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Mary E. Paul, 53, of Oaklyn

PAUL, MARY E.
On March 29, 2008, (nee Byrne) of Oaklyn, NJ, age 53 years.
She is the beloved wife of Daniel W. Paul, loving mother of Megan (Daniel) Pavlik of Voorhees, and Matthew Paul of Gloucester and devoted daughter of Joanne Byrne. She is also survived by her dear brothers and sisters Patrick T. and Mark J. Byrne and Nannette Smith and Maureen Ioannucci.
Mary was a devoted parishioner of St. Aloysius Church and most especially a loving and caring wife, mother, daughter and sister.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 9:00pm and again Thursday morning from 10:00 to 11:00am at St. Aloysius Church 37 W. Haddon Ave., Oaklyn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 11:00am at the Church. Interment to follow New St. Mary's Cemetery, Bellmawr.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial donations in Mary's name be made to the Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Phila. PA 19111.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the CRERAN FUNERAL HOME, OAKLYN, NJ.

LATHAM, KEVIN P. of Parlin, age 17

Age 17, formerly of Parlin, passed away Saturday, March 29th, 2008 at Community Medical Center, Toms River.
Born in Perth Amboy, he had resided in Parlin before moving to Shamong 2 years ago. Kevin was a junior at Seneca High School where he was a member of the Future Chef Club. Kevin was a graduate of Our Lady of Victories School in Sayreville, was a recent member of the Shamong Rescue Squad and was an avid paint ball enthusiast.
Kevin is predeceased by his paternal grandfather Patrick Latham. Surviving are his parents Richard and Patricia Nelan Latham, his sisters Michelle and her fiance Thomas, Melissa and Amy, all at home, his maternal grandparents Peter and Betty Nelan of Sayreville, his paternal grandparents Pauline and Joseph Stone of Englewood, Florida, his aunts and uncles JoAnn and Mark Semak, Robert and Ann Marie Latham, James and Mary Latham who are also his Godparents, Patricia McDonald, and Terri and John Scanlon.
Funeral services will be held Thursday 10:15 am from The CARMEN F. SPEZZI FUNERAL HOME, 15 Cherry Lane, Parlin, followed by a 11 am Mass at Our Lady of Victories R.C. Church in Sayreville with burial to follow at New Calvary Cemetery, Parlin.
Calling hours at the funeral home will be held Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm.

Leonard D. Cavalieri Jr., died after valiant fight against esophageal cancer

Leonard D.Cavalieri Jr. Leonard D. Cavalieri, Jr., 52, of Woodbury, N.J. died March 28, 2008 after a valiant fight against esophageal cancer. Born on July 15, 1955, he was the son of the late Leonard and Josephine Cavalieri. He was a member of the Floor Coverers Local Union No. 1823, starting as a 17-year-old apprentice. He owned several commercial flooring companies throughout his career and was well known among the Delaware Valley contractors for his integrity, dedication and willingness to always get the job done. Leonard was well known for his compassion for his workers and friends throughout his lifetime, and often opened his home to those in need. One of Lenny¹s proudest accomplishments was seeing the success of the men he helped become members of the union. He was also a proud member of the Presbyterian Church at Woodbury. Leonard is survived by his beloved companion, Janet Earnhart and her children Allison Stiles and Jeffrey Earnhart, brother of Dominic, Lawrence, John and Anna Marie Cavalieri. Also survived by his nephew Michael Zulli and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to THE MINNITI CENTER, 174 Democrat Road, Mickleton, NJ 08056. Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing Monday evening March 31 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the STOLFO FUNERAL HOME, 2536-38 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. Services 11 a.m. Tuesday April 1, Presbyterian Church at Woodbury, Broad St. and West Centre Streets, Woodbury, N.J. Burial will be private. Published in the Gloucester County Times on 3/31/2008.

Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Releases Murder Indictments

March 26, 2008

Interim Acting Camden County Prosecutor Michael Chewkanes reported today that a grand jury handed down indictments in four cases handled by the Camden County Prosecutor's Office. The indictments were filed March 18 and made public today. 

* Yalanda Steele: Steele, F/32, of the Branch Village Apartments in Camden, was indicted for Murder in connection with the death of Sidney Wenof, M/82, of Cherry Hill. 

Steele worked as a home health aide for Wenof and is accused of beating him to death with his own cane at his home on Dec. 11, 2007. Wenof died eight days later. It is alleged Steele was stealing from Wenof and killed him to prevent him from discovering the theft. 

* Lester Goffney: Goffney, M/21, of Princeton Avenue in Browns Mills, was indicted for Murder in connection with the death of Quandel Drayton, M/20, of Camden. 

It is alleged that Goffney is one of three defendants who robbed the victim in the 300 block of Rand Street in Camden on Monday, June 18, 2007, at approximately 11:25 p.m. During the alleged robbery, Drayton suffered a single, fatal gunshot wound to the upper back. 

