WHEN EAST MEETS WEST:

 

Commentary by Hank F. Miller Jr……Hank is a former resident of Gloucester City

 

 

I don\’t mind putting my foot in my mouth. That\’s one way to keep it clean. So here goes…

 

I say the trickiest adjustment to living in Japan is not learning to successfully miscommunication in Japanese…nor in developing disregard for the probing eyes and elbows of packed urban life…nor even in growing accustomed to eating food that sometimes looks like it might have already been eaten once by somebody else.

Nope. The hardest thing has been…those darn house slippers. Now, I do not have a foot fetish. I dwell on my feet no more than I do on my other body part-which is not so very often. If you know my body, you would surely understand. Yet I admit to being fond of my feet.

I have two, and both are svelte cuties compared with the hairy gunboats displayed by foreign friends. These feet have carried me without a complaint for well over half a century now, and I feel keenly attached to them both. In fact, the only times I have ever heard them scream in protest was when I inserted them into Japanese house slippers. The scream goes like this…\”CRAMP!\”

 

For no matter how svelte, my feet have ever had to put up with the heel of the slipper mashing into the arch or in the rare case of finding a slipper of acceptable size–of going with no arch support whatsoever.

Either way, they soon sing out in prolonged vibrato…\”CRAMP!\”

 

I am not against the idea of slippers per se. Taking off one\’s footwear when entering a home seems altogether reasonable and, through the years, I have learned to wear shoes that slip on and off easily–this unlike some people who always seem to need shoehorns, crowbars, instruction manuals and what not.

 

So as for slippers I shun them. So do my kids. In our family the only person who insists on being slippery is thus my Japanese wife Keiko.

Just watching her can make my feet hurt. The routine is always the same. She comes home from teaching at the local high school, removes and neatly arranges her shoes in our\”genkan,\”–\”entrance hall,\” then tugs her slippers. Next, she shuffles the 6 meters up the stairs to her mother\’s room–which is carpeted. Steps from her slippers and enters the room in her stockings to greet her mother.

 

Recently though my wife has joined the kids and I, and now has gone slipper less occasionally. Another surprise is the only people who wear the slippers we have waiting on a special slipper rack, just inside the front door are the adult students all the kids we teach go without slippers. Thus they say gives them a sense of being in a completely American home and surroundings.

Because they think that we Americans also remove our shoes.

I explained that in the States many people wear their shoes in their homes, but there are many also who do remove their shoes because it keeps the carpets cleaner.

 

My feet feel great. My brain, however, locks up tight. But this will occur only away from home. For in my own house, I touch slippers for one purpose–which seems to be the best reason for having them around. Nothing, you see, can smash a cockroach quite like a slipper especially if you crank your delivery.\”

\”I\’m home!\”My wife will call from the entranceway–to be followed by the sound\”slap, plop, squish, plop.\” \”Something\’s wrong with one of my slippers!\”

\”That\’s funny,\” I will call back, flexing my wrist.\”A minute ago it worked just fine.\”

 

Warm Regards from Kitakyushu City, Japan

Hank & Keiko, the Miller Family

 

Long weekends mean that you\’ll finally have time to get out on the water. However, your not the only one with this idea, and by the time you get out there people are lining the banks and every boat is fishing your favorite spot. It seems that more and more of your favorite holes are being over run.

photo: James Burkhardt caught this huge Largemouth bass in April at Martins lake Johnson Blvd and Baynes Avenue, Gloucester City.

In situations like this you have to get creative, and do a little research. It\’s true that you will never find a lake in South Jersey that has never been fished, but you can find a few of the more remote lakes that see fewer people. You have a couple of options that will help bring back the peace and quiet of a day on the lake.

Fishermen are creatures of habit, and as such we tend to fish the same spots frequently. However, this practice causes us to overlook other great fishing opportunities that may be right under our noses. That is why it\’s smart to turn to outside sources of information to expand your horizons. Utilizing the internet and flipping through the \”New Jersey Lake Survey Fishing Maps Guide,\” will help you on those days when your favorite lake is teaming with your fishing brethren.

