EDISON—Junior Kelly Kajunski (Glenmore, Pa./Downington East) and senior John Smith (Cliffwood Beach/Matawan) of the Rider University Indoor Track & Field teams were named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Performers of the Week for all competition December 4-10.

Last week at the New Year’s Invitational at Princeton University’s Jadwin Gym, Kajunski won the high jump with an ECAC qualifying height of 1.70 meters (5’7\”).

\”Kelly is ahead of schedule already in her preparation,\” said Rider head coach Rob Pasquariello. \”Kelly is the person who the other athletes are going to look to and her consistency is going to allow her to stand on her own. Kelly is developing into a leader, a take charge type of kid and is doing everything we have asked of her.\”

Smith won the 3000 meter race with a personal best time of 8:44.42. The second place runner finished over 11 seconds behind Smith’s pace.

\”John just picked up right where he left off from cross country season,\” said Pasquariello. \”He led our distance squad today.\” Smith placed 14^th at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference cross country championships in October, earning All-MAAC honors for the third time in his career.

At Princeton Rider was competing against Loyola, Rutgers, Monmouth, Temple and host Princeton. \”The meet is a very good meet to open with,\” Pasquariello said about the competition. \”All of the fields were solid and gave our athletes a chance to test themselves right out of the blocks.\”

Rider competes again January 12 at the Penn State Relays.

-RU-

By Bill Bates

NEWS Correspondent

 

Andy Gilmore, Director of Public Safety, announced that there has been an interest in re-implementing the Mount Ephraim Crime Watch Program within the Borough. Police Chief Dobleman along with the Mount Ephraim Police Force will be holding their first meeting on Wednesday, December 19, at 8:00 pm in the borough hall meeting room. Anyone interested in becoming a part of this program is welcomed to attend this first informational meeting. Anyone who is unable to attend, but would like to be involved can contact the police station from 8:30 to 4:30 pm, Monday thru Friday at 856-931-2225.

 

An ordinance was read authorizing the acquisition of equipment, improvements to the sewer system, and various roadway improvements; appropriating the sum of $300,000 therefore; authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds or bond anticipation notes to the Township of Voorhees, County of Camden, in the aggregate principal amount of up to $285,000; making certain determinations and covenants; and authorizing certain related actions in connection with the foregoing. A resolution was also read appointing Risk Management Consultants for a three year term.

 

The Mount Ephraim Fire Department answered 39 calls for the month of November, 449 year-to-date, and conducted 28 drills year-to-date. The Mount Ephraim Police answered 487 calls for the month of November including 6 assault & or burglary, 13 drug offenses, 17 juvenile complaints, 17 motor vehicle accidents, made 32 adult arrests, 4 juvenile arrests (3 for criminal mischief and 1 for curfew), and served 43 out of town warrants. There were 42 emergency medical services calls answered for the month of November.

 

The Commissioners are working with the Borough Engineer and the Police Department on the possibility of installing road humps and or not allowing non-residential traffic to turn onto side streets during rush hours as numerous complaints have flooded the borough hall regarding traffic coming off of the Black Horse Pike and speeding. One resident spoke out during the public portion of the meeting with several concerns and possible suggestions to the Black Horse Pike and 4th Avenue in front of the WaWa. The Commissioners informed the resident that this was already a problem that they are looking into and will be working with State D.O.T. to see what can be done to the area to make improvements.

 

Commissioner Gilmore wanted to let the Vilardo Family know that the borough has Emergency Management Coordinator Jason Vilardo in their thoughts and prayers and wishes him a quick recovery. Jay will be out of service for several weeks following surgery.

 

Commissioner Bruce Greenwald, Director of Public Works, reported 70,000 pounds of recycling was collected for November. Several pot holes were filled in on Thompson Avenue and the borough is looking to make several more repairs in the upcoming year. The Green Avenue Resurfacing Project has started with the replacement of concrete curbs. Third Avenue will be completed once Green Avenue has been completed.

 

In the wake of severe snow, residents are reminded to park on the odd number side of the street to allow snow plows adequate room to plow the streets.