* Terrell Jackson: Jackson, M/27, of Farndale Road in Somerdale, was indicted for Vehicular Homicide in connection with the death of Samantha Pizzo, F/18, of Pine Hill. 

Pizzo died in a car crash about 12:15 a.m. on the 500 block of the White Horse Pike on Nov. 29, 2007. It is alleged Jackson was under the influence of drugs when his vehicle hit hit another vehicle in which Pizzo was a passenger. 

* Gregory Williams: Williams, M/20, of Washington Avenue in Blackwood, was indicted for Murder in connection with the death of Suraj Gulabani, 21, of Somerdale. 

Gulabani, was working at the Country Farm Market store, which is owned by his family, in the 400 block of Warwick Road on Nov. 9, 2004, when it is alleged Williams entered the store shortly before 9:30 a.m. and attempted a robbery. Williams and Gulabani struggled, and it is alleged that Williams stabbed Gulabani multiple times with a kitchen knife. The victim was rushed to Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Stratford, where he died shortly after 10 a.m. 

Williams was a juvenile at the time of the offense and was waived to adult court. 

All suspects facing counts of Murder could receive a sentence of life in a New Jersey State Prison if convicted.  

All persons charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Gridiron Bash Events Canceled at College Campuses

Source CMT News

Gridiron Bash, a series of concerts and football promotions at 16 college campuses, has been canceled because of a dispute with the NCAA. Alan Jackson, Dwight Yoakam, Montgomery Gentry, Taylor Swift, Dierks Bentley, Wynonna, ZZ Top, Fergie, John Legend and Maroon 5 were among the acts scheduled to participate.

The events, all scheduled the day before spring football games, were to include tailgating zones, a pep rally, a final team practice and a concert. MSL Sports and Entertainment, the company promoting the events, said the decision to postpone Gridiron Bash came after an NCAA interpretation that limited the participation of student athletes in promoting the events and receiving free tickets.

According to the NCAA, MSL did not contact the NCAA regarding compliance until last week. Gridiron Bash was scheduled to begin Saturday (April 4) at LSU in Baton Rouge, La., with a concert featuring Kid Rock and Sara Evans. Other events were scheduled in Alabama, Arizona, Iowa, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia.

Letters: 29 States Have Introduced Bills to Regulate Toy Safety

Hi Bill,

Twenty-nine states have introduced bills regulating toy safety standards because lawmakers don't think the federal bill is moving quickly enough or is strict enough. For example, Connecticut is working to adopt a stronger lead standard. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that the government's doesn't protect kids.

States are also pushing for stronger labeling standards and trying to close a loophole that allows items in a voluntary recall to remain on store shelves. Massachusetts has banned the sale of children's jewelry containing lead. Last summer California passed a ban on phthalates, which will go into effect next January and as a result, a ban on phthalates is included in the Senate version of the Product Safety Bill.

In early March, the Washington State Senate approved the strictest toy safety rules in the nation. Just last week, fearing that the governor would actually sign such a strong bill, representatives from Mattel and Hasboro flew out to meet with her. The toy manufacturer's trade group, the Toy Industry Association, claims that the new rules would make it impossible to sell toys in that state. Our analysis: Baloney. What next? Seatbelts will bankrupt the automotive industry?

-To read the article "States alter rules of game on safety for toy makers," click here.
-To read the article "Toy-safety debate continues," click here. To read the editorial "Gregoire should not bow to toy company threats," click here.
-To call Gov. Christine Gregoire (Wash.) and ask her to pass the Children's Safe Products Bill, click here.
-To read about lawmakers in Connecticut who organized a toy-testing program with middle school children, click here. To email Connecticut legislators and ask them to pass their toxic toys bill, click here.

News you don't want to toy with...

Finding non-toxic toys
PBS's NOW shares advice on how to limit children's exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, such as phthalates.

Attorney General hotline set up to address dangerous kids' products
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan urged parents to call her office's product recall hotline (888-414-7678) if they need help identifying dangerous children's products that may be in their homes.

Senate Debates Possible Ban on Phthalates in Toys
California was the first state to ban toys and child-products that contain more than trace amounts of phthalates. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (Calif.) is looking to expand the ban nationally as part of the Senate CPSC bill.

Plastic Easter Eggs linked to lead paint
In tests directed by Ashland University professor Jeffery Weidenhamer, his students found high levels of lead in paint in 13 out of 45 items. The biggest lead hazards were found in Easter egg spinning tops, plastic Easter eggs that typically are filled at home with treats, bunny hair clips and chick-style sipper cups.

Reebok fined $1 million for deadly lead charm
Two years after a Minneapolis boy swallowed part of a charm bracelet given away with a pair of athletic shoes and died of lead poisoning, the shoes' maker, Reebok, has agreed to pay the government $1 million to settle allegations that it violated the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.

Mega Brands recall 2.4 million magnetic toys
Mega Brands recalled MagnaMan action figures and Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. Pre-School magnetic toys . They said the magnetic parts could be swallowed or inhaled by children.