There are many useful fishing websites on the Internet, but few offer great resources for those of us fish the lakes and streams of South Jersey. \”The Bass Fishing Homepage\”, has a section for lake reports. There are lakes reports from the most famous, as well as those smaller fishing holes all over the country. You can search these reports individually by state and date. Pick New Jersey from the drop-down menu, and put in the dates for last week and you\’ll likely find lakes close to your home where people are catching fish. Most include effective lures, water clarity, and the top producing colors for that day.

Need even more information? Head out to the local sporting goods store and pick up a copy of the \”New Jersey Lakes Survey Fishing Maps Guide.\” The maps in this guide provide information on well over 50 lakes in New Jersey. Many of the lake maps also list the types of lures and the most effective colors to fish the waters successfully. The maps clearly outline depths, underwater structure, channels, direction of incoming and outgoing streams, and where boat ramps can be found.

Don\’t get stuck in a routine. You can improve your tactics and strategy by fishing different lakes. Adapting to new locations can be difficult, but that is what fishing is all about. reprinted with permission of South Jersey Outdoors

 

FARRACE, ANTHONY J.
Cherokee High School scholar-athlete. Suddenly on July 6, 2007. Age 17.
Beloved son of John A. and Claudia A. (nee Bauman) Farrace. Dear brother of Diana. Devoted grandson of John and Nancy Farrace and Claude Bauman and the late Pauline B. Bauman (nee Serdinak). Also survived by his aunt and uncle Kathryn M. (nee Bauman) and Gerard Leone and his cousins Gerard and Paulina Leone of Mt. Laurel; his uncle and aunt Charles F. and Joan Bauman and cousin Ashley Bauman of West Chester, Ohio; his aunt and uncle Rose Marie (nee Farrace) and Alberto Tecce and his cousins Michael, Giovanni, Alberto and Angelina Tecce of Warrington, PA; and his uncle and aunt Robert and Melissa (nee Olson) Farrace, and his cousins Christian and Nicole Farrace of Falls Church, VA.
Relatives and friends are invited to the view-ing 5-9pm Wednesday at St. Isaac Jogues Church, Elmwood Rd. at Eves-boro-Medford Rd., Marl-ton, NJ. There will also be a viewing at the church 8:45-9:30am Thursday, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10am Thursday. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Anthony J. Farrace Memorial Fund, c/o Commerce Bank, 225 Green-tree Rd., Marlton, NJ 08053.

MACOM, VORRIE B., M.D., FAAFP

Went home to be with the Lord today, July 8, 2007.
Doc was a graduate of Haddon Heights High School class of 1954, where he was a member of the 1952 Championship Basketball Team. He graduated from Gettysburg College, class of 1958, and Jefferson Hospital Medical College, class of 1962.
Doc loved the ocean, sitting on the beach, breakfast at Bob\’s Grill and riding his bike throughout his beloved Ocean City, NJ. An \’old school\’ physician, Doc was renowned throughout the medical community for his abilities as a hands-on diagnostician and practiced the art of healing for forty-one years. His practice began in Wenonah, NJ with his close friend Dr. Donnie Weems of Cape May, NJ. He moved his practice to Lansford, PA, where he practiced for twenty years. His lifelong dream of living at the shore was realized in 1982, when he moved his practice to Marmora where he remained until his retirement five years ago. So loved was he by his patients in the Poconos that some would ride the casino buses down to Atlantic City to seek out his care where he served as house physician at the Tropicana and Bally\’s. If you find yourself on either of his favorite beaches in Ocean City, at 50th Street or 14th Street, think of him, because that is where he was happiest.
Doc is survived by his son, V. Scott Macom, Esq., and his wife Kellie and their two sons, Bobby and Alec, son Robert Macom and his wife Gina and their children, Robert, Brandon and Alexa, and his wife of thirty-five years, Mildred Ann Macom.
A private memorial service is being held for closest friends and family. In lieu of flowers or other offerings, please make donations in care of Doc\’s Memory to the American Diabetes Association, Philadelphia, PA Office, 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.
To email condolences, visit
www.godfreyfuneral
home.com

LEWIS, MICHAEL J.
In loving memory of Michael J. Lewis of Bellmawr, age 51, on July 7, 2007.
Loving husband of Kathy. Devoted father of Michael, Jonathan and Heather. Son of Leo J. Paul and the late Mary V. Paul. Beloved brother of Mary and Robert and his wife Lori. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Mike worked for Local 1955 out of Philadelphia. He was a very active member of Bellmawr Baseball and District 14 Little League.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Thursday from 9 – 11 am at Annunciation BVM Church, 601 Browning Rd., Bellmawr. Funeral Mass at 11 am at church. Interment at New St. Mary\’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.
To view Michael\’s memorial video or to sign his guest book, please visit www. boucherfuneralhome. com

Gloucester City\’s Junior Little League (13 & 14 year old) won the District 14 Championship tonight defeating Audubon 13 – 7.