 

The Borough Engineer reported that Phase Two of the Kings Highway Street Scape Project, that will be replacing walkways and installing pavers from the Railroad Tracks at Station Avenue down to Green Avenue at 7-11, have been submitted and are currently awaiting approval from the State Department of Transportation. Following approval, the work will commence, weather permitting.

 

Mayor Joe Wolk reported that he had spoken with Post Office officials and they have now pushed the opening back to early to mid January, 2008. Mayor Wolk on behalf of the borough employees wished everyone a happy and safe holiday season. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2008 commencing at 8:00 pm in the borough hall meeting room.

 

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ—Brandon Cotten of Wiconisco, PA, a senior at Williams Valley High School, has signed a national letter of intent to further his education and baseball career at Rider University, Rider baseball coach Barry Davis announced.

A 6’2\”, 170 pound centerfielder, Cotten was an All-Upper Dauphin Sentinel first team pick his sophomore and junior seasons after being the Upper Dauphin Sentinel Freshman of the Year in 2005.

\”Brandon has plus speed and covers a lot of ground in the outfield,\” Davis said. \”Offensively he has the chance to hit for power, but has the speed to be a force every time he comes to the plate.\”

Cotten collected 53 hits in 147 at bats (.361) over his last two seasons, compiling nine doubles, 12 triples and a pair of home runs. His 15 career triples is already the Williams Valley career record, shattering the old record of 10.

During the summer of 2007 Cotten earned Upper Dauphin American Legion All-Star honors.

\”We are expecting Brandon to challenge for playing time early in his collegiate career,\” Davis said.

Rider won 20 games last season, the 15^th consecutive 20-win season and 24^th in the last 25 years for the Broncs.

Rider will host the 2008 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship tournament at Mercer County’s Waterfront Park.

-RU-

Source Media Release

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – For the second consecutive year, Rutgers junior RB Ray Rice (New Rochelle, N.Y.) has been named a Second Team All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. The Walter Camp All-America team is selected by the head coaches and sports information directors of the 119 Football Bowl Subdivision schools and is the nation\’s oldest All-America team, now in its 118^th year.

Rice, a finalist for the Doak Walker Award which recognizes the top running back in the nation, became the first Scarlet Knight in 138 years of football to rush for three consecutive 1,000 yard seasons, including back-to-back 1,700 yard campaigns. He was also the first to rush for 20 touchdown seasons in consecutive seasons. For his career, Rice set the yardage mark in school history with 4,646 yards on the ground and has 24 100-yard games in 37 contests.

The Scarlet Knights return to action January 5, 2008 in the International Bowl vs. Ball State. Kickoff is set for 12 noon from the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario with national television coverage on ESPN2. For complete information on Rutgers\’ third straight bowl appearance and ticket information, visit RutgersBowl.com.

Ray Rice 2007 Postseason Honors
· Doak Walker Finalist
· Maxwell Award Semifinalist
· Unanimous First Team All-BIG EAST selection
· The Sporting News Second Team All-American
· Walter Camp Football Foundation Second Team All-American
· College Football News All-BIG EAST
· Rivals.com First Team All-American
· Rivals.com First Team All-BIG EAST

By Wyatt Rogers

NEWS Correspondent

Gloucester City Council at its November regular meeting passed a resolution creating an committee to investigate $2.3 million in properties owned by GAF along the waterfront near the original site of the former GAF plant at Water and Charles Streets.

A possible sale of the property had been voided for environmental problems, and GAF has served the Mayor and Council with subpoenas.

The mayor described this as \”childish,\” and said Council would respond in kind by serving the president of GAF and the company\’s Board of Directors with subpoenas.

City Council also passed a resolution allowing Gloucester City to enter into agreements to acquire the Chatham Square and Gloucester Terrace apartments near Route 130 and Klemm Avenue.

During the Council meeting, Councilman Nicholas Marchese Jr. said Gloucester City wants to renovate and rebuild homes in an attempt to create greater value for the area, particularly the new Beazer homes nearby.

\”(Chatham Square) has been a problem for years,\” said Marchese, adding that the City has no intentions of canceling any leases after acquiring the property.

The resolution still needs to be approved by the Finance Committee.