State health council ban trinkets containing lead
The Massachusetts Public Health Council voted unanimously to ban the sale of children's jewelry containing lead. The ban will go into effect in June.

Washington State Senate OKs nation's strictest toy safety rules
Despite last-minute intensive lobbying efforts by the toy industry, the state Senate on Friday approved the strictest toy safety rules in the nation with a 40-9 vote.

The Recall Roundup (click here for a more complete list of recalled toys)
- Plush Rocker Toys Recalled By Tek Nek Toys Due to Fall Hazard
- Avon Products Recalls Plush Warming Polar Bears Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
- Educational Insights Recalls Ring Toss Games Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
- Downeast Concepts Inc. Recalls Water Bottles Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
- Plan Toys Inc. Recalls Toy Penguins Due to Laceration Hazard
- Hobby Lobby Stores Recalls Easter Egg Containers and Spinning Egg Tops Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
- Toy Puzzle Vehicle Sets Recalled Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard; Sold Exclusively by QVC
- Galison/Mudpuppy Recalls Wire Bound Journals and Calendars Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
- MEGA Brands Recalls Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. Pre-School Magnetic Toys ; Ingested Magnets Pose Aspiration and Intestinal Hazards
- MEGA Brands Recalls MagnaMan Magnetic Action Figures ; Ingested Magnets Pose Aspiration and Intestinal Hazards
- Battat Recalls Additional Magnetic Construction Sets ; Ingested Magnets Pose Aspiration and Intestinal Hazards
- Toy Sundae Sets Sold at Target Recalled by Battat Inc. Due to Choking Hazard
- Toy Airplanes, Cars, and Motorcycles Recalled by S.U. Wholesale Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
- Ellaroo Recalls Infant Sling Carriers Due to Fall Hazard

Sincerely,

Peggy Lo
Toy Safety Online Organizer
PeggyL@pirg.org
http://www.toysafety.net

Union County Doctor Pleads Guilty in Medicaid Billing Scam

Media Release March 27, 2008

TRENTON - Attorney General Anne Milgram and Criminal Justice Director Gregory A. Paw announced that a Union County physician has pleaded guilty to fraudulently billing a Medicaid-funded managed care organization more than $9,000 for services never rendered.

According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden Brown, Aruna S. Patel, 63, of Elizabeth, pleaded guilty yesterday before Superior Court Judge John S. Triarsi in Union County to a criminal accusation charging her with one count of third-degree Medicaid fraud.

At the guilty plea hearing, Patel, a New Jersey-licensed physician, admitted that between September 2003 and June 2005, she committed Medicaid fraud by submitting false statements or causing false statements to be submitted on her behalf. Patel admitted that she fraudulently submitted bill claims to Americhoice, falsely stating that certain patients were treated at her office on 165 treatment dates, when in fact those patients were neither seen nor treated by Patel on those days. Americhoice is a managed care organization which is part of the Medicaid program. As a result of the fraud, Patel stole $9,257 in Medicaid health insurance claims monies.

The investigation into this matter was conducted by the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which investigates and prosecutes Medicaid fraud. The Medicaid program, which is funded by the state and federal governments, provides health care services and prescription drugs to persons who may not otherwise be able to afford such services and medicines

State Investigator Christine Barclay, Deputy Attorney General Linda A. Rinaldi and Assistant Attorney General John Krayniak were assigned to the investigation. Rinaldi represented the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor at the guilty plea hearing.

Patel is scheduled to be sentenced on May 30. Third-degree Medicaid Fraud carries a maximum punishment of three years in state prison and a criminal fine of $10,000.

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related crime category

LODD: Los Angeles Firefighter Killed in Explosion

Firehouse.com LODD E-Alert Monday, March 24, 2008

Los Angeles Firefighter Killed in Explosion One Los Angeles firefighter was killed and another injured Wednesday afternoon in an explosion that rocked a Westchester business district as rescuers were investigating reports of earlier blasts and smoke pouring from buildings. The dead firefighter, who was identified as Brent A. Lovrein, 35, was blown back and possibly hit by building material when an electrical vault blew apart, ripping a gaping hole in an office building at Sepulveda and La Tijera boulevards. » Read More Full Story Updates: www.firehouse.com

SOGGY WEATHER CHANGES TCNJ’S SCHEDULES

Ewing, NJ – The College of New Jersey’s baseball team had their away game at Arcadia University scheduled for Monday, March 31 postponed due to the poor weather, while TCNJ’s home men’s tennis match scheduled for Tuesday, April 1 against Drew University has already been postponed.

No new dates have been set for either event.

Gloucester Heights: Two story garage Fire

By Steve Skipton

Sunday (March 30) at 20:15hours Gloucester City Firefighters were dispatched to 37 University Avenue for a reported garage fire.

 

Battalion Chief Huston reported a two story garage with an apartment above with smoke showing, there was a fire on a 2nd floor deck with extension to an exterior wall, Squad 51 quickly brought the fire under control with no injuries reported.