Dan Vivieros and Joe Collins each provided home runs and Gloucester\’s Paul Walters was the winning pitcher.

Gloucester meets the District 13 champion on Sunday in the Sectional Playoff\’s.

HURLOCK, PAUL G., SR.
On July 7, 2007, of Gloucester City, NJ. Age 55 years.
Beloved husband of Barbara (nee Jervis). Dear father of Penny Ann, Carl Wm. and Francis Hurlock and the late Paul G. Hurlock, Jr. Loving grandfather of five and his devoted four legged companion \’Baby\’.
Paul was employed by Harcourt Publishing in Bellmawr for 30 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Thursday evening 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the HENRY FUNERAL HOME, 152 W. Atlantic Ave., Audubon. Funeral Service will be conducted 8:00 PM. Interment private. In lieu of flowers contributions in Paul\’s memory may be made to: Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Dr., Suite 300 Marlton, NJ 08053-9841 

Nick DePietropolo fired a five-inning no-hitter and had five strikeouts as Gloucester reached the championship round of the District 14 Senior Little League Baseball Tournament with a 10-0 victory over Blackwood.

Gloucester will host unbeaten Mt. Ephraim at 7 p.m. Thursday. A Mt. Ephraim win clinches the district championship. A Gloucester win forces a deciding game Friday at Gloucester.

Matt Gorman sparked the Gloucester offense with three hits while DePietropolo, Sean Curran and Jake Kaighn each had two.

Little League: Erial and Barrington will clash for the District 14 championship at Gloucester at 7 p.m. Thursday after semifinal victories.

John Reynolds blasted a three-run homer in the top of the sixth inning that erased a 2-0 deficit to give Erial a 3-2 victory over Blackwood.

Bobby Jackson homered in a losing effort.

Nick Sciortino hurled a five-hitter, had nine strikeouts and helped himself with three hits as Barrington reached the title round with a 9-3 win over Audubon. Tyler Barner also had a big game for the winners with four RBIs. Jim DiPrizio and Tom Tejan each homered for losing Audubon.

West Deptford reached Thursday\’s 7 p.m. District 15 championship game at Clayton when it topped Mantua Township 6-4 in seven inning.

Maple Shade advanced to Thursday\’s District 13 championship game against Collingswood at Haddonfield when it shaded Willingboro 11-10. Brad Zembruski singled home the winning run in the top of the seventh inning.

West Deptford took advantage of two wild pitches in the top of the seventh to break a 4-4 tie.

Little League 10: Runnemede had six doubles, including two each by Dan Venella and Jesse Ludwick, on its way to an 18-8 win over Mt. Ephraim in a District 14 contest.

Haddon Township went to 3-0 in District 13 play by rolling to a 26-3 win over Merchantville.

Tri-County: Randy Dutkin\’s three-run double highlighted a seven-run third inning that helped Cherry Hill West to a 13-7 triumph over the Lumber Kings.

Andrew Colanero had two doubles in leading Lakeview Custom Coach to a 6-4 win over visiting Camden.

Joe Davis singled Colanero home with the lead run in the fifth inning.

Mike D\’Angelo had two doubles and drove in three runs and Drew Slickmeyer drove in three runs with a double and a single as Pat\’s Steaks topped Dandrea\’s 10-4.

Nick Dalassandro and Vince Mazzacarro each had three hits and drove in three runs and Mike Bowen was the winning pitcher as West Deptford coasted to a 14-2 triumph over Deptford.

Senior American Legion: Nolan Mansfield hit a two-run game-winning homer in the bottom of the seventh inning to give Gibbsboro a 6-5 triumph over Haddon Heights.

Joe Merlino hurled 4 1/3 shutout innings for the winners.

