying to make them work. This one however, is delivering everything it promised. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been involved with the company for a little over a year. My goal was to make a six-figure income by the time I reached sixty-five so my wife and I could retire without worry, and I can finish my play, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Back to the Warning Track, or The Year The Phillies Blew the Pennant,â&#x20AC;? (which you will be able to see at the Landis or the Levoy). My 65th is in August and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m on target to do just that. All I had to do was follow the instructions. Like baking a cake. They give you a detailed plan. You follow the recipe, you build a lucrative business. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a get rich quick scheme. It takes effort, but much less effort than any other business Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever built. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been putting in maybe five to ten hours a week. One of the best parts is, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true residual income. Once you build it, you can quit and the checks keep coming. Should the good Lord call my number, my wife gets the check, and if something should happen to her, my kids get it. How great is that! You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be a rocket scientist to do it. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve personally met housewives who are making over a million dollars a year, just by following instructions and putting in the effort. I kid you not. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not housewives now, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re running full time businesses. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been breaking my back most of my adult life, getting educated, taking risks, and getting by, and little ole Martha from Bumstock, Illinois is cruising right along, picking up her 70-80K dollar check every month. She didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it overnight, but she did it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If one man/woman can do it, so ONE MONTH FREE TRIAL: 24 Hour, Live-Operator Telephone Answering Service can another.â&#x20AC;? &RPSOHWHO\ 3DSHUOHVV )DVW (IÂżFLHQW DQG 3URIHVVLRQDO Alpha Message Center Inc. There is a song with 2XU KLJKO\ WUDLQHG VWDII ZLWK D FRPELQHG H[SHULHQFH RI 24 Hour Telephone Answering Service lyrics that go, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Momma (609) RYHU \HDUV LV KHUH WR DQVZHU \RXU LPSRUWDQW FDOOV may have. Poppa may WE ANSWER WHEN YOU CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T have. But God bless the ZKHQ \RX FDQÂśW :HÂśUH KHUH WR VHUYH \RX email: mazzeopvtdet@comcast.net Serving You 24 hrs a Day 365 Days a Year

641-6066

January, 2010

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Parties Work Together to Get by Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) Disaster A FOCUS TOWARDS Declared For HOME FOR Coast

THE NEW YEAR

009 has been a very challenging year for many South Jersey residents and countless Americans across the country. The economic outlook for the foreseeable future is unclear. Unemployment is unacceptably high. Small businesses are struggling to keep their doors open and employees working. And personal savings are quickly being strained. It is an understandably difficult time for some residents to feel joyous looking forward to a new year. However, we can often find comfort and strength in focusing on the simpler things closer to home. As we celebrate the holiday season, it is important for each of us to put our families, friends and neighbors front and center. It is in these challenging times that we must rely on each other; focus on the values and quality interactions that can be found at the dinner table or in the living room; and look to the simpler, inexpensive activities to bring the holiday spirit into our homes. And it should be remembered that we do not always to attend a party to capture the New Year spirit. Likewise, this continues to be the time of year for which we are asked to give generously to those in greatest need in our communities. At any given time, the need for charity far exceeds what is readily available. During these challenging economic

Stockton Participates in World’s Largest Supercomputing Conference Galloway Township- The Computational Science program at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey is growing rapidly as more students are attracted to the unique blend of math and science used in making quantitative predictions concerning real-world scenarios. Students and faculty from Stockton College’s 4+1 Computational Science Program participated in “Supercomputing ’09 (SC ‘09),” an international conference for high performance computing, networking, storage, and analysis. The conference was held from November 13 through November 18, 2009 in Portland, Oregon. Conference Speakers Included Al Gore, Intel CTO, and Institute for Systems Biology Co-founder The featured topics of this year’s conference were sustainability, bio-computing, and the 3D Internet. The guest speakers included former Vice President Al Gore, Intel CTO Justin Rattner, and Institute for Systems Biology co-founder Leroy Hood. Al Gore addressed the issue of sustainability, Justin Rattner outlined the potential of the 3D Internet, and Leroy Hood outlined how bio-computing will transform the medical profession over the next 5 to 10 years.