 

Local and County Fire Marshal's investigating.

 

Fire Companies on scene were Gloucester City Fire HQ, Station 52 and 54, Mt Ephraim Rescue 45, Westville Ladder 736 and Collingswood Rescue 16.

Related: Fire

Rutgers Baseball: West Virginia wins in extra innings 8-7

Media Release

PISCATAWAY, N.J.  – West Virginia broke a 7-7 tie with a run in the 10th and held off the Rutgers baseball team for an 8-7, extra-inning victory over the Scarlet Knights Sunday afternoon at Bainton Field.

West Virginia's Austin Markel led off the 10th with a walk and a wild pitch by Ryan Beard (Point Pleasant, N.J.) moved him into scoring position, where Dan Dibartolomeo drove him home with a single through the hole on the left side for the game-winning score. Rutgers (8-14, 2-4 BIG EAST) came close to tying it up when Luis Feliz (New Brunswick, N.J.) opened the 10th with a single and, after being sacrificed over, reached third with two outs. However, West Virginia reliever Chris Enourato got a hot-hitting Donny Callahan (Sparta, N.J.) to hit a comebacker for the final out of the game as the Mountaineers (20-6, 4-2) earned their first win in Piscataway in over a decade. Rutgers had won the last 14 games against WVU at home. It is the Mountaineers' first win in the Garden State since April 5, 1997.

West Virginia built a 3-0 early lead with two runs in the first and another in the second. The Scarlet Knights opened the second with a Jon Gossard (Harrington Park, N.J.) single and a Jaren Matthews (Teaneck, N.J.) walk and both runners were sacrificed over into scoring position. A Feliz sacrifice fly plated Gossard, before Matthews came home on a wild pitch.

An infield error cost the Scarlet Knights a run in the third as the Mountaineers opened a two-run cushion with a 4-2 advantage.

Rutgers stormed back with a three-run fifth inning to surge out to a 5-4 advantage. As they did yesterday, the Scarlet Knights scored all their runs in the frame with two outs, as Gossard found the gap in right-center field to score Callahan (single) and Jarred Jimenez (Monroe, N.J.) singled through the left side to plate Tom Edwards (West Caldwell, N.J.) (walk) and Gossard.

The Mountaineers countered, however, with a three-run top of the sixth. Following a one-out double, Rutgers went to its bullpen, bringing in Billy Murphy (Cranford, N.J.) to replace starter Kyle Bradley (Howell, N.J.). A Justin Parks single to center scored one run and a Jedd Gyorko double down the left-field line plated two more as the Mountaineers went back on top, 7-5.

Rutgers loaded the bases in the seventh and Enourato struck Jimenez to score a run, but the WVU hurler prevented further damage, getting Feliz to ground into an inning-ending double play.

The Scarlet Knights got their tying run one inning later when Cegles was hit and moved to third on a Callahan double to the gap in left-center field before a sacrifice fly off the bat of Dan Betteridge (Sewell, N.J.) brought him home. The Scarlet Knights threatened for more but stranded Callahan on third in the frame as RU headed to the ninth tied with WVU to set up the extra-inning dramatics.

Beard (0-2) suffered the loss, despite tossing 4.1 innings of solid relief with the lone run given up in the 10th. Enourato (2-0) earned the win with one earned run (two total) on two hits with four strikeouts in 5.1 innings of relief 

Rutgers concludes its nine-game homestand with a Tuesday game at Bainton Field against Wagner, coached by former Rutgers standout Joe Litterio. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

TCNJ’s Lions of the Week, Jessica Bonelli and Adam Tussey

 

READ MORE

http://www.tcnjathletics.com/Pdfs/gen/2008/3/31/3_31Newsletter.pdf

Gloucester City Easter Celebration

Gloucester City Easter Celebration basket winner Francesa Pollander with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 22 at Martins Lake.

Photo on right Logan DePoder age two...click to enlarge...............

photos by www.fabulousphotosbykaren.com

Below a group shot of some of the children who attended the event.

Senator Oroho Wants to Investigate Distressed Cities Program

Media release

            Senator Steve Oroho (R-24), a member of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee, today called for subpoena power to compel the State Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to release all records pertaining to the distribution of funds through the distressed cities program.

             Over the past five years more than a half billion dollars has been funneled through the program.  DCA has routinely denied requests for explanations as to why certain cities were accepted into the program and why others were denied.  DCA also refuses to give details on how it determined how much to give each city.  Only last week the Associated Press was denied access to such documents.

            “The Distressed Cities program has been operating over the past five years without regulation, oversight or even the most basic accounting of the use of the taxpayers’ money, Oroho stated.  “This program -- this slush fund -- has been operating in the dark for far too long and now it is time to shine the clear light of day on it.  To that end I have asked the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services (OLS) to draft a resolution granting the Chairwoman of the Senate Budget and Appropriations subpoena power to compel those involved in this scandal to testify.”