Steve Eliasen scattered seven hits over seven innings and had five strikeouts in leading Brooklawn past Marlton 10-2.

Vince Dammann and D.J. Robinson each homered for the winners and Steve Rizzo and Steve Bruno each had two extra-base hits.

Angelo Anello hit a grand slam and Jason Gladden added a three-run homer in leading Atco past Williamstown 8-5.

Garden State: Paul Carullo had four hits, scored three runs and drove in three runs in leading Collingswood to an easy 20-3 win over visiting Deptford.

more Little League

The \”chit-chat\” on the street this week circulating through Gloucester City is interesting enough to share so here goes.

According to the \”Grapevine\” Ken Wagstaff the Junior High School vice-Principal has been attending the Gloucester City Municipal Court representing the school district in the capacity once held by the now removed Attendance Officer.

Question

We understand it is the summer but there is still summer school where the need of a VP is necessary. Who covers the school when Mr Wagstaff is in court? The BOE has boasted about the low dropout rate, what happens come September when our \”At Risk\” students fail to attend school regularly, a call to the Chief of Police?

When the District was forced to make $ 7 million in budget cutbacks earlier this year one of the positions eliminated was the Attendance Officer, a $41,000 position that has been in existence for 80 years.

Wagstaff makes $120,000 annually according to the recent June 1 School District salary guide. Ironically the same guide list High School Principal Jack Don at a salary of only $114,000.

Question

How is he going to assume the position of Attendance Officer when he already has a full-time position as Vice-Principal?

Question

Speaking of the budget shortfall, the District received $1.7 million of the $7 million shortfall. Yet it was able to hire back 50 positions out of the 70 that was laid off. Does that mean the other 20 positions along with some of the programs cost $6.3 million to operate? I think the term \”Fuzzy Math\” could be used at this point.

I wonder could this be the reason the District is being audited by the State.

As you probably are aware the search for the new Gloucester City Public School Superintendent has come down to the following two choices.

Paul Spaventa of Somerdale, the current Superintendent at Mt. Holly a K to 8 district (current approximate salary $118,000) based on figures obtained on the Internet his starting salary in 2005 was $115,000.

Jack Don of Barrington the current Gloucester City High School Principal, a K to 12 receiving District (current approximate salary $114,000).

A decision will be made on July 17. At which time a salary and benefit package should be considered.

Dr. Mary Stansky, the present superintendent, is paid a salary of approximately $175,000 plus benefits. She is stepping down at the end of this year. Dr. Stansky\’s tenure at Gloucester City at times was controversial; at one point she received a teacher\’s vote of NO CONFIDENCE.

The \”buzz\” on the street is the BOE solicitor has researched and found that a NEPOTISM policy exists which prevents a couple members from voting on the New Superintendent. (Sound familiar reference: Joe Rafferty) (see story )

 

If these legal ramblings succeed, this could open the door for a previously dismissed candidate who has little support from most members. I wonder who that might be?

 

What have you been hearing? Email [email protected]

 

.

WORTHINGTON, MARY ANN

(Nee Jones) Age 66 years, of Deptford, NJ, went home to be with the Lord on July 6, 2007.
Beloved wife of Robert W. Worthington. Devoted mother of Robert W. Worthington, Jr. and his wife Joyce of Cherry Hill, NJ, David L. Worthington and his wife Terri of Deptford, NJ, James F. Worthington of Washington Twp., NJ, and Sandra A. Hart and her husband Donald of Oaklyn, NJ. Sister of Verna Panaccio of Collingswood, NJ. Dear Grandmother of 12.
Her Grandchildren were a very special part of her life and she was extremely proud of their accomplishments and she took great pleasure in spending time in Ocean City NJ with her family. Mary was a Deacon, a Trustee and an active member of The Mission Society of Grace Baptist Church.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 PM and Thursday morning from 9:45 to 10:45 AM at the Grace Baptist Church, 23 Reeve Ave., Westmont, NJ, 08108 where funeral services will follow at 11 AM. Interment, Hillside Cemetery, Roslyn, PA.
In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to the Grace Baptist Memorial Fund. Arrangements by the JACKSON FUNERAL HOME of Westmont, NJ. For e-condolences please visit www.jacksonfh.net