After the meeting, Mayor William P. James announced intentions of proceeding with creating a senior center at Gloucester Heights Fire Hall.

\”It\’s something we need and seniors in this town rightfully deserve,\” James said.

Marchese said the center will be finished in a few months.

In other business, City Council introduced an ordinance on first reading increasing the registration fees for dogs and cats. Spayed or neutered dog licenses will now be $13.20, with a $3 surcharge for non-spayed or neutered animals.

Cat licenses will be $12 for spayed or neutered animals, with the same $3 surcharge.

The mayor said the additional fees are necessary because Camden County is coming up with a new program for handling dogs, cats, and other animals.

Marchese was the only one to vote against the increased fees. After the meeting he said he would like to look at using other sources of revenue.

During public forum, Theresa Graham spoke about the state of the railroad owned by Conrail.

She said there is a knee-deep hole in the ground under the tracks by her house, which makes the tracks unsafe for the train line.

She also said big trucks have had to drive on her neighbor\’s property in order to avoid the hole, and that her neighbor should not have to pay for those damages.

Mayor James said an old pipe collapsed right under the track during a storm. FEMA is donating $115,000 to the reconstruction efforts, leaving Gloucester to cover the additional $230,000 needed.

The City intends to repair the pipes and create a better pipe connection sleeve, James said. Council is unable to hold Conrail accountable for the repairs at this time.

The Council also passed a resolution to allot for a $2,625 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice for bullet proof vests, a resolution to designate handicapped parking spaces at 822 Monmouth Street, resolutions for subordination of mortgages held by Gloucester, and resolutions for refunds of a liquor license fee, a certificate of occupancy inspection fee, and return overpayment on various tax records.

A highlight of the meeting was when James presented plaques for years of service on the Planning Board to John Bisconti and Ron Pollander.

Bisconti is moving temporarily, and has to give up the position. As he received the award, the audience gave him a standing ovation.

The mayor then appointed Ryan Murphy and Patrice Cerrone to the Planning Board. Ryan stood up after the appointment was announced, and received applause from the audience.

Finally, the mayor gave a proclamation for the families from the Gloucester City Lakes Association for accomplishments including the aeration system project, the kids fishing tournament, raising funds and grants, and ensuring the health of Martin\’s Lake.

The mayor said he recognizes and congratulates this outstanding organization.

Many of the families were at the meeting and received a standing ovation from the rest of the audience.

The next City Council meeting will be Thursday, December 27, at 8 p.m. in City Hall.

 

WEEKLY HONOR ROLL MEN’S BASKETBALL: Jon Greene (Wildwood/Wildwood) averaged 19.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per game and shot 15-21 (71.4%) from the field in two Stockton victories. Greene scored a career-high 28 points to lead the Ospreys to a 76-68 victory over Montclair State. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Lisa Neira (Cresskill/Cresskill) scored a season-high 20 points and dished six assists in Stockton’s 65-61 win over Montclair State. Neira also went 4-4 at the line and netted six points as the Ospreys defeated Neumann 57-44. MEN’S TRACK & FIELD: Tony DeFeo (Mays Landing/Oakcrest) finished second in the pole vault at the Ursinus Winter Invitational by clearing a height of 4.41 meters. DeFeo registered the same height as the event winner but placed second due to a tiebreaker. WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD: Ronika Eckart (Pt. Pleasant/Pt. Pleasant Boro) finished second in the long jump (5.12m), fifth in the 55-meter hurdles (8.87 seconds) and ran a leg of the 4×200 relay for Stockton at the Ursinus Winter Invitational. LATEST RESULTS Men’s Basketball (5-2, 1-0) Stockton 77, Arcadia 37 Stockton 76, Montclair State 68 Women’s Basketball (5-1, 1-0) Stockton 57, Neumann 44 Stockton 65, Montclair State 61 Track & Field Women seventh, men 13th at Ursinus Winter Invitational UPCOMING EVENTS (Home opponents in CAPS) Saturday, December 15 Women’s Basketball @ Susquehanna 3 pm Saturday, December 29 Men’s Basketball @ Staten Island Tourn. 5/7 pm Sunday, December 30 Men’s Basketball @ Staten Island Tourn. 1/3 pm Saturday, January 5 Women’s Basketball vs. CATHOLIC 4 pm Men’s Basketball vs. Lebanon Valley 6 pm (@ Moravian Tournament) Stockton Athletics Home