            The Distressed Cities program’s budget has ballooned by more than $100 million in only six years.  In 2002 the program cost the taxpayers $38 million. Today the program spends $153 million with no accounting of how the money is spent. One city, Patterson, received a $30 million increase two years ago that has never been explained.

            “It is time for those in charge of distributing the monies through this program to explain their decision making process to the taxpayers.  If they don’t want to volunteer the information, then it is our constitutional obligation to force them to reveal it,” Oroho concluded. 

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Officer Down: Alabama Officer Killed in Crash

Officer.com Breaking News E-Alert Monday, March 31, 2008

Alabama Officer Killed in Crash While Responding The Officer Down Memorial Page has reported that Millbrook, Ala. Officer James Fezatte was killed in a cruiser crash on March 29. Officer Fezatte was responding to a civil disturbance call at approximately 10:50 pm. in heavy rain when his cruiser left the road and struck a tree. Officer Fezatte had served with the agency for one year. He is survived by his wife and two children. » Read More   Full Story Updates: www.officer.com

Draft Player Profiles-Joe Flacco, of Audubon NJ

http://www.nfl.com

Flacco had a decent junior season for Delaware, getting acclimated to his new teammates and offense. He followed that up with a stellar senior campaign, as the Fightin' Blue Hens fell just one game short of capturing the NCAA Championship Subdivision title in a tough loss to Appalachian State.

At Audubon High School, Flacco was a two-time New Jersey All-Group II, All-South Jersey and All-Colonial Conference first-team selection. He was named the Colonial Conference Athlete of the Year and South Jersey Touchdown Club Offensive Back of the Year as a senior. He was also a South Jersey Touchdown Club first-team All-Academic, Courier Post Scholar Athlete of the Year and Brooks-Irvine Offensive Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

He received Super Prep All-Northeast honors and was rated the 33rd-best prospect in New Jersey by that recruiting service. Flacco was rated one of the nation's top 40 "pro-style" quarterbacks by Rivals100.com and earned Prep Star All-East Region accolades.

read more

Officer Down: Border Agent Killed

Officer.com Breaking News E-Alert Monday, March 31, 2008

Border Agent Killed in California Crash The Officer Down Memorial Page has reported the death of Border Patrol Agent Jarod Dittman. Agent Dittman was killed in an automobile crash while on en route to his patrol area in Jamul, Calif. at approximately 1 a.m. on March 30. Another Border Patrol agent came across the crash on Otay Lakes Road, near State Route 94. » Read More   Full Story Updates: www.officer.com

2 Detained Near Picatinny Weapons Arsenal- Department of Defense Analyzing Photos*

March 31, 2008

source http://www.nationalterroralert.com

Two people are being detained after being taken into custody near the Picatinny Arsenal and authorities are investigating photos taken around the area of the base late Sunday afternoon. One witness, according to the Daily Record, reported seeing an official using what appeared to be a Geiger counter near the seen. This has not been confirmed by officials. (See Article Below)

Authorities closed a span of Route 15 South near the Rockaway Township-Wharton border around 4:30 p.m., where FBI agents, state, county and local police gathered around a tan Nissan Pathfinder with New Jersey license plates.

The suspect vehicle may have been used by two individuals who fled after being spotted taking photos that piqued the interest of the Department of Defense, said Robyn D’Onofrio, a spokeswoman for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. The section of the shoulder where the SUV apparently stopped runs alongside a grassy divide that separates southbound Route 15 from a small side street, West Union Turnpike.read more

Bishop Galante set to announce new parish configurations

source http://www.catholicstarherald.org

Having completed a lengthy process of consultation with deanery planners, the Diocesan Planning Commission and the Presbyteral Council, Bishop Joseph Galante next week will announce his intentions for the reconfiguration of parishes in the six counties of the diocese.

The announcement will be made Thursday, April 3 at 1:30 p.m. through a web-based video that will be available for viewing at www.CamdenDiocese.org. The video, along with the full text of Bishop Galante’s remarks, will be archived on the website for viewing at any time after that. Bishop Galante also is expected to brief area media that afternoon.

For those who do not have access to the Internet, the text of the Bishop’s remarks will be printed in its entirety in the April 4 edition of the Catholic Star Herald. DVDs of the announcement will also be available to parishes.

read more

Philadelphia: Transformers 2, The Sequel to film in this area

By Mark Matthews

Looks like Transformers 2, the sequel to the blockbuster hit Tranformers (320 million box office) will be filming in Philadelphia this June.  Still unclear as to how much of the movie takes place in Philadelphia.  The lead character is probably of College age now... so reading that the Director was scouting Universities you can piece together that the young Sam Witwicky heads off to college in Philadelphia for the next chapter of the mega-bucks budget film.

 

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/17133276.html

"Big, big-budget movie time will begin in June, when the sequel to Transformers will start shooting."

http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/16488331.html

"Also film-related: Scouts for the Transformers 2 movie - which will be shot here this spring-summer - recently were intrigued by the Masonic Temple, across from City Hall. Specific attention was paid to the Egyptian Room."

http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/16207972.html
'Transformers 2' here?