times, the need is multiplied and charitable organizations are overwhelmed with requests. While financial contributions may not be possible for some to give this year, the donations of our time along with traditional contributions of food, clothing and blood make measurable difference in many lives. Like spending time with our families and friends, our mere presence is often equally as valuable as the material possessions we bring. Thus, as we gather with family and friends in the coming days, let us focus on the true meaning of the season. We should be mindful of those who are less fortunate even during better economic times. We should take time to remember those who make our communities better and those who seek to make the world safer, in particular, our dedicated servicemen and women who are away from their homes this holiday season. We have experienced many challenging times as a nation before as we do again now, but history has repeatedly proven that we find a way forward. Let us use this time to look towards the next year with cautious optimism and hope.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a very rare moment of bi-partisanship, U.S. Congressmen Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02) and John Adler (NJ-03) along with U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced last month that three South Jersey counties have received a major disaster declaration by President Barack Obama for the severe storms and flooding associated with Tropical Depression Ida and a Nor’easter that occurred November 11-15th. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties to receive direct federal assistance to repair damaged public infrastructure and reimburse emergency response activities. “Mere hours before the Christmas holiday, this disaster declaration is welcome news for coastal communities and countless residents in Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties who are still assessing and repairing the extensive damage caused by the November nor’easter,” said Congressman LoBiondo. “I am pleased the President recognized the need for federal assistance for our coastal communities, allowing them to

rebuild critical public infrastructure that is crucial for the local economy and the safety of residents.” Senator Menendez said: “We requested this declaration to bring relief to hard-hit Shore communities, and I applaud President Obama for recognizing this need. This action will help expand and speed the recovery process to bring a sense of normalcy to families and businesses as soon as possible. This is vital for residents in our coastal communities, and it is vital for the New Jersey economy, which relies heavily on the Jersey Shore to generate activity.” On December 1, LoBiondo, Menendez, Adler and Lautenberg wrote to President Obama in support of New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine’s request for the federal disaster declaration. They were joined by other members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation on the letter. Parties working together for the good of the people is a welcome relief and a nostalgic example of what used to be. Thank you Congessmen!

Local Banker Elected to Board (Newfield) – Brian W. Jones, Senior Vice President/Chief Lending Officer for Newfield National Bank and a Woodbury resident, was recently elected to the board of trustees of the People for People Foundation of Gloucester County. The People for People Foundation is a grassroots, 501(c)(3) organization formed by community leaders who were concerned about helping their neighbors who have fallen on hard times. The Foundation’s purpose is to provide financial and advocacy assistance to Gloucester County residents who are normally self-sufficient but have experienced a financial hardship due to loss of employment, sickness, accident, fire, or other unforeseen emergencies. To find out more or to make a donation to the People for People Foundation, please contact the Foundation at 856-579-7561.

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Lynn Marie, a social activist and member of the NJ Green Party provides tax and financial clinics (pro bono) for the growing number of NJ's working poor. A Certified Public Accountant, she holds a masters degree in business administration. You may contact her at REDDANCPA@AOL.com. Her blog is www.nottheview.blogspot.com. Comment on this column at at lousgazetteblog.blogspot.com

Got Democracy?