source Media Release

MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM WINS A PAIR OF GAMES
(December 3) The Stockton men’s basketball team pounded Arcadia 77-37 for its second road win in three days. Jerome Hubbard (Neptune/Neptune) shot 5-8 from three-point range and scored a game-high 25 points. Mario Lancioni (Runnemede/Triton) and freshman Kai Massaquoi (Lawnside/Haddon Hts.) tossed in 11 points apiece while Jon Greene (Wildwood/Wildwood) finished with 10 points. Massaquoi did not miss a shot as he went 3-3 from the floor and 5-5 at the line in the game.
Hubbard was an offensive force in the first half, shooting 5-6 from beyond the arc and 8-10 overall for 23 points, one more than the entire Arcadia team. Stockton shot 54.8 percent from the field, 6-10 on three-pointers and 9-10 at the line in the period. The Ospreys outscored Arcadia 30-8 over the final 11 minutes of the half for a 49-22 lead after Massaquoi closed the scoring with a three-point play.
Stockton led by at least 24 points for the entire second half. The lead expanded to 41 points at 72-31 after a free throw by Fran Kelly (Wildwood/Wildwood Catholic) with 11:05 to play, and all 12 healthy Stockton players saw at least five minutes of game action. The 40-point margin of victory in the 77-37 final was Stockton’s largest since an 86-40 rout of Rutgers-Camden on November 22, 2005.
(December 8) Jon Greene scored a career-high 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Stockton to a 76-68 victory over Montclair State in the NJAC opener for both teams. Greene shot 11-14 from the field in the game. With the win, the Ospreys have now won three games in a row. Mario Lancioni contributed 14 points and six assists and Jerome Hubbard added 13 points.
Montclair State jumped out to an early nine-point lead, 13-4. The Ospreys later tied the game at 19-19 with 8:02 remaining in the half on a bucket by Hubbard. Stockton then took its first lead of the game at 21-19 on a lay-in by Greene. The Red Hawks regained the lead and took a six-point advantage into the locker room following a three-pointer that made it 35-29.
The second half featured five lead changes and four ties until Stockton finally took the lead for good on a layup by Derrick Williams (Atlantic City/Atlantic City) with 6:44 remaining. The bucket was part of an 8-0 run that gave the Ospreys a 61-57 advantage. Montclair pulled within two points twice, but layups by Lancioni and Greene gave Stockton some breathing room and Hubbard went 4-4 at the line in the final 42 seconds to seal the 76-68 win for the Ospreys.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM NOTCHES TWO VICTORIES
(December 5) The Stockton women’s basketball team defeated Neumann 57-44 in a non-conference game that was the Ospreys’ sixth consecutive on the road. Jenn Russell (Scotch Plains/SP-Fanwood) led Stockton with a game-high 13 points and Michele Auerbacher (Franklin Lakes/Ramapo) added 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Ashley Hart (Pt. Pleasant Beach/Peddie School) hit three three-pointers and finished with 11 points for the Ospreys.
Kelley Guarrera (Shamong/Shawnee) scored six early points and Hart drained back-to-back three-pointers as Stockton jumped out to a 20-6 lead. Neumann whittled the Ospreys’ lead down to six points, 24-18, at the half. Neumann then opened the second half with consecutive baskets to pull within 24-22, but Hart answered with her third three-pointer of the game to give Stockton a 27-22 advantage.
Hart later capped a 6-0 run with a layup to give the Ospreys a 42-30 lead with 11:14 to play, and Stockton led by at least nine points for the rest of the game. The Ospreys shot 11-13 (84.6%) at the free throw line in the second half to protect their lead and post the 57-44 victory.
(December 8) Stockton, playing its first home game this season, defeated Montclair State 65-61 in the NJAC opener for both teams. Lisa Neira (Cresskill/Cresskill) led the Ospreys with a game-high 20 points plus six assists and Jenn Russell registered 13 points and three blocks. Alyssa Reiter (Sewell/Gloucester Catholic) added a career-high 10 points and six rebounds for Stockton.
Montclair State led 25-24 after a first half in which the lead changed sides four times. Russell topped all players with nine first-half points for Stockton. In the second half, Montclair State led 48-46 with 9:19 left, but Cehara Wellington (Cherry Hill/Cherry Hill East) then scored seven consecutive points, her only points of the game, to propel Stockton to a 53-48 lead that it would not relinquish.
Stockton later boosted its lead to six after a layup by Niera made the score 59-53. Montclair pulled within 61-59 on a basket with 53 seconds left, but Reiter grabbed an offensive rebound and made the put-back to give the Ospreys a 63-59 lead with 26 seconds to play. Niera then hit a pair of free-throws for a six-point cushion and Stockton went on to the 65-61 win after a Montclair basket at the buzzer.