Philly's burgeoning film industry might be in for another big-budget transformation. Director Michael Bay, scouting for the sequel to Transformers, was spotted yesterday on the campuses of the University of Pennsylvania and Girard College. Transformers 2, with Shia LaBeouf expected to return, is due in theaters in June 2009.

Essex County Chiropractor Sentenced for Attempted Theft in Insurance Fraud Scheme

Media Release March 27, 2008

TRENTON - Attorney General Anne Milgram and Criminal Justice Director Gregory A. Paw announced that an Essex County chiropractor was sentenced today for attempted theft in connection with an insurance fraud scheme.

According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden Brown, Samuel Sbarra, 49, of Nutley, was ordered by Superior Court Judge Donald J. Volkert, Jr. in Essex County to serve one year probation and serve 25 hours of community service. The sentence was pursuant to Sbarra's Sept. 26 guilty plea to a criminal accusation charging him with attempted theft by deception.

Sbarra, a chiropractor licensed in New Jersey, admitted that between Nov. 2 and Nov. 18, 2005, he submitted a phony claim to the Chubb Insurance Company reflecting that he had provided 18 dates of chiropractic services for a total of $1,844. Chubb Insurance denied the claim and referred the matter to the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor.

State Investigator Lisa Shea, Civil Investigator Errol R. English, and Deputy Attorneys General Stephen J. Cirillo and James Flanagan were assigned to the investigation. Flanagan represented the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor at the sentencing.

The Special Investigative Unit of the Chubb Insurance Company assisted OIFP in the investigation. Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Brown thanks Chubb for their involvement in this matter.

"When health care providers commit fraud it is particularly disturbing, because the integrity of the health care insurance claims process depends on the trustworthiness of the licensed professionals involved," Fraud Prosecutor Brown said. "The Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute this type of criminal activity."

The Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor was established by the Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act of 1998. The office is the centralized state agency that investigates and prosecutes both civil and criminal insurance fraud, as well as Medicaid fraud.

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Carson Powers Rutgers to 53-42 Win Over George Washington

Media Release March 30

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Senior Essence Carson (Paterson, N.J.) matched a career-high with 25 points to pull Rutgers to a 53-42 victory over sixth-seeded George Washington in the Greensboro Regional semifinals of the 2008 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship.

The second-seeded Scarlet Knights (27-6) will face the top-seed Connecticut, a 78-63 winner over Old Dominion. The contest is slated for a 9:00 p.m. tip on ESPN with a Final Four berth on the line.  The meeting will be the third of the season for the BIG EAST rivals.

Carson went 9-of-15 from the field and grabbed seven rebounds for Rutgers. Sophomore guard Epiphanny Prince (Brooklyn, N.Y.) was the only other Scarlet Knight in double figures with 12 points.  Junior center Kia Vaughn (Bronx, N.Y.) corralled 11 rebounds.

Jessica Adair led the Colonials (27-7) with 16 points.

The lead see-sawed in the first eight minutes of play with GW closing to two (10-8) following a lay-in by Whitney Allen. Rutgers responded by making seven of its next 11 field goal attempts and putting together a 16-2 run to take a 26-10 lead with 4:06 to go before the break.  The spurt included seven points by Carson.

RU led 28-16 at the half.

The teams traded points to start the second before a jumper by Prince stretched the advantage to 33-20 with 18:51 remaining. The Colonials closed the gap with a 10-0 run. A 12-footer by Antelia Parrish cut the deficit to three (33-30) with 14:18 showing.

Rutgers answered with a triple from sophomore Brittany Ray on the left side and made it an eight-point game on a kiss off the glass by Carson.  The lead moved back to 10 (40-30) for Rutgers after a fast-break lay-up by Prince which was commenced from a steal and an assist from senior Matee Ajavon.

The Colonials pulled to 46-42, following an offensive put-back by Adair at the 3:40 mark. Carson stepped by, draining a 13-footer from the left side for two-plus the foul to give RU a 49-42 lead with 3:20 to play.  GW would not score again.

Rutgers shot over 50 percent for the third straight game, posting a 51.3 percent showing on the afternoon. 

God's Busy!If you don't know GOD, don't make stupid remarks!!!!!!!

A United States Navy SEAL was attending some college courses between assignments.  He had completed missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the courses had a professor who was an avowed atheist and a member of the ACLU.

One day the professor shocked the class when he came in He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, "God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform, I'll give you exactly 15 minutes."

The lecture room fell silent.  You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, "Here I am God, I'm still waiting."

It got down to the last couple of minutes when the SEAL got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him; knocking him off the platform. The professor was out cold. The SEAL went back to his seat and sat there, silently.

The other students were shocked and stunned and sat there looking on in silence.

The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the SEAL and asked, "What the heck is the matter with you?" "Why did you
do that?"