By Lynn M. Petrovich

“In the future:A utopian society ruled by women will emerge,and there will be peace and plenty for all.” George Carlin

January, 2010

The Gazette of Atlantic & Cumberland Counties • www.TheGazetteNJ.com

ate last year, while cleaning out my desk in preparation for tax season, I found one of my father-in-law’s “business” cards: Got Democracy? Democracy means Power to the People. What Happened? Walter Petrovich died just before midnight on April 15th 2009. In the weeks and months after his death, we packed up his files, books, and personal belongings, including his extensive library of personal essays, and placed them in storage. Most of his documents and writings were on the subject of capitalism, which he believed adversely affects the majority of Americans. Wally was an untiring advocate for an Economic Democracy which would “codify the rights of all people to have a direct vote in all matters which affect our lives.” He fought for truth, justice, and the (non-corporate) American way of life: Until we begin to appreciate and respect the devastating impact the economic system of capitalism makes upon our society, how its ‘profit or perish’ dictum compels corporate policy makers to employ the politicians-in-power to produce and execute policies which extend and protect capital investment throughout our world, we will erroneously continue to single our ‘individual’ politicians and ‘presidents’ as being solely responsible for our societal travails, while the faceless, underlying causes continue to generate all the societal abuses [war, poverty, hunger, racism, unemployment, pollution, inequality] Interestingly enough, the 2008 movie, Wall-E, pays enormous tribute what Wall-Y was talking about: Wall-E is the sole survivor of an Earth that has decayed into a grossly uninhabitable planet, the result of centuries of insatiable appetites, corporate mergers, and capitalist exploitation. Wherever Wall-Y went, so did his cards, which he handed out in conjunction with sincere conversation about our economic system. Some people got it. Others didn’t. And it wasn’t until I read Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer, that I discovered a venue to articulate Wall-Y’s position. Eating Animals explosively details how the capitalists’ pursuit of profit in our animal factory farming system institutionalizes pain and torture in the daily production of 99% of the meat we consume: “Undercover investigations by dedicated nonprofit organizations are one of the only meaningful windows the public has into the imperfect day-to-day running of factory farms and industrial slaughterhouses.” p. 181: On chickens: “What the [food] industry figured out – and this was the real revolution – is that you don’t need healthy animals to make a profit. Sick animals are more profitable.” p. 111: “Jamming deformed, drugged, overstressed birds together in a filthy, waste-coated room

is not very healthy. Beyond slipped vertebrae, paralysis, internal bleeding, anemia, slipped tendons, twisted lower legs and necks, respiratory diseases, and weakened immune systems are frequent and long-standing problems on factory farms. E. coli is common between 39 to 75 percent of chickens [that are purchased at the supermarket].” p. 131: “[This] is the rule. More than 99 percent of all chickens sold for meat in America live and die like this.” p. 136: On Sows in confinement crates: “National Hog Farmer reported that 7% of breeding sows typically die prematurely from the stress of confinement and intensive breeding – in some operations the mortality rate exceeds 15%. Many pigs go insane…or obsessively chew on their cage bars, incessantly press their water bottles, or drink urine. Many piglets are born with deformities…including cleft palate, hermaphroditism, inverted nipples, no anus, splayed legs, tremors, and hernias” p. 186: “For corporations like Smithfield (sales $12 billion 2007], it is a cost-benefit analysis: paying fines for polluting [from pig excrement that has already polluted 35,000 miles of rivers in 22 states] is cheaper than giving up the entire factory farm system, which is what it would take to finally end the devastation.” p. 178: On Cows: “Virtually all cows come to the same end: the final trip to the kill floor. Cattle raised for beef are still adolescents when they meet their end. While early American ranchers kept cattle on the range for 4 or 5 years, today they are slaughtered at 12 to 14 months.” p. 226 :“The combination of line speeds that have increased as much as 800% in the past 100 years and poorly trained workers laboring under nightmarish conditions guarantees mistakes. (Slaughterhouse workers have the highest injury rate of any job – 27% annually – and receive low pay to kill as many as 2,050 cattle a shift.) According to the Washington Post, ‘more than 20 workers signed affidavits alleging the violations shown on the tape [live animals going down the line]. I’ve seen thousands and thousands of cows go through slaughter process alive…workers who complain are often fired.” p. 231: How can America be a democracy when the weakest and most vulnerable are exploited? This information is shocking, and I believe, if aware of it, most Americans would not advocate such a horrific food production system. But remember, the corporations who operate these factory farms are powerful and proficient at keeping this information from us. So next time you eat that drive-through $1 meal, think about what Wall-Y said: Got Democracy? Democracy means Power to the People. What Happened? Lynn Petrovich, Copyright 2010