source press release

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Former Rutgers football player and assistant coach James J. (Jim) Taiga passed away on Friday, Dec. 7, at Ocean Medical Center in Brick. He was 82.

Taigia played for the Scarlet Knights as a two-way lineman in 1948-50 under head coach Harvey Harman. Taigia was an offensive line coach under head coaches John Bateman and Frank Burns from 1968-1982.

Taigia served in the Navy as a chief petty officer before enrolling at Rutgers. He received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers in 1950, and his masters in education in 1954. Prior to joining the Rutgers football coaching staff in 1968, he was a teacher and coached football at Rahway HS, Piscataway HS and Hillside HS.

As a two-way guard for the Scarlet Knights, \”Chief\” helped the team compile an impressive 21-6 record in his three seasons on the varsity, including 8-1 in 1947. The 1948 team went 7-2 and was captained by Burns, who Taigia later coached with.

As an assistant coach, Taigia played a key role in teams that compiled a 105-56-1 mark n 15 years. Rutgers posted winning records in 11 of those 15 seasons, including an 11-0 mark and a No. 17 national ranking in 1976. Taigia\’s offensive line helped pave the way for 287 points that season.

Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Dec, 10, at the Quackenboss Funeral Home, 156 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 11 at the funeral home, followed by burial at Elmwood Cemetery, North Brunswick.

 

 

The Gloucester Catholic Alumni Appeal is currently underway. Funds help support Alumni Scholarships, an Alumni Bus and provide financial assistance for hardship students.

 

Donations may be sent to: Gloucester Catholic Alumni Association, PO Box 596, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. or you can go here to donate online.

 

 

Edith L. Settar
p>Edith L. ŒPeg¹ Settar (nee Schlotter), of Pitman, formerly of Gloucester City, N.J. passed away peacefully on Dec. 9, 2007. Aged 85 years. Peg was a strong and independent woman who was very giving of herself and her time. She was an excellent cook and very talented with crochet and sewing. Peg¹s family has many beautiful pieces of her work to pass on for generations. Peg will be remembered for her strong family values which she has instilled in her children and grandchildren. Born in Philadelphia, Pa., Peg was a resident of Pitman for five years and prior to that lived in Gloucester City for over 70 years. She was a former member of the Women¹s Auxiliary for the Fire Department in Gloucester City, the Women¹s Club of Pitman and the Prayer Group at St. Matthew¹s in National Park. She volunteered much of her time at St. Mary¹s Grammar School in the Cafeteria and delivering for the Meals on Wheels Program until she was 80. Beloved wife of the late, Charles E. Settar Sr.; Devoted Mother of Barbara (Nathan) Worrell, Kathleen M. (Victor) Musciano and Charles E. (Margaret) Settar, Jr.; Loving grandmother of Barbara Ann, Jennifer, Richard, Michelle, Paul, Matthew, Melissa; great grandmother of Bridgette, Beth, Ryan, David, Gianna, Marly Rae and Mason Anthony and great great grandmother of Samantha, Jeremy and Auben. . Viewing on Wednesday, 6:30 to 9 p.m. and Thursday, 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. in the McGUINNESS WASHINGTON TWP. FUNERAL HOME, 573 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell, NJ. (1 800 993 0888)