The SEAL calmly replied, "God was too busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid stuff and act like an idiot, So, He sent me."

Submitted by Wayne Riddell

Our Men and Women in the Military

Related: The Ultimate Sacrifice

Down the Shore: Campaign material finds way into VECC

 

Source NEWS.SHORENEWSNOW.COM

VENTNOR – There was quite a stir at the Ventnor Middle School when campaign literature was found in teachers’ mailboxes Tuesday morning, March 18. 

Campaign literature is not permitted in the schools.  It is against the law to distribute any campaign material in a school building, and no one had approached the superintendent prior to distributing the material, Superintendent Carmine Bonanni said.

Permalink: NEWS.SHORENEWSNOW.COM/2008/03/28/campaign-material-finds-way-into-vecc.aspx

Down the Shore: Jewelry stolen from Burroughs Ave. home

source NEWS.SHORENEWSNOW.COM

 

NORTHFIELD – Police here are looking for a burglar who reportedly walked into a home’s occupied bedrooms and stole thousands of dollars of jewelry early this morning.

Police are asking residents to keep their homes secure. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Northfield Police at (609) 641-3122 and speak to the shift commander.   

Read more

Permalink: NEWS.SHORENEWSNOW.COM/2008/03/28/jewelry-stolen-from-burroughs-ave-home.aspx

TCNJ SOFTBALL BATTLES BACK TO SPLIT DH WITH DREW

Media Release

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey softball team came back to earn a split with visiting Drew University on Sunday at Lions’ Park winning the second game of the doubleheader 5-1 after the Rangers won the opener by the score of 6-2. 

The split put TCNJ at 11-9 at the midway point of the season, while the Rangers are now 13-11.

Game 1: Drew University 6, TCNJ 2
Drew broke open a tied game in the top of the sixth inning plating four runs.  Jesyka Marko (Winfield, NJ/David Brearley) drove in the first run with a double and Cailin McGrorry (Avon, NJ/Red Bank Catholic) followed with a two-run single making it 5-2. Drew’s final run of the inning came on a RBI single by freshman Kati Eggert (Denville, NJ/Morris Knolls).

The Lions got the early lead in the opener as sophomore Rachel Greeby (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury) reached on an error and later scored on a single by Danielle Hagel (Egg Harbor City, NJ/Oakcrest) in the first inning.

That lead was short lived as the Rangers came back in their next at bat with a pair of unearned runs to jump in front 2-1. Scoring in the inning for Drew were Marko and Jillian Lusk (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood).

TCNJ knotted the score at 2-2 in the last of the fifth as pinch-hitter Camille Heller (Maple Shade, NJ/Maple Shade) singled home Steph Cintron (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan) with a single into right field.

Ranger pitcher Lauren Collini (Dallas, PA/Dallas) picked up the win throwing a complete game, while Lion starter Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) suffered the loss.

Game 2: TCNJ 5, Drew University 1
The Rangers got the board first in the second game as Nicole Gagliardi (Freehold, NJ/Freehold Borough) doubled in Kerry Cowley (Montvale, NJ/Pascack Hills) for a 1-0 lead after a half inning of play.

TCNJ got the run back three innings later as Hagel lofted a sacrifice fly to centerfield scoring freshman Colleen Cawley (Riverton, NJ/Holy Cross).

The Lions took the lead for good in the bottom of the fourth pushing four of runs across the plate. Cawley accounted for the first run with a single scoring Jamie Mastrioanni (Flemington, NJ/Hunterdon Central) and then Kathy Sikora (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) raced home on a passed ball making it 3-1. The final two runs came home on a single by Greeby upping TCNJ’s advantage to 5-1.

Lion pitcher Alex Sietsma (Glen Rock, NJ/Glen Rock) picked up her third win of the season on the mound throwing a complete game allowing only four hits.

Cawley and Sikora each had two hits for the Lions in the win.

-30-

Gloucester City Easter Celebration

Gloucester City Easter Celebration winner Jillian Sauter  with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 22 at Martins Lake.

photos by www.fabulousphotosbykaren.com

Below a group shot of some of the children who attended the event.

TCNJ MEN’S TENNIS TEAM TALLIES ANOTHER 9-0 WIN; THIS TIME OVER HOBART

Geneva, NY – The 25th ranked Lions of The College of New Jersey men’s tennis team picked up their third 9-0 win on the season and their second in as many days as they beat Hobart College on Sunday afternoon. With the win, TCNJ improves to 6-3, while the Statesmen drop to 6-7.