OR CALL 856-692-9299

Mr. Hollis is a retired USAF Senior NCO, Historian and aviation businessman. National Advisory Council member of the black leadership network Project 21. Email him at Project21@nationalcenter.org Comment on his column at at lousgazetteblog.blogspot.com

Eating Healthy

By Jimmie Hollis

Being ”healthy” is a good thing, but being scammed isn’t.

ating healthy, not sure what that means except it all depends on whose “healthy” we are talking about. There have been so many definitions of “healthy” over the decades that it can be very confusing. What was “healthy” for the older generation is now different for the younger generation; and just when you think you have “healthy” down pat, someone comes along and changes the meaning again. We’re warned that we shouldn’t drink water, don’t drink coffee it will make you obese, and to toss out that can of tuna because they are polluted with stuff that will kill us, things we can’t even pronounce. Last decade we were warned to not wear clothes made from cancer causing materials, to pour out that glass of milk and don’t even think about movie popcorn or exotic fruits. Somewhere along the way we were warned that our home deodorizers and rug cleaners would murder us in our sleep—— -and if they didn’t get us, our underarm deodorant, rug shampoo, detergents and glass cleaner surely would. And if we really want to commit suicide all we have to do is ingest a red meat sandwich. Too often these “warnings” come from so-called “experts” and “remedy manufacturers” that put out half-baked conclusions and self-serving studies about everything we eat, drink and wear. But if the truth were known, the only “healthy” they are interested in is when their wallets gets “healthier” and yours gets poorer. And those who heed these “experts” become frightened and more paranoid about almost everything. And the more paranoid they become the easier it is to separate them from their money buying pills, tablets, drinks and powders that the “hawkers” just happen to have for sale. However, I am very thankful that we do have a legitimate consumer health organi-

zation with rules and standards that for the most part protect us from products that could potentially hurt or kill us. This organization has a tough job given the amount and complexity of the ever-increasing daily flow of American and foreign drugs, additives and foods that come onto the market. It is one of those jobs that is often criticized and rarely complimented. Being ”healthy” is a good thing, but being scammed isn’t. I think “healthy” is whatever it means for you on an individual basis in conjunction with your personal physician. No two people have the same physical and mental abilities, and what helps one person is disastrous for another There certainly are risks in our water, foods, clothing, and other products we use, but for the most part the risks are minimal. However, it is a wise person who does his/her homework on products——-and learning from the older generations isn’t all bad either. So before you gets all excited and throw out last nights dinner and burn all your clothes and curtains because some TV “doctor” told you how bad they were, my advice is this———take a very “healthy” dose of good old-time “Common Sense” in liquid or pill form. I know it is hard to find these days but there has to be some out there somewhere.

Children Under Siege Autism is on the rise in the U.S. More than 1 in 100 American children and teenagers may have autism, Asperger’s syndromeor a related developmental problem. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children ages 1 to 14 in the United States.* *Source: National Cancer Institute

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January, 2010

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Woman’s Club News The Woman’s Club of Vineland, a member of General Federation of Women’s Clubs, packed 225 cans of cookies for the residents of the Veteran’s Memorial Home in Vineland after their Board Meeting on Monday, December 7th. The Members of the Woman’s Club of Vineland (from left) Noreen Ritter, club members also donated perAudrey Vertolli and Barbara Reinhardt pack cans of cookies to be sonal hygiene items and calengiven to the residents of the Veteran’s Memorial Home in Vineland dars to the Home. For more information about the Woman’s Club of Vineland call 856-825-8583 or look on our website: www.womansclubofvineland.net.