TCNJ 9-0 Hobart

DOUBLES
1. Michael Klimchak and Roger Mosteller (TCNJ) def. Charlie Davis and Harry King, 8-6
2. Eric Ferriere and Jeremy Eckardt (TCNJ) def. Jamie Flanigan and Matt Chin, 8-1
3. James Vance and Jonathan Yu (TCNJ) def. Zach Schultz and Will Tucker, 8-0

SINGLES
1. Klimchak (TCNJ) def. Davis, 6-1, 6-0
2. Ferriere (TCNJ) def. King, 6-1, 6-3
3. Eckardt (TCNJ) def. Chin, 6-0, 6-0
4. Mosteller (TCNJ) def. Tucker, 6-0, 6-0
5. Yu (TCNJ)  def. Flanigan, 6-1, 6-2
6. Jon Glinchman (TCNJ) def. Schultz, 6-0, 6-3

Ranked 25th in Division III, the Lions posted their second 9-0 on the weekend as they beat another regional opponent and have now tallied five wins over Eastern Regional opponents on the season.

TCNJ’s seniors Mike Klimchak (Clark, NJ/Arthur L. Johnson) and Roger Mosteller (Medford Lakes, NJ/Shawnee) added a win with one another at first doubles. The pair is now 7-3 with one another this spring and has combined to produce a record of 40-11 with one another. Klimchak added a win at first singles in three sets as he a 6-1, 6-0 victor and is now 13-7 this year. Klimchak is now 132-39 on his career at TCNJ, while Mosteller who added the win at fourth singles on Sunday  and is now 68-15 in three years as a Lion.

Senior Eric Ferriere (Montague, NJ/Kittatinny) was a double winner as well with a 6-1, 6-3 win at second singles and is now 11-6 on the year in singles play. He teamed at second doubles with sophomore Jeremy Eckardt (Belle Mead, NJ/Montgomery) for the win as the Lions duo is now 7-3 with one another this year.

TCNJ returns to action on Tuesday, April 1 hosting Drew University is a 3:30 p.m. home matchup. 

Letters: Fighting the Chemical Industry

Hi Bill,

Thanks to a little March Madness magic, thousands of people have helped out our campaign to pass a strong chemical security bill in Congress. It's time for you to join the team.

So far, in the NCAA tournament, there have been buzzer beaters and major upsets. It's the kind of tournament that makes you root for the teams like Davidson and West Virginia. As we face Duke (Energy), Dow and ExxonMobil and the other powerful special interests opposing our bill, we feel the same kind of underdog solidarity.

Our bill already has 19 co-sponsors. We want a sweet 16 more by the end of the tournament -- and we'll need the full-court press to make it happen.

Please take a second to put the full-court press on Congress:
http://www.njpirg.org/action/toxics/sweet16?id4=ES

On this bill, just like so many others, we're facing off against a powerhouse -- the chemical industry. If passing this bill is like winning the NCAA tournament -- we are the Cinderella team that goes on to upset the #1 seed.

Now that we've come this far, we need your help to move a strong chemical security bill to the final four: approval by two key committees in both the House and Senate.

Please take action on the campaign today.
http://www.njpirg.org/action/toxics/sweet16?id4=ES

To stay updated on the progress of the bill as it moves through committee, besting the chemical industry in every underdog match-up it faces, visit our website at http://www.njpirg.org/issues/njpirgs-toxics-free-future/safer-alternatives?id4=ES

Thanks in advance for taking action,


Allison Cairo
NJPIRG Executive Director
AllisonC@njpirg.org
http://www.NJPIRG.org

Mount Holly Redevelopment Plan Delayed because of flooding problem*

source http://www.phillyburbs.com

MOUNT HOLLY — The unveiling of the latest redevelopment plan for the Mount Holly Gardens neighborhood will be delayed for at least a month in response to a state Department of Environmental Protection ruling.

The DEP has told the township that it must come up with a plan to deal with flooding that occurs in a small stream that runs through the redevelopment area before the project can continue.

Township Administrator Kathleen Hoffman said yesterday that the stream, which runs from Route 541, down Levis Drive and into an area near the Heller School, often fills with trash and that leads to flooding.

Hoffman said the DEP has reclassified what once had been considered a ditch as a stream. The change in classification has led to the delay. She said the township has been told to devise a plan addressing storm water management, wetlands delineation and maintenance of the stream.

read more

Little League:Fingerprint program for coaches feeling the budget pinch *

 

source NEWS.SHORENEWSNOW.COM

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP – The president of the local Police Athletic League appeared to hit the fingernail on the head Tuesday, March 25 as Township Council pondered whether athletic coaches really need to be fingerprinted every three years as required by ordinance.

The ordinance is three years old, which means that coaches would need to have their prints recorded again at a cost to the township estimated at more than $35,000.

“We have about 1,000 volunteers this year,” according to Township Manager Jill Gougher. “In a time of tight budgets, this is an expense that we should be able to avoid.”

People are fingerprinted when they get jobs teaching in the school district, Dase said.

The fingerprinting and setting up of coach identification cards was done through Sagem Morpho, a multi-biometric solutions company with offices in Tacoma, Wash.; Alexandria, Va.; Albany, N.Y., and Austin, Texas.

Permalink: NEWS.SHORENEWSNOW.COM/2008/03/26/fingerprint-program-for-coaches-feeling-the-budget-pinch.aspx