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Free Admission to WheatonArts MILLVILLE – Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center has announced that it will offer free admission to the Museum of American Glass during its winter operating schedule in January, February and March. The organization is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning January 8. This schedule remains in effect through March 28. The Down Jersey Folklife Center and Artist Studios are closed during these three months but the all of the museum stores remain open. WheatonArts returns to its sixday operating schedule on April 1. Upcoming in 2010: ■ “Curator’s Choice” in the Museum of American Glass’ Special Exhibition Gallery. January 15 through March 28. The exhibit showcases pieces from the collection not often seen by the public and new pieces obtained in 2009. ■ “A Garden of Quilts” Quilt Show. March 20and 21. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event features approximately 250 examples of quilters art, from traditional bed quilts to contemporary wall hangings. It is the largest judged quilt show in South Jersey. Admission: $8.00 per person. Children five and under are free. Food and refreshments are available for purchase. For more information about WheatonArts, call 1-800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, or visit online at www.wheatonarts.org.

4-H News Love Horses? Join a 4-H Horse Club Cumberland County 4-H Horse Clubs are now taking applications for new horse club members. Youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school) are invited to join one of the 15 4-H horse clubs with openings for new members. Members do not need to be a horse owner but only to have an interest in learning about horses. The Cumberland County 4-H Horse Program offers educational activities covering a wide range of horse events. As well as English and Western riding programs, members are encouraged to participate in dressage, driving, jumping, trail riding, vaulting and gymghana events. The county-wide program includes horse shows, dressage shows, clinics, horse camp, trial rides as well as horse bowl, which is a team activity where children learn vast amounts of equine information, horse judging and hippology. Volunteer leaders are knowledgeable horse people from a large array of equine backgrounds. The Cumberland County 4-H Horse Program offers several award and recognition opportunities for members of all ages. Individual horse clubs meet on various week nights, usually once or twice a month with state and county horse activities offered each month.

4H Teen Sub Sale The Cumberland County 4-H Teen Council members will be conducting their

annual sub sale on Saturday, January 30. 4H Teen Council members will become sharp consumers through this learn-bydoing 4-H experience. Teen 4-H members will be selling the tickets for the sub; making the subs and delivering the subs to their consumers. The purpose of the 4-H Sub Sale is so that teen 4-H members can earn scholarship money so that they may attend the South Jersey 4-H Teen Conference held annually in March. The theme for the 2010 South Jersey 4-H Teen Conference will be Live, Learn & Lead with 4-H. The weekend teen conference will be held March 57 in Trenton. 4-H members will be selling sub tickets until January 20, 2010. If you would like to purchase sub tickets contact a 4H Teen Council member; stop by the 4-H Center located at 291 Morton Avenue in Rosenhayn or call the 4-H Center at (856) 451-2800. 4-H is a family activity and parents are encouraged to become involved with their child. 4-H is a great opportunity for beginner riders as well as those more advanced. The 4-H Youth Development Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is open to all youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school) on an age appropriate basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation or disability. For more information on becoming a Cumberland County 4-H Horse Club member call the 4-H office at 856/451-2800.

Millville $226,000

Well maintained colonial home on an overside premium lot, master bedroom suite, 3 BR, 2.5 baths, large loft overlooks Fireplace, use for a 4th bedroom or office. Eat in kitchen with sliding glass doors leads to patio. Two large sheds, full basement Large utility room, w/washer/dryer hookup. Spacious rooms ready to move in.

Millville $139,900

Home was renoavated in 2001 with siding, windows, kitchen cabinets and flooring. Heater is 2 years old. Spacious attic could make a nice bedroom if finished. Off street parking in the 2 car garage. Relax on the fenced in patio.

Heislerville $149,900

Close to the Delaware Bay and Maurice River.Newer Mobile home on its extra large lot. Like to fish, hunt, crab this is where you want to be.

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